To ensure optimal visibility and minimize the risk of serious injuries, the use of protective headgear has become increasingly common in alpine skiing. While the protective benefits of helmets and goggles are well-established, their potential limitations must also be considered, particularly in relation to their effects on reaction times to visual stimuli and their restriction of the peripheral visual field. A series of integrated laboratory and field tests were conducted with the same group of 45 participants. The study included individuals who were habitual helmet users (n = 22) and those who were not (n = 23), to assess any potential differences. Five combinations of head protection were tested: a control condition (ski cap), ski cap with sunglasses, ski cap with ski goggles, ski helmet with sunglasses, and ski helmet with ski goggles. The results indicate a varying degree of negative impact from certain headgear combinations (comparing the control condition to the four experimental conditions, and between individual experimental conditions) on both the size of the visual field and reaction time to visual stimuli. Notably, ski goggles were found to be a more significant limiting factor than the ski helmet itself in terms of visual field restriction and delayed reaction time. Although wearing a helmet is strongly recommended for safety reasons, skiers should also be mindful of its potential effects on reaction time and the visual field. Therefore, careful selection of equipment, particularly goggles with wider frames and better peripheral visibility, is advised to reduce these limitations and maintain optimal performance.
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