Neurosurgeons Buy 1,250 Helmets for Free Rentals
WINTER PARK, COLO. – Colorado neurosurgeon Stewart Levy got tired of treating head injuries among skiers and snowboarders.
So Dr. Levy and his partners at Inter-Mountain Neurosurgery and at St. Anthony’s trauma service, both in Denver, bought 1,250 Boeri helmets and made them available at 22 Christy Sports owned rental shops around Colorado.
Now, anyone renting skis or a board at Christy or its sister outlets, Powder Tools and Sports Stalker, also can borrow a free helmet.
“This program benefits everyone,” Levy said. “Skiers and snowboarders get free helmets, Christy Sports has seen a huge increase in helmet sales, Boeri gets publicity – and I don’t have to wake up at two or three in the morning to treat an injured skier.”
Levy launched a pilot program last year with 200 helmets that he placed at three Christy Sports shops at Winter Park.
Last season, only about 15 percent of those renting equipment took advantage of the helmet offer, said Jim Peterson, Winter Park area manager for Christy. So far this year, he said, nearly 50 percent of renters at all outlets are taking a helmet with them.
Peterson said Christy’s helmet sales have more than doubled as renters try them out.
This season, Levy and Christy Sports also are giving free helmets to resort pros at Colorado’s Winter Park, Berthod Pass and Silver Creek resorts.
“The pros set an example, especially the ski patrollers who skiers see as safety representatives to the mountain,” Levy said.
Some of those pros are reluctant to be an example for helmet use.
When Levy approached patrollers at Winter Park last season, only 28 of 200 took him up on the offer for a free helmet. At Berthod and Silver Creek, though, Levy said nearly all of them accepted the offer.
Levy said ski instructors are also clamoring for helmets. Levy and Christy Sports plan to offer free helmets to resort pros at more Colorado mountains next season.
So far, Levy and his partners at Inter mountain Neurosurgery have footed the entire bill for buying the helmets, although they received some help from their partners. Christy Sports supplied helmets last season at a discount, and Boeri this season cut 15 to 20 percent off of its wholesale prices, Levy said.
Levy’s group now is seeking grants to expand the project to more resorts.
“Wearing a helmet makes sense. This isn’t brain surgery we’re talking about,” Levy, a brain surgeon said.
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