Where to Ski And Snowboard - Ski helmets sell out after Schumacher fall

Ski helmets sell out after Schumacher fall

31st January 2014, by Abi Butcher

Sales of ski helmets have soared since Michael Schumacher's fall in Meribel

As doctors slowly bring Michael Schumacher out of his medically-induced coma, helmet manufacturers say they are virtually sold out following the racing driver’s accident.

Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher, 45, fell and hit his head on a rock while skiing off-piste in Meribel on 29 December and has been in a medically induced coma ever since.

Yesterday, doctors treating the former driver at a clinic in Grenoble said they starting the “waking up” process. They have been keeping Schumacher in a coma to reduce swelling after operating to remove blood clots from his brain.

Schumacher’s manager Sabine Kehm said yesterday his condition remains “stable”.

Meanwhile in the UK, sales of ski helmets have risen sharply since the racing driver’s accident.

Kevin Weeks from Uvex told Where to Ski and Snowboard that the most popular sizes have completely sold out.

“Our helmets are made in Germany so the fastest we can get them in now is two to three weeks – but that’s a lot quicker than the helmet manufacturers who buy from China,” he said.

“It always takes a tragic incident to sell products. Sales normally flatline after Christmas but I am getting calls from retailers who I would not hear from asking if we have more helmets to supply them. The other suppliers are in the same boat. Our most popular sizes in black are completely sold out.”

Michael Schumacher was wearing a ski helmet at the time of his accident.