Lids On Kids In New Mexico

Looks like the New Mexico ski industry has taken it upon themselves to offer helmet rentals for skiers or snowboarders under 18. According to USA Today, State Sen. Eric Griego would have introduced a bill had the New Mexico ski industry not stepped up this year. Santa Fe, Sandia Peak and Pajarito Mountain had no lids available in 2008, but the three ski areas agreed to join the other five to help guests "to be safe and enjoy the sport," said George Brooks, executive director of Ski New Mexico.

To date, there's no law in the U.S. requiring youths to wear helmets while riding but most resorts offer them for rent or purchase.

Senator Griego allegedly took up the cause after he took his godson skiing at Santa Fe Ski and couldn't find him a helmet. The cheapest one for sale was $70 and he had to buy it as he had promised the boy's parents the kid would wear a helmet.

That same day at Ski Santa Fe, a 10-year-old Texas girl died from head trauma after sliding into a tree without a helmet. "My feeling was that if they're going to rent skis and snowboards, they ought to rent helmets, too," Griego told USA Today.