Last week, Aspen Skiing Company announced that its employees are now required to wear helmets when on-duty and skiing or riding. I say it's high time—especially given that this comes nine years after ASC began mandating helmets for children enrolled in its ski school. (How do you explain to a child the he/she has to wear a helmet when his/her instructor doesn't?)

On-duty ASC employees (as designated by wearing the company's logoed gear) are symbols of safety, precision, and expertise—and I'm glad they're finally carrying out the ultimate message. In fact, in this month's 5280 Mountain Guide, our reporters take you through their first-time experiences with everything from skiing bumps to snowboarding to hitting the terrain park—and you better believe no one attempted so much as the bunny hill without a helmet.

As someone who grew up on Aspen's slopes, I understand all too well the perils of snow sports. I suffered many a yard sale and somehow—luckily—clicked my skis back on and kept going. But, it only takes one game-changing fall—and you rarely get a second chance. I began wearing a helmet in 2000, shortly after my father had a serious fall in Highland's Bowl (he was incredibly lucky). At first, the helmet felt restrictive and cumbersome, but I quickly grew to love it for its sense of security, not to mention its warmth. Now, I wouldn't dream of skiing without one. You can be sure my four-year-old wears one too.

This just in: Take advantage of Aspen's, Winter Park's, and Steamboat's slopes with the brand-new Colorado Triple Play pass. Six days, three resorts for less than $50 a day. Yes, please.