SAM Magazine-Aspen, Nov. 2, 2011-Aspen Skiing Company (ASC) is instituting a new employee helmet policy tas an integral part of its commitment to safety. ASC currently recommends that all snowsport participants wear a properly fitted snowsports helmet whenever they are skiing or riding. To further instill that habit this season, all ASC employees will be required to wear a helmet while on duty and "clicked in" to their skis or snowboard.

ASC was one of the first resorts to require helmets for some clientele and employees when, in March 2002, it mandated helmets for all children enrolled in ski school classes. Last year, ASC required helmet use by a number of employees who were seen as influencers. More than 80 percent of guests and employees at Aspen/Snowmass currently wear helmets, well above the national average.

"The safety of our employees and our guests is our top priority," said Mike Kaplan, ASC president and CEO. "The new helmet policy will take our focus on safety to the next level."

All employees who are required to wear a helmet as part of this policy will be provided a helmet at no charge if they do not already have a suitable one.