A study by the Ski Club of Great Britain and Ski Republic has found that only 42% of skiers intend to where a helmet on the slopes next season.

Head injuries accounted for almost a quarter of skiing injuries last season, and the survey found that 7,700 injuries and 11 deaths could have been avoided if a helmet had been worn.

Last season 17,500 head injuries were sustained by skiers and snowboarders, and the issue was brought to wider public attention with the high-profile death of British actress Natasha Richardson, who had not been wearing a helmet when she suffered an accident during her skiing lesson in Quebec.

“We urge people to take the risks very seriously. We advises that all children under the age of 13 wear ski helmets this winter and adults do so at their own discretion.”

The Austrian government, last season introduced a law requiring all children to wear a helmet following the death of 41-year-old Beata Christandl, who died in a high speed collision with German politician Dieter Althaus. Mr Altahaus, who had been wearing a helmet at the time of the accident where as Ms Christandl had not, was later convicted of involuntary manslaughter for his role in the fatal accident.