CLEVELAND -- Choosing the right helmet for skiing and snowboarding is serious business. Take it from two of today's most recognized pro skiers--Aaron Martin and Rex Thomas. Each have chosen W Helmets(tm) with Zorbium(tm) Foam as their official helmet sponsor.

The Zorbium Foam in W Helmets is the most significant technological advancement in helmet safety, absorbing up to two times more impact energy than expanded polystyrene or expanded polypropylene foams used in helmets for decades. Because Zorbium rebounds on impact and does not have to break to work, W Helmets provide superior protection and can sustain multiple impacts in a way that no other helmet can.

Aaron Martin wears a W Helmet in "Ultimate Vertical Ski/Snowboard Descent" Aaron Martin and the rest of his team will be wearing W Helmets as they attempt the "Ultimate Vertical Ski/Snowboard Descent", an expedition in pursuit of the Guinness World Record for the longest continuous ski/snowboard descent. It's one of the most ambitious skiing and snowboarding attempts ever, and W Helmets with Zorbium Foam was carefully selected for its ability to provide the greatest protection to Martin, the team's leader, and his expedition members.

Martin and his world-class team set out for a mountain peak in Alaska on April 1, 2002, hoping by the end of the month, weather permitting, to ski and snowboard 18,000 feet or the equivalent of covering six major ski resorts in one run.

Every element of the expedition has been meticulously calculated, from wind and weather conditions and the mountain's geography, to selecting team members in peak physical condition with top-level alpine climbing and skiing skills. One of the most critical preparations was selecting protective gear.

Martin said, "Wearing a W Helmet is a technological choice for me. I need to protect myself as best I can on this expedition, and W Helmets are the only helmets that have stepped up to the plate and proven to be far superior in this area."

Chip Leon, Team Wendy president & CEO, producers of the W Helmet, said, "In preparing for this historical feat, having the best protection was Aaron's priority.

W Helmets and Aaron Martin make perfect partners as we're both raising the level of people's expectations for years to come."

Freestyle skier Rex Thomas makes W Helmets his first helmet sponsor. As part of the Atomic International Freeride team, Rex Thomas travels the world skiing 10 months of the year, with impressive placements in big air, half pipe and free style events. When he's not competing, Thomas is emceeing broadcasts of ski events and coaching.

It is mandatory that Thomas wears a helmet at his training park in Whistler, British Columbia, but he's making helmet use a habit wherever he skis. Thomas says, "W Helmets is my first helmet sponsor. I like that Team Wendy and W Helmets are committed to product development and design, particularly the advancement of helmet safety technology. They really listen to athletes' input to make sure their product is superior.

"That Zorbium Foam makes W Helmets a multiple impact helmet is also very important to me. I have seen many skiers take a hit to the head that was hard enough to crack the helmet. Luckily, that has not happened to me yet. But I do not want to take any chances if it does," added Thomas.

Finally, Thomas said he also chose W Helmets because of the built-in ventilation system that allows him to open and close the vents as needed.

Leon added, "Skiing is life for professionals like Aaron Martin and Rex Thomas. And at W Helmets we're proud that we can help them do what they do best without worrying if their helmets are going to protect them properly.

"Most skiers are not trying to achieve the types of feats and stunts that pros like Aaron and Rex are. But as the professionals begin to take their helmet choice this seriously, it is time for skiers of all levels to realize that they, too, should choose the most protective helmet before they head out to the slopes. "

W Helmets(tm) and Zorbium(tm) Foam, produced by Team Wendy, LLC, In Cleveland, Ohio, are designed and engineered to address the need for a multi-sport helmet that offers the highest possible level of protection against head injuries as a result of skiing, snowboarding, cycling and other action sports accidents. Zorbium Foam, the most significant technological advancement in helmet safety in over 30 years, is a true multiple-impact foam that absorbs more energy upon impact than EPP, EPS and other foams used in many helmets today. W Helmets were developed as a legacy to Wendy Moore who died as the result of a traumatic brain injury sustained in a skiing accident. For more information or to purchase a W Helmet, go to www.whelmets.com.

— Posted by Ari Cheren, MountainZone.com Staff