American exchange student Rachel Swett had years of skiing experience under her belt when she came to New Zealand on the Study Abroad programme.
Hailing from America's east coast, the 21-year-old was used to icy conditions on the slopes - and wore a protective helmet while skiing there. She and a group of friends talked about renting helmets while on a skiing trip at Mt Hutt in June 2010.
The decision not to rent them proved fatal for Miss Swett.
In a ruling into her death, Coroner Richard McElrea said the Canterbury University student would have had a much greater chance of survival if she'd worn a helmet.
Instead, she suffered traumatic brain injuries in a fall.
The coroner's report is one of two Mr McElrea released on Saturday which recommend skiers and snowboarders wear helmets on the slopes.
In August 2010, Christchurch man Nello Donaggio, 31, died after suffering head injuries in a snowboarding accident at Mt Hutt.
After falling, Mr Donaggio slid 300 metres down the slopes to a creek area.
He died shortly after arriving at hospital.
An expert told the inquest into his death that it was "highly likely" Mr Donaggio would have survived if he'd been wearing a helmet.
Mr McElrea says it's a major concern that many skiers and snowboarders don't wear helmets.
He's recommended their use, but has stopped short of recommending they be mandatory.
He's also suggested NZ Ski, which operates Mt Hutt, promote the wearing of helmets.
Mr McElrea says uncontrolled slides on icy surfaces, accessible from the groomed trails, also contributed to Miss Swett and Mr Donaggio's deaths.
He says NZ Ski has since reviewed its mountain controls, including signs, fences and closures.
Mr McElrea's also recommended commercial skifield operators regularly review their safety standards.
NZN