Whether cruising at a new ski resort, going backcountry skiing, or whatever type of skiing you enjoy most, having the best ski helmet is essential. In this Skiing Resource Guide, we’ve listed our top 8 helmet picks so you can feel safe and protected while skiing.
Cruising down the slopes is a lot of fun, but it doesn’t come without caution, and for skiers and snowboarders, the last thing you want is a head injury.
Before hitting the slopes, you better check out our top picks for the best ski helmets on the market so you can be safe. Remember, safety comes first!
If you’re looking for a kid-friendly winter adventure, snow tubing is a better idea because it doesn’t require any skills, just a lot of fun!
Check out our top picks for the best places to go snow tubing in Tennessee and start planning a vacation!
How To Choose a Ski or Snowboard Helmet?
Choosing the right ski or snowboarding helmet is not that hard. Remember the following factors to get the best one that suits your needs.
Fit
Like your skiing apparel, the helmet’s fit is one of the most important factors. The right helmet would feel comfortable to wear throughout the day and should fit so as not to induce a headache. Helmets come in the traditional sizing of a small, medium, large, etc.
Manufacturers also offer size charts in centimeters, so make sure you look out for that when fitting.
Here’s a great video to help you choose the right size for your snow helmets.
Resort Skiing Vs. Backcountry Skiing
Most helmets will suffice for resort skiing, which can be a little less challenging than backcountry skiing. For backcountry skiing, you must choose a helmet with good ventilation and lightweight ventilation to lessen the weight since you’re expected to walk uphill for most of the day.
Ski Goggle Compatibility
You must get a goggle-compatible helmet so you don’t experience that dreaded “gaper gap,” which is the space between your goggle and helmet. With a portion of your forehead showing, it’ll be exposed to elements that can leave you feeling chilly and with a ridiculous sunburn.
Buying your goggles and helmet from the same brand can sometimes fix this issue, but if you already have your goggles, it would help to bring them when testing out ski helmets.
Features
You’ll also find helmets with additional features, including POV helmet mounts, removable earpieces, magnetic buckles, and audio packages. Choose ski helmets that come with features that cater to your needs.
Ski and Snowboard Helmet Certifications
Although no US law mandates any protective standards for snowsports helmets, two independent organizations certify snow helmets to a safety standard.
- American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)– It is the American Standard for brands producing helmets for US Sales and gives an ASTM F2040 Certification for helmets that have completely passed their testing requirements. The testing focuses mostly on retention and positional stability.
- European Committee for Standardization (CEN) divides helmets into Class A and Class B. Class A is the most protective, while Class B is a little less protective based on service area. The EN 1077A/B certification focuses primarily on impact testing.
Types Of Helmet
Based on their construction, snow helmets can be categorized as in-mold or hardshell / injection mold. In-mold has a lower profile, lighter weight, and has more ventilation than hardshell helmets.
On the other hand, hard shell helmets are those that resemble the classic skateboard style helmet and use the hard ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), which is tough and impact-resistant plastic.
What Are The Best Ski Helmets?
Plenty of Ski helmets on the market come in various designs and features, but only a few can deliver optimum protective performance.
For your safety on the slopes, here are the best ski helmets for 2022-2023 that are set to deliver the best performance.
Best Ski Helmets
The Smith Vantage helmet is loaded with tech features that provide comfort, safety, and durability for hardcore snow sports participants. It uses an Aerocore construction with Zonal Koroyd™, which perfectly compliments MIPS® for energy-absorbing impact protection and increased airflow.
The hybrid shell construction is responsible for its excellent durability and includes dual adjustable climate control with 21 vents that let you fine-tune airflow to meet the conditions.
When it comes to the fit, the Smith vantage uses the adjustable BOA® 360 Fit System that can micro-adjust to the size of your head. Alongside these fantastic features is the Smith-pioneered AirEvac technology for google integration.
Another from Smith is the Quantum MIPS Snow Helmet that provides complete protection season after season. Durability comes from its hard shell construction and uses Koroyd® throughout the helmet. It is a fully vented material that absorbs more energy in a crash than traditional foam materials used in some helmets.
Custom Fitting is not a problem since it also comes with the Boa 360 fit system with a 360 halo design that micro-adjusts around your head.
Inspired by the classic skate-style helmet, the Oakley Mod1 MIPS helmet is lightweight and has a more straightforward exterior packed with mountain-ready features. The helmet's custom fit is attributed to the BOA 39 fit system that provides the exact fit with a fully adjustable design.
To protect the head from multidirectional impact, it also features MIPS technology which remains headstrong with an industry-leading, patented brain protection system. Fixed ventilation that allows hot air to escape from the top of the helmet.
It has a Fidlock buckle that makes it easier to fasten your helmet without a fuss, even with gloves. It also comes with brim/ goggle ventilation, allowing for better anti-fog performance.
The Sweet Protection Igniter II MIPS Helmet is a lightweight, highly ventilated snowsport helmet. It features a superlight shell technology and unique Impact Shields that provide maximum protective performance.
It is equipped with MIPS technology that reduces rotational forces to the brain. It also has removable ear pads that you can keep to prevent the ears from getting chilly in the wind or remove them when you don’t feel like it.
Furthermore, it comes with a Magnetic buckle for safety and easy operation. It is also audio-ready; you can buy their Audio Chips as additional gear.
Offering the ultimate balance between performance and protection, POC Meninx RS Mips Snow Helmet is one of the best snowsport helmets on the market. It may look simple, but it is equipped with advanced protective features backed by science.
Its ABS shell, MIPS technology, and liner with EPS and EPP sections provide optimum protection and comfort.
Two-step detachable ear padding compliments the helmet's discreet ventilation channels for better temperature regulation. It comes with an NFC Medical ID chip and Embedded RECCO® reflector for further support safety.
The Scott Symbol 2 Plus D Snow Helmet delivers the next level of protection when it comes to skiing. Compared to its predecessor, it comes with a lower profile design without compromising performance.
It features the combination of D3O® inserts and MIPS® technology, making for a new standard for low, mid, and high-energy impacts. It comes with 360° Pure Sound ear pads that allow for better noise detection for unbeatable style and protection throughout your ride.
The Giro Zone MIPS Snow Helmet is the ultimate freestyle-focused helmet that is all set to keep you company throughout your progression. It features innovative hybrid construction with a durable, ventilated hard shell upper and lightweight In-Mold construction on its lower parts and sidewalls.
It also comes with an impact-absorbing and lightweight EPS foam liner. Other features include In Form 2 Fit System, a quick-fit Vertical Tuning adjustment system that functions for proper helmet positioning, Mips technology, fully adjustable venting, Fidlock magnetic buckle closure, and a sleek, integrated POV camera mount.
The Giro Crue MIPS Snow Helmet is one of the best Kid's skiing helmets on the market that provides the optimum protection for your little ones. With a classic skate style, low-profile and comfortable fit, your mini shredders wouldn't be distracted and will focus on skiing.
The Giro Crue features the Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) that provides more protection on specific impacts. Hardshell construction is composed of a rugged outer shell molded and attached to the EPS foam liner.
It comes with the Stack Vent technology and a super cool vent for airflow and temperature regulation. While the In-form system acts for an easier custom fit within seconds.
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