Why stay cooped up inside this winter when you can ski or snowboard? Think early morning wake-up calls, breakfast burritos on the road, gearing up in the parking lot, meeting up with your favorite people, hitting the slopes all day long, winding down with some après-ski beverages at a mountain lodge, and then doing it all over again the next day. What better way to spend your winter than that?
Ten or 15 years ago, it was a rare sight to spot someone wearing a helmet while skiing or snowboarding; many of us grew up skiing in beanies. Thankfully, times have changed: People are taking safety more seriously, and now nearly everyone wears a helmet at the ski resort. Helmets can protect your noggin if you ski too close to a tree or if you have a yard sale off a side hit, so you can pop back up and live to ski another day.
The Best Ski and Snowboard Helmets
What to Consider
Helmets for snow sports — skiing and snowboarding — are different than what you might wear for bicycling, so it's best to have a helmet dedicated just for winter sports if your budget allows. When looking at ski and snowboard helmets, first consider the materials used and the level of protection they provide, then check additional items, such as vents, liners, style, and more.
Construction
Most traditional ski and snowboard helmets are built with an outer shell (typically a high-impact ABS plastic) that distributes force, plus an inner foam layer (typically EPS expanded polystyrene foam) that absorbs impact. Many of the more advanced (and more expensive) helmets feature proprietary technologies, such as MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) or WaveCel, which offer additional protection when compared to a standard EPS foam helmet. We're big fans of the added protection of these technologies because a few extra dollars is a small price to pay to protect your brain.
Fit
Some helmets have an elastic liner that hugs your head, but we much prefer the snug fit you get from a quick-adjusting dial. Make sure to measure your head circumference to get the right size, and remember that you might want extra space for a beanie underneath.
Additional Features
- Liners: Most ski and snowboard helmets have liners built in for warmth — some are heavy and plush, while others are lighter and more breathable.
- Vents: On warmer days, vents let hot air out. But they also let cool air in, which can be troublesome in cold temps. Some helmets have just a few, while others have upwards of 20. Check for adjustable vents that can be opened and closed if you are worried about temperature regulation.
- Goggle compatibility: Most (not all) helmet brims are shaped to accept goggles universally, but they will fit especially well with goggles of the same brand. For example, Smith goggles fit nicely with Smith helmets, just like Anon helmets mesh well with Anon goggles, but a Smith helmet should mesh just fine with Anon goggles. Lesser-known helmets may not have the same universality.
- Style: This is a personal preference that should complement the rest of your outfit. If the rest of your kit is flashy, go ahead and make a statement. If your outfit is more subdued, keep it casual.
How We Chose
To help you narrow down your choice from a wide variety of options, we've spent hours researching the latest and greatest technologies, talking to industry professionals, surveying user reviews, and personally testing many ski and snowboard helmets. We've even taken some hard falls in a few of these helmets, and were able to get right back up and ski down.
We’ve often said, “If you’re not falling, you’re not trying!” So if you want to ski hard, occasionally fall hard, and get right back up and do it all over again, we recommend picking up one of this season’s best ski and snowboard helmets. Because safety never sleeps. And you only get one brain.
1
Best-Selling
Holt Unisex Snow Helmet
- Classic construction is time-tested
- Simple styling complements any outfit
- Elastic liner doesn't adjust like a dial for the best fit
Smith's Holt is one of the most popular snow helmets at many ski resorts across the country, thanks to its simple style and affordability.
This is a classic two-layer helmet with ABS plastic outside and EPS foam inside. The soft liner and removable ear pads are plenty of warmth for most winter days and can be coupled with a beanie when the going gets tough. Its elastic band isn't as snug and adjustable as helmets with a dial, but it's plenty comfortable for the budget-minded skier or snowboarder. And 14 vents (fixed open) keep you cool when the rest of you is toasty.
Our editor, Christine Anderson, has worn a Smith Holt for years. It's sleek, comfortable, and warm, and she can attest to the impact absorption. She avoids yard sales whenever possible, and is generally at the back of the (very fast) pack, but she's known to take a spill or two every day on the slopes. Smith protects her noggin season after season.
When you need a simple helmet that will complement — and not overpower — the rest of your outfit, the Holt is a shoo-in.
More: These Ski Goggles Provide Unmatched Clarity When the Visibility is Low
2
Best Value
Fury X MIPS Snow Helmet
- Tons of performance and style with a price that undercuts competition
- The graphics may be too flashy for some
We're a huge fan of Pret's helmets as an alternative to the most popular brands on the mountain (think Smith, Giro). In addition to a unique two-tone styling that we can't get enough of, this helmet's wool-blend liner is one of the most comfortable we've worn to date.
To adapt to changes in the weather forecast and in your body's temperature, all of the 16 vents can be opened, partially opened, or closed altogether with the simple push of a lever. When you swap between a beanie, gaiter, or hood, the ear-covering portion of the liner can be removed simply without affecting the fit of the helmet, and the quick-adjustment dial locks everything in place with the just-right fit.
This snow helmet features a polycarbonate shell with EPS foam inner, but with a few extras for added protection. Pret has combined the MIPS system with added carbon composite plates in areas where you need impact absorption most (top, rear, and sides), delivering some injury-defying defense for your head.
Overall, the Fury X is a complete helmet with solid excellent adjustability that fits and looks better than a tailored suit.
3
Best Blend of Protection and Style
Logan WaveCel Helmet
- Equipped with WaveCel, a new wave of brain protection
- Skate style with low profile
Anon really nailed it with their new Logan offering. It's a highly protective helmet with comfort for days and a style that's dialed.
The Logan is one of the first snow helmets to use WaveCel — revolutionary helmet technology that received funding from the National Institute of Health for research and development.
WaveCel is a honeycomb-like construction that can both crumple and twist with impact, which distributes force throughout all of the interconnected cells and offers the same rotation minimization of a system like MIPS. Translation: WaveCel is some seriously next-level protection for your dome, and Anon is the only brand using it.
We've spent a few days in this helmet so far, and have nothing but positive praise. The liner and ear pads are soft and moisture-wicking, the 10 passive vents shed heat without leaving you chilled when temps drop, the Fidlock magnetic buckle is manageable while wearing mittens, and the Boa dial wraps your head as evenly snug as a mother swaddles her newborn.
We've yet to put its protective qualities to the test, but this helmet has us skiing confidently, pushing our limits, and looking fly while doing so.
4
Most Advanced Premium Pick
Switcher MIPS Helmet
- TLC Shell, MIPS, and Impact Shields for top-tier protection
- Keep your gloves on to adjust vents, fit, and the chin strap
- The most expensive helmet we reviewed
Just a few years back, Sweet Protection infiltrated the North American market after plenty of success in Norway. Their prosperity is owed to top-quality helmets that prioritize safety, catering to skiers and snowboarders who don't mind paying a premium for peace of mind.
The Switcher MIPS is one of the most advanced ski and snowboard helmets available, courtesy of the company’s “Thermoplastic Laminated Carbon Fiber” (TLC) shell construction, which is strong enough to stand up to heavy blows, flexible enough to disperse energy, and lighter in weight.
When combined with MIPS technology for rotational force reduction and Impact Shield inserts for shock absorption in the most crucial zones, this is some of the best protection available today.
The Switcher is loaded with extras that are all easy to manage with gloves, too, like 22 vents that are fully adjustable with a simple one-turn dial, an adjustment dial for a secure and comfortable fit, a magnetic chin buckle that practically attaches itself.
Sure, it's pricey, but we believe it's a small price to pay to live to ski another day.
5
Best Convertible
Traverse 2-in-1 Ski and Skate Helmet
- Dual-sport helmet for skating or snowboarding
- Fit-adjusting dial is rare in this price point
- 14 fixed vents could be chilly
This simple, affordable, multisport helmet provides plenty of protection for the skater and snowboarder who doesn't have the funds (or storage space) for both. The classic two-layer construction (ABS shell, EPS inner) will protect your head in case of a wipe-out, whether you're in a park made of snow or concrete.
The adjustable dial is a great feature that's rare at this price point. 14 vents provide ample ventilation, but can't be closed when it's freezing. Keep the padded inserts and ear pads in when you're on the mountain or remove them when you're skating in the sun. It's two helmets for the price of one.
6
Most Complete
Liberty MIPS Women's Snow Helmet
- Aerocore plus MIPS is some of the best head protection money can buy
- 20 vents are easily adjusted with gloves
Ride freely with security and confidence thanks to Smith's newest offering — the Liberty MIPS helmet. It's the culmination of years of innovation, combining best-in-class protection with trend-setting style.
Aerocore is Smith's hybrid helmet construction on display here. An integrated skeletal structure meets Koroyd — an open-cell, honeycomb-esque protective material that absorbs more impact and provides more airflow than traditional foam helmets. When combined with MIPS, this helmet provides some of the best head protection for ladies who send it.
We love how easy it is to make micro-adjustments for the just-right fit, thanks to the VaporFit dial. A whopping 20 vents are easy to adjust with gloves on. A women-specific antibacterial performance lining adds comfort and warmth, and the brim matches the curvature of Smith goggles for a seamless, gap-free look.
7
Most Lightweight
K2 Route Multi-Use Helmet
- 11 ounces is far lighter without sacrificing features
- You're in trouble without the waterproof cover on a powder day
Want to protect your noggin without feeling bogged down? At just 11 ounces, K2's Route is the lightest helmet on the market. The polycarbonate shell with EPS foam interior has an abundance of small holes — more than any other helmet — that reduce weight and maximize ventilation without sacrificing impact absorption. And for days when snow is really falling, this helmet comes with a stretchy waterproof cover to keep your head dry.
The Route is surprisingly feature-rich for such a light snow helmet. It can be customized to your preference with removable headlamp clips, goggle clips, and ear pads, plus a fully adjustable Boa dial-fit system. It's even bike-certified, so you'll only need one helmet for year-round thrill-seeking.
8
A Worthy Budget Choice
Kelvin Ski Helmet
- $40 is a small price to pay for basic head protection
- Lacking in the style department
If you're considering not wearing a helmet just to save some money on rentals (we know the cost adds up quickly), find somewhere else to pinch pennies. The Kelvin costs less than $40 — that's less than you'd pay to rent a ski helmet for three days, and it's much cheaper than a trip to the emergency room.
This simple helmet has a classic ABS shell and EPS core construction. It has a soft fleece liner and ear pads that are easy to remove for cleaning, plus 14 vents, a quick-dial for fit adjustment, and it comes in 13 different colors to match your jacket.
9
Safest Mid-Range Helmet
Terra MIPS Women's Helmet
- Loaded with performance and protection under $200
- Less protective than Smith's Liberty MIPS (above)
The new Giro Terra MIPS Hemet is sleek, lightweight, and has all the necessary features to keep you safe, stylish, and comfortable when you're out shredding all day. An in-mold construction, which fuses the outer shell to the foam liner, keeps the Terra helmet lightweight (14 ounces) while delivering solid impact protection.
This helmet has a low-profile fit that freestyle skiers love. Auto-venting technology features inner channels that improve airflow, whether you're in motion or standing still. Adjustability is simple with the intuitive dial, making it easy to find that comfortable, performance-oriented feel.
Giro's Terra also features industry-leading MIPS technology, which works by allowing two liners to move independently of each other when the helmet is subject to force, reducing rotational energy during certain impacts. If you've ever had a big spill, you understand why people pay extra for MIPS.
10
Olympian-Approved
Drift Snowboard and Ski Helmet
- Lower profile, less bulky than most helmets
- Brim doesn't mesh well with some goggles
Looking for pro-level safety? Nobody needs more protection than an aerialist, and four-time Olympian Ashley Caldwell trusts this helmet most. Its outer shell is fused to the inner foam layer, which helps absorb impact on big falls.
Customizing the Drift helmet is a breeze, too: Tighten things up with the Fine Tune Adjustment dial, crank up the music-compatible earpads when the mountain is empty or remove them on warmer days, and adjust its 13 vents to let cool air in and warm air out. With such a wallet-friendly price, there's no surprise this helmet is an Amazon Best Seller.
Andrew Bettlach
Andrew has been contributing to the outdoors and fitness content on BestProducts.com since 2017; he's a nature lover, peak-bagger, skier, and general good-time haver who lives in Colorado, knows where all the fresh snow is, and what gear you should be wearing for staying warm or looking fresh.
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