
When you hit the ski slopes, you’re ready to tear down those mountainsides at the speed of light. However, it’s also important to maintain your safety throughout the process. Skiers have to wear protective clothing to insulate themselves from the elements and stay warm. Additionally, one of the most important pieces of protective gear is your ski helmet. They keep your head and your delicate brains protected all the way down the slope. Determining the right one for you can be difficult, however. There is such a large variety of prices and options on the market, and each one has different positives and negatives. In this article, you can find a list of the top 10 ski helmets available today so that you can determine the best one for your skiing needs.
Ski Helmets: FAQs
What Is a Ski Helmet?
What Does a Ski Helmet Do?
What is MIPS?
What Types of Ski Helmets Are There?
How We Reviewed
Overall Price Range for Ski Helmets
Top 10 Ski Helmets
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Key Features
For an ideal ski helmet, look no further than the Smith Vantage. It’s an all-around top choice because of its excellent safety, comfortable wear, and lightweight design. Plus, you get 21 total vents to keep your head cool in the summer heat. When it comes to versatility in a ski helmet, the Vantage is at the top of the market.
Pros
Cons
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Key Features
With one of the best fits in the ski helmet game, the Giro Range MIPS can’t be beat. All you have to do is turn the large dial, designed for use while wearing gloves, and the expandable shell conforms to the shape of your head. It fits nearly all head types perfectly, although those with rounder heads may want to try another helmet brand.
Pros
Cons
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Key Features
Similar to the Smith Vantage mentioned earlier, the Variance also uses a hybrid of in-mold construction and ABS plastic. Though this manufacturing process can create pricier helmets, the good thing is that you get a tough piece of gear that isn’t too heavy to wear. However, compared to the Vantage, the Variance has less ventilation and feels a bit heavier. The general rule of thumb is that the Vantage is great for backcountry skiers while the Variance is better for those who stick to the resorts.
Pros
Cons
- Innovative, all-weather helmet can be customized with included convertible pad kit to keep you warm on winter slopes,...
- Dual Regulator ventilation system independently controls front and rear sections of venting, exhausting heat through...
- AirEvac system generates maximum airflow and removes warm, fog-causing air via air channels built into helmet, keeping...
Key Features
Any skier looking for a budget helmet should check out the Smith Holt. It completely avoids the mushroom look you see in so many cheap helmets, giving a sleek design for a fraction of the cost of the competition. The helmet comes with an elastic band for adjusting the helmet to your head, giving a better fit than its other low-end options.
Pros
Cons
- CONSTRUCTION - MIPS - Multi-Directional Impact Protection System. Hard Shell construction produces great helmets at...
- FIT SYSTEM - Auto Loc 2 Fit System (removable) is a durable self-adjusting fit system designed to take the hassle out of...
- VENTILATION - Stack Vent in the front of the helmet which aligns with your goggles and helps to keep them clear and fog...
Key Features
One of the first companies to start making helmets with a Multi-directional Impact Protection System, Giro uses that technology on the Ledge. It’s under $100, which is quite a rarity for a helmet with such great impact protection. That being said, there isn’t much in the way of extra features. However, for an affordable helmet with amazing safety measures, you can’t go wrong with the Ledge.
Pros
Cons
- PROTECTION: Featuring Ventilated Double Shell Anti-Penetration system (VDSAP) made up of two ventilated shells that are...
- LINER Has an in-mold EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) liner, where the strength lies in its versatility and protection against...
- DURABILITY: Made from a robust ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) shell that ensures helmet strength and integrity.
Key Features
With a double-shell system, the Receptor Bug is built for top-notch durability. Rather than partial ABS coverage like you find with the Smith Variance and Vantage, the Receptor Bug offers full coverage for the ultimate in impact resistance. However, it does come with thinner padding for a lower level of comfort — that’s one way it’s able to keep the weight so low.
Pros
Cons
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Key Features
Oakley has been making ski goggles for years, and their recent foray into ski helmets has been great for creating more compatibility with eyewear. The Mod 5 has a removable brim design so that skiers can fit their goggles perfectly. Although the helmet is specifically designed to work with Oakley products, it can still be great for any eye protection.
Pros
Cons
- AEROCORE Construction featuring Koroyd, AirEvac 2 Ventilation and Adjustable Boa FS360 Fit System
- Wayfinder Strap system featuring Fidlock
- Airflow climate control, 6 vents, MIPS system available in all colors
Key Features
The newest offering from Smith, the Code comes with quality impact protection and a cool style. With Aerocore construction, a soft woven liner, and a magnetic chinstrap, the Code is jam-packed with tech. However, the downside is that you get very low ventilation, which can cause some heat and intense sweat inside the helmet.
Pros
Cons
- Shell Material: ABS thinshell
- Impact Foam: EPS (foam)
- Multiple Impact: no
Key Features
The Bern Watts EPS Snow is renowned for its comfortable fit that feels like it was made for your head. Plus, you'd only need one helmet if you also bike during the summer — the Snow is certified for biking as well as skiing. The only downside is that the low-angled bill can get in the way when you try to use goggles. Finding the right pair of eyewear to work around this shortcoming can be quite a challenge, but well worth it for the comfort and style the Bern Watts provides.
Pros
Cons
- The feather-light mtn Lab helmet is best in class. Innovative EPS 4D technology, and lightweight parts throughout enable...
- Complete outdoor protection Â
- EPS 4D technology helps this helmet meet the safety standards for Climbing and skiing. Be fully protected wherever you...
Key Features
The best helmets for backcountry skiing or mountaineering often weigh anywhere from 15 to 20 ounces, which is too heavy for a proper day of skiing and hiking. However, the Salmon MTN lab gives full coverage at nearly half the weight of your average skiing headgear. It offers excellent impact protection and top-quality ventilation to keep your head cool and protected. However, the helmet is not as warm or durable for these same reasons.
Pros
Cons
Product | Image | Details | Rating | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
Smith Vantage MIPS | Weight: 17.5 oz. Build: Hybrid in-mold Ventilation: Adjustable, 21 vents | $260 | ||
Giro Range MIPS | Weight: 19 oz. Build: Hybrid in-mold Ventilation: Adjustable 13 vents | $250 | ||
Smith Holt | Weight: 20 oz. Build: ABS Ventilation: ​ Fixed, 10 vents | $70 | ||
Smith Variance | Weight: 18.5 oz. Build: Hybrid in-mold Ventilation: ​ Adjustable, 18 vents | $180 | ||
Oakley Mod 5 | Weight: 20 oz. Build: Hybrid in-mold Ventilation: Adjustable, 8 vents | $210 | ||
Giro Ledge MIPS | Weight: 18 oz. Build: ABS Ventilation: Fixed, 8 vents | $80 | ||
POC Receptor Bug | Weight: 19.4 oz. Build: Hybrid double shell Ventilation: Adjustable, 8 vents | $135 | ||
Bern Watts EPS Snow | Weight: 20 oz. Build: ABS Ventilation: Fixed, 11 vents | $100 | ||
Smith Code MIPS | Weight: 10.6 oz. Build: Hybrid in-mold Ventilation: Fixed, 6 vents | $180 | ||
Salomon MTN Lab | Weight: 15.9 oz. Build: In-mold Ventilation: Fixed, 12 vents | $200 |
Final Verdict
When it comes down to it, the best ski helmet on this list is the Smith Vantage. It provides skiers with a comfortable and supportive liner that protects the entire head, and an easily adjustable BOA dial. It also has the best ventilation in the game, with 21 vents in total. The vents are even customizable: each is controlled by a separate slider. From resort skiing to backcountry excursions, the Vantage is the best choice all types of adventure. Of course, trying on different helmets can be very beneficial — but the Smith Vantage is a great place to start.
Last update on 2021-02-27 at 23:50 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API