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Best Ski Helmets
Additionally, a ski helmet can help to keep you warm. A large amount of heat escapes from your head and a helmet will help to keep it in. As an added bonus, some helmets can even help to keep the sun out of your eyes and snow off of your face. No matter the reason, we have rounded up the top 10 ski helmets on the market today. Stay safe and enjoy the slopes!
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Materials
The materials of a ski helmet are an important feature to look at because these are the materials that may end up saving your life. A popular style is made of a thin but quite durable plastic that has very high resistance to impact, known as polycarbonate. The shell is filled with polystyrene, a very tough and rigid foam. These helmets are usually more expensive and very light. They are molded much closer and they feature more vents than the hard-shell helmets. These are not as expensive as the injection molded helmets, but they are a bit heavier. They are usually made in more rounded shapes. The material that is usually used for the shell is acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and this is very tough and durable plastic. On the inside of the shell, there is EPS foam.
Fit
The fit of the helmet is extremely important! Consider this the first step when choosing the right helmet. The ski helmets are quite rigid and your head is very sensitive to pressure, especially when exposed to wind and cold.
The fit affects the comfort and vulnerability of your head to the elements.
First of all, you need to determine the shape of your head. To do this the easiest way, just ask your friend to observe your head from above. This is the shape we are talking about. When you have determined the shape, you can choose the helmet accordingly. When you try out the helmet you should feel the same amount of pressure all around. Not too much pressure, but enough pressure for the helmet to sit securely on your head even when the strap is not locked.
When it comes to the strap, you should be able to talk and breathe when it’s locked.
If you are not able to try the helmet, check out the sizing chart on the manufacturer’s website, and measure the circumference of your head with a tape measure.
Insulation
You would be surprised how warm ski helmets can be. A proper ski helmet in combination with good goggles can keep your head protected from the wind and cold better than anything else. Every helmet has thick foam that provides a certain level of insulation. The protection against the cold that the helmet provides depends mostly on the insulation that ear covers provide and the draft blocking.
Also, the very important thing for the proper insulation is the compatibility of the helmet and the goggles. They must create a good seal. The ear covers need to be thick enough and to curve down in order to provide you with good insulation.
Now, because the ski helmets are used in cold weather conditions, the insulation is way more important than ventilation. But if your helmet does provide very good insulation, you will eventually get hot, so it’s not bad if you also have some ventilation to let off some steam.
The best ski helmets have the vents that can be closed and opened and removable ear pieces. Small vents will provide a certain amount of air to enter the helmet, but the most cooling you will get from removing the ear covers.
So, decide which is more important to you, ventilation or warmth, and choose the helmet accordingly.
Features
After consideration of the fit, ventilation, warmth, and compatibility with your goggles, you can consider some of the minor features you would like your helmet to have. For example, you can choose a helmet that has a cable and wheel system for fit customization. Maybe you would like that your helmet has a built-in visor.
Some of the helmets feature a GoPro camera mount, or built-in audio system with voice control for your smartphone. There are so many features you can consider when you’re buying a helmet.
Top 10 Picks
1. Lucky Bums
This helmet provides everything you can possibly want in your helmet for a very affordable price. It is a very comfortable helmet and it’s also quite durable and functional. The helmet features a nicely padded chin strap, two reinforced layers of protection, and goggle loop.
Read moreMaterials
The shell is made of very strong ABS plastic and it’s covered with EPS supporting inner shell to provide you with dual protection. The helmet is CE certified. The fabric lining on the inside of the helmet and the ear padding are made of a hypoallergenic material with antibacterial treatment.
Features
The inner ESP shell has multiple vents covered with mesh screens that allow the good airflow while preventing the snow buildup. Because the helmet is so nicely ventilated and has hypoallergenic lining it is extremely comfortable even if you wear it all day. The padded chin strap and goggle loop just add to the comfort.
Fit
You can choose from 4 sizes available and every helmet features an adjustable strap so the helmet can fit on almost anyone’s head. The helmet is really well made and each one comes with a lifetime warranty.
Insulation
The helmet is full of padding that works well to keep your head warm. If you in particularly cold weather, you may consider wearing a thin toboggan or beanie to provide extra warmth. Additionally, the helmet also has soft, padded ear covers that keep you warm and also allow you to hear everything that’s going on around you.
2. Smith Optics Holt
This innovative helmet is suitable for all weather conditions. The convertible pad kit will keep you warm during the winter and cool during the summer when you skate in your favorite skate park.
Read moreMaterials
This all-season helmet weighs only 19-ounces and is made from injection-molded ABS. There is a decent amount of padding built into the helmet that will help to protect in the event of a fall.
Features
The helmet also features a removable goggle lock which is a pretty convenient addition. The Bombshell construction is impact resistant and it utilizes a durable ABS injection molded shell to maximize the level of protection of your head.
Additionally, you can buy separately a Skullcandy Audio System which integrates into the padding completely and allows you to rock your favorite tunes while you ski.
Fit
The Holt is available in sizes from XS to XL, from 52cm to 62cm. This is the sizing guide according to Smith’s website, the guide on Amazon is slightly different and seems to be slightly off. With the right fit, this helmet is comfortable and versatile.
Insulation
The dual regulator system for ventilation allows you to control both the rear and front section independently, giving you maximum control over the moisture and temperature management. For example, you can keep the front vents sealed and rear ones open. This way you avoid the brain freeze headache while you exhaust the heat through the rear vents. Additionally, for summer use, the ear pads are removable.
3. Traverse Vigilis
There are not too many things out there that are as versatile as this helmet is. This lightweight helmet features an ABS outer shell and an EPS interior. The small visor on the front is nicely shaped so it can accommodate your goggles and there is a very convenient clip on the back to help you secure them.
Read moreMaterials
The ABS exterior of this helmet is paired with a shock absorbent EPS interior. It features many safety certifications, including EN 1077:2007 and CSPC 16 CR, part 1203. The general consensus shows us that this helmet is comfortable overall and provides decent head protection.
Features
The helmet shell features 14 vents to keep your head dry and regulate your body temperature. Additionally, you can transform this helmet into a bike/skate helmet by removing the earpieces and the fleece cap and installing the foam padding.
Fit
The helmet can be customized easily and it can fit perfectly on almost any head, thanks to the red adjustable dial that can tighten or loosen it. The chin strap has a really soft cushion and it is also adjustable.
Insulation
The inside of the helmet is lined with a netted fleece cap that helps remove the moisture while keeping you warm. The mesh improves helmet ventilation. The earpieces on this helmet are removable and they have a zippered headphone pocket.
4. Lucky Bums Fleece Liner
This helmet is extremely robust and feature-rich for a helmet this cheap. It features the dial lock type adjustment strap on the back side that enables you to adjust the suspension system on the inside and change the size fit. But make sure you buy the right size because these adjustments are minimal.
Read moreMaterials
The shell is made of strong ABS material and covered with an EPS outer shell providing dual protection. The shell has vents on it but they are not adjustable which means you will be comfortable in a much narrower range of temperatures.
Features
It is very comfortable and I would recommend it to anyone because it might be the best cheap helmet out there and it is surprisingly well made. The helmet also has a line snap fastener on the back side for retention of the goggle strap which is much handier than you might think. This helmet has an excellent value for the price.
Fit
This helmet is available in sizes Small to XL. Additionally, there is a small adjustable strap inside the helmet to provide a great fit. The strap is especially great to make the helmet slightly larger on colder days if you choose to wear a beanie underneath.
Insulation
As you’ll see in the name, this helmet is fleece lined! There are also ear covers to provide additional warmth. For some people, the fleece liner provides too much warmth with little ventilation. Unfortunately, the liner is not removable.
5. Smith Vantage
Another great addition from Smith, the Vantage helmet is equipped with MIPS protection technology. It is both durable and lightweight, and not to mention stylish. It's available in fifteen different colors, ensuring you'll find one that you like and gives you confidence. Perhaps the best feature of all is the twenty-one integrated vents, allowing you to control the internal temperature easily.
Read moreMaterials
The construction of this helmet combines two technologies, making this a strong and lightweight helmet. The exterior is made from Bombshell ABS material with in-mold technology. The MIPS (multidirectional impact protection system) technology provides an extra layer of protection to your head, should you face a heavy impact. This technology allows the outer shell of the helmet to rotate slightly, relieving the liner of blunt force.
Features
The Vantage helmet has a small brim that helps to protect your face from the snow and falling snow or rain. Additionally, the helmet is music compatible. The ear pads feature small zippers where you can insert ear pods. These same ear pads are removable for warmer days. For convenience and a great fit, there is also a goggle clip.
Fit
As usual, this helmet is available in sizes Small to Large, fitting heads from 51cm to 63cm. It features Smith’s BOA 360 fit system. This system is adjustable all around, not just a small spot in the back. This provides a tighter and safer fit all around.
Insulation
It’s almost as if you can control the temperature in this helmet. It is equipped with the Air EVAC 2 ventilation system. There are twenty-one sliding easy to open vents all over the helmet. The interior fabrics provide great warmth and the ear pads are removable for warmer days.
6. Giro Surface-S
This model is a bit cheaper version of the Giro’s Seam helmet. It has a more “skateboard” look that snowboarders prefer. It is a budget helmet, but it has very high quality and features.
Read moreMaterials
You can be confident that this helmet will protect you because it is constructed as a one-piece hard shell. The multi-directional impact protection technology provides full protection of impact no matter where the helmet was hit.
Features
It also features the retention system for your goggles which can be easily removed without any tools and it’s compatible with all of the Giro audio systems. The helmet is available in eight colors and is available with aftermarket tune-up systems.
Fit
It is available in sizes Small, Medium, and Large, from 52cm to 62.5cm. The helmet features a dial lock for adjustments that allow you to get the perfect comfortable fit. This is an excellent feature and it is quite useful if you like to wear a cap on your head to be extra warm and comfortable.
Insulation
The helmet is quite warm even when the temperatures are below zero degrees and in case the weather gets warmer, the ventilation system is there to keep you cool. Additionally, you can remove the earpieces if you feel too warm.
7. ZIONOR Lagopus H1
This helmet is suitable for both ski resorts and skate parks. It gives you the full protection and it’s made with a very strong shell and very comfortable padding on the inside. It will keep you warm during the winter and cool during the summer.
Read moreMaterials
The helmet is made of very strong ABS plastic and EPS material with reinforced construction for full protection.
Features
The loop on the back side keeps your goggles in place and it’s compatible with all of the Zionor ski goggles.
Fit
It is available in sizes Small, Medium, and Large, from 19” to 24”. There is a dial fit button on the back of the helmet, making it adjustable to fit on different head sizes.
Insulation
The helmet features the regulator which allows you to open or close the air vents on the front of the helmet to make it windproof or to allow the airflow to keep your head cool. The helmet is suitable for all of the winter sports. The chin strap is very well padded and adjustable, and The top-grade lining is very breathable and it will keep you warm and comfortable.
8. SUNVP Unisex
This nice and affordable helmet is very adjustable. It features the size adjustment button which allows you to customize the circumference for the perfect and most comfortable fit.
Read moreMaterials
The outer shell is, of course, made of ABS material and it’s resistant to impact and low temperatures. The inner shell is made of EPS material and it’s very light and provides good insulation.
Features
The earpieces and the lining are removable so you can use the helmet in all weather condition. The earmuffs and the lining are very soft and warm and they will not shrink when you wash them.
Fit
This helmet is available in sizes Small, Medium, and Large, from 54cm to 61cm. For most people, the listed size chart is right on.
Insulation
The helmet is lined with very soft and thick velvet cotton that feels quite soft and keeps you warm and comfortable. To keep you in the most comfortable state, the helmet features a windshield button which allows you to adjust the size of the vents and regulate the air flow.
9. OutdoorMaster Ski
OutdoorMaster Ski Helmet is very comfortable and safe ski helmet for both men and women. The helmet is CE certified and it meets the EN1077 safety standards.
Read moreMaterials
This helmet is made with the traditional ABS shell. On the inside, it features a shock absorbent EPS core.
Features
The goggle clip will keep your goggles in place and the adjustable air vents will enable you to regulate the airflow. The chin strap is very well padded and soft, providing maximum comfort. It’s available in many different sizes so you can choose the one that fits perfectly and in many different colors so you can match it with the rest of your gear.
Fit
The helmet is very light and you won’t even notice that you have it on your head. It is available in only two sizes, Medium and Large. It will fit a head between 55cm to 63cm. The helmet features the adjustable dial on the back side so you can adjust the circumference for the snug and comfortable fit.
Insulation
The lining on the inside is very soft and warm and the helmet also features the leather earmuffs. The liner is removable and machine washable.
10. ProRider HS
This helmet is very affordable but also a very high-quality one. It features the spin-dial ring for fit adjustment on the back side and the adjustable and padded chin strap with quick release buckle for a perfect fit.
Read moreMaterials
The inside of the helmet is padded with soft foam to keep you warm and comfortable and it can be removed easily. It meets the CPSC bike helmet standard so you can be sure you will be protected.
Features
The helmet features the ventilation channels for maximum cooling comfort while the cushion keeps you warm. Additionally, it is very nice looking and stylish and the reflective logo provides extra safety in low-light conditions. Overall, it is a quite well-made helmet that you can get for more than affordable price. It has an excellent value for the price.
Fit
It is available in your typical sizes of Small, Medium, and Large. The small is small enough for a child. The helmet will fit heads of 20.5” to 24.5”. To create a perfect fit, there is a rear spin-dial for small adjustments.
Insulation
There interior lining helps to keep your head warm, and the mesh screens provide great ventilation.
Sources
- , BEST SKI HELMETS OF 2018-2019, Blog
- , BEST SKI HELMETS OF 2019, Outdoors Blog
- , The Best Helmets of 2019, Snow Sports Website