The Best Ski Helmets of 2024-2025 | GearJunkie Tested

From the bunny slope to the backcountry, a helmet is an essential part of every skier’s kit. Nowadays, ski and snowboard helmets on the ski slopes have become nearly universal — and for good reason.

Modern ski and snowboard helmets are lighter, safer, and more comfortable than ever. And if you can protect your precious noggin, why not? Brain trauma is no joke. Progressive ski helmets like the Smith Nexus MIPS are decked out with 24 adjustable vents plus additional layers of protective material including MIPS and Koroyd. Other designs like the Pret Women’s Corona X and Pret Men’s Cirque X feature odor-resistance, antimicrobial EPS foam to keep the funk at bay, but still integrate MIPS and sports multiple safety certfications.

As always, the best ski helmet is the one on your head (as long as it properly fits). But not all snow helmets are created equal, and it’s worthwhile to find the best one.

Our team has scoured the market to identify a shortlist of the best ski and snowboard helmets in the game for the season. At the end of our list,, scroll through our Buyer’s Guide tips or jump to the Price & Value summary. You can also consult the Comparison Chart to help steer your decision process. Otherwise, read our full gear guide and check out our awarded picks.

Editor’s Note: We updated our Ski Helmets guide on October 18, 2024, to include the Pret Lyric X2, Giro Owen Spherical, and Anon Merak WaveCel, as well as the award-winning Smith Method MIPS.

We were eager to try out Smith’s most advanced helmet this year, and the Smith Nexus MIPS ($325) didn’t disappoint. It’s everything you want a helmet to be — light, warm, and very protective. We felt like we barely had anything on our heads with this helmet. That’s always a good sign, signaling lightweight features and no pressure points.

According to the brand, the Nexus is lightweight and low profile due to hybrid shell construction. Side impact zones also provide an extra boost in safety thanks to an impact-resistant exoskeleton. A dial in the back helps you customize the ideal fit.

In addition to MIPS, this dialed-in Smith helmet integrates a material called Koroyd, a structure consisting of welded tubes that crumple upon impact to absorb force and energy transfer. The technology is extremely lightweight and allows airflow, too. Our Snowsports Senior Editor Morgan Tilton took a crash in-bounds while snowboarding in a blizzard with a Smith helmet on: We can confirm that Koroyd works, as does MIPS. At impact, the Koroyd material crumpled in several areas preventing a larger head injury — she experienced a Grade I minor concussion. The MIPS also absorbed the damage, which was visible. Her whiplash and headaches subsided after two weeks.

This helmet kept our heads warm in negative wind chills, with no hat underneath. And the line’s seamless integration with Smith goggles, while expected, was ideal for blocking cold gusty winds. We also loved this helmet’s breathability. It boasts 24 vents, which can be opened or closed with sliding tabs in the front and rear of the head. Even with the vents closed, we found the helmet’s ventilation system to be effective enough at dumping heat on a cold boot pack. Another nice touch is the antimicrobial liner to help prevent bacteria and odor.

A bag for easy carry and scratch protection was a nice touch, which is also quickly becoming standard for brands to include with any helmet these days. It’s hard to find anything not to love with this helmet other than the upper-echelon price point. But if you’re looking for a helmet that looks sharp, feels great, works well with your existing Smith goggles, and offers top-tier protection for your brain, we’ve got a winner for you with the Nexus MIPS. If you’re looking to spend less than half the price, check out the Giro Ratio MIPS Helmet.

On the more economical end of helmets on this list, the Giro Ratio MIPS Helmet ($120) comes with much of the same top-shelf technology. With plentiful vents, MIPS, and a smooth dial adjustment system, the Ratio strikes an excellent balance between price and features. The Ratio is an injection-molded helmet that fits a wide variety of head shapes. Users report all-day comfort and minimal hot spots.

The soft earpads are mostly issue-free, but they do tend to let some chilly breeze in when traveling at higher speeds. Giro’s In Form System offers plenty of adjustment and is easy to access while wearing gloves or mittens.

While the Ratio isn’t the warmest helmet on the market, it does include a nice synthetic lining that feels pleasantly toasty in most conditions — especially when the vents are closed. On warm days, the large vents maintain comfortable airflow and prevent overheating with ease.

The Ratio is a perfect name for this helmet — it offers one of the greatest ratios of features-to-price of any ski helmet on the market. While the Ratio MIPS Helmet is not the lightest, flashiest, or most impressively engineered, this is a quality helmet at a fair price point. Another option at a tad higher cost is the Smith Summit MIPS, which boasts 23 additional vents and weighs a smidge less.

Pret is a helmet specialist based in Park City, Utah, and the Pret Women’s Corona X and Pret Men’s Cirque X ($270) are among the company’s most advanced models. Both house the whole gamut of modern helmet technology in lightweight, low-profile packages. The helmet is lined with Pret’s exclusive antimicrobial EPS foam, which helps prevent bacterial growth in the material that surrounds your dome. Sounds like a good idea for day-after-day, year-after-year use!

For extra protection, the helmet shell is reinforced with polycarbonate plates in areas where skull impact would be critical, effectively doubling the thickness where needed.

An adjustable ventilation system keeps the Cirque and Corona warm and comfortable in a range of conditions. When it’s extremely cold and you need a little extra protection, the helmet can open up to easily accommodate a balaclava or thin beanie. On warmer days, you can quickly remove the earflaps and store them in a jacket pocket or backpack.

While the Cirque and Corona X are generally nice-looking pieces of protection, we especially like the functional and aesthetic compatibility with just about any pair of goggles. Cutaways above the ear flaps and a shallow brim across the front are designed to neatly and comfortably frame your goggles. The shape of the Cirque X and Corona X successfully minimizes awkward gaps and goggle slippage. Other features of the Corona X and Cirque X include MIPS, earbud pockets in the earflaps, and an easy-to-use magnetic buckle.

You might have to blink twice when you see this helmet with integrated goggles. The Salomon Driver Prime Sigma Photo MIPS ($450) turns heads on the mountain with its futuristic, minimalist design. This merino wool-lined helmet kept us comfortable (no head or ear pain) and warm in negative fifteen-degree temperatures, with wind chills even lower. We appreciated the seamless integration of the goggles with the helmet: The goggles snap into place snugly with the frame against the helmet. Make sure to tighten the helmet appropriately to fit your head before lowering the goggles. Otherwise, the goggles might feel loose on your face.

Sizing is especially important with this goggle/helmet combo. One gear tester with a larger face felt the size medium helmet fit well, but the goggles didn’t sit comfortably on their face and were stretched out of the holder rather than sitting flush with the helmet. The Sigma Photochromic magnetic visor has a crisp, wide field of view. We experienced no peripheral surprises from tree branches or other trail-side objects. The stock lens performed well on a bluebird day mixed with intermittent sparse clouds. The photochromic design responds to changing light conditions by adjusting the level of tint from lighter to darker, so we never had to squint. The brand says the visor system works well over eyeglasses, unlike goggles that tend to immediately fog.

While we like the system, we did experience some frost gathering on the inside of the lenses on a particularly cold testing day (negative 20s with wind chill), which obscured our vision as the day went on. At average and mild winter temps, this wasn’t an issue. We enjoyed how the lenses locked into place on top of our heads. Dubbed the motion shield advanced system, the setup mimics the way goggles swing up and over your helmet to perch on top of the head. If you hate your goggles snapping off your face and hanging off your helmet, this design may be for you. We also appreciated the magnetic buckle for fuss-free fastening — great for younger athletes and people who wear bulkier mittens.

Skiers and riders choosing this helmet are covered for safety with MIPS and Salomon’s patented EPS4D technology, which maximizes energy absorption upon impact and protects from side and vertical shocks. If you don’t already have goggles, and you want to get an advanced helmet and goggle technology in one fell swoop, the Driver Prime Sigma Photo MIPS is a great choice.

You wouldn’t take downhill skis backcountry skiing, so why would you take a downhill helmet into the backcountry? Enter the new Smith Summit MIPS ($230), a sleek helmet specifically designed for out-of-bounds riding.

Heavy, hot, and bulky helmets are a thing of the past with this new ski and snowboard helmet. It’s lightweight — our tester barely knew he had it on his head — ventilated and easy to carry. It also doesn’t compromise on features you know and love from more traditional helmets, like MIPS protection and BOA fit system technology.

This helmet’s integrated headlamp routing is a nice touch. If you’ve tried to adventure at dusk or dawn and get frustrated adjusting your headlamp band, having your headlamp slingshot off the back of your helmet, or even worse, not being able to properly aim light where you need it…you’ll appreciate this feature too.

The Summit comes with a slim-fitting beanie you can wear underneath. And that’s a must, if you run cold or it’s windy outside. Our one knock on this helmet is the lack of ear cover and insulation. You have to shave weight somewhere. This is easily solved, however, by throwing a thin headband or hat in your pack. Overall, the Summit MIPS has everything you need, and nothing you don’t, to mountaineer, backcountry ski, or snowboard safely.

Read Review: Smith Summit MIPS Helmet Review: Minimalist Backcountry Protection at a Competitive Price

We were impressed with the original POC Obex MIPS, so we were eager to test the backcountry-tailored design, too. Our conclusion? Long days in the backcountry are no match for the POC Obex BC MIPS ($270). Lightweight, yes. Flimsy, not in the slightest. We prefer light packs on the skin track, and this helmet was noticeably lighter than other favorites we tend to carry. The POC Obex BC MIPS is geared for the backcountry in other ways, too. Updated recently to include MIPS Evolve — which has comfort padding that’s fixed to the interior of the low-friction layer that rotates upon impact — technology in the case of a crash. The helmet also has additional safety features that are rare to find in other helmets.

That includes RECCO, a reflector that makes wearers searchable. The technology is usually found in outerwear. To clarify, RECCO is not a substitute for proper gear and training in the backcountry and, in practice, is usually used for body recoveries — don’t forget your beacon or education on how to use avalanche rescue tools before you head out. The Obex BC MIPS also includes a medical chip ID that can be uploaded with health information and emergency contacts for rescuers.

POC updated their backcountry version of the Obex MIPS with a thicker polycarbonate shell, enhancing durability. Similar to the Obex MIPS, though, this helmet’s front vents don’t open and close with the adjustable slider that controls other ventilation. Front ventilation matches POC’s goggle ventilation — a nice touch to prevent fogging.

Removable ear pads, an easy-to-operate adjustment dial, and a straightforward buckle clasp make this helmet user-friendly, customizable, and comfortable. After spring skiing in Montana with this helmet on our heads and in our packs, we’re looking forward to keeping the Obex BC MIPS in our backcountry ski kit.

Some good things should stay simple. Unchanged for 2024-2025, the Smith Method MIPS ($140) is a helmet that provides just as much protection as some of Smith’s more advanced helmets without draining your wallet. You get Koroyd protection and MIPS, though you can opt for the Method without MIPS for $110. Koroyod technology is built into the helmet’s construction and consists of many small, welded tubes that crumple on impact. That way, the tubes absorb force rather than your head. That, mixed with MIPS, which protects from multidirectional impacts with a slide plate on the inner part of the helmet near the liner, means you have a very safe, budget-friendly helmet — plus, it’s a lighter build than most of our other favorite options.

Beyond the top safety technology, you don’t get too many other features with the Method MIPS. The buckle is a traditional one, which can be hard to use with mittens or gloves on, and the eight vents are fixed. However, even without those extra features, the Method still was an overall comfortable helmet throughout days of testing. Because it is so lightweight (the lightest we tested at 14.1 ounces), riding all day was comfortable with no pressure points or aches. The fit was solid, even without a dial-fit system. If you can try it on at a store, though, definitely do that so you can find the best — and thus safest — size for your head.

The helmet fit well with Smith goggles but also synced up nicely with Giro Article II goggles, Zeal Cloudfall goggles, and Anon M4S. Goggles mostly stayed fog-free as there are two small vents in the front of the helmet right above the goggles. There are no vents on top of the helmet, but six more on the back. Although these vents are fixed, our heads felt generally pleasant in various weather. During windy days, we didn’t feel too cold (though we could feel some air coming in the front vents), and on spring days, we didn’t feel too hot. If you tend to sweat a lot and build up that heat, you’ll probably need a helmet with more and adjustable vents.

Other Smith helmets we tested include the Nexus MIPS, Summit MIPS, and Vantage MIPS. All three are more than $300, so the Method is definitely the budget option. The Summit is specifically for backcountry tours or mountaineering; the lightweight Nexus is for resort and backcountry; and the Vantage is a good resort helmet. If you want to skip the extra features and heftier price but still get all that top safety tech, opt for the Method MIPS. We think it rocks for its two safety technologies and overall comfort, but it is lacking a dial fit system, magnetic buckle, and adjustable vents.

Skiers and snowboarders seeking reliable head protection will fall in love with the Oakley Mod5 MIPS ($270). This ski helmet boasts a high-value combination of safety and comfort features. MIPS protection and a BOA fit system allow skiers and riders to dial in the ideal safety fit. The fit of the MOD 5 seemed deep compared to most snow helmets. Rather than sitting atop our head, it felt like the MOD was protecting our entire cranium — front, sides, and back.

We skied through heavy snowfall and sub-20-degree temps. Our head and ears remained toasty throughout. The earflaps fully cover the ears yet they also don’t muffle the wearer’s hearing — an important safety feature.

The temple pressure-induced headache was likely a result of the otherwise pleasant snug fit. The headache did dissipate after about a half day of riding. We think the pressure eased as the helmet’s inner foam conformed to our head shape.

This Mod5 MIPS is a great choice for winter sports enthusiasts looking for a simple adjustment system, effective vents, and high-quality protection. It scored high marks for warmth, aesthetics, and adjustability. Tradeoffs of the Mod5? It’s one of the heaviest ski helmets on our list. If you have neck or shoulder issues, consider a different option like the Smith Vantage, which weighs close to half the amount of the Mod5.

The Anon Merak ($320) is an all-around solid helmet that offers good protection, top comfort, and looks pretty cool with low-key details on the ear pads. It uses Anon’s WaveCel technology, which consists of bright green, wavy interconnected shock absorbers that protect your head from directional and rotational impacts. The helmet also uses a hybrid shell of Endura and in-mold for added durability from general use and is low weight.

WaveCel helmets tend to run small and fit very close to the head, so choose the larger option if you are in between sizes. Beyond the general fitting for size, wearing the helmet all day was comfortable; there were no pressure points or aches, and the dial for the fit system meant we could get a tight, secure fit.

Bonus: The outside of the BOA dial is grippy, so it’s easy to crank even with mittens on. The helmet is one of the lighter tested, but it did feel just slightly clunky when wearing it.

The Merak is quite pricey, but you do get other quality features in conjunction with top protective technology. The ear pads are soft and cushy (though they hinder hearing a bit), and the chin strap uses a Fidlock — a magnetic buckle for one-handed use. There are also 19 vents, eight of which are easily adjustable via a slider on the top of the helmet. The goggle retainer is a hard clip, rather than a snap or a bungee, but many different goggles fit well without a gap.

Read Review: Ski Helmet for Any Temp: Anon Merak WaveCel Review

Whether you’re riding within resort boundaries or out in the backcountry, the Sweet Protection Switcher MIPS Helmet ($270) offers reliable comfort and protection. The standout feature of this helmet is its extremely effective ventilation system, which allows for precise temperature control in all sorts of conditions. Additionally, the switcher comes well-equipped with standard high-end features including MIPS, earbud compatibility, and a powerful magnetic chinstrap buckle.

When the vents are fully closed, the Switcher retains heat as well or better than any skiing helmet on the market. On super-cold days, most people feel this helmet provides all the insulation they need, though the adjustment system does offer space for a thin beanie if need be.

On a balmy spring day, 26 thoughtfully placed vents (22 of which are adjustable) maintain noticeable cooling airflow. In addition, two manual sliding vents near the front provide even more customization.

Though the Switcher MIPS Helmet is a little heavier and a little pricier than some similar helmet styles on the market, we’re confident it’s still a great value due to its superior build and best-in-class ventilation control. As a bonus, it comes in a wide variety of colors and looks great while in use.

The Giro Owen Spherical ($240) is a sleek, minimalist helmet with seemingly no frills. However, it’s actually packed with top-tier protective technology and features that make sporting your helmet all the more enjoyable.

The Owen uses Spherical MIPS, which was built by the Giro team in partnership with MIPS. Spherical MIPS is designed as a ball-and-socket type technology, where the outer part of the helmet can move around the inner liner during a crash or impact. You can check this out on the helmet by pushing on the inner liner and feeling it give. It’s different from regular MIPS as well because the Spherical MIPS is fully built into the helmet, rather than a separate addition.

Along with this technology, the Owen Spherical also has a Fidlock magnetic buckle, a dial-fit system, and fits well with at least three different brands of goggles we wore. The helmet has eight vents in total, with four that are adjustable. To adjust the vents, though, you have to take your helmet completely off and use the slider that is inside. This was annoying on cold and windy days when we needed to shut the vents, but had to expose our heads and ears to the elements to do so. Giro says that this system is so that the outside of the helmet can stay looking clean and streamlined, but overall, it was a hassle.

One of the Owen’s standout features was how light it is — just 15.9 ounces — and it sure felt like that when riding. The helmet didn’t feel heavy or cumbersome at any point in the day when riding, which was great so we could focus on our turns, rather than if our head was starting to hurt.

Read Review: Giro Owen Spherical Helmet Review: A Premium Sleek, Warm Ski Helmet

For a single helmet that you can use across multiple sports, the Bern Watts 2.0 ($170) is a hip-looking design with the brand’s iconic brim and is focused on safety. The design features MIPS protection and meets the U.S. standard for adult and kid helmets as well as European requisites for cycling, skateboarding, roller skating, skiing, and snowboarding.

There are 11 fixed vent ports, making this design more equipped to keep you warm if wind or snowflakes are flying on the lift compared to some of Bern’s other more vented options. On the flip side, the helmet could get warm while skateboarding or riding your bike, depending on the climate where you shred.

The brim looks cool and keeps moisture from rolling into view or toward the top of the goggles. Though it blocks a teeny bit of sunlight, we wouldn’t call it sun protective, which is a good thing given that it would obstruct visibility.

In the back, the integrated fit dial makes the system easy to tighten or loosen to your needs, whether your hair is extra puffy or you need to pull on a streamlined beanie that day.

Simply remove the protective, comfortable liner and ear flaps when the temperatures rise (and replace with a Summer Liner). The back clip for goggles is simple, though it doesn’t snap or lock in place. Bern also placed two small holes on the helmet’s backside for mounting the brand’s rechargeable bike light, the Quickmount Asteroid, which has three light modes ($30). The Watts 2.0 is a classic favorite in our book. Another option that’s super lightweight but not adaptable: the Bern Carbon Watts, which is hand-built out of woven carbon fiber — and the price reflects the upgrade.

If you’re looking for a lightweight, affordable helmet with top-tier protection, the Pret Lyric X2 ($160) is a reliable choice. It’s just as comfortable as the winning Pret Women’s Corona X and Pret Men’s Cirque X and uses the same odor-free technology. But it’s more affordable by over $100.

Integrated into both the liner and the EPS foam is an antimicrobial construction to head off stink and sweat, so your helmet can stay fresh all season. With a few days wearing the Pret Lyric X2 — and hiking some steep stuff in sunny weather — our helmet hasn’t had a whiff of smells.

Features include a Fidlock magnetic buckle, removable ear pads, and a dial fit system. There’s also a standout aspect: a snapping goggle retainer, so even if you fall and your goggles slip off, they won’t actually go flying. There are 12 total vents, eight of which are semi-adjustable. The helmet doesn’t have a sliding adjustment like other helmets. Instead, there is fabric between the liner and the shell, which has flaps to cover or uncover the vents. The effort of changing the vent setting is not ideal. But with the vents covered, air was still able to flow through in a way that was ideal for circulation and never left us feeling too clammy or too cold.

The Pret Lyric X2 is offered in seven different colors (one of which is designed by Pret ambassador and professional skier and mountaineer, Caroline Gleich) and is available in sizes small to large. The helmet fits true to size.

Read Review: Pret Lyric X2 Ski Helmet Review: Comfort, Breathability, and Odor-Fighting Tech

The Scott Symbol 2 Plus Helmet ($200) is truly a top-of-the-line helmet, and Scott considers it to be one of the most exciting products it’s ever created. So does ISPO, where the helmet was designated with a gold award in 2018.

Three key components of safety technology define the Symbol 2 Plus — MIPS, D3O shock-absorbing material, and Scott’s 360-degree Pure Sound earpieces. Each of these features offers a specific safety improvement over other helmets on the market. MIPS protects against torsional impacts commonly associated with brain injuries in skiers. D3O is a spongy material that specifically protects against low-energy impacts.

Finally, the Pure Sound inserts are designed to improve the wearer’s ability to hear, which in turn may help to prevent collisions, listen for snow collapsing or other hazards, and other incidents. When combined, these well-engineered features add up to elite head protection. Though the design runs a bit small, it’s very comfortable when sized correctly. The earpads are gentle against the skin and free of hot spots. We also appreciate the wide and flat fleece-lined chin strap that feels soft yet secure.

There are many other characteristics of the Symbol 2 Plus Helmet to love, including an innovative adjustable ventilation system and a plush padded liner. For those looking for pure quality and maximum protection on the snow, this helmet is your answer.

Scroll right to view all of the columns: Price, Weight, Fill, Protection Technology, Number of Vents.

Full transparency: We aren’t actually trying to crash and get a head injury while wearing helmets. But sometimes we tomahawk. Occasionally, we break a helmet. Regardless, we have a huge checklist of qualifications for helmets.

Our ski and snowboard crew of GearJunkie gear testers includes expert skiers and riders, certified backcountry travelers, and skimo racers testing gear to help find the best of the best.

GearJunkie tester Mattie Schuler has snowboarded for more than 20 years and is quite picky about helmet features and ease of use. She’d rather spend her time focusing on riding than on how her helmet feels.

Leading the gear testing, SnowSports Senior Editor Morgan Tilton has been skiing since 1994 and snowboarding since 2002. Over the past few decades, Tilton has hit her head in a few hard crashes, but the worst was while snowboarding in icy conditions, in 2003. She was found knocked out with a Grade II concussion and broken nose. Thankfully, she was wearing a helmet. She lives in Gunnison Valley, one of the coldest, snowiest places in North America.

GearJunkie tester Kylie Mohr has been skiing with a ski helmet on since she was a toddler, more than two decades ago, and enjoyed putting helmets to the test at Montana’s resorts and on backcountry faces. Contributor Austin Beck-Doss has also tested helmets.

We’ve tested ski and snowboard helmets in a range of conditions from California to the Colorado Rockies and in high alpine environments. We’ve worn helmets through the glades and while ripping steep groomers at the resort. Our helmets have been on during whiteout blizzards, when descending routes in the backcountry, riding snowmobiles at highway speeds, and while doing skimo workouts.

The GearJunkie team meets for an annual on-snow test week to grind out turns and swap notes, including two previous gatherings at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, which is known for its expert terrain.

While testing our ski and snowboard helmets, we consider overall fit, comfort, impact protection, warmth, size adjustability, goggle integration, ventilation, ergonomics, chin strap, anti-odor treatment, padding, and style. We consider the most innovative, novel, sport-specific, popular, highly rated, and legacy products across a range of price points.

Our list of ski and snowboard helmets represents a range of options for various objectives, climates, conditions, athletes, and budgets.

Buying a ski and snowboard helmet is an important decision when outfitting yourself for the slopes. We look for a variety of factors. Comfort and fit are extra important — if a helmet doesn’t fit your head or your purpose, you’re less likely to wear that shield. Protection and safety components, like systems and technologies designed to absorb impact, are also crucial.

Additional factors like ventilation, adjustability, and goggle compatibility all help you customize your helmet to your needs. Will you be uphilling in your helmet? On a regular basis, do you tend to get cold while skiing laps? What kind of goggles do you own and what size? These are all questions to consider when purchasing a new ski helmet. Read on for more detailed step-by-step on what to consider when you are buying a ski and snowboard helmet.

There are three types of helmet constructions: ABS, in-mold, and hybrid in-mold.

ABS is a type of plastic material that’s most commonly used for a variety of helmets, including ski, bicycle, skateboard, and safety helmets. It’s known for its strength, toughness, and impact resistance. This construction looks like a hard plastic shell with a foam liner on the inside. ABS helmets can feel bulkier and less breathable than in-mold or hybrid options, but are a great budget-friendly option — especially for beginners. One of our favorites, the Giro Ratio MIPS Helmet, is an example of ABS.

In-mold and hybrid-in mold helmets mold together a shin shell with an EPS foam liner. Integrating the two layers shaves ounces.

But In-mold helmets don’t earn the best marks for durability. Enter, the hybrid! Hybrids add a hard shell layer on top for more durability and aesthetic resistance to scrapes and dings. Hybrid designs are often the most expensive of the pack. Some of our top picks, like the Smith Vantage, utilize this type of construction.

If you tend to tour in the backcountry more than heading to the resorts, a backcountry-speciifc helmet might be your best (and lightest) option.Helmets that are made for touring days, like the POC Obex BC MIPS and the Smith Summit MIPS Backcountry, are often very lightweight and extremely breathable, so that you aren’t carrying any extra weight as you work up that sweat going up hill.

The POC Obex also boasts unique protection elements that may come in handy in the backcountry, where accidents can be fatal, and emergency response may take longer to arrive. A RECCO reflector makes the helmet searchable for rescuers with the appropriate technology. And medical ID chip is programmable with health information and emergency contacts. Other features for a backcountry-specific helmet can include an integrated headlamp strap route that keeps it in place, like on the Smith Summit MIPS helmet.

Because ski and snowboard helmets are often worn all day long, you’ll want yours to feel comfortable and to have a correct fit. Pressure points can cause unnecessary headaches. The best helmets are the ones that fit perfectly with no pinch points or pain, so that you can focus on enjoying your day on the snow.

Overall comfort is the result of many different components working together, including padding, weight, shape, earpieces, and adjustment system as well as overall fit and the correct size.

Every skier and rider has a different head shape, so we always recommend trying helmets on before purchase to ensure fit and comfort. On this list, the Giro Owen Spherical and the Sweet Protection Switcher are noteworthy for their exceptional comfort.

Above all else, your helmet should provide reliable protection. Quality ski helmets are made with durable impact-absorbing foam, hardy shells, rear and lateral protection, and rotational impact systems. All of the helmets on this list offer top-tier protection and should help you feel confident and prepared on the mountain.

Helmets often have stickers with safety certification letters and numbers on them. What do they mean?

If you’re looking for a multisport helmet, be sure the design has been certified by a governing body in the United States or Europe for the sport. For instance, the Bern Watts 2.0 is capable of protecting your head during a fall while skiing or snowboarding as well as skateboarding, cycling, or roller skating.

Nearly all of the ski helmets on our list have rotational impact systems. These lightweight components are designed to reduce the rotational forces on the head and brain and help prevent brain injury.

Most of the listed models use MIPS, which stands for multidirectional impact system. MIPS uses a slip plate to allow the helmet to rotate independently of the head during impact. This is found on many adult helmets, but not so much on kids’ helmets. Thankfully, the kid’s Giro Crue MIPS does use this safety technoolgy, which makes it such a stand out helmet for the younger crowd. MIPS also has a slightly more advanced version of their protection system with MIPS Spherical, which is exclusive to Giro and Bell. With MIPS Spherical, the internal rotation element is integrated into the structure of the helmet, rather than an add-on like with traditional MIPS.

Another impact-absorbing technology is Koroyd, which features welded tubes that crumple upon impact to take the force and transfer energy. The technology is extremely lightweight and allows airflow, too. Among our top products here, all of the Smith helmets, including the Smith Nexus MIPS, have Koroyd.

There’s more. Scott’s D3O shock-absorbing technology is a spongy material that specifically protects against low-energy impacts and is featured in the Scott Symbol 2 Plus. Then, the Anon Merak uses WaveCel, a protection system that aims to reduce impact and help divert rotational forces. WaveCel is comprised of interconnected shock absorbers, which you can see inside the helmet in a very wavy pattern. The goal of these is to lessen the impact of crashes, regardless of the direction of that impact.

The POC Obex BC MIPS boasts unique protection elements that may come in handy in the backcountry, where accidents can be fatal and emergency response may take longer to arrive. A RECCO reflector makes the helmet searchable for rescuers with the appropriate technology. And the helmet’s integrated medical ID chip is programmable with health information and emergency contacts.

Here are the safety layers on our favorite ski helmets:

Other health and safety technologies are available in addition to impact materials. Extra tenacious, we’ve seen some shells use carbon fiber that’s many times stronger than traditional helmet materials.

Inside the Pret Women’s Corona X and Pret Men’s Cirque X, there’s an antimicrobial EPS foam to help prevent bacterial growth. The helmet shell is also reinforced with polycarbonate plates in areas where skull impact would be critical, effectively doubling the thickness where needed and upping the protection.

Scott also offers a technology called 360-degree Pure Sound earpieces, which are designed to improve sound clarity and the wearer’s ability to hear, which in turn may help to prevent collisions and other incidents. The Pure Sound is included in the Scott Symbol 2 Plus.

As skiers and riders know, conditions in the mountains vary wildly from freezing and frigid to sweaty and sweltering. Because you want a helmet that’s comfortable in all conditions, it’s important to seek a model with good temperature control options. Helmets with the best temperature control capability come with adjustable vents. On warm days, open vents provide cooling airflow. On cold days, closed vents seal in body heat and protect the head from wind chill. These days, well-designed ski helmets have ventilation systems that effectively channel air through the helmet as you ski or ride.

Consider the overall number of vents and where they are placed on your helmet. Typically, more vents equal a pricier helmet. But if you ski often, that tradeoff can be worth it. The Smith Summit MIPS, made especially for backcountry skiing and touring, has a whopping 33 vents. We also highly recommend adjustable vents, typically using a slider on the exterior shell, which can be opened or closed in an instant without removing the helmet or your gloves. On this list, our favorite ventilation systems are found on the Scott Symbol 2 Plus, the Obex MIPS, and the Sweet Protection Switcher.

Furthermore, having a ski and snowboard helmet with fit adjustability will allow you to add layers beneath your helmet if more warmth and protection from the elements is needed like a headband or balaclava.

Additionally, a plush pair of removable ear flaps are essential to a good modular helmet that can be customized as the weather changes. When it’s cold, ear flaps should hug the head and prevent cold air from making contact with the vulnerable ears. We found the Pret Lyric X and Oakley Mod5 MIPS struck a good balance between keeping our ears warm and still allowing us to hear what was happening around us on the slopes. When it’s warm, we recommend removing the earflaps to increase airflow and prevent overheating.

Many helmets on this list come with a built-in adjustable harness that can customize the fit on the fly. Adjustment systems do add a bit of weight and aren’t found in super minimalist helmets.

However, we recommend seeking out a good adjustment system, especially if you plan to use your helmet both with and without a beanie, headband, or balaclava underneath. Wearing a hat under a helmet can affect the fit and integrity of a helmet, so be wary of thicker fabrics. A thin skull cap or headband is usually fine, as long as the helmet still encases from the bottom of your skull bones up to the top of your forehead.

Most modern adjustment systems use a real dial you can easily access while wearing gloves. On this list, we particularly like the adjustment dial system on the Sweet Protection Switcher and the Anon Merak.

Some ski and snowboard helmets are smartly designed to work in seamless tandem with goggles, while certain helmet manufacturers like Smith tend to work best with their own in-house goggles. For instance, the Smith Nexus MIPS Helmet is integrated seamlessly with our pair of Smith goggles. Other ski helmets manage to work with a wide variety of goggle brands and styles. For a full rundown on choosing goggles to go with your helmet, check out our Ski Goggles buyer’s guide.

While skiing or riding, it’s nice to have minimal gaps between your helmet and goggles. Also, it’s important to ensure that the goggle attachment point on the rear of the helmet is compatible with the width of your goggle strap. Want to skip a step? The Salomon Driver Prime Sigma Photo MIPS comes as an integrated goggle-and-helmet setup with the two accessories attached.

Traditional goggle attachments on helmets are often a simple durable clip on the back or a stretchy band that holds goggles in place with a snap or a hook. Ideally, these are easy to operate with gloves on and can be helpful if you take your goggles on and off often, especially while riding a ski lift.

Though ski and snowboard helmets vary by weight, the styles featured on our list are all within a few ounces of each other. Extra ounces can be noticeable when wearing a helmet all day, and we recommend seeking out a lightweight helmet.

Some helmets, like the Giro Owen Spherical, include many luxury features without weighing too much. Usually, though, the lighter helmets are minimalist options that sacrifice features in favor of simplicity. The POC Obex BC MIPS strikes the balance between lightweight and protective, ideal for traveling out-of-bounds. If you’re going to be carrying your helmet into the backcountry, check out our Ski Backpacks guide, too, and pay attention to the helmet-carry designs.

On our list, the lightest helmets are the Pret Women’s Corona X and Men’s Cirque X at 15.3 ounces, the Pret Lyric X2 at 15.8 ounces, and the Owen Spherical at 15.9 ounces. For comparison, a box of butter with four sticks is about 16 ounces, and a bunch of four or five bananas weighs about 20 ounces.

Here’s a comparative list of the weights of our favorite ski helmets from lightest to heaviest:

Helmet liners provide a thin layer between your scalp and your helmet. Even though it’s cold, your head can still sweat while wearing a ski or snowboard helmet. That’s why liner material can be an important consideration, especially if you tend to overheat. No one wants a stinky helmet.

One example of this technology can be found in the Pret Women’s Corona X, Pret Men’s Cirque X, and Pret Lyric X2 helmets. These helmets have antimicrobial EPS foam that prevents bacterial growth, making them last longer and reducing unwanted odors. Smith helmets, like the Smith Nexus MIPS Helmet, also come with an antimicrobial liner.

If you love rocking out on the mountain, plan to spend a bit extra on helmet-compatible headphones or audio-compatible ear pads that are integrated into the helmet. Many helmets are also designed with ear pad pockets that work with headphones, specifically, Outdoor Tech’s Chip System. Some helmet companies make helmet-compatible headphones including the Alta Wireless Headphones for making hands-free calls.

The most advanced audio systems are ones that are integrated into the helmet and Bluetooth-compatible, so they can link to music, make phone calls, and even offer an intercom system to communicate with others wearing one, too. If communication is important, look for models with microphones.

Many helmets including the Smith Vantage, Bern Watts 2.0, and Sweet Protection Switcher MIPS have ear pads made for inserts. Smith makes its own brand of wireless helmet audio kits, such as the Aleck 006. It’s worth noting that helmet audio kits — which are when two compact, streamlined speakers are inserted into the ear pads — can change the way helmet ear pads fit and might make them uncomfortable. Finding the right integrated system for you can also mean no more wires and no more fears of dropping your phone, especially on the ski lift.

Many skiers also use their regular earbuds. There are pros and cons: Cords can be annoying, but Bluetooth pods can fall out if you crash. Whatever you choose, just remember to keep the volume low, keep only one earbud in, or consider a pair of bone conduction headphones. Especially when skiing in-bounds, it’s important to maintain situational awareness so you can stay safe.

Many helmets now offer a magnetic clip closure on the chin strap while other ski helmets have a traditional buckle. Chin straps with a magnetic clip closure are easier to use while wearing mittens or gloves.

The length of the straps is typically adjustable though are easier to lengthen or shorten before you head out for the day than on the fly or with gloves on. If the temps drop and you plan on using an extra bulky neck warmer, be sure to readjust your chin strap ahead of time.

Helmets aren’t always the most ecological products due to the use of certain foams and plastics. They aren’t a continuously reusable product, because of the limited lifespan in addition to the nature of the material being compromised by a crash or simply being dropped out of the passenger side door. Some brands are trying to increase the sustainability of helmets, especially due to these pigeonholed factors.

Ski helmet liners are an ingredient that brands can update for more sustainability. Smith’s Ionic+ antimicrobial liner meets the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 accreditation: There are no harmful substances introduced in the manufacturing process. All Smith helmets are also packaged in post-consumer recycled cardboard.

Sweet Protection’s liners are made from traceable wool certified by international wool standards, and collected in a way that’s kinder to sheep.

The Norwegian company Sweet Protection also touts its environmental responsibility measures, like reducing plastic in packaging. Check out the Sweet Protection Switcher for these commitments in practice.

Another company that is putting sustainability at the forefront is Bollé. Last fall, Bollé launched the widest range of eco-designed winter sports products available on the market as part of the next phase in Bollé’s “React for Good” campaign. You can find helmets and goggles that use recycled materials or can be fully recycled.

Unfortunately, there are not many places where ski helmets can be recycled. Old ski helmets can theoretically be recycled for their components, and some recycled shells can even be used as an amendment in soil. Check your local recycling center or ski or outdoor shop for helmet recycling programs—they’re pretty rare due to the time and cost involved. Bern has a comprehensive guide on how to take apart your helmet and where to recycle specific parts.

There’s nothing worse than spending money on new gear, just to have that equipment fail or go through an unforeseen ringer. Many brands have warranties for defects on their helmets, while others go above and beyond, even if the cause of impact is due to a ski crash.

All Smith helmets are covered by a limited lifetime warranty for three years from the date of purchase. That policy includes any manufacturer’s defects. Furthermore, Smith offers a 30% discount for crash replacement helmets. For instance, the Smith Vantage has the same limited lifetime warranty and crash replacement deal as other Smith helmets, like the Smith Nexus MIPS.

The Salomon Driver Prime Sigma Photo MIPS, like most Salomon products, features a two-year warranty.

Bern has a recently updated exchange, warranty, and crash replacement policy. If you don’t like your helmet size or color, you can swap it out within 90 days, free of cost. The Bern Watts 2.0 is subject to the common three-year warranty for defects or workmanship issues. There’s a separate lifetime crash replacement policy: If a rider destroys their helmet in an accident, send in pics, a backstory, and pony up for shipping costs — you’ll get a replacement. Rad.

On top of the above safety and comfort factors, there are a variety of extra features worth considering. These include things like the ability to mount an action camera.

Thanks to the camera’s sticky mounting system, you can mount an action camera on almost any helmet. Some helmets go a step further and actually include a built-in mount. If this is important to you, it’s worth considering this feature.

Some helmets have a bit of a brim, which is stylish and also helps to divert snow and rain (more than sunshine) away from our goggles and faces. We’ve also found that goggles fit slightly better with helmets that have small brims.

If you would like to use a hood over your helmet from time to time, choose a ski or snowboard jacket with a helmet-compatible hood so they fit together: you still need to be able to turn your head with both your helmet and hood on. That said, all helmet-compatible hoods are designed with a unique shape and material, even from product to product within a single brand. Depending on your helmet shape and size, the hood might be too snug to wear while descending a slope. Hoods can be restrictive, and not all hoods completely protect the front of the helmet while on, which is especially noticeable when the sky is nuking.

We’ve found that Patagonia hoods are among the best fit for helmet compatibility, as well as winter ski jackets from Kari Traa. Read more in our Ski Jackets guide.

Another option to pop on if you need that added protection from the elements is a helmet hood, like those from Burton. Standalone hoods, like the Burke Hood, easily slip over your helmet, have drawstrings to really tighten and block out that wind, and can be worn with any helmet or goggles. The Anon MFI Hood Balaclava is one step up from just the hood; the hood has an integrated neck warmer that goes over your nose and magnets to specific goggles for full coverage. The only gripe with the MFI hoods or facemasks is that they can only be worn with MFI-compatible Anon goggles, like the Anon MFS goggles.

In our guide, the top ski and snowboard helmets range in price from $120 to $450, with the latter option having integrated goggles — so, that’s a pretty good deal.

There are some excellent budget options that don’t require you to compromise safety or protection. On this list, we’ve selected the Giro Ratio MIPS ($120) as our pick for the ski helmet offering the best value. The Bern Watts 2.0 ($170) and Pret Lyric X2 ($160) are likewise on the lower end of the price spectrum, arriving under $200, but don’t provide as much warmth as other helmets due to the vents not being adjustable: the vents remain open.

We are much more inclined to reach for a helmet at a moderate or high cost for the best safety materials, to which MIPS has set a broad industry benchmark. Most of our favorite well-constructed helmets fall in the $200 to $270 range. That includes the Scott Symbol 2 Plus ($200), Smith Summit MIPS ($230), the Giro Owen Spherical ($240), and the Oakley MOD 5 MIPS ($250). A fleet are tagged at $270: Pret Women’s Corona X & Pret Men’s Cirque X, Smith Vantage, Sweet Protection Switcher MIPS Helmet, and the POC Obex BC MIPS.

Generally, higher-end ski helmets offer elite protection or customizable features, so they cost more than lower-quality options. Sought-after features, including earbud compatibility, MIPS alongside other impact-absorbing materials, and adjustable ventilation, come with a higher price tag than minimalist ski helmet models. Models at or above $300 include the Anon Merak ($320), Smith Nexus MIPS Helmet ($325), and the helmet-goggle combination of the Salomon Driver Prime Sigma Photo MIPS ($450).

Helmet use has become almost universal in the skiing and riding world. On an average day at the ski resort, the vast majority of people wear helmets. In the backcountry, helmet use is standard practice.

We fully recommend wearing a helmet for every kind of skiing and riding. Impacts and collisions cannot be planned for, and helmets offer significant protection that can help you prevent brain injuries and potentially save your life.

All of the helmets on this list are high-quality, and we recommend each of them with confidence. Ultimately, the best helmet is the one that fits your head and your needs. When it comes time to decide, try on various options and learn as much as possible about their feature sets.

Most of the highly rated ski helmets on the market are built with a rotation force mitigation system. To date, MIPS is the most common and well-known, and not many competing technologies exist.

Smith integrates Koroyd impact protection in many ski and snowboard helmets and even couples the technology with MIPS in certain models. Scott integrates a shock-absorbing material called D3O, which is likewise added alongside MIPS. Bontrager features WaveCel in bike helmets but does not produce snow sports helmets. Anon features WaveCel in their winter helmets.

Formerly, POC designed its own solution, known as SPIN, which the brand began to phase out and replace with MIPS in 2019. We recommend purchasing a helmet with MIPS or a comparable system.

Ski and snowboard helmets should be plenty warm to keep your head and ears comfortable in high-elevation alpine conditions. If you run cold, we recommend seeking out a helmet known for its warmth, like the Sweet Protection Switcher. You can also layer a thin beanie underneath a well-fitting helmet to add extra oomph if your noggin just won’t warm up.

Also, an adjustable ventilation system will allow you to close your vents to keep precious heat in, like the Anon Merak.

Ski helmets are designed to withstand more than one minor hit. But if you find yourself in a serious crash, or if your helmet shows visible signs of damage, replace it immediately. A cracked helmet, or a helmet missing any padding or parts, shouldn’t be worn.

No crashes or impacts? Don’t hold on to that helmet forever. A general rule of thumb is to replace helmets after about five years if you’re skiing or snowboarding consistently. Interior padding can break down with time, and wear and tear from sweat and hair products can also break down a helmet’s liner.

Finding a ski helmet that fits is a bit like Goldilocks: not too tight, not too loose, but just right.

A ski helmet should fit snugly, with no spaces between the foam or padding and your head. If a helmet can rock back and forth, or moves around when you shake your head from side to side, it’s too big. Try a size down, or if the helmet has an adjustment mechanism, try tightening it. If a helmet causes headaches, it’s too tight. Go a size up, or, loosen it up.

Following a brand’s size chart is a good place to start. If this is your first time buying a helmet, or you don’t already know your size for a particular brand, we recommend trying on helmets in person to get a feel for what you like. Or at least, check an online retailer’s return policy.

Is your helmet dirty from riding in the back of your car or being dropped in a muddy parking lot? Good news: You can clean it. Warm water and mild detergent or soap with a soft cloth should do the trick. Don’t soak any parts of the helmet, use strong cleaners, or put the shell close to high heat (like a hairdryer).

Some liners are removable. Check the tag for instructions on machine-washing or washing by hand with mild soap and water, too.

Ski and snowboard helmets can be tailored to women, men, and a range of people through the size run, shape, and aesthetic. Regardless of how you identify, you should buy the helmet that best fits your head and needs.

Similar to the apparel industry, there is no universal fit or sizing chart utilized across brands. Some ski helmet brands offer unisex helmets, while others offer women’s specific sizes and men’s specific sizes. Other brands, like Smith, offer all of the above.

For instance, the Smith Vantage Round Contour Fit for men is offered in medium (59-63 cm) and large (63-67 cm). The size run for the Smith Vantage Women’s Mips, the women’s-specific version of the same helmet design, differs. You’ll see a menu with a small (51-55 cm), medium (55-59 cm), or large (59-63 cm).

However, when you look at the sizes offered via the Pret Women’s Corona X and Pret Men’s Cirque X, you’ll find the same measurements for each dedicated size but the size large is only available for the men’s-specific product. The colors also differ between the two.

There’s no hard and fast rule with sizing, so always check the sizing chart and measure your noggin.

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