Best Ski Helmet
Do you know what ski helmet is best? The one that will protect your head and keep you safe on the slopes. We have researched and found some of the most popular helmets for skiing, so we can help get you ready for your next adventure on the slopes!
Head injuries are a major concern when it comes to skiing or snowboarding. No matter how experienced or skilled of a skier that you may be, there’s always potential for an accident.
Wise skiers wear protective gear in order to stay warm and avoid serious injury. Protective gear includes: goggles, boots, gloves, jackets/coats, pants/trousers, hat (skiing cap), neck warmer (balaclava) and finally – ski helmet.”
You only have one noggin, so it’s important to take precautionary measures to protect your body while skiing, no matter how much of an expert you may be.
These helmets are designed to provide you maximum comfort and security while skiing. You can also choose between various options depending on the experience in the field and your preferences.
For instance, if you have zero experience with skiing, you need a ski helmet that protects your head from almost every crash that could happen.
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Smith Quantum MIPS Helmet
✅ MIPS Brain Protection System
✅ Dual ventilation system
✅ Floating fit adjustment
❌ Maybe Little Heavy
$300.00 Shop Now Shop Now
Smith Liberty MIPS Snow Helmet for Women
✅ Koroyd protective material
✅ 20 vents adjustable climate control
✅ Rotary adjustment for secure fit
❌ Color and size options
$167.93 Shop Now Shop Now
Oakley MOD 5 MIPS Helmet
✅ Dual-Construction Hybrid Shell
✅ Adjustable Venting for all weather
✅ Fully adjustable
❌ Not customizable
$240.00 Shop NowRating and ranking
Based on how much you can spend, you can also find advanced, feature-rich, and tech-friendly ski helmets.
Whether you need these features is an entirely different matter. Even so, filtering the best products from a collection of thousands will be challenging for most people.
In this article, we wanted to solve the issue significantly. We have curated five of the best ski helmets in the market right now. We have chosen them based on the build quality, offered protection, additional features, and durability.
Of course, we have taken into consideration thousands of user reviews.
Best Ski Helmet – Reviews & Buying Guide for 2021
- Smith Quantum MIPS Helmet
- Smith Liberty MIPS Snow Helmet for Women
- Oakley MOD 5 MIPS Helmet
- Rollins MIPS E2 Snow Helmet
- Lenox EPS MIPS Snow Helmet for Women
Best Overall: Smith Quantum MIPS Helmet
- Color: Matte Black, Clay Red, Matte Cloudgrey, Matte French Navy, Matte White Charcoal
- Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large
- Material: ABS, Koroyd
The Smith Quantum MIPS Helmet is hands down the best ski helmet you can get today. Even though it does not cost much, the hard-shell helmet offers maximum protection to your head during skiing or snowboarding adventures.
It also happens to be one of the highest-rated ski helmets you can find in the market. Smith has been making skiing and snowboarding accessories for quite some time, and you can see the difference when looking for quality, comfort, and customization.
Benefits
- Top-notch Construction – Smith has constructed the Quantum MIPS Helmet with superior quality. It fuses a tough ABS hard-shell layer with a flyweight in-mold technology. Therefore, users enjoy maximum comfort while the outer layer does an impressive job of shock absorption.
- Optimized for Ventilation – Smith’s Aerocore construction design can improve the overall ventilation of the helmet. The honeycomb material ensures that cool incoming air gets into the helmet while pushing the heat outside. Its AirEvac ventilation system can help your head cool in different circumstances, thanks to the 22 vents.
- Tailor-fit Comfort – As you can guess, the Smith Quantum MIPS Helmet provides a comfortable skiing experience. It is partly due to the construction material and the optimized design. The full halo design allows the user to make necessary changes as well. So, even if the helmet does not come tailor-fit, you can make it so.
- Compatibility – As said, Smith has been making skiing accessories for a while. So, you would not have trouble connecting the ski helmet to one of those accessories. For instance, you can hook up the Skyline Goggles from the maker. It fits perfectly, and you can remove them through a super-simple lock.
- Availability – The Smith Quantum MIPS Helmet is available in many varieties in color and size. You can choose between Matte-based finishes and others. The models are made available in Small, Medium, Large, and X-Large sizes without too much price hike.
Drawbacks
- Can be a Little Heavy – Some reviews indicate that the Smith Quantum MIPS Helmet is a little heavy on the head. So, if you are new to skiing or snowboarding, you may need time to get used to the extra weight. Some also say that the outer layer is bulky due to the MIPS technology in use.
Extra Features
The Smith Quantum MIPS Helmet comes with a few advanced features, including the MIPS system. It comes with the Wayfinder Strap System that uses Fidlock as well. As a result, you can wear and remove the helmet using one hand.
Buying Advice
If you do not mind paying a semi-premium price, the Smith Quantum MIPS Helmet is the best overall helmet for skiing. It offers the best combination of build quality, comfort, and compatibility. As we said, you can pick one of the best colors, finishes, and sizes based on your preferences.
Runner-Up: Smith Liberty MIPS Snow Helmet for Women
- Colors: Matte Satin White, Matte Bermuda, Matte Meridian
- Sizes: Small, Medium
- Material: Polycarbonate, Hybrid
The Smith Liberty MIPS Snow Helmet is our recommended choice if you need a reliable skiing helmet made for women. Though the product comes with MIPS technology and other protection offers, you do not have to spend a considerable amount to get this version.
The hybrid construction can bring the best of comfort and sturdy protection while skiing or snowboarding. Therefore, you can consider getting the helmet if you need a better design for women.
Benefits
- MIPS technology – As said, the helmet makes use of the MIPS technology, which places a low-friction layer between the inner and the outer layer. Therefore, even if you were to come across a crash, the helmet can offer the user’s head and brain the best safety.
- Proper Ventilation – Like the best overall pick we made, the Smith Liberty MIPS Snow Helmet for Women uses the Aerocore hybrid ABS construction system. Thanks to the use of Koroyd, which is a patented material, users can enjoy maximum comfort while skiing or snowboarding, even in the most demanding scenarios.
- Antibacterial Protection – The Smith Liberty MIPS Snow Helmet for Women is called the best ski helmet for women for many reasons. In addition to the incredible design it packs, the helmet comes with XT2 antibacterial performance lining and SL2 earpads. These layers work hand in hand to offer best-in-class protection.
- Best-in-class Ventilation – Despite the low price, the helmet has used the power of AirEvac ventilation design. Unlike the first one, this model comes with 20 vents. So, even when you are wearing many accessories, including a good pair of gloves, these vents enable best-in-class ventilation and climate control options.
- Standard Compatibility – The Smith Liberty MIPS Snow Helmet for Women is not as compatible as the winner pick on this guide. You would not have trouble hooking the helmet up with standard goggles, beanies, and even a few audio systems from Aleck, Skullcandy, and Outdoor Tech.
Drawbacks
- Fewer Options – Compared to our winner pick, the Smith Liberty MIPS Snow Helmet for Women does not have many options in terms of color or size. You have to choose between three finishes and two sizes. Almost all these models stay in a safe pricing bracket on the bright side.
Extra Features
We noticed that the Smith Liberty MIPS Snow Helmet for Women comes with a VaporFit dial, which we could not find in other versions. This design allows women to customize the fit according to the various attachment points on the helmet. It comes in handy when you need maximum control over the design.
Buying Advice
Considering the low price we have to pay, the Smith Liberty MIPS Snow Helmet for Women is a deal that you should not miss. Despite these discounts, you can enjoy best-in-class protection and customizable comfort. You would not have trouble connecting the helmet to many accessories, either.
Alternative: Oakley MOD 5 MIPS Helmet
- Colors: Dark Blue, Dark Brush, Matte Black, Matte Grey, Matte White
- Sizes: Small, Medium, Large
- Material: ABS
If you are looking for the best option between our winner pick and runners-up option, you should check out the Oakley MOD 5 MIPS Helmet.
On the one hand, the helmet offers all sorts of protection/comfort features you can expect. On the other hand, you have a few more colors, finishes, and sizes to choose from.
Benefits
- Dual-Material Build – Like most products on this list, the Oakley MOD 5 MIPS Helmet also comes with a dual-material hybrid shell. The combination of ABS and In-Mold does an exceptional job, indeed.
- Excellent Ventilation – Even though there are not many fancy features, the helmet takes care of the basic ventilation needs. You can count on the integrated venting system and the adjustable controls.
- Optimized MIPS – The MIPS system in use increases the protection capability of the skiing helmet. At the same time, it uses the Fidlock Buckle System, which you can enable and disable using a single hand.
- BOA 270 for Enhanced Fit – The BOA 270 Fit System is exceptionally significant when you need all-day comfort. You can achieve this even when you are wearing beanies and gloves.
Drawbacks
- Not customizable – The Oakley MOD 5 MIPS Helmet does not offer much customization in terms of fit. You will have to get used to the construction rather than the other way round.
Extra Features
The Oakley MOD 5 MIPS Helmet comes with the Modular Brim System, which offers better compatibility for goggles. In the same way, the No Pressure Ear Cup design allows maximum hearing options without affecting your comfort.
Buying Advice
You should get the Oakley MOD 5 MIPS Helmet if you are looking for maximum comfort and a standard set of features. On the bright side, you can choose between multiple colors and sizes as well. In the end, it costs way less than others.
Alternative: Rollins MIPS E2 Snow Helmet
- Colors: Matte Black, Matte White
- Sizes: Small, Medium, Large
- Material: Polycarbonate, In-mold
You should look at the Rollins MIPS E2 Snow Helmet if you need the best ski helmet under $100. Even though you do not have to spend a lot, the product brings a combination of high-quality construction and comfort. It does not weigh too much, either.
Benefits
- Best Impact Reduction – Despite being affordable, the Rollins MIPS E2 Snow Helmet has used a combination of polycarbonate and Zipmold form. The combination can reduce the shock impact to a great extent.
- Crank Fit Design – The Crank Fit design on the Rollins MIPS E2 Snow Helmet comes with a few advantages. Thanks to its easy-to-wear design, you can ensure maximum fit every single time.
- Stealth Slider – The design of the helmet also includes a stealth slider. The internal adjustable vent will provide you better control for ventilation.
- Built-in Visor – We also spotted a small visor on the design, which does an impressive job of resisting the snow. As you can see, the design is pretty sweet.
Drawbacks
- Not suitable for rugged environments – While the Rollins MIPS E2 Snow Helmet can protect you from entry-level crashes, we cannot suggest this for ultimate skiing adventurers.
Extra Features
Apart from the MIPS system, the Rollins MIPS E2 Snow Helmet does not have any extra features.
Buying Advice
If you are looking for maximum savings, the Rollins MIPS E2 Snow Helmet is your best shot.
However, you may have to limit yourself to a few finishes/colors and customization options. On the bright side, you get to enjoy reasonable comfort and protection.
Alternative: Lenox EPS MIPS Snow Helmet for Women
- Color: Satin Black
- Size: Small, Medium
- Material: ABS
Are you looking for the best affordable ski helmet for women? It would help if you considered getting the Lenox EPS MIPS Snow Helmet in that case.
The helmet is a combination of superior construction quality and comfort. It still manages to cost less than a fancy dinner night.
Benefits
- Optimized for Women – The Lenox EPS MIPS Snow Helmet has been designed and optimized for women who are into skiing and snowboarding. So, maximum comfort is assured.
- BOA for Comfort Fit – The manufacturer has used a premium liner inside the helmet to make this possible. It is powered by the BOA technology and increases comfort fit.
- Increased Compatibility – The helmet comes with a few ports and mounts that you can attach with ease. Finding a compatible bike light would not be challenging.
- Effective MIPS – Of course, the helmet uses MIPS technology. First, it reduces the impact on your head. Second, it can improve how things fit.
Drawbacks
- Limited Colors – There are not many colors or sizes to choose from. We would have loved to see some better colors and finishes.
Extra Features
There are no additional features in the Lenox EPS MIPS Snow Helmet for Women package.
Buying Advice
We endorse the Lenox EPS MIPS Snow Helmet for Women for everyone who needs a low-cost yet quality-rich helmet for skiing. As you can guess, you would not have trouble using the same helmet for your biking needs.
Ski Helmet FAQs
How do I choose a good helmet?
Choosing a good helmet is one of the first and most important tasks before you ride uphill and don your skis. You have to consider several factors before hanging on to one specific helmet model.
Most adventure sports involve helmets in their mandatory apparel, and each sport helmet is built differently to provide adequate safety in that sport. Therefore, ski helmets are also specialized in their structure and construction.
Ski helmets are built using temperature-sensitive materials and moisture-wicking liners. They have a hard outer shell, typically made of ABS plastic, that prevents serious head injuries. The outer shell also tackles small rocks or sharp pieces of debris and spreads the impact energy of a fall on its large surface.
Additionally, the helmet’s inner lining is made of EPS (expanded polystyrene) foam, and it is designed to absorb impacts.
A good helmet must have these crucial layers in it to keep your head safe in case of a fall or a collision.
A good ski helmet must fit your head perfectly to avoid any mishaps. You need to measure your head size and check for the perfect fit when purchasing a helmet. You can measure the circumference of the largest part of your head using a measuring tape, keeping it just above your ears and eyebrows. Alternatively, if you buy it from a store, try on as many sizes as you can to discover the best fit.
Remember, a ski helmet must feel snug but not tight. If a helmet moves back and forth or sideways when you rock your head, then you can try a smaller size or tighten the straps. Most ski helmets will have ear protection as well, so choose the most comfortable one you can find. Bear in mind that there should be no gap between the top of your ski goggles and your helmet.
It would be best to consider your GoPro needs when buying a helmet. Ensure that the helmet can support camera gear on its deck.
Lastly, make sure the helmet you are buying fits the safety standards of national or international bodies.
Does a ski helmet really protect?
Yes. A good ski helmet will prevent potential injuries that happen from flying debris or hard snow chunks in the track. Falling head-first into hard snow is capable of creating fatal injuries. Therefore, wearing a helmet is mandatory on every ski trip. The pertinent question is – will a helmet prevent a concussion?
This one’s a little tricky to answer. If you had a skiing accident and landed on your head, a helmet would lower the impact on the head and maybe prevent a severe concussion. There have been incidents that conclude this same thing. There have been several collisions between people wearing helmets and those who were not. However, a seemingly mild fall for the helmeted person resulted in a fatal epidural hematoma for the person who chose not to wear a helmet.
A helmet will protect you in minor accidents or bumps and lower the blow in severe ones. It simply pays to wear a helmet every time you ski.
Do ski resorts require helmets?
No, but they should. Most ski resorts do not make it mandatory to wear a helmet. Most resorts will not urge recreational skiers to wear helmets. However, most ski parks and resorts will keep rentals.
However, it is no myth that helmets protect you from head injuries. A head injury in the snow while traveling at 19 mph can be fatal, and one at 12 mph can be severe. While not always wholly preventing a severe injury, a helmet will cushion the blow to some extent.
Therefore, even if you’re ski racing or doing a recreational spin in the snow, you should wear a helmet.
The trend today is shifting towards wearing helmets. Even though it isn’t mandatory, veterans in the skiing community will tell anyone who lends an ear that it is essential to wear a helmet.
Do beginner skiers need helmets?
If you’re under the impression that only expert skiers are supposed to wear helmets, you could be more wrong. Everyone must wear a ski helmet. Beginners, especially children, are issued a standard helmet when they are learning the craft of the sport.
Every adrenaline-pumping high-octane adventure needs its safety apparel. For skiers, it is their helmet. It is not a waste of money, even if you plan to do beginner-level bunny slopes all day. The slightest head injury can be severe for skiers, and they need all the protection they can get. If you’re skiing for the first time, your body might find it challenging to adapt to snowy conditions. A helmet would be the safest bet in such situations.
Losing their balance and falling is not the only thing a skier fears. You may often encounter other skiers or snowboarders in your line in ski parks or resorts. In such cases, a collision can be very risky. Beginners are at the risk of traveling slowly and colliding with someone speeding towards them.
If you’re not wearing a helmet out of fear of being uncomfortable, then you should know that they are insulated and vented for your comfort. On hot days, the sun stays off your head, and on cold days the heat stays inside the helmet. You can choose your comfort and convenience in the helmet that you buy. You can add a brim to keep sharp sun rays away from your eyes or prevent snow from falling on your goggles. Also, helmets, thanks to their hard outer shell, are waterproof.
You should know as a beginner that your comfort and safety are guaranteed by wearing a helmet every time you ride up the slope and ski down.
Conclusion
We have tried to collect the best ski helmets as comprehensively as possible.
The idea was to include at least one option for skiing enthusiasts with different needs. For instance, if you can give up on the comfort-oriented features for saving money, you have a couple of options on the list.
In the same way, you can spend a little more for superior comfort. We hope it helps.
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