Ski helmets are essential safety accessories when you’re out on the slopes. Though some people may try to go without them, there is no reason to put yourself at risk. They can also be expensive, but luckily there are quality options that are affordable as well.
My name is Christine, and I’ve been an avid skier since I was a kid. I love the sport immensely, but I also know how expensive it can be. That’s why I’ve spent the time to find some affordable helmets to share with you here.
The Giro Ledge MIPS is my pick for the best budget ski helmet under $100. This affordable helmet still gives you plenty of protection, thanks to MIPS technology. It also comes in a range of colors to match your style on the slopes.
Several other really good budget ski helmets are available, and I’ll show you all of the best options in the post. My goal is to help you stay safe while skiing without having to spend an arm and a leg.
Let’s get rolling.
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Who Should Get This
Every skier needs a good helmet, and it doesn’t matter how often you get out on the mountain or how much experience you have. Without a quality helmet, your safety is very much at risk every time you step on the snow.
All of the helmets you find here come in at a budget price that is under $100. This makes them perfect for people looking to save money on their ski equipment or simply those who can’t afford a top-of-the-line helmet model.
Just because they are cheaper doesn’t mean they are of poor quality. Every helmet here is built to meet safety standards that will keep your head protected in case of severe impact.
Best Budget Ski Helmets: Top Picks
Here are all my top picks for the best budget ski helmets under $100. These affordable options are great for anyone looking to save their hard-earned money for other ski-related purposes.
1. Giro Ledge MIPS
- Best for: Overall
- Key features: Lightweight, affordable, comfortable, MIPS equipped, good ventilation, Auto Loc 2 fit system
- Weight: 500 Grams
- Safety: CE EN 1077 B
- Cost: $$
The Giro Ledge MIPS (review) is my top overall pick for the best budget ski helmet of the season. This affordable model gives you a ton of protection and looks pretty great as well.
MIPS technology offers some of the most advanced impact protection, and it’s hard to find this feature in cheap helmets. That alone makes the Ledge worth buying.
The helmet also features excellent ventilation and comes with an Auto Loc 2 fit system to achieve a secure fit in seconds.
It has a bit of a boxy look to it, but I have few complaints other than that.
==> You can also get it on Evo or Curated or Christy Sports.
2. Giro Ceva MIPS
- Best for: Women
- Key features: Women’s design, adjustable venting, In Form fit system, MIPS equipped
- Weight: 450 grams
- Safety: CE EN 1077 B
- Cost: $$
The Giro Ceva MIPS is a women’s specific model that comes in under $100.
This affordable helmet offers excellent safety and impact protection, thanks to MIPS technology and strong construction all around.
You also benefit from adjustable venting and an In Form fit system that helps keep the helmet in place as you ski.
You’ll need to pay extra if you want to use the compatible Giro audio system.
==> You can also get it on Evo or DICK’S or Moosejaw.
3. Wildhorn Drift
- Best for: Ventilation
- Key features: Excellent ventilation, fine tune fit adjustment, lightweight, official US ski team helmet
- Weight: Unknown
- Safety: ASTM F2040/CE EN 1077 B
- Cost: $$
If you are looking for an affordable helmet that will still provide you with good ventilation, the Wildhorn Drift is recommended.
This helmet also happens to be an official option of the US Ski Team, so you know it’s built with quality in mind.
Thirteen fully adjustable vents give you the ability to control how much airflow comes across your head, providing variable comfort as you ski.
The chin strap is a little large on this one, which I dislike, but other skiers might not notice.
==> You can also get it on Wildhorn Outfitters or Walmart.
4. Smith Holt
- Best for: Style
- Key features: Great looks, comfortable, bombshell construction, AirEvac ventilation
- Weight: 550 grams
- Safety: ASTM F2040/CE EN 1077 B/CPSC CE EN 1078
- Cost: $$
The Smith Holt is one of the best-looking budget helmets you can find. It has a classic style that looks good on just about everyone.
The helmet also features a bombshell construction that uses an ABS shell to give you excellent protection from impacts.
AirEvac ventilation helps the warm air generated by your head escape before it has a chance to turn into sweat.
The ventilation system is fixed, meaning you can adjust it. But it’s still pretty effective.