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: $$
The Giro Ledge MIPS (review) is my top overall pick for the best budget ski helmet of the season. This affordable model gives you a ton of protection and looks pretty great as well.
MIPS technology offers some of the most advanced impact protection, and it’s hard to find this feature in cheap helmets. That alone makes the Ledge worth buying.
The helmet also features excellent ventilation and comes with an Auto Loc 2 fit system to achieve a secure fit in seconds.
It has a bit of a boxy look to it, but I have few complaints other than that.
2. Giro Ceva MIPS
- Best for: Women
- Key features: Women’s design, adjustable venting, In Form fit system, MIPS equipped
- Weight: 450 grams
- Safety: CE EN 1077 B
- Cost: $$
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.
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: $$
If you are looking for an affordable helmet that will still provide you with good ventilation, the Wildhorn Drift is recommended.
This helmet also happens to be an official option of the US Ski Team, so you know it’s built with quality in mind.
Thirteen fully adjustable vents give you the ability to control how much airflow comes across your head, providing variable comfort as you ski.
The chin strap is a little large on this one, which I dislike, but other skiers might not notice.
4. Smith Holt
- Best for: Style
- Key features: Great looks, comfortable, bombshell construction, AirEvac ventilation
- Weight: 550 grams
- Safety: ASTM F2040/CE EN 1077 B/CPSC CE EN 1078
- Cost: $$
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.
5. OutdoorMaster Kelvin
- Best for: Low Price
- Key features: Very low price, good construction, multiple color options, 14 vents
- Weight: 550 grams
- Safety: ASTM F2040
- Cost: $
The OutdoorMaster Kelvin is the lowest-priced budget option on the list.
This one is great for any skier on a serious budget who is still looking for a decent helmet to keep them out of harm’s way.
It’s built with a reinforced ABS shell alongside an EPS core that does a great job of absorbing impacts. Fourteen vents give you plenty of airflow to stay nice and comfortable as well.
This one is simple by design and doesn’t have many high-end features, which keeps it highly affordable.
How to Choose a Budget Ski Helmet
The factors below are important to keep in mind when choosing a budget ski helmet under $100. These same factors apply to any helmet, but you always want to make sure a cheaper model is built with quality and safety in mind.
Durability
No matter what it looks like or how it feels, a helmet needs to be able to protect your head. Do not settle for a model that isn’t able to withstand a beating or that can’t take a strong impact. Always look for models made with premium shock-absorbing materials.
You also want to pay attention to general durability. While not as crucial as impact protection, get a helmet that will stand up to a lot of use. Not only does that save you money, but it also ensures you’re getting a sturdy item crafted with quality materials.
Safety Rating
Any ski helmet you choose needs to meet specific safety ratings established within the ski industry. Every helmet you see on this list meets or exceeds these standards, but it’s something to keep in mind if you look for other options.
Sometimes cheaper helmets aren’t built with the same safety considerations and high-end materials as more expensive models. Always look for these safety ratings before you make a purchase. If they aren’t listed, the helmet probably doesn’t meet the standards.
Comfort
Helmets need to be solid on the outside, but that doesn’t mean they have to be hard or rigid on the inside. No matter how long you find yourself zipping down the mountain, all great models should be comfortable to wear.
When it comes to comfort, you want to pay attention to both material and fit. Soft, cushioned interiors are essential, but also look for a helmet that fits onto your head in a smooth, comfortable way.
Appearance
Looks are one of the last things to consider when getting a ski helmet. Even so, once you find a few models that suit your needs, go for aspects like color and appearance. Your helmet doesn’t have to be a big fashion statement, but they are clothing items at the end of the day.
If you can get a helmet that looks good, you should pull the trigger. Several of the options listed here are available in multiple colors that can help match your style as a skier.
Useful Tips & Resources
If you are just learning how to ski and are purchasing a helmet for the first time, it can be somewhat overwhelming. Check out this post to help you learn more about choosing a good option to meet your needs.
Skiing can be a dangerous activity, but that doesn’t mean you need to always ski in fear. If you know how to stay safe and wear a helmet, you can significantly reduce your risks on the mountain.
Check out the video below for some additional advice on how to stay safe when you are skiing.
Final Verdict
The Giro Ledge MIPS is my pick for the best budget ski helmet. It’s pretty rare to find a helmet with MIPS technology in this price range, so this is an excellent value for any skier looking to stay safe at all times.
All of the helmets listed here provide excellent protection from impacts while also delivering good comfort. The fact that they all come in at a price under $100 is icing on the cake.
