Skiing is a fun and exciting sport that can be enjoyable for people of all ages. However, it has the potential to be dangerous as well. Falls are common, and people need to be safe when they ski, especially children.
I’ve spent countless days on the slopes over the years, and I know how to find the best equipment for skiers of all ages. I’ve spent a lot of time researching and looking around to develop this list of options for kids.
The Smith Youth Scout Jr. MIPS is my pick for the best kids ski helmet of the year. This is a high-quality option that will provide younger skiers with a lot of comfort, safety, and protection from anything that comes their way on the mountain.
I’ll provide you with all of the best options for kids’ ski helmets in this post. Whether you have kids of your own or are shopping for any younger skiers in your life, these options are all recommended because they will keep those little brains safe and secure.
Time to get after it.
Contents
Who Should Get This
If you have a child who is interested in skiing or who has been skiing without a helmet, you should get them a helmet ASAP. There’s absolutely no reason for a child to be skiing without one.
When people ski, especially those who are just learning, it is common to take some pretty hard falls. Having a helmet will protect your child’s growing brain and make sure they don’t seriously injure themselves.
If your child is quickly getting bigger, you might want to begin looking at smaller adult-sized helmets. Sizing is important, but children also grow quickly, so be sure to keep all of that in mind.
Do kids have to wear helmets while skiing?
There are no rules that I’m aware of that absolutely require a kid to wear a helmet while they ski. But I would highly recommend that they wear one at all times. It’s an easy item to purchase and provides a ton of safety.
Can Kids Wear An Adult Size Ski Helmet?
There’s a good chance that kids might fit into a smaller-sized adult helmet if they have a larger head. The fit of any ski helmet is important, so you never want to get a helmet that is really loose because this can compromise its safety.
Best Kids Ski Helmets: Top Picks
Here are all my top picks for the best kids’ ski helmets of the season. Every model you see here will offer youth sizes while also delivering excellent safety and comfort.
1. Smith Youth Scout Jr. MIPS
- Best for: Overall
- Key features: Comfortable, MIPS equipped, self-adjusting fit, advanced ABS construction
- Safety: ASTM F 2040/ASTM F24/CE EN 177:27B
- Weight: 450 grams
- Cost: $$
The Smith Youth Scout Jr. MIPS is my choice for the best kids ski helmet of the year.
This is an excellent option for any little ripper because it provides them with advanced safety thanks to MIPS technology.
The helmet also features AirEvac ventilation that helps hot air escape from their head and promote adequate airflow. The self-adjusting fit system is another nice touch that makes things very easy to adjust.
This is a somewhat expensive model (for kids anyway), but it excels in many ways to make it worth it.
==> You can also get it on Smith Optics or DICK’S or Mountain Equipment Coop.
2. Giro Neo Jr. MIPS
- Best for: Style
- Key features: Great looks, MIPS equipped, adjustable venting, in-mold construction
- Safety: CE EN 1077 B
- Weight: 450 grams
- Cost: $$
The Giro Neo Jr. MIPS comes in many different color options, making it a great kids helmet with style in mind.
It also features MIPS technology and an in-mold construction for outstanding protection against impacts from all angles.
Adjustable venting lets little skiers dial in customized comfort, while an In Form fit system keeps everything stable and secure as they learn to ski.
This model isn’t available in tiny sizes, so it might not work for toddlers or really small children.
==> You can also get it on Evo or Jans or Backcountry.
3. Smith Youth Holt Jr.
- Best for: Fit
- Key features: Great fit, bombshell construction, good airflow, adjustable Dial Fit system
- Safety: ASTM F 2040/CE EN 1077 B/CPSC CE EN 1078
- Weight: 550 Grams
- Cost: $
The Smith Youth Hold Jr is one of the best fitting kids’ ski helmets around, thanks to an adjustable Dial Fit system that lets you make minor adjustments with the turn of a dial.
It also features a bombshell construction that provides excellent protection against impacts through an injection-molded ABS shell.
The helmet has 14 fixed vents to provide plenty of airflow to keep kids cool and comfortable if they start to heat up.
The earpads are a bit bulky on this model, but they are removable if they get in the way.
==> You can also get it on Smith Optics or Backcountry or Evo.
4. Odoland Snow Helmet Set
- Best for: Helmet with Goggles
- Key features: Includes goggles, solid construction, comfortable, lightweight
- Safety: ASTM 2024/CE EN 1017
- Weight: 450 grams
- Cost: $
If you want to get your kids going with a complete setup, so they are ready for action, the Odoland Snow Helmet set is a good way to accomplish that.
This option comes with a helmet and goggles, providing everything kids need to get rolling while still coming in at an affordable price.
You can also choose from over ten different color options, and the helmet meets several safety requirements to provide added peace of mind.
This isn’t the most high-tech option, but it’s still a good value set.
5. Anon Rime 3
- Best for: Comfort
- Key features: Auto-Adjust fit system, Fidlock buckle, fleece-lined earpads, passive ventilation
- Safety: CE 1077B/ASTM 2040
- Weight: 450 grams
- Cost: $$
The Anon Rime 3 will provide a lot of comfort for any little skier.
This helmet comes with an Auto-Adjust fit system that provides additional flex and comfort. It also features a Fidlock buckle that is easy to use and will reduce pinching.
It’s also a very safe option with an Endura-Shell ABS construction that meets several safety standards and offers excellent impact protection.
The Rime 3 has a short brim, which doesn’t block out much snow, so a good set of goggles will help here.
==> You can also get it on Burton or Evo or Buckman’s.
6. TurboSke Ski Helmet
- Best for: Lightweight
- Key features: Lightweight, comfortable, EPS construction, dial fit, good ventilation
- Safety: ASTM F 2040
- Weight: 400 grams
- Cost: $
The TurboSke ski helmet is one of the lightest kids’ ski helmets you can find. This makes it a good option for any tiny skier who doesn’t have the neck strength to support a larger model.
It also comes with good ventilation to help keep them comfortable and a strong EPS liner that offers solid protection from impact.
This isn’t the most heavy-duty option out there, so I wouldn’t recommend it for skiers with more experience, even if they are small.
7. Retrospec Comstock Youth
- Best for: Versatility
- Key features: Versatile use, EPS foam protection, ErgoKnob dial, plush earmuffs
- Safety: ASTM F 2040
- Weight: 500 grams
- Cost: $
The Retrospec Comstock Youth is a versatile kids ski helmet that can be used in the offseason for biking or any other purpose if needed.
It has an effective construction that utilizes an ABS outer shell and an EPS foam layer inside to give you adequate protection in all sorts of situations.
An ErgoKnow adjustable dial gives you the ability to adjust the fit in seconds with the turn of a knob, and plush earmuffs add a little extra warmth.
It doesn’t come with many color options, but style is a minor consideration with versatility in mind.
How to Choose a Ski Helmet for Kids
When choosing a good ski helmet for kids, take some time to read through the following section. These factors are important for any helmet, but especially for children.
Protection
The first and most important thing to consider when looking at the best kids’ ski helmets is the protection it offers. It should be made of quality materials, be built well, and stand up to bumps and bruises.
If the helmet breaks or cracks on the first fall, it won’t be worth spending money on. MIPS technology is a good thing to keep a lookout for, and there are several options here that come with that feature.
You’ll also want to ensure that the helmet you choose is built to meet established safety standards. This is important to verify that the helmet has been tested to provide adequate protection from severe impacts.
Comfortable
The comfort of the helmet is also crucial. If it doesn’t fit right or is uncomfortable, your child likely won’t want to wear it for more than a few minutes. And if a child happens to take off their helmet because of this, the mountain can become very risky.
Part of making sure it is comfortable also comes down to ensuring you have the correct size. Growing children means that their head size can change quickly, so paying attention to size is even more critical.
Look for soft materials on the inside to ensure the helmet doesn’t cause any discomfort while it’s on their head. I also suggest looking for chinstraps that feature a bit of padding because this is more comfortable than a simple nylon strap.
Warmth/Ventilation
Another vital consideration to keep in mind is how warm a helmet is and how much airflow it provides. These factors come into play throughout the winter, and they are standard features on a high-quality helmet.
A helmet should have as much warmth as a good beanie. Many options have fleece or other materials built into the lining that offers plenty of protection against the wind and cold. Removable earpads are another thing to look for.
Ventilation helps provide airflow and can help stay cooler on warm days. Some helmets have adjustable venting, which is a nice feature, but it’s somewhat challenging to find on kids’ helmets. It can also help reduce sweat, which will prevent them from getting cold in the long run.
How it Looks and is Designed
While how the product looks may not impact how it protects your child, this is still an important factor. Many children don’t like wearing helmets, but getting one with a cool color or design that your child loves could help.
Helmets come in various styles, designs, and colors, so finding one your child can’t wait to wear shouldn’t be too tough. Be sure to ask them what colors they like before purchasing so they can get excited about their new piece of gear.
Useful Tips & Resources
Even if you are on smaller hills, your child must wear a helmet. Accidents can always happen, so it is best to be prepared. Also, make sure your child knows how to fasten and/or tighten their helmet correctly, so you don’t have to always do it for them.
While a helmet is meant to protect you, they aren’t invincible. Be sure to care for your helmet and store it correctly. They should be kept out of direct sunlight and be stored in a room that is not too warm and not too cold.
Kids shouldn’t ski on their own until they are old enough and skilled enough to do so safely. The fun video below highlights some other safety tips for kids to keep in mind on the mountain.
Final Verdict
The Smith Youth Scout Jr. MIPS is my pick for the best kids ski helmet of the season. This is a high-quality option that utilizes MIPS technology to offer superior protection from impacts. It is also very comfortable and warm.
Every helmet found here is built with kid skiers in mind. They all come recommended for solid protection from impacts and other great features that work well in the snow.
