Skiing is a risky activity. Blown knees and dislocated shoulders are pretty common, and more serious problems can arise. Head injuries are the most dangerous, which is why you should always be sure to get a strong helmet whenever you’re on the slopes.
I’m Christine, a lifelong skier and founder of this blog. I’m a big supporter of always being as safe as possible on the mountain, and helmets are a crucial part of that. I know what to look for in the best helmet options currently available.
The Smith Vantage MIPS is my pick for the best ski helmet of the year. It’s one of the highest-quality models around in terms of safety, comfort, and style. If you want to stay protected and look good while doing it, this is the helmet for you.
There are a ton of helmet options available, and it can be hard to sift through all the choices. That’s why I made this post – to take the guesswork out of the search for good helmets. Every top model will be reviewed in the sections below.
Let’s buckle up and get started.
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Who Should Get This
If you ski, you should get a ski helmet. I’ll be honest, I do not always ski with a helmet on, and every time I do, I always get comments from fellow skiers telling me how important and easy it is to wear a helmet while skiing.
There is really no excuse not to these days, as there are plenty of options and styles on the market. Modern ski helmets are warm, comfortable, and the protection they offer is priceless.
While you might be able to ski safely on your own on a wide-open slope, you never know what could happen. Just having a helmet, regardless of where you are, exponentially increases your safety and ensures you won’t suffer any unfortunate injuries during a hard fall.
Putting on a helmet has saved many lives over the years. It’s not worth skiing without one, and it’s as simple as that. Plenty of skiers die every year because they choose not to wear a helmet. It’s a serious issue that is easily avoidable.
Do you need a special helmet for skiing?
Technically any helmet is better than no helmet at all. But models specifically designed for skiing will give you additional warmth, ventilation, and performance that are built to handle the rigors of winter weather.
Why is it important to wear a helmet when skiing?
Head injuries are common when skiing, and can often be fatal. Many of these injuries can be prevented or greatly reduced when wearing a helmet. A helmet can quite literally save your life, and that’s why they’re important.
Do beginner skiers need helmets?
Yes, every level of skier needs to wear a helmet. Beginners may not be going as fast as advanced skiers, but they still put themselves at risk every time they go down a run. They tend to fall more than advanced skiers as well.
Can a ski helmet be a bike helmet?
Sure, you can use a ski helmet as a bike helmet. But there is a good chance that you will overheat or be uncomfortable. Ski helmets are designed to handle cold weather and are more heavy-duty than bike helmets.
Can a climbing helmet be used for skiing?
Technically, yes. But I wouldn’t recommend it. Climbing helmets aren’t built to handle cold weather as well as ski helmets. They will still provide you with plenty of protection from impacts, but they won’t provide protection against the elements.
What is the difference between a ski and snowboard helmet?
Nothing, really. It just comes down to how they are marketed. You can wear a skiing helmet for snowboarding and a snowboarding helmet for skiing. It’s just brand recognition at the end of the day.
Can you rent just a helmet at ski resorts?
Most resorts and ski towns will have rental helmets available. You should call ahead to double-check and/or make a reservation to ensure that the location you are visiting offers this service.
Top Picks of Best Ski Helmets
Here are my picks for the best ski helmets of the year. Each of the models reviewed here offers excellent safety features, plenty of comfort, and other traits that come in useful for skiers.
1. Smith Vantage MIPS
- Best for: Overall
- Key features: Hybrid SL Shell, 21 vents, climate control, BOA fit system, MIPS equipped
- Safety: ASTM F 2040/ CE EN 1077:2007 B
- Weight: 500 grams
- Cost: $$$$
Ski helmets don’t get much better than the Smith Vantage MIPS (review), and this model earns my pick for the best ski helmet of the year.
This is a very high-quality helmet that performs well with protection and safety in mind. It’s constructed of a hybrid-in mold design that makes it both lightweight and comfortable.
The Vantage helmet weighs a comfortable 500 grams and comes with an adjustable fit thanks to a supportive liner and BOA dial.
It has a total of twenty-one vents for some serious ventilation and utilizes Smith’s Aerocore construction to better absorb and disperse energy upon impact.
The only real downside of this helmet is that it’s very expensive. But the cost is well worth it if you want the best of the best.
2. Oakley MOD 5
- Best for: Fit
- Key features: Comfortable, no pressure ear cup, FIDLOCK buckles, removable liner, BOA fit system
- Safety: ASTM F2040/ CE EN 1077
- Weight: 1 pound 4 oz
- Cost: $$$
The Oakley MOD 5 (review) will give you a fantastic fit that will let you ski long and hard without worrying about what is attached to your head.
It features a hybrid style construction with a modular brim system that stresses a secure, protective fit alongside plenty of style considerations.
The outer shell is made with durable ABS plastic, and it has plenty of ventilation holes. You also get a BOA fit system to dial in a comfortable and secure custom fit.
The helmet also comes with a removable liner, FIDLOCK magnetic strap, and no pressure ear cups.
The option listed here doesn’t have a built-in MIPS system, but you can pay a little extra and get this feature in the same helmet.
3. POC Obex Backcountry Spin
- Best for: Backcountry
- Key features: Lightweight, comfortable, adjustable venting, removable earpads, NFC Medical ID chip
- Safety: CE EN 1077B/ASTM F2040
- Weight: 500 grams
- Cost: $$
The POC Obex Backcountry Spin is a great helmet to choose from when your skiing adventures take you deep into the wilderness, and you want to stay safe and secure the entire time.
This helmet is specially designed with backcountry skiers and snowboarders in mind, and it includes additional safety features that you won’t find on a typical resort helmet. An NFC medical ID chip can help first responders aide you in an emergency.
It’s also an extremely durable and comfortable helmet built for long days in the backcountry. The helmet has traceable reflectors built-in to assist search and rescue efforts. It is also audio compatible.
My only negative comment on this helmet is that you don’t get many color options to choose from if you’re looking for style.
4. Giro Ledge MIPS
- Best for: Budget Option
- Key features: Affordable, MIPS equipped, stack ventilation, Auto Loc 2 fit system, removable earpads
- Safety: CE EN 1077B
- Weight: 500 grams (medium)
- Cost: $$
If you want to stay safe while skiing without breaking the bank, take a look at the Giro Ledge MIPS ski helmet (detailed review here).
This is one of the only affordable options that still offer the MIPS safety system, and GIRO has been using this technology in its helmets for some time now. Along with the low price point, that feature makes this helmet an enticing option for any skier.
The Ledge has a two-piece durable Hard Shell Construction that is molded and then attached to an EPS foam liner. That design makes for a bulkier and heavier product, but it’s still sturdy and feels great on your head.
The helmet also features a stack-vent technology that’s said to help reduce goggle fog and keep you cool during long days. Removable ear pads and an Auto-Loc 2 fit system are other stand-out features.
This is a pretty bulky helmet compared to other high-end options.
5. Anon Invert MIPS
- Best for: Style
- Key features: Great style, adjustable venting, MIPS equipped, auto-adjust fit system, removable ear pads
- Safety: ASTM 2040/CE 1077B
- Weight: 410 grams
- Cost: $$
The Anon Invert MIPS ski helmet offers classic style at an affordable price point and is a solid all-around option for a variety of skiers.
This model features an in-mold shell construction that combines a lightweight shell with an EPS liner to keep bulk down and safety up.
It also comes with MIPS technology for the added safety it provides, while passive ventilation channels create natural airflow to keep you cool and comfortable as you ski.
It doesn’t have as many adjustable features as some other helmets, but I think this one looks and feels great.
6. Smith Optics Valence Women’s
- Best for: Women
- Key features: Women’s specific design, hybrid shell construction, low profile, adjustable climate control, BOA fit system
- Safety: ASTM F 2040/CE EN 1077:2007 B
- Weight: 530 grams
- Cost: $$$
The best women’s ski helmet is the Smith Optics Valence Women’s. This is another excellent option from Smith, and a reliable helmet for safety, comfort, and performance.
The model features a hybrid shell construction that gives you plenty of protection from impact. This is further enhanced by MIPS technology for even more effective performance.
Other solid features include an adjustable climate control system, eighteen different vents, and an adjustable BOA fit system.
It’s a somewhat expensive option, and there isn’t a vast selection of colors available.