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If you've been to a ski resort in the last few years, you've probably noticed that the overwhelming majority of skiers and snowboarders are now wearing helmets. Modern ski helmets offer performance beyond a piece of personal protective equipment — they provide warmth when it's needed, ventilation when it's not, and have systems to integrate with Bluetooth headphones and eyewear seamlessly.
We purchased the top 14 ski helmets available today and sent them to a world renowned lab for a series of impact tests. Then, we bought the same 14 helmets a second time and sent them to our testing team for rigorous real-world examination, collectively logging thousands of hours skiing and snowboarding in the resort and backcountry.
This year's best ski helmet is the Smith Method Pro Mips, with fantastic performance in key metrics including impact testing and comfort. Surprisingly, it's also one of the lightest models in our review, further confirming its place at the front of the pack.
If price is a major concern, the best helmet value can be found with the Giro Ratio Mips. At half the cost of the high-end competition, this model offers respectable scores across the board without as much wallet strain.
Our expert reviews can help you find just the right ski gear. We have you covered with in-depth reviews of the best outerwear, including our favorite ski jackets, ski pants, and ski gloves to keep you comfortable on the mountain.
Editor's Note: We updated this review on May 14, 2025, to retest some classics and include a few new models.
Magnetic buckle, easy-to-use adjustment system, lightweight, low-profile
Easy to hear through ear pads, good adjustable ventilation, warm, great magnetic buckle with a release tab
Terrific impact test score, minimalist style, great value, comfortable, affordable
Lightweight, low profile, versatile, adjustable ventilation, solid value
Lightweight, low profile, comfortable earpads with earbuds, classic style, easy to remove earpads
Unique ventilation system, comfortable, earpads are earbud friendly, Can hear well through earpads, magnetic buckle
Low profile for a hardshell construction, comfortable padding, light on the head, adjustable harness
Affordable in-mold construction, adjustable vents, adjustable dial system
Low price, adjustable dial, comfy ear pads
Cons
Bulkier, goggle strap an acquired taste, less ideal ventilation
Less ideal fit for some, clunkier profile, less friendly goggle strap
Expensive, brimmed style may not be for everyone, earpads apply pressure to earbuds
Ear flaps easy to detach, helmet fit won’t work for some
Heavy, larger profile
Can't toggle vents back and forth, small velcro tabs can come off the liner
Some wind noise, pricey, slightly heavy on the head
Fixed vents, a bit bulky
Earpads are hard to remove, earpads press on earbuds, the dial is hard to use with gloves
Drafty earpads, not the warmest, adjustable dial, can be challenging to use with gloves on
Expensive, thin padding
Fixed vents
No rotational impact system, less coverage of the head
Heavy, bulky, shallow fit, no rotational impact system,
Bottom Line
This featherweight option boasts top scores across the charts, proving that some ski helmets can do it all
This option offers top-tier impact test scores and a simple design that’s likely to work for a variety of skiers or riders
One of the best models we have tried due to its low profile and highly engineered adjustable ventilation system
This option offers excellent comfort and a modest profile, boasting a nice aesthetic and great packability rarely found in a ski helmet
Outstanding impact test results, adjustable vents, and a dial for tuning the fit, this model has high-end features and strong performance at a stellar price
Perfect for riders looking for a lightweight and low-profile helmet that's easy to forget about
A unique and functional approach to premium features is a worthwhile consideration for your next lid
An affordable option for riders seeking a minimalist skate-styled helmet that offers solid protection and comfort without the bells and whistles and steep price tag
An impressive balance of performance, features, and price
A helmet that you can forget about while it's on your head that has all the key features
Oakley's premium helmet offers resort-focused ventilation, a unique style, and a valuable feature set
A relatively low profile and comfortable hardhat combined with a simple feature set for those looking for streamlined protection
An affordable helmet that includes important features but lacks the same level of coverage and impact protection as other options on the market
A cost-effective way to provide a bit more protection for the infrequent trip to the ski hill
The Smith Method Pro Mips was a favorite amongst our entire testing team, with respectable scores across the board, making it a great do-it-all helmet. With the clean appearance of a heavier free-ride model, we were very impressed with a low weight of only 15 ounces in a size large, which was greatly appreciated on long days in the resort or on sizeable backcountry missions. Our review team shared, “This helmet was comfy for the whole crew, even with various head shapes, thanks to neutral dimensions and a great wheel tightening system.” While it isn't as low profile as the POC Obex Mips, the Method Pro boasts top-tier impact test scores, which were performed at an accredited laboratory.
Options like the Method Pro are truly genre-bending, keeping our testing team happy whether on a lengthy ski mountaineering day or riding chairs at a ski area.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Throughout testing, we were able to stay warm while wearing the Smith Method Pro, but with minimal venting, we got quite hot on spring days with more pleasant temperatures. If your skiing and riding demands more airflow, we'd suggest you look at the Smith Vantage Mips, which offers many sizeable vents. One of our reviewers commented, “The Mips system affords a bit of space between the liner and the main helmet, so it's more breathable than you might think, but we were definitely sweating in the Method Pro.” Additionally, the goggle strap is held in the back by a unique plastic hook that doesn't ever fully close on top of the strap, which we found to be an acquired taste. At the end of the day, this is a phenomenal helmet for skiers or riders wanting versatility, so keep it on your final list.
The Scott Flow Pro Mips stands out as the top-scoring helmet in our impact testing process, which involves a series of drop tests at the lab. Throughout field testing, we were comfortable in the Flow Pro, and the unique construction of the earflaps allowed us to better hear our surroundings than most ski helmets. The review team shared, “This option included one of our favorite features, adjustable goggle vents, which were very convenient for dialing in the airflow needed to keep the goggles clear.” If you like helmets with a bunch of adjustable vents, we recommend comparing the vent-rich Smith Vantage Mips to the Flow Pro, which offers some of the best breathability in the lineup.
At ACT Lab, the Flow Pro was dropped onto a flat anvil once on each side. Both the visual and data analysis confirmed this helmet's place at the front of the pack.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
While we found the Flow Pro to be comfy, it was a bit top-heavy, with some subtle tilting forwards or backwards depending on how snug the fit was. This was a minor issue, but our review team is particularly skilled at catching nuances, stating, “The Flow Pro is pleasant to wear, but some of our testing crew reported some helmet shift, especially for smaller heads.” If you're looking for a comfy helmet that still scores well in impact testing, consider the Smith Vantage Pro Mips. Additionally, the rear goggle strap retainer requires a bit more dexterity and attention, especially with gloves on, but we were able to get used to it with practice. Besides a few setbacks, the Scott Flow Pro Mips is a great model for shoppers demanding the most inspiring drop test results, as long as the fit and profile work for you.
The Giro Ratio Mips delivered great impact test results at a price point substantially less than other high-end options. Our lead tester concluded that this helmet “strikes an impressive balance of value and performance, you don't need to spend big bucks to get great performance.” The Ratio Mips also includes a premium set of features but utilizes a cost-friendly hardshell construction to keep the price reasonable. The ventilation system has six adjustable vents, allowing you to micro-manage the airflow and temperature, a rare feature at this price point. The helmet uses a harness system for an adjustable fit, controlled by an oversized dial that is easily adjusted while wearing gloves.
We found the Ratio to fit longer, oval head shapes the best.
Credit: laredo
While beneficial for cost savings, this helmet's injection-molded construction is also our biggest complaint. The increased weight and size are more noticeable while riding, and the bulkier appearance detracts slightly from its style. If you're looking for a ski helmet that is a bit more streamlined, check out the Giro Ledge Mips. But, the Ratio is hard to beat for skiers and riders looking for a high-quality helmet on a budget. It is an excellent option for casual skiers looking for a new lid that offers great features and top-notch protective technology and avoids the sticker shock of many top models in this review.
The Smith Vantage Mips is a long-time favorite among resort riders and our test team for its feature set, fit, and incredible ventilation. “We love the easily adjustable dial fit system, which eliminates pressure points and provides a comfortable, custom fit regardless of head shape,” says one of our head testers, Isaac. The versatile ventilation system allows you to choose which vents to open so that you can tailor the amount of airflow. The model has 20 mid-sized vents and two adjustable toggles to control the front and back ventilation zones. The comfort, plus the helmet's tight, high-quality construction, make it an easy choice for any diehard skier.
The Smith Vantage earns points for both style and functionality.
Credit: laredo
The main drawback with the Vantage is its high price. Despite the higher price tag, it presents a solid value due to its build quality, comfort, and feature set. However, if you're the type that doesn't mind sponsoring the Après, the Pret Cynic X2 offers the utmost in comfort, a low profile, and one of our favorite overall systems in usability – but it costs even more than the Vantage. This model also landed middle-of-the-road in our impact tests. All of the helmets in our review surpass federal safety standards, but there are a few models that posted better numbers in the lab. The Vantage Mips is a great option for committed skiers and riders looking for versatile and extensive ventilation in a fully featured, low-profile helmet you hardly notice on the hill.
The POC Obex Mips is a verylow-profile ski helmet that also boasts a secure and comfy fit. Whether our team was cranking out laps on a groomer or going on a backcountry ski traverse, the modest dimensions of the Obex allowed it to easily fit in our packs and, while wearing it, had a great aesthetic compared to the typically clunky profile of most ski helmets. Our review team concluded, “This helmet was simply a joy to test, with a great fit around the ears and a profile that felt closer to a climbing helmet.” It only scored average in the impact testing process, so if you're looking for better results, take a look at the Scott Flow Pro Mips, though it's substantially bulkier. During our examination of ventilation, the Obex performed well, with adjustable vents, and for particularly warm days, the ear flaps can be taken completely off.
We love that this low-profile helmet still offers some features like adjustable vents
Credit: Zach Lovell
The POC Obex Mips, while comfortable for most of our team, has a specific and snug fit that may not work for all shapes and sizes of heads. Our lead tester shared, “While most of us loved the comfort of the Obex, it has such a specific fit that it was too tight for some.” Sizing up might solve this, but take a look at the Smith Method Pro Mips if wanting a more spacious fit that'll work for a variety of under-beanie hats. Also, the ear flaps were prone to accidentally detaching while pulling the helmet on, though we got better throughout the season at keeping the ear flaps attached. Besides a few negatives, the Obex Mips is worth looking into further as a low-profile and highly capable option.
The Obex offers modest dimensions and a comfy fit that our team loved whether in the resort or deep out-of-bounds.
Credit: Zach Lovell
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Our testers spend the entire season completing comprehensive side-by-side testing to bring you the best helmet review available.
Credit: Isaac Laredo
How We Test Ski Helmets
It's no secret that skiing and snowboarding can be dangerous. There is hard snow, rocks, trees, chairlift towers, and other skiers to worry about. The risks only get higher the higher your skill level becomes. That is why we take ski helmet testing very seriously.
We contracted a third-party lab to conduct repeatable impact tests in a controlled environment on every ski helmet.
Credit: GearLab/ACT Lab
We evaluated each ski helmet across 5 mutually exclusive metrics to effectively dissect the ins and outs of each product. Here's how we broke it down:
Impact Testing(30% of overall weight): Once we decide a helmet is worthy of testing, the first thing we do is buy two of each model – one goes to an accredited testing lab for professional impact testing. They conduct two types of drop tests on every helmet from various heights to simulate slow and fast impacts.
Comfort(25% weight): We scored each helmet on how well it fits and the overall feel. Do you notice it while you're riding? Does it make your neck sore by the end of the day? The best models are hardly noticeable, if at all.
Warmth(20% weight): The difference between ski helmets and most others is that we are using them in cold, freezing, or even arctic conditions. To test the warmth of each model, we wore each one in various conditions with no hat or balaclavas between our heads and the helmet as it came right out of the box.
Ventilation(15% weight): Right behind the importance of warmth for cold days is airflow for when you're overheating. In areas such as the Western US, temperatures can fluctuate 20, 30, or even 40 degrees in a day. When it comes time to shed those layers at lunch, it's nice to shed some layers on your noggin, too. We carefully inspected and used the ventilation systems integrated into each helmet.
Usability(10% of overall weight): For the last bit of our total score, we inspected and used the bells & whistles the helmets have. For this metric, we weighed the helmets, felt out the goggle compatibility, and judged their overall style.
Our partner for impact testing is ACT Lab. ACT Lab is a renowned global consumer product testing laboratory that holds American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)/European Committee for Standardization (CEN) accreditation and is an ASTM/CEN Certification Body. We developed two custom-tailored impact tests with ACT Lab to evaluate ski helmet impact performance. These two tests are designed to simulate different types of impact risks of concern when skiing or snowboarding.
Our testers ski and ride for an entire season and frequently switch helmets, terrain, and conditions to ensure our testing is as exhaustive as possible. We evaluate the comfort and warmth of each helmet with different head shapes, goggles, and temperatures. We also assess ventilation and usability through skiing, riding, and uphill.
Professional Ski/Splitboard Guides Zach Lovell and Isaac Laredo lead our ski/snowboard helmet review team. Zach is an IFMGA Mountain Guide who takes people skiing and ski mountaineering across North America and Europe for up to 6 months a year. He's a firm believer in wearing a helmet every day out and has a detail-oriented mind that's been invaluable for product testing and design, which he's been doing for over a decade. Isaac spends 5-6 days a week strapped into his snowboard each winter and spring, either ski guiding, teaching avalanche courses, product testing, or personally riding. He is an AMGA Certified Splitboard guide, but more importantly, a passionate life-long snow slider. He is meticulous about his gear and understands its capacity to make or break your experience. Our expert team brings valuable knowledge to the table to provide you with the best possible recommendations.
Our review team loves resort skiing and going ski mountaineering.
Testing goggle strap compatibility with the Mod5.
Analysis and Test Results
We spent hundreds of hours comparatively testing these products to score them across a strategic set of metrics. For detailed insight, the individual metrics should give you a better idea of how each helmet performs in particular categories and allow you to make the best decision for your preferred activities and budget. Continue reading to see our findings and top performers in each metric.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
The past few decades of material science have changed helmet design to offer more protection than ever before. A proper helmet is an incredibly worthy investment and is not the piece of gear to skimp on. Our advice is to purchase a comfortable and reliable ski helmet that's suited to your riding style, even if you have to spend a few extra dollars. The comfortable helmet always ends up on your head, and the wrong one will be a burden to wear or, even worse, not be worn at all. That said, we all come to the table with different budgets, and we have tested a multitude of helmets to be able to recommend quality ski helmets at various price points.
We test helmets listed at a variety of price points, some of our best performers also boast the best value.
Credit: Zach Lovell
One of our favorites, the Smith Method Pro Mips, offers a fantastic price-to-performance ratio. The Giro Ratio Mips comes in at one of the lowest prices of any model in the review and offers great value as it provides a comfortable all-day ride and scored well in our impact tests. If you have specific features in mind, prices tend to climb a bit. The Smith Vantage Mips is our favorite for ventilation, but it does cost a pretty penny.
Impact Test Results
Protecting our heads from impact and reducing our chances of sustaining an injury are the primary reasons we wear helmets. Here at GearLab, we have taken it a step further and partnered up with an accredited testing lab to conduct helmet impact testing.
Why Do We Conduct Impact Testing?
Every helmet in this review is certified to meet the minimum Federal standard protection requirements for downhill alpine skiing, such as the CE EN1077 B and ASTM F 2040, and thus can be considered safe. Our goal in conducting impact testing is to look beyond those minimum safety standards and obtain data that allows us to assess which helmets may offer you an additional margin of protection.
The helmets were placed on a dummy's head equipped with accelerometers and other sensors. These sensors capture detailed information about the forces experienced by the dummy's head during the time of impact.
The data gathered from the Ratio's impact tests left us thoroughly impressed.
Credit: GearLab/ACT Lab
We performed two distinct impact tests. The first involved dropping the helmet and dummy head from a height of 1 meter, simulating a common “slow” fall that results in head impact. The second test was designed to increase the speed of impact and the amount of force, with the helmet rig dropped from 2.3 meters to mimic more extreme “fast” falls that might occur during collisions, high-speed crashes, or incidents in terrain parks. We took the accelerometer data from the lab tests, and based on the forces subjected to the test dummy and the duration of those forces, we scored the fast and slow impact tests.
We perform both a fast and a slow impact test because the design techniques vary to mitigate different speed impacts. Helmets that perform well on one type of impact may not perform equally on the other. Ideally, you can find a helmet that meets your needs and provides compelling impact test performance on both types of impact since you never know what you might face when out on the snow. Our overall Impact Test score for each helmet combines the data from both impact tests.
Slow Impact Test Results
Our slow impact test is designed to simulate the most common types of falls and impacts that are slower speed, but might still be significant. Think about a common fall, like catching an edge or losing your balance. This test is intended to determine if a helmet's impact test results suggest it provides an additional margin of protection in this kind of common impact.
The chart above is actual data from our “slow” impact test. Lower numbers are better, as they indicate reduced g-forces measured by the test dummy head's accelerometer sensors.
The best-performing helmet in the slow impact test was the Scott Flow Pro Mips, earning a calculated score of 9.5, with the next highest-scoring model, the Smith Method Pro Mips, tallying an 8.6. The lowest-scoring models in this test were the Wildhorn Drift, with a score of 3.1, and the Bern Hendrix Mips, which earned a 3.0.
The field tester was thankful for the third-party crash testing, so he didn't have to be a crash test dummy despite this attempt at a “slow” style impact pictured here.
Credit: Isaac Laredo
Fast Impact Test Results
Our “fast” impact test is designed to simulate more high-speed impacts with a solid surface, such as a tree, another skier, or ice. In this test, we attempt to determine how effective a helmet's design is for mitigating impacts at higher speeds.
The chart above is actual data from our “fast” impact test. This type of impact is more concerning since the forces involved are more severe and could lead to more significant injury. Lower g-forces indicate reduced force of impact.
For the fast impact test, the Scott Flow Pro Mips earned a top score of 9.5, with the Smith Method Pro Mips coming in as a close second at 9.3. Coming in around average were options like the Pret Cynic X2 and the POC Obex Mips. The Bern Hendrix Mips improved upon its slow impact score and earned a 3.8 for fast impacts. The Outdoor Master Kelvin landed at the bottom of the list for this assessment with a score of 3.5.
Overall Impact Test Results
The clear winner of our impact assessment is the Scott Flow Pro Mips, taking the top spot in both fast and slow impact testing with a combined score of 9.5. In second place, the Smith Method Pro Mips offers a respectable bottom-line score of 8.6. Several options that scored well in other metrics still held their own with average scoring, including the Smith Vantage Mips, with a score of 5.7, and the POC Obex Mips with a score of 6.2.
After conducting the drop tests, a visual examination was carried out. Even top-scoring options like the Scott Flow Pro were pretty banged up afterwards.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The budget Giro options tested in this review offered impressive scores, with the Ratio Mips earning a 7.8 and the Ledge Mips landing a 7.6, proving protection doesn't have to cost you a fortune. Other cost-effective models that earned notable overall impact scores include the Smith Mission Mips, with a bottom line of 6.2.
A Word About Third-Party Tech
In the outdoor industry, manufacturers love to use technical words to encourage a sale. Chances are, you have heard about Gore-Tex, BOA, or Mips while shopping for gear. Some of these materials and gadgets have been substantiated by rigorous testing, but manufacturers also tend to invent their own terms to appear as though their products have superior tech with more R&D and rigorous testing, when some of their claimed bells and whistles may be no more than a marketing scheme. Because our impact test measures the helmet as a whole, we cannot determine whether or not the added tech helps or to what degree it helps. If we mention that a helmet has technology such as Mips, D30, or Koroyd, we aren't making a stance on whether or not the helmet provides better protection with these components; we are merely letting you know that the helmet includes this technology.
D30 “uses unique patented and proprietary technologies to make rate-sensitive, soft, flexible materials with high shock absorbing properties that are used in impact protection products.”
The inside of the Scott Symbol 2 after a drop test. The D30 is the orange impact, which is designed to absorb and dissipate forces away from the head.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Koroyd “absorbs energy and redirects force away from localized impact zones, limiting dangerous force in order to reduce the risk of injury.”
The inside of the Smith Vantage after a drop test. Koroyd, the straw-like material, is designed to crumple and absorb energy.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Mips: Mips stands for Multi-Directional Impact Protection System. According to their site, “By complementing the helmet with a low-friction layer, designed to move slightly in the event of an impact, the system is designed to help redirect rotational motion away from the head. This is intended to help reduce the risk of brain injury.”
The POC Fornix after the drop tests.
The inside of the POC Fornix after drop testing.
The Smith Mission fresh off the drop tower.
The inside of the Smith Mission Mips after the drop test. Note the impacted Koroyd and the small crack, showing the helmet absorbed and dissipated energy from the head.
The exterior of the Pret Cynic X2 post drop test.
The unphased inside of the Pret Cynic X2 while still receiving a decent impact protection score.
The exterior of the Giro Ratio after impact testing. Note the Crack in the Shell.
A small crack on the inside of the Giro Ratio.
The exterior of the Wildhorn Drift post drop tower.
Inside the Wildhorn Drift.
Profile of the Smith Vantage.
Inside of the Smith Vantage after impact.
A gallery of the helmets after impact testing.
Comfort
An uncomfortable ski helmet can detract from your day on the mountain; eventually, that helmet will find itself in a stack of unused gear. You are more likely to wear a helmet if it is comfortable, especially for those who dislike the feel of helmets. The molding, padding, shape, and fit of the ski helmet all play a role in overall comfort. Ideally, a comfortable helmet should adjust easily to provide a proper fit and then be forgotten about when you are sliding on snow. We rode in and examined each helmet to evaluate which helmets were hardly noticeable while riding and hit the marks above.
The Smith Vantage, Pret Cynic X2 Mips, POC Obex, and Smith Method Pro Mips stood out and were our highest-rated helmets for comfort. All these models have a high-quality, lightweight feel with ample padding. We also appreciated the POC Fornix Mips.
The Oakley MOD 5 is an in-mold helmet.
The Ratio is an injection molded helmet.
In-mold helmets are usually lighter and lower profile, while injection-molded models tend to be heavier and bulkier.
In-mold helmets provide the best ride quality as they are lightweight and have a lower profile for a more comfortable ride and overall better fit. The Pret Cynic X2, Oakley MOD 5, POC Fornix, and Smith Vantage are relatively low profile to help you forget you are wearing a helmet. The models are great for skiers and riders who traditionally haven't liked the feel of riding with a helmet.
The Wildhorn Drift is one of the lowest-priced in-mold helmets on the market. It has a surprisingly low profile and is lightweight. The trimmed-down profile contributes to a better ride experience, which is also what helped the POC Obex Mips standout. The Obex also offers uniquely sculpted earpads and a snug fit that's secure but not too tight.
The Right Fit
The fit is the most important factor in purchasing a helmet. A helmet that doesn't fit properly is likely to be uncomfortable and, more importantly, can compromise your protection. Some helmets are more suited to round head shapes, while others suit oval head shapes. Many helmets come with adjustable internal padding, which is useful in dialing in the fit to your head. Don't be afraid to use them to customize the helmet to fit your head shape.
The Vantage and Mission share some traits associated with the Smith brand that add to their comfort. The Vantage uses the BOA Fit wheel for smooth and effective personalizing of the interior fit. One of our favorite adjustment systems was on RCS Fit System the Pret Cynic X2, as it uses a very large dial with large contours and an audible click that helped us make adjustments with gloves on.
The BOA system offers great micro adjustability to fine-tune the helmet's fit. Pictured here is the Smith Vantage.
Credit: Isaac Laredo
Earpads greatly influence the comfort and warmth of a particular helmet. The POC Fornix, Oakley MOD5 Mips, and Sweet Protection Switcher Mips use a cupped design to minimize squishing of the ears – there is empty space to allow the ear to fit comfortably.
Warmth
Nothing is worse than being stuck on the top of the mountain, shivering. Of course, you should start with your favorite base layer and add clothing as needed, but keeping your head warm is just as important, and we weigh this metric at 25% of the overall score. Ski helmets are, by and large, warmer than wearing a hat or a hood while skiing. A tight-fitting goggle/helmet combo makes it easy to feel completely protected from a raging blizzard. To evaluate warmth, we wore each helmet in various temperatures without skull caps and performed a series of heat-producing activities, like hiking, to gauge heat retention.
The most prominent design consideration that negatively affects warmth is fixed vents, i.e., vents that don't close. Whether you wear a beanie under your helmet or not, having cold air flowing through at all times can be pretty chilly. Another factor that plays into warmth is the ear pads. These hug the ears, and whether they can perform without being too tight is key. Tight ear pads can cause significant discomfort after hours on the hill. Lastly, some helmets aren't padded and insulated that well, making them better suited for warmer environments.
The Smith Vantage, Sweet Protection Switcher, and Smith Method Pro are some of the reviews' warmest ones. They have adjustable vents, full liners, and comfortable yet tight earpads.
The Sweet Protection Switcher is one of the warmer helmets in the review due to the liner and earpad thickness; It is also coupled with adjustable vents.
Credit: Isaac Laredo
The Giro Ratio is one of the warmest helmets in its price category. The adjustable vents, liner, and snug ear pads add to its overall warmth potential and make this value-based helmet appropriate for colder climates. Options like the Scott Flow Pro Mips were a little chillier than others, with more modest earpads designed to allow improved hearing.
The Pret Cynic X2 is one of the warmest helmets in the review, despite its technically fixed vents, bucking the trend. The model employs a liner of blended wool and recycled polyester fleece to add plenty of warmth. The Pret's ventilation system has hidden flaps on the underside of the liner that can block the vents and essentially close them. Our testers didn't appreciate that you must remove the helmet and liner to “close” these vents with liner flaps. Open, fixed vents generally provide less warmth than those that open and close.
The Pret Cynix X2 ventilation system with one flap engaged and one disengaged.
Credit: Isaac Laredo
Ventilation
Ventilation is the helmet's ability to cool you down, reduce head sweat, and protect your goggles from fogging. Ventilation for helmets comes in two flavors — vents and the ability to remove the earpieces. Vents that open and close allow for the most regulation, but having any vents at all will help pull air through the helmet. We skied on warm days and found that not all vents are equal. Some of the helmets we tested look like they'll vent well, but the vents' configuration didn't work to create airflow. Additionally, many helmets have removable earpads that can quickly be stashed in a jacket pocket mid-run. We strongly prefer this ability to customize our temperature regulation on the go.
The Smith Vantage offers one of the most comprehensive ventilation systems for a resort-based helmet. It has 21 mid-size vents; 12 are fully adjustable and controlled with crisp and well-made toggles. We found the amount of ventilation accentuated with movement as the strategic channeling brought in the fresh air and exhausted warm air from the top of the head.
Adjustable vents, like those on the Smith Vantage, can make your helmet more versatile across different weather conditions.
Credit: Isaac Laredo
The Smith Mission, Giro Ratio, Sweet Protection Switcher Mips, and POC Fornix Mips also have adjustable vents, vent well enough for use on spring days. The Bern Hendrix Mips offers cost-effective venting that is more than adequate for spring days; it uses thinner, easy-to-remove earpads, which also help regulate temperature on those warmer days.
The Smith Vantage features our favorite adjustable vent system, praised for its efficiency and toggle action.
Credit: Isaac Laredo
Removable earpieces increase the ventilation potential of a helmet and are enjoyable for warmer days. Models like the POC Obex become substantially more breathable once the earflaps are removed, though they may be arguably too easy to take off.
Usability
Have you ever had to take your gloves off to adjust your helmet? We have. Take it from us, it's not fun, especially on chilly days. We looked at each helmet to assess its overall user-friendliness and the quality of the feature set. Features that stood out here were easy-to-reach and use dial adjusters, smooth sliding adjustable vents, magnetic glove-friendly buckles, and simple goggle straps.
All the helmets that employ an adjustable dial and harness system were fairly easy to use with gloves on and provided a solid and versatile fit. One of our favorite systems comes from the Pret Cynic X2 as it uses a very large dial with distinct and prominent knobs to help operate it with gloves on. The Giro Ledge takes a different approach and has a simplistic adjustment system that leverages an elastic band and flexible harness to nearly self-adjust to fit various head sizes.
The Giro Auto Loc 2 fitting system utilizes an elastic tab to accommodate and conform to varying head sizes.
Credit: Isaac Laredo
Adjustable ventilation systems share some common traits but also have distinct differences in quality and execution. The toggle and dial-based adjustable vent systems work well and are rather straightforward. The Smith Vantage has the highest quality and best action of any toggle-based system we have tried. It has a crispy, smooth, and high-quality feel. The Sweet Protection Switcher is used as a dial to adjust its vents, allowing you to open it partially. The Poc Fornix uses a large toggle adjustment system with a high-quality and easy-to-use design.
It's an easy and smooth process to adjust the vents on the POC Fornix.
Credit: Isaac Laredo
The buckle of the helmet is commonly overlooked but can make a difference in your experience. One of our favorite features of the Pret Cynic X2 is the magnetic buckle. It makes putting the helmet on or taking it off easier with gloves on. Once you get the technique down, it becomes a simple and fast process that is a notable feature of the helmet.
We love this buckle and rarely take our gloves off to operate it, especially when it's stormy. We did here to ensure the buckle could be seen.
Credit: Isaac Laredo
The Oakley MOD5 and Sweet Protection Switcher also have a magnetic buckle, which improves the experience. The Switcher comes with a pull tab to make the unbuckling process easier. Other standout features included the adjustable goggle vents from the Scott Flow Pro Mips, which were unique across the entire lineup.
Being easy to use is also a factor in comfort. Magnetic buckles like this one on the Oakley Mod5 are very convenient.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
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How to Choose a Helmet
Choosing the right ski helmet is crucial for safety and comfort on the slopes. Understanding the different types of helmets, the importance of fit, and the features available will help you make an informed decision.
Types of Ski Helmets: In-Mold vs. Injection Molded
A comparison of two primary helmet construction methods. The helmet on the left is manufactured using the in-mold process, where the outer shell and inner foam are created in a single step. The helmet on the right is produced through injection molding, with the shell and foam made separately and then assembled together.
Credit: laredo
In-Mold
In-mold helmets feature a thin polycarbonate shell filled with expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam. This construction makes them lighter and more comfortable and allows for more ventilation, thanks to strategic vent placement. However, they tend to be more expensive than other types.
Hardshell/ Injection Molded Helmets
These helmets, often referred to as “skateboard” style, use ABS plastic bonded to EPS foam. They are known for their durability and affordability. However, they can be heavier and bulkier and offer less ventilation than in-mold helmets.
Rotational Impact Systems and Impact Absorbent Materials
Modern ski helmets often incorporate a rotational impact protection system, with Mips being the most common. Many helmet brands have also begun to utilize material from third-party manufacturers that specialize in impact reduction. All of these inventions are designed to strengthen a helmet's impact protection.
The Scott Symbbol 2 uses D30 inserts in orange to provide coverage for both the front and back of the head, while the Mips liner in yellow offers additional protection.
Credit: Isaac Laredo
Fit
The fit of your helmet is just as important as its construction. A well-fitting helmet should be comfortable, without any pressure points that could lead to headaches. Helmet sizing typically follows the traditional Small, Medium, Large scale, with each manufacturer providing a sizing chart based on head circumference. Head shapes generally fall into three categories: long oval, intermediate oval, and round oval. Knowing your head shape can guide you to brands that cater to your profile. For instance, Giro designs helmets for long oval heads, while others target round-oval shapes. Always try on different models to find the best fit, ensuring the helmet is snug and secure without being too tight.
A diagram of the three types of head shape. When fitting a helmet look for brands tailored to your head shape. In general, Giro fits long ovals, Smith fits the intermediate oval, and POC Fits round ovals. The harness-based adjustment systems generally manage a slight difference in shape to give a secure fit.
Credit: OutdoorGearLab
Features
Helmets come with various features that can enhance your experience. Look for options like POV mounts, removable earpieces, magnetic buckles, and audio packages. If you enjoy listening to music while skiing, choose a helmet with space in the earpads for earbuds. These features can make your time on the slopes more enjoyable and personalized.
In summary, selecting the right helmet involves considering the type of construction, whether you want a third-party protection system, ensuring a proper fit, and choosing features that suit your needs. By focusing on these aspects, you'll find a helmet that keeps you safe and comfortable on the mountain.
The MOD5 clasp smoothly slides into position and securely locks with the help of magnets, providing a convenient and hassle-free experience.
Credit: Laura Casner
Conclusion
Choosing a ski helmet can seem daunting. This review intends to help you quickly and accurately identify the right model or models for your specific needs. Don't get distracted by fancy marketing. Use our assessments and experience to guide you toward the model that helps you ski or ride to your best ability with a protective and comfortable helmet.
