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The Best Ski Helmets of 2026 | Impact Tested & Ranked
We bought, impact-tested, and skied in the best ski helmets from brands like Smith, Giro, and Oakley to find the most comfortable and protective models.
Credit: Zach Lovell
By Zach Lovell ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Updated February 13, 2026
Beyond safety, ski and snowboard helmets offer climate control for all weather—keeping you warm in storms and cool on sunny days—plus seamless Bluetooth audio integration.
We conducted impact testing on 14 models in a world-renowned lab. Our team then spent thousands of on-snow hours assessing warmth, ventilation, and gear integration.
This year's best is the Smith Method Pro Mips, with fantastic performance in impact testing and comfort. It's also one of the lightest models.
The best helmet value is the Giro Ratio Mips, which offers respectable performance at half the cost of high-end competitors, making it a budget-friendly option.
Editor's Note: We updated this review on February 13, 2025, to include additional top-performing helmets for more common use cases.
The Smith Method Pro Mips was a favorite amongst our entire testing team, with great 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 conducted at an accredited laboratory.
During testing, we stayed warm while wearing the Smith Method Pro, but with minimal venting, we got quite hot on spring days with more pleasant temperatures. 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 at the back by a unique plastic hook that never fully closes over 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, which involves a series of drop tests in the lab. During field testing, we were comfortable in the Flow Pro, and the earflaps' unique construction let us hear our surroundings better than with most 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 2 Mips to the Flow Pro, which offers some of the best breathability in the lineup.
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 2 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. Aside from a few setbacks, the Scott Flow Pro Mips is a great model for shoppers who demand the most inspiring drop-test results, as long as the fit and profile work for you.
This high-scoring helmet stood out in impact testing and we loved features like the goggle vents and improved hearing in the ear flaps. Credit: Syd Knadler
The Giro Ratio Mips delivered strong impact-test results at a price point substantially lower 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 easy to adjust while wearing gloves.
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 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, without the sticker shock of many top models in this review.
If you place comfort at the top of your needs list, look no further than the Smith Vantage 2 Mips. This latest version has built upon an already-great model, as our helmet lead shared, “The Vantage 2 has improved next-to-skin feel and a higher quality tightening system that held my head more securely. It also offers slightly better shaping to accommodate a wider variety of head shapes.” If you're interested in a higher-performing option for impact testing, consider the Scott Flow Pro Mips, though we didn't find it nearly as comfy for long days.
The latest iteration of the Smith Vantage 2 now offers 40 vents to encourage airflow throughout the helmet, and you can close two different sets of these vents to fine-tune its breathability. “While there are a few other helmets that shed heat even better, the Vantage is great for adjustability, and can handle the coldest or warmest days on the mountain,” one of our field testers commented. At a staggering 22.4 ounces in size large, this isn't the lightest option out there, and we'd suggest the Smith Method Pro Mips if you prefer something lighter. The Method Pro is also much less expensive than the Vantage 2, which costs considerably more than most competitors. If comfort is your priority, the Vantage 2 is an excellent choice—if it fits your budget.
It's hard to beat the value of the Smith Descend Mips, with decent scores across the board and a much more accessible price point than many premium competitors. Among other attributes, the Descend became one of our favorites in the metric of comfort, “I was easily able to wear this from first chair to last run,” one of our helmet experts shared, “and several other testers with different head shapes had similar experiences.” This isn't the highest scoring helmet in impact testing, but the Giro Ratio Mips is a fantastic alternative that's even less expensive than the Descend, it's just a bit less comfortable.
The Smith Descend Mips weighs 19.2 ounces in a size large, making it a fairly lightweight helmet. Smith kept the weight down with the Descend partially by utilizing a simple design, with a more modest vent system than other top-shelf helmets. However, this made for a generally hotter helmet, especially on spring days, “While 16 vents is decent, the Descend wasn't my favorite choice on warm sunny days, with less airflow than others I tested,” one of our main gear reviewers commented. If impact test results and ventilation aren't priorities, we strongly encourage you to dig deeper into the Descend Mips, especially if price is a primary focus.
If the budget is very tight, the OutdoorMaster Kelvin II Mips is a great option. While this isn't the most eye-catching or highest performing helmet, we found the Kelvin II to still offer great value. “I wasn't the biggest fan of the google fit of this helmet, but it was comfortable enough for several laps at the resort and my goggles didn't fog up,” one of our ski testers shared. If you're willing to spend a bit more for higher scores and better goggle fit, consider the budget-friendly Giro Ratio Mips, which boasts great impact test scores despite a price that's easier on the wallet.
The OutdoorMaster Kelvin II Mips is 2-3 times less expensive than the top-shelf helmet competition, though it landed at or below average in multiple metrics, including impact test and usability. Fortunately, the Kelvin II became a front-runner in warmth, thanks to its generous fleece lining found throughout the helmet and chin straps, and the fleece improved its overall comfort as well. While this budget model doesn't have closeable vents, OutdoorMaster was able to still make it compatible with various audio systems. At the end of the day, sometimes finding the lowest price is the top priority, making the Kelvin II worth considering despite a reduction in overall performance. If you're still needing an inexpensive helmet but can handle a higher price tag, take a look at the comfy Smith Descend Mips, which carries your dollar very far.
If your skiing or riding ambitions extend beyond the ski area boundary, the Smith Summit Mips is a worthwhile helmet to look into. This helmet was unanimously voted the most ventilated by our whole review team, thanks to ample vents and a design that's more reminiscent of a bike or climbing helmet. “I was able to keep the Summit Mips on my head while booting up a couloir, and on chilly days, I could even keep it on in the skin track,” Zach Lovell, our lead tester, offered. At 16.8 ounces in a large size, this is a light helmet compared to resort options, but it isn't as lightweight as other backcountry-specific models, which boast even lower weights. If weight is a priority, consider the Sweet Protection Ascender Mips, which is another out-of-bounds helmet design that scored just behind the Summit Mips, though its impact scores were less ideal.
If you're hunting for a warm helmet, the Summit Mips isn't the best choice, as it offers minimal insulation and no ear flaps. Additionally, this wasn't our highest-scoring helmet in impact testing, which was somewhat to be expected when considering its lower-weight design. If you're interested in using a resort helmet for your backcountry missions, the Smith Method Pro offers decent warmth, great impact testing, and is even lighter than the Summit Mips- just keep in mind it isn't nearly as ventilated. “Context is key, and as long as you bring an under-hat, the Summit Mips is a decent companion whether you're skiing on the coldest day of the winter or the warmest day of the spring,” one of our field testers found.
The POC Obex Mips is a very low-profile ski option that also boasts a secure, 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 made it fit easily in our packs, and it looked great when worn, unlike the typically clunky profile of most helmets. Our review team concluded, “This 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, consider the Scott Flow Pro Mips, though it's substantially bulkier. During our examination of ventilation, the Obex performed well, with adjustable vents, and, on particularly warm days, the ear flaps can be removed completely.
The POC Obex Mips, while comfortable for most of our team, has a snug fit that may not work for all head shapes and sizes. 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 you want a more spacious fit that works for a variety of under-beanie hats. Also, the ear flaps were prone to detaching while pulling the helmet on, though we got better throughout the season at keeping them attached. Aside from a few negatives, the Obex Mips is worth further consideration as a low-profile, highly capable option.
If you're hunting for a helmet that'll keep you from overheating at the ski area, the Pret Fury X Mips should be at the top of your list. The Fury X features 16 well-positioned and well-sized vents that ushered airflow across the entire top of the head, and the goggle vents were larger than average, keeping our goggles from fogging on most days. However, as is common with many well-ventilated options, there's a trade-off: “If you're wanting a resort helmet that'll retain more heat on cold days, I would steer you elsewhere,” Gearlab's lead tester suggested, “and while you can close many vents, the front goggle vents are permanently open.” If you ski in colder climates, consider a helmet such as the Smith Method Pro Mips, which excels in several categories and uses fewer vents than the Fury X.
Pret did an excellent job making this helmet light, coming in at 16.2 ounces, which felt great on our necks after long days on the slopes. They also included an antimicrobial lining on the helmet's interior, called IONIC+, that noticeably reduced sweat odor after an entire season. While many skiers and snowboarders have come to love the new-age magnetic side-slip buckle, it's not for everyone. If you prefer something more traditional, consider the Smith Descend Mips, which is also priced more affordably. Outside of a few relatively minor considerations, one of our gear experts summarized it best, “I was able to stay comfortable and cool throughout the winter and spring seasons at my home ski area. For the coldest of days, I simply added an under-helmet beanie to combat the unwanted breeze.”
If you're wanting more ventilation in your resort ski helmet, put the Fury X on your finals list. Credit: Zach Lovell
Product Comparison Table
We tested ski helmets across a few dozen resorts and several mountain ranges, working with several testers to ensure our findings were as helpful as possible. Credit: Syd Knadler
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 increase as your skill level rises. 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
Our partner for impact testing is ACT Lab. ACT Lab is a renowned global consumer product testing facility with multiple certifications applicable to snowsports. In addition to each helmet used for impact testing, we test an identical version in the mountains. 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. For more information on our extensive process, click over to our How We Test Helmets page.
We evaluated each model across 5 mutually exclusive metrics to dissect the ins and outs of each product. Here's how we broke it down:
Impact Testing (30% of overall weight)
Comfort (25% weight)
Warmth (20% weight)
Ventilation (15% weight)
Usability (10% of weight)
Why Trust GearLab
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 lifelong snowslider. He is meticulous about his gear and understands how it can make or break your experience. Our expert team brings valuable knowledge to the table, providing you with the best possible recommendations.
Testing the Pret Fury X MIPS chin strap near the top of Mammoth Mountain, California. Credit: Syd Knadler
Taking a brief break from testing the Smith Vantage 2 Mips in the Eastern Sierra mountains near Mammoth Lakes, California. Credit: Zach Lovell
The author prepares to descend a backcountry line in the Sherwins near Mammoth Mountain with the Smith Summit MIPS. Credit: Tim Obrien
Analysis and Test Results
We spent hundreds of hours comparing these products and scored 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 specific categories and help you 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?
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, providing a comfortable all-day ride and scoring well in our impact tests. If you have specific features in mind, prices tend to increase slightly. The Smith Vantage 2 Mips is among our favorites for comfort and ventilation, but it does cost a pretty penny.
We test helmets listed at a variety of price points, some of our best performers also boast the best value. Credit: Zach Lovell
If you're prioritizing comfort but can't afford a top-shelf helmet, the Smith Descend Mips was a favorite across the entire review team, offering a high “comfort per dollar” ratio. While it isn't the most feature-rich, Smith also kept its weight on the lighter side.
The plush interior and the effective wheel adjuster made the budget-priced Descend Mips much more comfy than its price point would suggest. Credit: Syd Knadler
If you truly need the least expensive option, the OutdoorMaster Kelvin II is a fraction of the price of the premium helmets in this review. It doesn't score the highest in impact testing, but it became a frontrunner in warmth, outperforming some of our helmets that are two or three times more expensive.
For it's price point, the Kelvin II is hard to beat, costing much less than our top-performing models. Credit: Zach Lovell
Impact Test Results
Protecting our heads from impact and reducing the risk of injury are the primary reasons we wear helmets. 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 impact.
The data gathered from the Ratio's impact tests left us thoroughly impressed. Credit: GearLab/ACT Lab
Overall Impact Test Results
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 force, with the helmet rig dropped from 2.3 meters to simulate more extreme “fast” falls that might occur during collisions, high-speed crashes, or terrain park incidents. We used accelerometer data from the lab tests, and based on the forces applied to the test dummy and their duration, we scored the fast and slow impact tests.
Impact Test Analysis Results
Product
Slow
Fast
Scott Flow Pro
9.5
9.5
Smith Method Pro
8
9.3
Giro Ratio
7.4
8.2
Giro Ledge
7
8.2
Smith Mission
5.1
7.3
POC Obex
5.3
7.1
Smith Vantage
6.3
5.1
Pret Cynic X2
4.8
6
Sweet Switcher
5.2
4.5
POC Fornix
4.2
5.5
OM Kelvin
5
3.5
Wildhorn Drift
3.1
5.1
Oakley Mod5
5.1
3
Bern Hendrix
3
3.8
We perform both a fast and a slow impact test because the design techniques vary to mitigate impacts at different speeds. 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.
The clear winner of our impact assessment is the Scott Flow Pro MIPS, taking the top spot in both fast and slow impact tests. In second place, the Smith Method Pro Mips offers a respectable bottom-line score. Several options that scored well in other metrics still held their own with average scoring, including the Smith Vantage 2 Mips and the POC Obex Mips.
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 delivered impressive scores, with the Ratio Mips and Smith Mission Mips showing results well above average, proving that protection doesn't have to cost you a fortune. The well-priced Smith Descend Mips performed fairly well in impact testing, but it stood out more in other metrics.
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'll help you make a more informed decision.
Slow Impact Test Results
Our slow impact test is designed to simulate the most common types of falls and impacts at slower speeds, but they might still be significant. Think about a common fall, like catching an edge or losing your balance. This test is intended to determine whether a helmet's impact test results indicate it provides an additional margin of protection for this common type of 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 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 because the forces involved are greater and could cause more severe injury. Lower g-forces indicate reduced force of impact.
What is Mips?
You've likely noticed the yellow MIPS logo on modern helmets. MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) is a thin, low-friction liner that allows the helmet to slide 10–15mm during an impact. This “slip plane” mimics the brain's natural cushioning to redirect dangerous rotational forces away from your head—crucial for the angled falls common in skiing. We encourage you to read up more on multi-directional impact and the Mips systems here" before making a purchase. Just keep in mind there are several brands now that offer decent protection systems for angled impact that have become quite competitive with Mips.
The POC Fornix after the drop tests. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The inside of the POC Fornix after drop testing. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Smith Mission fresh off the drop tower. Credit: Matt Lighthart
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. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The exterior of the Pret Cynic X2 post drop test. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The unphased inside of the Pret Cynic X2 while still receiving a decent impact protection score. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The exterior of the Giro Ratio after impact testing. Note the Crack in the Shell. Credit: Matt Lighthart
A small crack on the inside of the Giro Ratio. Credit: Matt Lighthart
A gallery of the helmets after impact testing.
Comfort
The Smith Vantage 2, Pret Cynic X2 Mips, POC Obex, and Smith Method Pro Mips stood out and were our highest-rated helmets for comfort. All these models feature a high-quality design with ample padding, and our testers were able to wear them for full-day outings at the ski area.
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 features uniquely sculpted earpads and a snug, secure fit that's not too tight. Also from POC, we appreciated the Fornix Mips in this metric. It's now standard to have an adjustment wheel in the back, allowing a skier or rider to easily dial in the fit.
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 better suited to round head shapes, while others are better suited to oval head shapes. Many helmets come with adjustable internal padding, which helps you dial in the fit to your head. Don't be afraid to use them to customize the helmet to fit your head shape.
Wallet-friendly options such as the Smith Descend Mips significantly outperformed its price point, thanks to spacious interior dimensions and a lightweight construction that was easy on the neck. The Pret Fury X Mips also performed well in this metric, with minimal helmet movement or rattling compared to some competitors, whether on the chairlift or skiing in rougher terrain.
Helmets like the Pret Fury X Mips have much less shifting than some of the competition. Credit: Syd Knadler
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 ear squishing – there is empty space that allows the ear to fit comfortably. If you're headed into the backcountry, models like the Smith Summit Mips and the Sweet Protection Ascender Mips are closer to climbing or biking helmets than to ski helmets, with a lower-profile design and no earflaps. We appreciated their all-day comfort, and we were even able to wear them while going uphill when temperatures were cool enough.
Backcountry models like the Sweet Protection Ascender Mips offers great comfort, especially for higher output missions and warmer days. Credit: Syd Knadler
Warmth
The Smith Vantage 2, Smith Descend Mips, and Smith Method Pro are among the warmest helmets in the reviews. They have adjustable vents, full liners, and comfortable yet tight earpads.
The Giro Ratio is one of the warmest helmets in its price category. The adjustable vents, liner, and snug ear pads enhance its warmth and make this value-based helmet suitable 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 Fury X Mips also wasn't the warmest in the lineup, but it offers a cozy lining to help.
The Giro Ratio kept our heads warm across a few testing seasons, from Alaska to the Rockies. Credit: laredo
The Pret Cynic X2 is one of the warmer 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, effectively closing 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
When looking at the basement-bargain-priced options in the lineup, the OutdoorMaster Kelvin II Mips is a phenomenal helmet for warmth and ultimately was one of its strongest metrics. This helmet features a design with fewer vents and a heavier liner to improve heat retention.
The Outdoor Master Kelvin II has fewer vents and less airflow than some of the competition, making it very warm. Credit: Zach Lovell
Ventilation
The top performers in ventilation included the backcountry-specific Smith Summit Mips and Sweet Protection Ascender Mips, which both look and feel more like biking helmets, with a very low profile, no ear flaps, and excellent ventilation.
In the world of resort skiing and riding, our testers found the Pret Fury X Mips to stand out, with large, well-placed vents across the entire helmet. While some vents can't be closed on the Fury X when it's cold, this also ensures dependable, constant airflow from front to back.
We loved the large vents Pret used with the Fury X, making it a great in-bounds option for skiers and riders who need more airflow. Credit: Syd Knadler
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 that also help regulate temperature on warmer days.
The Smith Vantage features our favorite adjustable vent system, praised for its efficiency and toggle action. Credit: Isaac Laredo
Removable earpieces increase a helmet's ventilation and are ideal for warmer days. Models like the POC Obex become substantially more breathable when the earflaps are removed, though they may be too easy to remove.
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 2 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 a dial that adjusts its vents, allowing you to partially open it. The Poc Fornix features a large toggle adjustment system with a high-quality, easy-to-use design.
It's an easy and smooth process to adjust the vents on the POC Fornix. Credit: Isaac Laredo
The Pret Fury X Mips has a great goggle vent design that kept our testers' goggles from fogging throughout multiple testing seasons. These vents are larger than others, and airflow could more easily reach the top of the goggles.
The two goggle vents in the front of the Pret Fury X Mips are among the most effective vents we've yet seen in keeping goggle lenses free. Credit: Syd Knadler
The Oakley MOD5 and Sweet Protection Switcher also have a magnetic buckle, which improves the experience. The Switcher includes a pull tab to make unbuckling easier. Other standout features included the adjustable goggle vents from the Scott Flow Pro Mips, which were unique across the entire lineup.
The touring-minded designs of the Sweet Protection Ascender Mips and the Smith Summit Mips are very user-friendly and are both quick to adjust. The strap systems on both of these can be adjusted to better accommodate your ears, and despite their minimalist construction, they have effective goggle keepers.
The Sweet Protection Ascender offers a bike helmet esc design that's great for out-of-bounds days. Credit: Zach Lovell
How to Pick the Best Ski Helmet For You
There are a couple of key questions to ask yourself that'll make a purchasing decision much easier.
Whether you're a resort fanatic or a backcountry touring enthusiast, the ski helmet industry offers an ideal helmet for you and your needs. Credit: Zach Lovell
Where and When Do You Like to Ski/Ride?
Depending on the resort, the ski season can stretch from November to May, sometimes as late as July. While some areas have much shorter seasons, it's important to consider the conditions you'll be skiing in to better understand the importance of heat retention and ventilation. If you're a fair-weather resort skier/rider who favors warmer temperatures and bluebird days, ventilation might take priority over warmth. On the other hand, if you live and play in colder climates, you might be better off switching those priorities. If you're torn between needing more airflow and more heat retention, we often suggest leaning toward airflow, as adding a beanie under the helmet helps provide more warmth.
It's worth taking some time to determine what climates you ski in to hone in on your helmet priorities. Credit: Zach Lovell
What Safety Certifications Should You Look For?
While we conduct our own impact testing in conjunction with the ACT Lab to offer our shoppers more information, it's important to note that all helmets sold in the US (and therefore in this review) are held to the same standards. ASTM F2040 is the essential certification your prospective helmet should have, as it means the helmet has met or exceeded performance standards in impact testing, strap integrity, and the helmet's ability to stay positioned on top of one's head.
Are You Taking Your Helmet Into the Backcountry?
As the backcountry touring industry grows, helmet manufacturers have begun making more specialized helmets that better suit the needs of out-of-bounds skiers and riders, and we now include some of these models in our review to offer you a more comprehensive product list.
Falls happen everywhere, including the backcountry, and you now have the option of using a resort helmet or a more touring-focused model. Credit: Zach Lovell
If you're someone who likes to ski in the backcountry, you might consider different helmet attributes than if you were riding chairs only. Backcountry-specific models generally prioritize ventilation and packability- making them easier to fit inside or strapped to a backpack and can be worn during the uphill portions of a ski tour. Generally speaking, we see these helmets look more like biking or climbing helmets, with fewer ear flaps and less bulk, and they can often be worn with sunglasses if goggles get too hot.
What Makes a Helmet More Comfortable?
Last, but not least, a helmet must be comfortable for you to wear all day. Generally, we've found helmets with more interior volume accommodate more head shapes, and a fine-tuning adjustment wheel at the back of the helmet is essential. We have also seen some models that use more padding than others, either inside the helmet or around the ears, and some options even have a more plush chin strap.
Also having a helmet that won't shift or rattle on your head while skiing terrain like this can make a helmet much more comfortable over the course of a day or season. Credit: Zach Lovell
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.
We've also tested the top ski outerwear, including the best ski pants and jackets, as well as ski gloves to keep you comfortable on the mountain.
