Many of these winter-ready hard hats offer a long list of additional features, like adjustable vents for temperature regulation, integrated goggle systems, and MIPS safety systems to protect your dome. The latter stands for «multi-directional impact protection system,» a design that’s meant to reduce rotational forces that can cause brain damage on impact (like a head-on collision).
Thankfully, in addition to their many safety benefits, today’s best ski and snowboard helmets also look great, offering sleek and aerodynamic designs. They’ve become an integral part of one’s on-slope style with the best models available in multiple colors, patterns, and customization options. As Richardson notes, «The best helmet for you is the helmet that you will wear. All the advice below is moot if you buy a helmet and then don’t wear it EVERY. RUN. YOU. SKI.»
What to Consider
Protection
«There are tons of helmets out there with myriad technology to protect your noggin,» Richardson says. MIPS is the forefront of head injury mitigation in outdoor helmets and we recommend helmets that have this added layer of protection. Essentially, it is an additional liner between the padding and the EPS foam layer of the helmet that can slightly move independent of the helmet. Since most impacts are taken at an angle, it allows this extra layer to mimic how the brain moves during a crash and allowing for more secure coverage.
We highly recommend having a helmet with MIPS over one without it, so make sure to look for the little yellow MIPS logo.
Fit
It might seem a bit obvious here, but a properly fitting helmet is a must. «Beyond protective technology, the fit makes a helmet effective,» Richardson says.
In terms of how a helmet should fit, Richardson breaks that down: «When trying on a ski helmet, have your goggles and any beanies or headbands. You want to know how it will fit when skiing. A thin headband or beanie is likely okay—just make sure that the helmet still fits the bottom of your skull bones in the back of your head and covers the top of your forehead.»
A correctly fitting helmet should be snug but not tight. Getting the proper fit is the only way to maximize the safety of a helmet.
Composition
Almost every helmet consists of two main components: an outer shell and an inner liner. The outer shell, as the name implies, is the exterior part of the helmet that’s typically made of rigid, ABS high-impact plastic. It’s the most critical part of any helmet as it’s designed to absorb the damage from abrasions, knocks, falls, and impacts.
The inner liner usually consists of EPS foam to further absorb impact. In the event of a nasty spill or fall, the foam compresses to protect your head and brain.
Helmet Construction
Most modern skiing and snowboarding helmets feature one of two construction styles.
In-Mold Helmets
These helmets use a unique process that fuses the exterior with the shock-absorbing foam to create a single-mold piece. These are great because they’re lighter and more streamlined than injection-molded alternatives.
Injection-Molded Helmets
These helmets bond a distinct ABS plastic shell to EPS foam. These helmets are typically bulkier and heavier than in-mold helmets, but that also means they’re more rugged and durable in a fall.
Weight
While this is not necessarily a deal breaker when shopping, generally a lightweight helmet can feel more comfortable, especially when you’re spending all day on the slopes, yet it still needs to protect your noggin.
Budget
Like most outdoor gear, ski helmets and snowboard helmets vary widely in price. As a general rule, you can find a decent budget-friendly model for under $100. Premium models that cost more typically offer sleeker designs and more «nice-to-have» features like audio system integration or fancy liners.
How We Selected
Men’s Health gear editors have spent years on-mountain testing the best ski and snowboarding helmets. We research and evaluate the newest gear each season to determine what is worthy of hands-on testing. For this guide, we also consulted with experts like Kaylin Richardson, who has more on-mountain time than 99 percent of human beings. We asked for her guidance on what to look for and consider when purchasing a helmet, as well as how we should be testing each helmet.
Each ski helmet on this list was ranked based on its comfort/fit, construction, budget, components, durability, and special features. The below is our list of options from the best overall to budget, to everything in between.
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Best Overall Ski/Snowboard Helmet
Giro Jackson MIPS Ski/Snowboard Helmet
Cons
- Pricey
Our overall pick is a winner from Giro, the Jackson MIPS Ski/Snowboard Helmet features a streamlined profile with a smooth top-shell to boost aerodynamics. This is a speed-friendly helmet designed to perform on fast downhill runs. It also contains a MIPS safety system, so you can be assured you’re protected if you take a spill. We love Giro’s In Form 2 Fit system which makes it easy to dial in a perfect fit.
This is a premium—and admittedly pricey at almost $200—free ride helmet with all the bells and whistles. A passive-aggressive venting system ensures you never overheat, while Polartec Powergrid pads on the interior fight odor and wick away moisture to keep you dry—even on the longest runs. Like all Giro helmets, the Jackson also integrates seamlessly with the brand’s own line of goggles.
| MIPS? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Helmet Construction | In-mold polycarbonate with EPS |
| Weight | 15 oz |
Best Budget Ski Helmet
Outdoor Master Kelvin Ski Helmet
A great option for those just starting out, the Outdoor Master Kelvin Ski/Snowboard Helmet has all the features needed for a day on the mountain at an extremely affordable price point. Seriously, some colors are available for less than $40. However, it still has a reinforced ABS shell with a shock-absorbing EPS core for maximum head protection. Plus, 14 individual vents help keep you from overheating for hours of comfortable skiing. A size-adjustable dial ensures a perfect fit.
We also love the easily removable fleece liner and ear pads that you can just drop in the wash. This helmet is also available in more than a dozen colors—more than most models we’ve seen this year—so you can perfectly coordinate your aesthetic this season.
Do keep in mind though, this helmet does not possess a MIPS system so you are forgoing that extra protection for a much lower price. If you’re going to be doing anything more than green runs and starting to get into blue runs, we’d recommend then moving to a helmet with MIPS.
| MIPS? | No |
|---|---|
| Helmet Construction | ABS shell and shock-absorbing EPS core |
| Weight | 16 oz |
Best Intermediate Ski/Snowboard Helmet
Smith Mission MIPS Helmet
Cons
- Runs on the smaller side
- Less than ideal comfort
Smith has a solid track record for making great outdoor and adventure gear, especially when it comes to snowsports. A perfect intermediate helmet, the Mission MIPS Ski/Snowboard Helmet features a hybrid shell construction that blends a protective exterior with a lightweight in-molded shell for durability where you need it while still keeping the helmet light. Bonus: It’s also made to fit Aleck, Outdoor Tech, and Skullcandy headphones.
At more than $100, it’s certainly pricier than our most budget-friendly picks. But, given the Smith brand name, hundreds of excellent buyer reviews, and MIPS, we think it’s a winner for amateur skiers and snowboarders looking to upgrade their dome protection this winter.
| MIPS? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Helmet construction | Hybrid EPS foam and polycarbonate shell |
| Weight | 16 oz |
Best Minimalist Ski Helmet
Giro Ledge MIPS Ski/Snowboarding Helmet
Cons
- Fit is a little too tight for some
- Heavy
Designed for long days at the terrain park, the Giro Ledge is built with a minimalist skate-style design and durable hard shell construction. It’s one of the best value ski/snowboard helmets that offers MIPS to seriously protect your dome. And to ensure a perfect fit, it features a durable self-adjusting system to keep it securely on top of your head where it belongs.
Jumbo-sized Super Cool vents atop the helmet help keep your head well-ventilated on long runs, and a Stack Vent at the front aligns squarely with your goggles to keep them clear of fog. Like most Giro helmets, the Ledge is designed to work seamlessly with the brand’s entire line of ski goggles. Plus, it’s available in 20 colors to dial in your perfect look.
Read more: Best Ski Jackets for Men
| MIPS? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Helmet construction | Hard shell with EPS foam liner |
| Weight | 32 oz |
Best Midrange Ski/Snowboarding Helmet
Smith Maze MIPS Snowsport Helmet
Cons
- Some reviews question durability
- Some reviews don’t like the one-piece design
Smith’s sleek, minimalist Maze MIPS Snowsport Helmet is a solid midrange option with many of the same options of pricier alternatives. It boasts a featherweight in-mold construction that bonds the exterior shell with a protective layer of EPS foam for a one-piece design that works together to protect your dome. A self-adjusting fit system adjusts automatically for the best, most comfortable fit.
With adjustable climate control and nine total vents, it guarantees the right amount of airflow which also helps keep your goggles clear. This helmet is designed to integrate seamlessly with Smith’s ski goggles. As an added bonus, it’s also compatible with Aleck audio systems, so you’re never without your tunes. While it’s a little pricier than our budget-friendly picks, this is a worthy alternative if you’re looking to splurge
| MIPS? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Helmet construction | In-mold construction |
| Weight | 27 oz |
Most Comfortable Ski Helmet
Smith Level Helmet MIPS Ski Helmet
Cons
- Different colors have different prices
- Sizing may run small
If you’re going to be finding yourself spending hours on the mountain, or at least near all day, you’re gonna want to make sure that you are comfortable to maximize enjoyment. This can really make or break a session, and the Smith Level Helmet is our comfort pick. When it comes to helmet comfort, arguably the thing that can elevate one model is how well it fits your head.
This is where the Level helmet excels, thanks largely in part to its VaporFit dial adjustment, which allows you to a 270-degree adjustment—all you have to do is simply turn a dial. Another small detail that makes the biggest difference is its removable ear pads which can help to add warmth when it gets a bit chilly. The cool part is that it’s audio-chip compatible, too. The finishing touch of comfort is the Ionic+ lining, which is super soft and helps to regulate your sweat.
| MIPS? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Helmet construction | Hybrid shell construction/In-molded |
| Weight | 16 oz |
Best Olympian-Level Helmet
Marker Ampire 2 Mips Helmet 2024
Cons
- Hard to find availability
- A bit pricey
If you require a ski helmet that can help get you onto a podium at the international level, the Marker Ampire 2 MIPS may be that helmet. When you need an Olympian-level helmet, you need one that has the protection you need (especially with the speeds you’ll be reaching) and one that is aerodynamic and featherlight, ensuring you’re sleek and agile when milliseconds mean everything. This helmet is a hybrid shell construction of in-mold tech with a hardshell design, which distributes the pressure across its surface during a crash.
“I am psyched on my Marker Ampire 2 MIPS Helmet. I like the way it closes all around and centers my head with its 360° Fit system,” remarked Kaylin. “Very simple to switch, perfect for all conditions. Worth every penny.”
| MIPS? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Helmet construction | Hybrid in-mold & hard shell |
| Weight | 22 oz |
Meet the Expert
Kaylin Richardson is a 10-year U.S. Ski team member, a two-time Olympian, a four-time National Alpine Champion, and the 2012 Freeskiing World Tour North American Champion. She also provides guests at Deer Valley Resort with the opportunity to Ski With a Champion.
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