7 Best Ski & Snowboard Helmets of 2025

About 80% of skiers and snowboarders are wearing helmets.

That’s because the number of collisions, injuries, and deaths at ski resorts is high.

Wearing a ski helmet can be the difference between life and death, and at resorts, the risk of it being someone else’s fault is elevated.

Wearing a ski and snowboard helmet has hidden benefits besides head injury protection. In this guide, the helmets offer warmth and comfort, weather protection, and style. Of course, the helmets we have selected also have leading brain protection systems.

We take our jobs seriously, especially because ski helmets are vital. Testing and research have revealed the 7 best ski and snowboard helmets. Dive in to find your perfect match.

Ski and Snowboard Helmet Buyer’s Guide

Why Trust Us

Our gear review team includes a seasoned backcountry rider, a professional skier, two knowledgeable gear reviewers, and a ski instructor. We have spent decades wearing ski helmets– from classic styrofoam lids to the most advanced tech-equipped helmets.

Our mission was to collect the best modern ski and snowboard helmets available. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly pick, a top-of-the-line choice, or a women’s-specific helmet, we have you covered.

How We Tested the Ski Helmets

Our gear testers rode in several different ski helmets. The primary considerations when testing helmets were protection, warmth, fit, comfort, and style. Concurrent with testing, research was conducted concerning the protection technology and helmet materials.

Our gear reviewers wore the ski and snowboard helmets while shredding the resort and ski touring. After hours of testing, we determined if the helmets fit comfortably for prolonged periods, were not too warm or cold, were easy to use, and provided protection.

Ski Helmet Construction

Ski and snowboard helmets have different construction methods. Helmet construction corresponds with activity.

Hardshell/ABS/Injection mold Helmets

Hardshell helmets, or injection mold or ABS helmets, are the heaviest-duty ski and snowboard helmets. Ski racers and freeride competitors can be seen wearing hardshell snow helmets. If you are looking for the most protection and aren’t worried about weight, look towards hardshells.

The construction of injection-mold helmets involves bonding EPS or EPP foam to a strong plastic like ABS or a hybrid polycarbonate. Typically, a strong glue connects the outer and inner shell. This construction process provides significant impact absorption.

The Anon Windham Wavecel is one of our high-ranking ski or snowboarding helmets with ABS construction.

In-mold

In-mold helmets are sleek and lightweight, and they are the most common helmets worn at the ski resort. They are also the most affordable construction method.

In-mold helmets use a very thin polycarbonate outer shell molded directly onto the inner EPS foam. This construction results in a very lightweight, compact helmet. Although this helmet still offers impact absorption, it is lower rated on protection than hardshell and hybrid helmets.

Hybrid Shells

Hybrid shells are a variation of hardshell and in-mold helmets. The upper part of the helmet is made of durable ABS, and the lower part is made of in-mold construction. This helmet is an excellent compromise between a hardshell and in-mold protection and weight.

Athletes looking for ultimate protection with a lightweight design will enjoy this helmet. Hybrid shells are pricer than in-mold helmets. Many newly designed ski helmets, like the Smith Method, Smith Vantage and Giro Spherical Tenaya, often use hybrid construction.

EPS vs. EPP Foam

The inside of the ski helmet is typically Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) or Expanded Polypropylene (EPP). Both materials have their pros and cons.

EPS is most commonly used. EPS is lightweight, impact-absorbing, and less expensive than EPP. However, EPS is heavier than EPP. The biggest con of EPS is that it is not resilient; therefore, one crash will damage its protective capabilities.

EPP is less common and more expensive, but it is lighter than EPS. Due to its resilience properties, EPP can withstand multiple impacts. Freestyle riders like these helmets because of their multiple impact rating.

Helmet Safety and Tech: MIPS, WaveCel, SPIN, and Koroyd

Mips Helmet Safety

The Multidirectional Impact Protection System (MIPS) revolutionized helmet safety. Mips’ helmet engineers discovered that rotational forces cause concussions, so limiting rotational force impact is the solution to a safer helmet.

MIPS uses a low-friction, bright yellow layer that moves separately from the helmet in the event of an impact. This system redirects rotational motion away from the head to help reduce the risk of brain injury.

Nearly every helmet in the ski industry is equipped with MIPs, often used in conjunction with other helmet safety technology. An example is the Smith Vantage Ski and Snowboard helmet. If your skid lid doesn’t have MIPs, consider investing immediately.

WaveCel

Relatively new to the helmet industry, WaveCell has raised the safety standard. WaveCel is the fruit of a 4-year project with Trek Research and Design Teams, orthopedic surgeon Dr.Steve Madey, and biomechanical engineer Dr. Michael Bottlang.

WaveCel is a collapsible cellular material that lines the inside of the helmet. This continuous crumple zone tech provides insanely good protection in linear impact and rotational forces. On impact, the Anon Windham WaveCel Helmet will flex, crumple, and glide to protect the brain.

Koroyd

Koroyd has been introduced to increase the protection offered to skiers and snowboarders. Koroyd crumples, absorbs, and protects during impact. This material is also breathable with an ultra-light feel.

Koroyd is a green, mesh-like material that has high-impact absorption. Smith Method Mips uses Koroyd and Mips to provide ultimate protection. The combination makes a very advanced, safe helmet.

Twiceme Technology

Twiceme is a smart safety company making helmets safer. This technology is groundbreaking at keeping extreme sports athletes safe.

The smart technology in ski helmets is called Help the Helpers (HTH). This integrated tech can detect equipment damage, send rescue alerts, has a get-back timer, and includes an integrated medical ID. Basically, it’s Life Alert in a helmet.

How to Choose a Ski & Snowboard Helmet

Ski and Snowboard Helmet Fit and Sizing

So often, people wear ski helmets incorrectly. Your ski helmet must cover your forehead and the base of your skull. It’s a good idea to try on several different helmet brands, as each helmet will offer a slightly different fit and coverage.

Helmet sizing is based on the diameter of the crown of your head. Without the chin strap, the helmet should not move when you move your head up and down and left and right. The chin strap should be about a finger-width from your chin, not too tight or loose.

Helmets fit and do their jobs best with minimal fabric between the liner and skull. Wearing thick beanies or goggles under your helmet will interfere with the helmet’s brain protection technology. Wearing nothing, balaclavas, neck gators, or maybe the thinnest beanie under the helmet is best to allow a helmet to work correctly.

Warmth and Venting

Ski helmet brands recognize that helmets are worn in extreme environments while performing intense activity. Therefore, ski and snowboard helmets are made to be versatile weather protectors.

Ski helmets come with padding for comfort and warmth. Most of the time, this padding is removable through velcro. The pads are inside the helmet, along with ear pads for additional warmth.

Not all ski and snowboard helmets have good ventilation systems, but some have awesome systems. Some helmets, like the Smith Vantage ski and snowboard helmet, even have the option to open and close the ventilation systems.

Ventilation is essential for regulating your temperature. Your head is responsible for heat dissipation and retention. A proper ventilation system will significantly aid your temperature comfort while riding.

Goggle Compatibility

Due to the prevalence of ski goggles, ski and snowboard helmets are designed to be goggle-compatible. Fog mitigation is a top priority of ski helmet designs.

Ski goggles usually have vents above them on the ski helmet. This design allows warm air to escape through the top of the goggles through the helmet. If the warm air gets trapped, it creates fog.

Ski helmets also have clips on the back to keep the goggles in place. The front of the helmet is designed to allow space for large ski goggle frames.

Fit Systems

Fit systems are inside the helmet, wrapping around the crown of your head. They are adjustable, so the helmet size is customized to your head.

BOA System

Some modern helmets have the BOA feature to secure the helmet hit. In the back of the helmet, there is a BOA dial that you twist while the helmet is on your head to tighten it. Unclicking the BOA dial is the only thing that will loosen the helmet. Ski helmets featuring BOA fit adjustments are typically more expensive than other systems.

In Form Fit System

The In Form fit system is a popular ski helmet tightening system. It works similarly to BOA but does not lock in place like the BOA system. The In Form fit system is less expensive than the BOA system. The Giro Tenaya uses an In Form fit systm.

Self-Adjusting Lifestyle Fit System

Smith’s Self-Adjusting Lifestyle Fit System uses an elastic band that secures the helmet to the head. There are 3 size positions to choose from to match your head. The Auto Loc system is an affordable option. Find this fit system in the Smith Method Mips.

Helmet Styles

Snowboard Helmets vs Ski Helmets

There is subtle variance in the performance, style, and injury prevention design concerning ski and snowboard helmets. But, depending on what you are looking for, skiers can wear snowboard helmets and vice versa.

Snowboard helmets resemble skateboard helmets, with a rounder shape for more protection on the sides and back. This design foresees sideways slams on metal rails and back-of-the-head slams from heelside catching. Snowboard helmets typically have fewer vents than ski helmets. Snowboard helmets are usually worn without ear pads; users remove them.

Ski helmets are more ergonomically shaped to maximize airflow efficiency during downhill sprints. Protection is focused on the top of the head, including a brim, for better vision. Ski helmets usually have numerous vents that can be opened or closed with an adjustable switch. Most skiers wear their helmets with the stock ear pads.

Full-Shell vs Half-Shell Ski Helmets

Ski helmets come in full-shell or half-shell designs. Depending on your snow-sliding activity, you can choose between the designs.

Full-shell helmets offer the most protection and are intended for alpine ski racing, boardercross, and extreme freeriding. They extend around the ears and have a chin guard. The material is typically ABS or a combination of materials for ultimate strength and durability.

Helf-shell helmets offer adequate protection and are worn by freestyle, resort, backcountry, and casual riders. No hardshell helmet pieces extend around the ears; instead, it comes with soft earpads. The material is typically polycarbonate for protection and lightweightness.

Ski and Snowboard Helmet Certifications

Ski helmets either have or do not have a safety certification. Avoid helmets without a certification, as they do not meet safety standards. When purchasing a ski helmet, check for one of the following certifications:

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

ASTM is a globally recognized organization that develops and publishes technical standards for various materials, products, systems, and services. Helmets and injury prevention technology are part of ASTM’s repertoire.

Ski helmets can be awarded the ASTM F2040 standard. This certification is achieved when an accredited laboratory tests the helmet to ensure it meets the standards outlined in the standard. The standard requires proper construction, impact protection, penetration resistance, retention system, field of vision, ventilation, coverage, and labeling and marketing.

European Committee for Standardization (CEN)

CEN is an association that works to harmonize European countries’ safety standards for products, services, and systems. Ski helmets are under CEN’s umbrella of expertise.

EN 1077 is the standard bestowed on ski helmets by certified laboratories if the helmet meets all safety requirements. The EN 1077 requirements are the same as those of the ASTM standard, with the main difference being the geographical scope they cover.

Fédération Internationale de Ski (FIS)

FIS, the International Ski and Snowboard Federation, is the governing body for international skiing and snowboarding. It was founded in 1924 during the first Winter Olympics.

The FIS certifies ski helmets that meet specific standards and criteria required for competitive skiing. The safety requirements are similar to the CEN and ASTM standards, but they are more fierce due to the speed and vigor of ski and snowboard competitors.

How long does a ski helmet last?

Ski helmets can only take so much beating. Ski helmets have different head injury prevention technologies, each with a different lifespan. However, the ski industry generally recommends replacing a helmet after one big head slam. And even if you don’t slam your head, helmets have a shelf life of around 5 years.

Ski helmets that do not feature brain protection technology should not be worn skiing. Once this helmet has cracks or dents, it is definitely not usable.

Mips injury prevention tech is designed to withstand only one significant fall. Mips is a low-friction layer installed to protect against rotational forces. Once you slam your head, the Mips liner may shift and stop being in an optimal placement to protect users.

WaveCell and Koroyd technology differs from Mips as it is in the actual helmet and has resiliency properties. Wavecell and Koroyd helmets can take a few heavy slams. The helmet is no longer safe once there is external damage like dents and cracks.