Top Rated Ski Helmets You’ll Love to Wear

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Welcome to ThinkVail – shop our list of top rated ski helmets featuring Giro, Oakley, Drift, Smith Optics, Bolle, POC, Demon, Lucky Bum and more.

A ski helmet is an essential piece of equipment, it is safe, practical, stylish, comfortable and will enhance your day on the slopes. Your helmet allows you to go bigger and faster, if you add audio to your helmet you can groove to tunes all the way down the hill, add a GoPro and take videos or selfies and post to social media. The right helmet will make you look mountain savvy, and like you know what you’re doing, even if you don’t.

See Also: Year’s Top Rated Ski Goggles

IMPORTANT HELMET FEATURES

Safety – Keeping your noggin safe is THE most important job of a good helmet. A good certified helmet can dramatically reduce the severity of a head injury if you sustain a collision with a tree, if another skier collides with you, if you ski off a cliff the wrong way, or any of the other numerous ways that you can hurt yourself while having fun on the ski mountain. Protect the Grey Matter.

Warmth – The majority of heat loss is through your head, a helmet keeps you warmer and dryer than just wearing a hat.

Goggle Keeper – Your helmet holds your goggles securely, and out of the way but close at hand, for when you need them.

Jam to Tunes – Add audio or earbuds to listen to your favorite tunes or receive calls while you are on the mountain.

Camera Attachment – Attach a camera mount to take photos and video, hands free right from your helmet. An easy way to get amazing footage of your ski adventures.

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See Also: Year’s Best Helmet Mountain Cameras


CERTIFICATION

ASTM F2040: The most common snow helmet certification. This U.S.-based standard covers non motorized recreational snow sports including skiing and snowboarding.

CE EN1077: The European certification for alpine skiing and snowboarding helmets.


CONSTRUCTION

In-Mold Helmets – Constructed by attaching the outer shell and shock-absorbing foam in a single molding process. They are sleek and much lighter than injection-molded helmets.

Hard Shell ABS Helmets – Constructed of a lightweight, thin, hard plastic outer shell with a soft EPS foam liner that absorb shock. This reduces the head snap that results in most collisions. These helmets offer more durability against everyday knocks than in-mold helmets.

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CORRECT FIT

  • A good helmet should feel snug but not tight. It should not rock back and forth if you shake your head from side-to-side.
  • There should not be a gap between the top of your goggles and the helmet, it should sit comfortably and not push down on the goggles.
  • The helmet should be positioned low enough in the front to protect your forehead.
  • The chinstrap needs to be tight enough that it will not come off on impact. Strap should be snug but still loose enough that you don’t feel choked or pinched. Always fasten the strap before hitting the slopes.

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Top Rated Ski Helmets


#1 Top Rated Ski Helmets – Giro MIPS

Giro is a name that is known for its innovation with MIPS technology. MIPS technology is the science behind keeping your noodle safe when some skier (or tree) comes out of nowhere and collides with you. This Giro Range stylish helmet has a lot to offer.

  • MIPS low friction foam liner
  • Articulating hard shell construction and sleek low-profile design.
  • Adjustable vents makes it is easy to cool down or warm up your noggin to react to changing temp changes.
  • Fully integrated Conform Fit System utilizes a two-piece shell that forms to the rider’s head shape by expanding and contracting with the turn of a dial.
  • Vertical tuning adjust how the helmet sits on your head for a perfect fit.
  • A glove-friendly dial at the base of the helmet provides up to 6 cm of fit adjustment. Make adjustments to the fit of your helmet on the fly when needed.
  • Fidlock magnetic buckle closure.
  • Goggle retainer strap holds goggles securely
  • Features X-Static®, a 100% natural, antimicrobial fiber reduces odor.
  • If you are looking for audio, this helmet is compatible with Aftermarket Giro Audio Systems by Outdoor Tech (sold separately)
  • Seamless compatibility with all Giro goggles means no gaper gap just a perfect fit, also compatible with Giro audio.
  • POV camera mount included.
  • Removable ear pads mean your ears are always warm when its cold and blustery, but can be removed for more ventilation, if needed, on warmer spring days. This also makes them easy to clean.
  • Available in 4 sizes (S, Med, Lrg, XLrg).
  • Unisex style is perfect for both men and women

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#2 Top Rated Ski Helmets – Bolle Visor

The Bolle Might Visor offers a smart, cool concept for a helmet. It integrates a visor into the helmet so you don’t need an additional pair of goggles that can be lost. Everything you need in one smooth package.

  • Hard Shell ABS constructed helmet that utilizes a thick, tough ABS plastic outer shell that is adhered to a pre-molded hard foam interior and liner to offer good protection at a reasonable price.
  • Click-to-Fit size adjustment system adjusts to fit your head perfectly.
  • Adjustable ventilation makes it easy to regulate the amount of ventilation that comes into your helmet. Dial it down to keep your head warmer, dial it up to let in more air and cool things off.
  • Brown Gun Lens on Visor
  • Works like goggles, if you don’t want to use the visor, just move it to the upright position on top of the helmet, where it will stay out of the way.
  • Prescription glasses and/or sunglasses under the visor.
  • Visor offers a wide, panoramic field of vision.
  • Removable ear pads mean your ears are always warm when its cold and blustery, but can be removed for more ventilation, if needed, on warmer spring days. Also easy to clean
  • Hypoallergenic inner liner

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#3 Top Rated Ski Helmets – Oakley

The Oakley Mod5 is a best seller, and it’s easy to see why. A great looking helmet that is easy to use, with an innovative hybrid shell construction for safety, tons of features and comes in a wide assortment of colors.

  • Hybrid shell construction with MIPS Integration means this helmet incorporates ABS in front and In-Mold construction in back, So the front of your noodle enjoys extra protection against major impacts but you also enjoy the advantage of lightweight materials and comfortable foam.
  • The Modular Brim System (MBS) makes it easy to customize for the type of goggles you wear or allows to easily change over time. So if you want to use larger goggles such as Flight Deck you use the large brim if you want to use smaller goggles like A Frame 2.0. use the smaller brim provided.
  • Adjustable venting allows heating and cooling management in all weather conditions.
  • Magnetic buckle secures the MOD Helmet and makes strapping on easy even while wearing gloves.
  • The BOA Fit System makes it easy to fully adjust the helmet for a perfect for you, even while wearing gloves.
  • Removable innovative ear pads puts zero pressure on ears. Remove them for more ventilation or to wash them when needed.
  • Google strap holds goggles securely
  • Available in tons of cool colors

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#4 Top Rated Ski Helmets – Smith Optics

Smith is a leader in the ski industry and they bring their innovation and attention to detail to ski helmets. The amazingly popular Smith Optics Holt helmet has many key features you are looking for in a helmet.

  • Hard Shell ABS constructed helmet that incorporates a thick, tough ABS plastic outer shell that is adhered to a pre-molded hard foam interior and liner to offer good protection and bomber construction.
  • Certification: ASTM F 2040 and CE EN107
  • 14 vents on the front, top, and back of the helmet keeps you comfortable no matter the weather or temps.
  • Precise fit of Smith goggles and helmet eliminates “gaper gap” , air that can get in between a mismatched goggle and helmet.
  • Removable Goggle Lock keeps your googles secure
  • Audio-compatible ear pads will keep your favorite beats pumping while your on the slopes. Skullcandy Audio Systems available
  • Convertible Kit included for All-Season Helmet Use, means with a little tinkering you can take your helmet from the slopes to the skate park and still be safe with Hard Shell ABS technology protecting you brain.
  • Unisex; comes in a variety of sizes for men and women
  • NO Sizing Dial – this helmet does not have a sizing dial to adjust the size.  Only minor size adjustments can be made on this helmet.

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#5 Top Rated Ski Helmets – Drift

The maker of the Drift ski Helmet, WildHorn Outfitters is the official supplier of the US Ski Team. If the US ski team uses these helmets to protect their athletes, that quite an endorsement.

  • Advanced manufacturing techniques with composite foam technology makes this one of the highest performance, the lightest weight helmets on the market. If safety is a concern, know that it meets ASTM F2040 safety standards and the European safety standard EN1077 Class B.
  • The Drift Helmet comes in three varied sizes and features a patented Fine Tune Adjustment system that offers micro adjustments for the perfect fit. Ensures comfort and a perfect fit.
  • Comfortable, stylish and good-looking helmet.
  • Advanced VNT technology is an easy to adjust ventilation system. A combination of both direct and indirect airflow is used to control the temp inside the ski helmet.  Slide the vents open when its warm, and slide closed when it gets chilly.
  • With its ultra plush interior liner, you won’t find a more comfortable snowboard helmet.
  • Audio Ready- The comfy ear pads are audio compatible (check out the Wildhorn Alta Bluetooth helmet compatible earphones)! Simply drop into your helmet audio to shred to your favorite tunes.
  • Comes in a variety of sizes for men, women and youth

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#6 Top Rated Ski Helmets – POC

The POC Receptor Bug features a really cool, design with tons of innovative and useful features that makes using this helmet a joy. Boasts a variety of colorful, matte finishes. Pick your favorite color.

  • Featuring a patented, ventilated double shell anti-penetration system with two overlapping outer shells to protect your nugget from sharp objects. It boasts an external ABS hard shell with an internal polycarbonate shell to create an exceptionally strong helmet that’s lightweight.
  • Certified and meets the ASTM F2040 standards & the European standard EN1077 Class B.
  • The EPS liner offers the impact shock absorption to keep your melon safe
  • Aside from being safe, the ventilated double shell anti-penetration technology allows air to flow between both shells to keep you comfortable or allows you to close it completely on colder days.
  • Detachable ear pads and neck roll keep your ears and neck warm on frigid days but can be removed on warm spring days for more ventilation. Also, removable means easy to clean
  • Size adjustment system makes it easy to fit your head properly.
  • Fixed goggle clip keeps you googles on your helmet securely
  • This helmet does not have an adjustment dial to customize the size but it does include additional pads that you could add.

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#7 Top Rated Ski Helmets – Lucky Bum

The Lucky Bum Alpine ski helmet is an affordable, certified, stylish helmet that is perfect for the slopes.

  • In-mold construction fuses the helmets outer shell to the impact absorbing EPS liner for increased durability
  • Fully complies with EN1077 standards and is CE certified.
  • Very lightweight, weighing in at about a pound.
  • Inner-shell micro-adjustment, ensures a proper fit.
  • Vents with mesh screens to prevent snow buildup and allow for ample airflow.
  • Integrated goggle loop keeps your googles securely attached
  • Drop in audio ready ear flaps lets you listn.
  • Padded chin strap and ear flaps keeps you warmer in cold weather while ensuring comfort and keeps your helmet securely attached.

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#8 Top Rated Ski Helmets – Demon Phantom

If an easy, integrated audio system is number #1 on your must-have features in a ski or snowboard helmet look no further than the Demon Phantom Helmet with built-in audio.

  • Constructed of a tough ABS shell and an EPS foam padding with comfortable liner and the helmet is both CE and ASTM certified to keep your noggin safe while shredding on the mountain.
  • It’s super slick, the Phantom ski helmet comes with Brain Teaser Audio already installed. Just plug the aux cord into your device and your helmet comes alive with the sound of your favorite tunes! No worrying about whether your audio will fit the ear pads, the helmet speaker is already set up for you & ready to go.
  • Brain Teaser Audio ear pads included. The speakers are removable and the connection is a standard stereo audio jack (female side on the helmet), with a 5-foot male to male cord that connects to the phone in your pocket.
  • Vents on the front and back of the helmet will keep you cool and allow air to circulate.
  • Goggle straps keep your goggles securely attached
  • Comes in 4 different sizes and a variety of matte helmet colors are available including black, gray, blue, orange, white and green.
  • The Demon Phantom helmet does not have any fit adjustment so you cannot adjust or customize size.

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See Also: Year’s Best Ski Pass Holders


Comments

We hope you found this article about the year’s top rated ski helmets helpful. Is your ski helmet on this list? What features do you consider most important in a ski helmet? Has your helmet ever saved your life? Tell us your comments, thoughts and stories we would love to hear them.

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  • I can attest to the importance of ski helmets.  My mother, was 78 and still skiing, she took a spill, slid and landed head first into a tree.  It was the most horrible thing a person could witness (yes, I was there).  But because she was wearing a helmet she did not suffer any serious injuries.  Thank God, she and my Dad had always made a point to buy good helmets, and hers probably saved her life.

    I am now in the market for a new helmet, so I'm so happy you rated these for not only comfort but for safety, which is now my top priority. I am also interested in adding a Go Pro to my helmet to capture my family's' adventures.

    • Hi Babsie, thank you for sharing your story, I am so happy your mother did not get seriously hurt and YES it is so important to have a good helmet when skiing or snowboarding.  Once you decide which helmet is right for you then check out this post about the Years' Best Helmet Mounted Ski Camerasto find which camera will work best for you.  Have fun on the slopes and stay safe!

  • Wow, great article about top rated ski helmets.  I have had my helmet for years and it is just getting dated and I have been thinking of getting a new one.  Last week I was on the chairlift with a man who was listening to music and then all of a sudden he switched and was answering a phone call.  It about blew my mind, so now I really want a hem]met with audio.  I have ear buds for music but if  I want to make or answer a call or text, I have to dig it out of my jacket, not drop it off the chairlift and then remember to zip up my pocket zipper so I don't lose it after I make my call. Huge pain in the butt.  An audio helmet seems so much simpler. I am interested in the Demon Phantom helmet, what are your thoughts about that helmet?

    • Hi Kinggold, thanks for the comment.  Yes I do think the Demon Phantom helmet is a great helmet but keep in mind if sound quality is incredibly important to you, you will probably want to go with something like the Smith Optic and then buy a high quality audio system like Skull Candy and add it to your helmet.  But if you are looking for a decent audio system AND a helmet at a very affordable price (usually under $70) then this is the solution for you. 

  • Thanks for the review about top rated ski helmets. I remember skiing years ago and no matter how often I fell down it never crossed my mind to wear a helmet. Today, I am older and wiser and after 20 years I am picking up skiing again and need and want a helmet to protect my noggin. However, I don't know anything about helmets or what to look for. Thank you so much for pointing out to look for the US and Eu safety certification. I also love the idea of wearing goggles as my eyes use to always tear up up when I would ski really fast, but I don't have those either. I am also really interested in adding audio and listening to music and answering my phone through my helmet. Wow! helmets have really come far!

    • Hi Marc, So happy that this list of top rated ski helmets was able to help you. Yes, helmets have come a long way. They use to be so heavy, uncomfortable and you couldn't hear a thing that was going on around you, they kind of sucked when they first came out. But now, I can't imagine skiing or snowboarding without one! Check out the Drift Helmet, it offers tons of great features like dial adjuster to tighten and loosen the fit of the helmet, easy slide ventilation, Bluetooth ready and compatible, snap on goggle strap and its lightweight and super stylish. I think you would love it. I f you need help finding the right pair of goggles check out the post The Year's Best Ski Goggles for some great recommendations

  • What a great review on ski helmets. I wasn't aware there were so many with so many different features. My son has just started going to college in California and he and his friends go skiing every weekend. However, he does not wear a helmet because he says he cannot afford it. As a mother, that is not going to fly, so I am searching for a good helmet to buy so he will wear it. Any suggestions for a "cool" helmet for a young man?

    • Hi Lilian, Yes I would recommend the Drift Helmet. It is the official helmet of the US Ski Team and it meets both American safety standards and European safety standards. The helmet also offers an easy dial adjuster to make sure your son has the perfect fit. He can adjust it on the fly even with gloves on. It also has vents that can easily slide open and close to keep him comfortable. Lastly, and probably most importantly to your son, is that the ear pads are audio compatible so he can add tunes to his helmet. This is an additional purchase but it is something he is going to think is very important. If he has tunes he will wear his helmet!

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