The Best Ski Helmets

While similar to bike or skateboard helmets, ski helmets differ in several ways: They will almost always have moisture-wicking liners, temperature-sensitive or regulating materials and features, clips for holding ski goggles, and sometimes, extra features like built-in earmuffs. Here we’ve gathered some ski helmets that we recommend.

Buying Guide for the Best Ski Helmets

Why buy a ski helmet?

No matter your skill level, you should wear a ski helmet to protect yourself in case of falls, collisions, or entering dangerous terrain. Some people might not like to wear them because of their potential bulkiness, but with recent improvements in the design, ski helmets are now lightweight and incredibly comfortable to wear. Some high-end models also offer unique features to make your experience more fun and memorable.

What should you look for in a ski helmet?

• Size: A ski helmet won’t do you much good if it doesn’t fit you properly. You’ll want to measure your head (or your child’s, if you’re buying for them) just above the ears and eyebrows before you start shopping since you’ll want the helmet to cover the top of the forehead. Be sure to measure in both centimeters and inches since some helmets’ sizing charts might list sizes in one unit. Ski helmets come in both adult and child options. Some offer youth sizes as well for teens and preteens. Ideally, a ski helmet will be snug but not tight. You might want just enough room to slip your helmet on over a ski mask, for instance.
• Features and Accessories: There are some handy features to keep an eye out for when you’re shopping for a new ski helmet. Vents help regulate your temperature as you ski or snowboard, and some vents are adjustable, so you can adjust them to the precise level of airflow that you’re most comfortable with. Built-in earmuffs or ear pads and linings will help keep you warm on the slopes. A helmet with a clip or other attachment for your goggles will reduce the risk of losing them as you ski or snowboard. Some ski helmets now come with a built-in camera mount for people who like to film while skiing or with built-in speakers to listen to music as you’re zooming down the mountain.

Can you customize your ski helmet?

Some ski helmets will offer more customization and adjustability than others. As previously mentioned, helmets with adjustable vents are a great way to ensure that you’re getting a comfortable amount of airflow. Many ski helmets offer adjustable sizing dials or pads to give you the perfect fit. The chin strap or buckle will often be modifiable as well. Helmets with interchangeable or removable foam padding can offer a better fit and double as a way to repurpose your ski helmet for biking and vice versa. Some helmets have built-in, removable earpads and liners, allowing you to choose how much extra warmth you want and making them much easier to clean.

Our Picks for the Best Ski Helmets

Pros: Wildhorn is renowned in the ski gear industry because it supplies the U.S. Ski Team. The fine-tuning adjustment and ventilation systems are what we like most. To get the perfect fit, turn the FTA ratchet at the back of the helmet while it’s on. The patented, adjustable ventilation comprises 13 vents you can slide open or close to increase airflow or keep the heat in. 

Cons: This helmet is a bit on the pricey side, especially for a youth helmet.

Bottom Line: The Wildhorn Drift helmet has the looks and ventilation technology other skiers will envy. Plus, it’s made to protect your head. The inner EPS foam and outer PC shell sections are fused foams to create a molded safety structure. Enjoy choosing your favorite color!

 

Pros: It makes sense to us that this ski helmet is a best-seller. The Kelvin helmet looks awesome, wears comfortably, and protects the head. With 14 vents for optimal ventilation and removable ear pads, and fleece lining, you have options to make the helmet most comfortable for you. Adjust the fit with the easy-to-use dial. Want to talk about safety? Yes, yes, you do. The Kelvin has a reinforced ABS shell and an Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) core for maximum shock-absorbing action.

Cons: The helmet doesn’t come with goggles, which may disappoint some, given the product’s high rating.

Bottom Line: The Outdoor Master Kelvin ski helmet has it all: ventilation, protection, removable and washable lining, and style. It’s also available in a wide array of colors.

 

Pros: One-stop shop! Well, not exactly. You’ll need to buy skis if you don’t already have them. The Odoland helmet comes with a pair of fully protective, detachable goggles! With 28 strategically placed air vent holes straight through the PC shell and EPA foam, you won’t have to worry about your goggle fogging up or your head freezing. Other features that keep you warm include removable earmuffs, a warmer liner, and a padded chin band. While lightweight, make no mistake; the helmet and goggles are ASTM and CE-certified safe.

Cons: You may find the goggles fit uncomfortably.

Bottom Line: This helmet and goggles combination look great and performs even better. It’s made for adults and youth, with lots of sizes to pick from.

 

Pros: The top vents of this helmet are adjustable so that you can change how much cool air you’re letting in and how much heat you’re letting out. If your head feels too warm, slide the vents open wider, and if it starts to feel cold, you can close them tighter. The tension dial on the back allows you to modify the helmet’s size to achieve the perfect fit. It also has a goggle loop on the back that snaps down to hold your ski goggles in place and an easily detachable fleece liner and ear pads. The outer shell is lightweight yet strong and contains an impact-absorbing EPS foam liner for greater comfort and protection. It’s available in two solid colors and in three different sizes.

Cons: This helmet doesn’t offer the same level of versatility as some of the more high-end options. Also, it’s not the most durable helmet you’ll find on the market.

 

Pros: This helmet comes in three different sizes with an adjustable dial that allows you to modify its size further. Move the twist dial with one hand to tighten or loosen the helmet’s built-in framework for a more custom fit. The chin strap is also adjustable. The rugged ABS exterior has 10 vents along the helmet’s top, front, and back to keep you comfortable while on the slopes. The interior is made of EPS foam that absorbs shocks for better protection and has interchangeable shock-absorbing foam inserts. The goggle clip at the back helps keep your ski goggles in place. The built-in earmuffs are warm and comfortable and come off at will for easy cleaning or when you don’t need the extra warmth.

Cons: It doesn’t offer the most size options and has fewer interior vents than some of the more premium helmets. Some finishes might scratch easily.

Bottom Line: This ski helmet comes with just about every feature that you might want or need. It’s safety certified to serve as a ski helmet or bicycle helmet. In terms of overall quality and workmanship, this helmet will get the job done.

Final Thoughts

Whether you ski only once or twice a year or have a seasonal ski pass, you need a protective helmet; ideally, it will be comfortable and fashionable too. This way, you can have a lot more fun while limiting the effects of those frigid temperatures.