The Best Ski Helmets for Winter Sports Protection

Ski helmets are not mandatory for adults in America, but many resorts and state departments have made it law for those under 14, and anyone under 18 who is having lessons, to wear one. So the choice is yours.

No matter how experienced you are, accidents can happen. There's the hidden tree stump in the powder, the unseen patch of ice, the out-of-control bro who had six beers at lunch, and the person who can't carry their skis properly who bashes the back of your head in the lift queue. Back in the '90s, helmets were heavy and uncomfortable; today they're high-tech, stylish, and better at regulating your temperature than any beanie. Invest wisely in one that fits properly, and you’ll barely notice it’s on your head.

MIPS stands for multi-directional impact protection system. It’s a new helmet technology designed to manage the kinetic energy generated from rotational or angular impacts. It's an ingeniously simple technology that mimics the brain's natural impact protection mechanism, by allowing the head to move slightly within the helmet if there's an angled impact. They do this thanks to a low-friction plastic layer beneath the padding that lets the head move 10 to 15 millimeters in relation to the helmet.

Do you need it? Safety-certified non-MIPS helmets still do a great job protecting you from severe brain injury. MIPS helmets cost $20 to $40 more on average, and for our money, provide added peace of mind, especially as the ski and cycling industries have been quick to embrace the technology.

Safety Certifications

Only choose helmets that meet safety standards such as ASTM F2040, CE EN 1077, or Snell RS-98. These helmets will have passed rigorous tests for impact resistance and penetration. Don't be tempted to wear a skateboard or cycling helmet unless you know it meets the same safety standards.

Goggle Compatibility

Ill-fitting goggles and helmets can be hugely irritating on the trails. A goggle frame that's too big can put pressure on the sides of the helmet and make it feel uncomfortable, while a gap between the top of the goggle and helmet not only looks a bit gawky, but can get painfully cold in subzero conditions. For the perfect fit, try choosing a helmet that's the same brand as your goggles, or visa-versa. Smith-, Sweet Protection-, and Anon-branded helmets and goggles fit especially well. If you have a smaller head, avoid oversize goggles, even if they look cool, as the helmet may well push down on the goggles, making it uncomfortable on your nose.

Ventilation

One thing first-time wearers notice is how comfortably warm helmets can be, even on cold days. But, if you get hot easily (as I do), it is worth looking for helmets with added ventilation. These holes and slashes not only prevent you from overheating, but also push cool air up and away from your goggles, preventing fogging. The best helmets have a slider/switch that enables you to open and close the vents to adjust cool air flow.

Audio Compatibility

If you like to listen to music while you earn your turns, look for helmets designed to accommodate headphones. Options such as the Bluetooth Aleck Nunchucks slot inside compatible ear pads, either via small zip or Velcro opening. Be sure to exercise caution when skiing while listening to music, as you won't be as aware of your surroundings.

Chin Straps

A basic helmet strap has a simple buckle that works perfectly well. There's only so many times a day you take your helmet off, but once you've used the Fidlock magnetic buckle, especially when wearing bulky gloves, you'll never want to go back.

Padding and Liners

All our “best buy” ski helmets feature removable liners. Check the manufacturer's instructions carefully, but most can be safely cleaned in the washing machine. And yes, they will start to whiff if you've been skiing hard.

I've been reviewing winter sports gear for over 15 years, and in that time, helmets have gone from deeply unfashionable to absolutely essential. To test the latest in helmet technology, I've worn countless designs at trade shows and in meetings with ski brands. I've researched what's available, asked the experts, and pooled opinion from fellow skiers in the WIRED team. Obviously, wearing helmets in the office is great for checking fit and features, but I have also donned them in real-world conditions, during as many trips to the mountains as I can squeeze in. Thankfully I've not had to personally experience the impact protection technology on offer—aside from the odd chairlift safety bar to the back of the head—but all the helmets recommended meet the strictest safety standards.

WIRED asked accessories buyer Jen Streby, from outdoor sports retailer Evo, for her tips to ensure a perfect fit, even when buying online.

1. Measure Your Head Carefully

Take a soft measuring tape and wrap it around your head 1 inch above your eyebrows and ears. Most helmets are measured in centimeters, so if your head's circumference is 56 centimeters, you will wear a medium (55-58 cm). Not all brands have the same sizing, so double-check before buying.

2. Try It On

A properly fitting helmet needs to be snug all the way around your head so that it doesn’t move around. You don’t want any excess space between the helmet and your head. Be careful to pay attention to any pressure or pain points. If you're sizing a ski helmet for kids, don't be tempted to choose one with room to grow: If it is too large, it is unsafe.

3. Shake Test

With the helmet on, shake your head around. If the helmet moves on its own or shakes separately from your head, it’s too big. Use your hand and move the helmet to the left and right, up and down. The skin of your head should move with the helmet without the helmet shifting on its own. You can choose to buckle the helmet at this point if you wish, but it will not impact the fit of the actual helmet, just keep the helmet on your head.