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Snowsport Helmets

Top Picks

How we choose: The best snowsport helmets highlighted here were selected based on 12 reviews of 11 products. Our top picks are those that are readily-available in the United States and have received the highest overall ratings from reviewers.

How we test: Trailspace is powered entirely by our community of readers. The reviews posted here reflect the real-world experiences of outdoor enthusiasts just like you.

If you've used a snowsport helmet that you think should be listed here, please share your experience.

Disclosure: Trailspace never accepts payment for gear reviews, product placement, or editorial coverage. When you buy through affiliate links on our site, Trailspace may earn a small commission, which helps cover the costs of running the site.

Smith Vantage Helmet

user rating: 5 of 5 (1 review)

Best helmet on the market in my opinion! The Vantage was designed for hard-core skiers/riders; it features an amazing ventilation system, BOA on the fly adjustment system, and Koroyd aerocore construction which makes it one of the lightest snow helmets on the market.

Reasons to Buy

  • Lightweight
  • Well ventilated
  • Great fit

Reasons to Avoid

  • Expensive
  • Difficult to open/close vents wearing gloves

Testing I purchased this helmet at the beginning of the 2016-17 ski season and have now used it for 22 days of skiing in conditions that vary from extremely cold (-15 degrees) to temps just below freezing. On a couple of occasions I've worn a thin balaclava hood under the helmet and also a slightly thicker Smartwool beanie. I always wear eyeglasses with this helmet. Although the ear pads are a snap-fit type and are removable I can not foresee me ever wearing this helmet without the ear pads.

Read more: Smith Vantage Helmet review (1)

Giro Range MIPS

user rating: 4 of 5 (1 review)

The Giro Range MIPS helmet is a great option for a skier focused on in-bounds resort skiing who occasionally hits the skin track. MIPS technology provides an extra layer of assurance while the Conform Fit technology provides for a customized fit.

Reasons to Buy

  • Customized fit
  • Magnetic buckle
  • MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System) technology

Reasons to Avoid

  • Vent Slide Sticks
  • Profile Appearence

Overview:  I tested the Range MIPS helmet by Giro while skiing in Northern New Hampshire during the winter of 2015-2016. There was not a lot of snow in the backcountry, but the resorts were able to make enough for this skier to get some time on the hill.  Fit, Comfort, and Profile: In order to meet the varied head sizes of the skiing market, manufactures sell helmets with size ranges. I fall in to the medium range which is a head circumference of 55.5 cm to 59 cm. Since this is a fairly large range, manufactures need to provide a system to further customize the fit.

Read more: Giro Range MIPS review (1)

Bern Baker

user rating: 4.5 of 5 (2 reviews)

The Original Bern Visor Lid. Baker Hard hat used for all seasons mainly safety gear used for skiing and snowboarding. Designed for non-motorized action sports. Comes in many colors with visor.

Reasons to Buy

  • Helps prevent serious brain injury
  • Protects against skull laceration and skull fracture
  • Most ski resort require a helmet be worn
  • Fits and looks better than any of the other helmets
  • Can attach a GoPro or video device

Reasons to Avoid

  • Makes my head sweat
  • Impaired senses and discomfort
  • Recklessness increase

HAPPY TRAILS...It gets slippery out on those trails so use protection and wear a helmet! The shell or outer layer of the helmet, is a rigid surface and protects the head from sharp objects, knocks and abrasions. Works well with any goggles, the plastic handle lifts up and keeps the elastic on your goggles hanging on or off... so you don't lose your eyewear. Fits snuggly but loose enough to rest lightly under your chin...Hard Foam Detachable earpad and wool liner can come out and you can wear this helmet with a beanie or without...

Read more: Bern Baker reviews (2)

Bern Macon

user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1 review)

An economical skid lid with good fit and ventilation.

Reasons to Buy

  • Well ventilated
  • Inexpensive
  • Rated for biking and skating too

Reasons to Avoid

  • Chin strap touches my throat

Mount Saint Helens After watching me ski and reviewing our life insurance coverage my wife decided that I should wear a ski helmet. I dutifully forked out the green for a lid to protect her investment and have worn it whenever I ski.  The biggest issue I had with helmets is ventilation. They might have vents on the shell, but they never reach the lining; they are just for show. This one ventilates nicely and has a wicking liner to keep my melon dry.  The fit is decent. I got the L/XL and there's room inside for a thin cap.

Read more: Bern Macon review (1)

Pro-tec Classic Snow Helmet

user rating: 4 of 5 (1 review)

Simple and effective lid with understated utilitarian style.

Reasons to Buy

  • Simple
  • Effective
  • Great price

Reasons to Avoid

  • None for my money

The Pro-tec Classic snow is pretty basic, but I like that. The version I've got has a matte finish, which makes it even more understated. There is a good range of great colours with contrasting chin strap. The design doesn't seem to change much each year which suggests it is pretty dialled. The vents work well to avoid overheating and the padded ear guards can be easily removed on warmer days. The goggle retainer strap at the back is well designed and really easy to use. It's had a few knocks and scrapes and all is sound.

Read more: Pro-tec Classic Snow Helmet review (1)

Giro Nine.9

user rating: 4 of 5 (1 review)
discontinued

An excellent helmet that has served me well in all weather conditions. It is light on the head, warm, and far more comfortable than a hat. Plus, it works well with many sets of goggles — no need to buy a special type!

Reasons to Buy

  • Light on the head
  • Warm in cold weather, and well ventillated for hot days
  • Very durable

Reasons to Avoid

  • It is a very popular style, so this won't make you stand out from the crowd
  • To ventillate in my version, you remove plugs from the inside, which you then have to carry in a pocket. (Newer versions might not have this issue)

I was a bit reluctant to get a helmet for skiing, but it has been a few years with this one, and I'd not go back to a hat. For one, gone are the itchy heads of a hat. The helmet is warmer, feels lighter, and does not obstruct visibility at all. It works very well with my goggles. Now, I am not a cutting-edge person, so this will lack the flash that some snow-riders love. But, that's okay by me! You can always add stickers. In my version, I have ventilation by removing a few inserts from the inside of the helmet.

Read more: Giro Nine.9 review (1)

More Reviews of Snowsport Helmets

Trailspace reviewers have shared 12 reviews of 11 different snowsport helmets.

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