Best Ski Helmets for 2022

Ahh, skiing. The perfect pursuit for enjoying nature, breathtaking vistas, being active in the winter weather, and, of course, having tons of fun! Certainly, whizzing down a mountain is meant to be fun, but it goes without saying that there’s a fair amount of risks when it comes to snowsports such as skiing and snowboarding. Whether it be ski lift accidents, collisions, or unexpected falls, skiing can be quite dangerous and, therefore, you’ll want to ensure you have the best equipment possible protecting you (and providing you with peace of mind). And what would be arguably THE most important piece of equipment for skiing? Undoubtedly it would be the ski helmet. But you don’t want just any ski helmet, your looking for the best ski helmet on the market. 

If it’s perhaps your first time looking for a ski helmet or possibly you don’t know what exactly to look for when assessing which type of helmet would be the best ski helmet for you, never fear. We’ve scoured the web to find the best ski helmet options so you can get on the slopes (and feel safer) ASAP! Read on to see more of our research and our top recommendations for Pure Athlete socks to complete your outfit once you’ve decided which ski helmet is perfect for you.

Before you buy…

There are a few elements you should account for before buying a ski helmet. These important features include:

Construction

When it comes to the construction of a ski helmet, there’s typically two varieties: in-mould or hard shell. 

Hard Shell

As implied in its name, this helmet has a tough shell, usually made of ABS plastic and typically has a foam liner attached on the helmet’s interior. This construction type results in a helmet that is good for impact and wear, offering the best durability. But, this durability and safety comes at the expense of weight and bulk. After hours of wear, it might start feeling a bit heavy or cumbersome. 

In-mould

An in-mould helmet model tries to overcome the weight and bulk issues by using a different construction build. Instead of the tough ABS plastic shell, this style of helmet usually comprises a thin shell (typically made of polycarbonate) and an EPS foam liner. The result is a gorgeous piece of safety gear that cuts out the weight while still being efficient at absorbing impact. In some cases some manufacturers have also started making hybrid ski helmets. These combine the in-mould technology and hard shell to give you the best of both worlds.  

Fit

After determining which material you prefer, the next thing you should consider is size. The best way to go about this is to measure the size of your head. Alternatively, consider visiting your nearest ski supplies store and trying on a few before buying. Another important consideration regarding fit is to check how well the helmet fits with your goggles on. Ideally, there shouldn’t be any space between the helmet and the top of your goggles. 

Ventilation

The venting mechanism in a ski helmet is another crucial factor to review. There are two options for venting: passive and active venting. With passive, you cannot alter the structure of the vents, meaning they’ll always remain open. However, the active design features adjustable vents that can be closed or open depending on the weather conditions. Once you’ve determined your ideal preference amongst these key features, you’re ready to move on to reviewing the best ski helmet models and brands! 

Our top picks

OutdoorMaster Kelvin Ski Helmet

This ski helmet by OutdoorMaster is touted one of the best on the market. It has a tough ABS shell, which makes for optimal durability. It’s also very easy to keep clean as the interior fleece liner and ear pads are detachable. Plus, it’s fitted with 14 individual vents to provide the best ventilation. Pair it with the High Performance Ski Sock for an ideal combination of performance and durability.

Retrospec Comstock Kid's Ski and Snowboard Helmet

This ones for the kids! If you’re looking for a kid's helmet that will pull double duty as it's designed as a ski and snowboard helmet, the Retrospec Traverse H3 is your best bet. Designed for youngsters, there are options for bright colors, increasing the user’s visibility in the mountains. It also has a snug fit thanks to the ErgoKnob adjustable dial and chinstrap. Pair it with the Child Alpaca Ski Socks for a perfect combo on the slopes!

WildHorn Outfitters Drift Snowboard & Ski Helmet

Music lovers will love this super cool helmet made by WildHorn Outfitters. The earpads are designed to be audio-compatible, allowing you to enjoy your favorite tunes when skiing. You’ll also be impressed by its adjustable venting system. You can close the vents to retain heat or open them wide if you want to cool off a bit. Pair it with the High Performance Ski Sock for an ideal combination of performance and durability.

Oakley MOD 5 Ski Helmet

If you can’t do without your ski goggles, look for a goggle-friendly ski helmet like the Oakley MOD 5. The helmet features a lightweight design, making it comfortable to wear for extended periods. It’s also equipped with advanced features like a magnetic chinstrap so you can easily buckle it with gloves on. Pair it with the Lightweight Original Ski Socks for a sporty pairing you'll love on your ski trip. 

Smith Vangtage MIPS Helmet

A longtime pioneer of ski and snow helmet technology, Smith never disappoints with their products, and the Vantage MIPS is a great example. This helmet includes 21 vents (the highest count in our review), providing maximum ventilation. The interior is constructed with a MIPS liner (which is a special material made for safer helmets). This makes the helmet not only comfortable but also incredibly safety-oriented. Pair with our Wool Tech Ski Sock for a bright and bold combination.

Sweet Protection Trooper 2Vi MIPS

The highest price on the list comes with some high-design features. Designed to be sturdy and light for freeride skiers, the Trooper 2Vi MIPS is a strong contender. This helmet is made of a carbon fiber material on the exterior, creating a shell that’s tough enough to withstand any amount of stress. For the interior, the manufacturer has used the premium Impact Shield liner, providing maximum shock absorption and comfort.  

In Summary, the best ski helmets should be able to provide a high level of protection without compromising on comfort and style. We hope our deep dive into the best ski helmets of 2022 will be helpful in your search for the perfect ski gear! And, as always, shop all of our picks for skiing, snowboarding, and winter right here at Pure Athlete.