How many of you have fallen and suffered an impact on the head during skiing? It’s common among golfers to accidentally plant a ski deep into the snow or stumble on a root or a hidden rock and fall. And sometimes, a beginner skier comes out of nowhere and knocks you out. Whatever the reason, such accidents happen commonly in the mountains. All you need is to head to the slopes fully equipped and protected. The ski helmet can potentially save you from having to cancel the rest of your vacation. It can save the skier’s life in the event of a fall since head injuries can be of serious consequences.
But buying a skiing helmet isn’t easy since many brands in the market claim to offer the best products. In addition, the standards used to certify helmets and other features that make them suitable for mountaineering are difficult to understand, especially by naïve skiers. In this regard, this article brings you an exhaustive list of some of the best helmets for skiing to help you choose the right one for your future venture.
Today, many skiers, whether cross-country or off-piste, free riders, or ski instructors, no longer hesitate to protect their heads with a helmet on the white slopes. The good news is that modern ski helmets not only protect your head from brain damage, but they also look good. Let’s start our discussion with the standards and features that you must look for in a skiing helmet!
In a Hurry? Here are Our Top Choices
Standards Used to Certify Ski Helmets
Standard EN 12492
This standard is used to certify helmets used for climbing and mountaineering. This type of helmet has, in particular, a requirement of shock absorption, penetration and resistance of the chin strap:
- 5 kg object dropped from a height of 2m maximum
- no contact between the tip of the object of 3 kg and the head at less than 1 m in height
- resistance limits the risk of loss in the event of a fall
The EN 1077 Standard
This standard is the benchmark for alpine skiing and snowboarding activities. It is divided into two classes:
- Class A protects on the surface and in percussion and offers a very high degree of protection.
- Class B does not protect the ear area, and its percussion protection is significantly lower than that of Class A.
These helmets are lighter, more comfortable, and provide better hearing and ventilation.
Ski Touring Certification
This differentiating element is on Petzl’s new Meteor and Sirocco helmets. These helmets are lightweight worn during the descent and the ascent and represent more than 2/3 of the time during a ski trip. These helmets meet the mountaineering helmet standard EN 12492, presented and have additional guarantees, such as top and side label, but are not EN 1077 approved. They must, therefore, not be used on the track.
What Features to Consider When Buying a Helmet for Skiing?
The Size of Your Helmet
It is essential to choose a helmet that is right for you. Most helmets by different manufacturers are expressed in two ways: centimeters or in S, M, L, XL. You should be sure about your head circumference before you opt for a certain size. Below are some steps you can follow to identify your head circumference:
- Take a tape measure.
- Place it above your ears and eyebrows.
- Go for a size between 52 and 62 cm, according to your head circumference size
Knowing your head size will allow you to find a helmet adapted to your size. When testing the helmet, please ensure that it does not move when you shake your head and not compress your face. Also, make sure it fits your goggles or ski goggles. Helmets equipped with the BOA system or the “size adjustment” are the best for a better fit.
Don’t Ignore the Comfort Factor
The quality of the interior foam is the key element for your comfort, adapting to the shape of your head. Many helmets are equipped with removable ear cups to promote hearing, provide better comfort, and allow the helmet to be used when the temperature rises. You can fix or remove them with increasing or decreasing temperatures. They are also ideal for machine washing.
Opt for Lightweight Helmets
Because a light helmet will provide you with optimal comfort, you should prefer a helmet that does not exceed 450 grams. If lightness is your priority, you can find many lightweight helmets in the market—favor “In-mold” construction, which is lighter than traditional construction without compromising the protection.
Choose a Breathable Helmet
A good ski helmet should help regulate the temperature and wick away sweat. Some helmets are equipped with Natural Ventilation technology which allows hot air or humidity to be evacuated. Another technology is Active Ventilation that allows ventilation for guaranteed comfort regardless of the conditions.
Opt for the Ones with EPP Foam
EPP foam offers strong protection. EPP is better than EPS, which you might have heard about. It is the expanded polypropylene foam for optimal flexibility in shock absorption. In addition, some ski helmets are equipped with Audio technology inside the helmet. So, if you’re a music lover, you can opt for such a helmet.
Now that you know the features that you must consider before buying a helmet, let’s discuss some of the best helmets for skiing that you can opt for!
The 7 Best Helmets for Skiing
A good helmet is judged by its precise and practical fit, the size of your head, its ventilation system and its bright colors. Quite often, the more effective these features, the uglier the headset. However, there are some models that feature all these elements along with the design. So, without a further ado, let’s discuss them!
1. Retrospec Comstock Adult Ski and Snowboard Helmet
Retrospec offers a range of helmets with top-of-the-line quality and protection. Comstock’s mesh cap and ten vents are for optimal breathability in all types of weather conditions to keep you dry and cool. It is equipped with an ABS outer shell and EPS foam inner shell for maximum slope protection. The ergonomic ear cups allow you to stay connected to your sound environment while staying warm. It is designed to fit perfectly, offering optimal weight distribution and reducing stress on the neck. In addition, its Click To Fit system allows you to perfectly adjust the tightening in a few seconds, while the ABS shell offers excellent shock absorption. We highly recommend this helmet to any skier looking for performance, comfort and ease of use.
2. Extremus Snow Bound – Lightweight Ski Helmet for Men and Women
The Extremus Snow Bound helmet comes with a super-light shock-absorbing Polycarbonate material shell for optimal protection on the slopes. It is filled with impact-absorbing EPS foam. It is a lightweight helmet but tougher than any other skiing helmet in the market. The helmet manages to be both very light, ventilated and certified for mountaineering and alpine skiing, thereby justifying its price. It is equipped with ten 3D vents well-positioned to prevent overheating. The small dial on the back of the helmet allows you to quickly and easily adjust the tightening of the headband.
3. VANRORA Ski Helmet, Snowboard Helmet, Climate Control Ventilation, Safety Certified Snow Helmet for Men and Women
This ski helmet by Vanrora is double certified, ASTM F 2040 and CE EN 1077, for optimal protection on the white slopes. An elastic system inside the helmet holds it to increase reliability and comfort. Unlike other helmets, this one does not just “sit” on the helmet. It is designed to fit perfectly, offering optimal weight distribution and reducing stress on the neck. It is equipped with the Airflow Temperature Control technology that offers adjustable ventilation systems. Finally, you also enjoy other comfort elements, such as a precise adjustment system and removable ear cups compatible with the audio system. Therefore, you will be both perfectly protected and at the top of comfort, all at a price that remains correct.
4. Demon United Phantom – Supra Audio Helmet with Snow Goggles
The Demon Phantom Helmet is not for winter sports enthusiasts, but if you just want to blast the track while listening to your music, this Bluetooth ski helmet does the trick very well. Demon helmets come with an impressive Brainteaser sound system integrated into the headphones. However, this model lacks some of the features you’ve seen in other helmets. For example, it’s not fully adjustable, so you need to be sure about your head circumference if you plan to buy this one. However, it is a certified snow sports helmet with padded collar, closed ears, and adjustable chin strap.
5. Ski Helmet- Zeepoch Snowboard Helmet for Men Women, Goggles Compatible, Removable Fluff Liner and Ear Pads, Cooling Vents
It is built with a revolutionary new material that absorbs more energy on impact while increasing airflow. There are nine Airflow Ventilation Vents to remove access heat and keep you comfortable all day when skiing. The Protection System reduces the force of impact on the brain in the event of an oblique impact. The helmet will absorb and dissipate shock more effectively by allowing a slight rotation of the outer shell while maintaining the skull on the inner liner. It is FIS approved and has ASTM 2040 certification.
6. Retrospec Zephyr Adult Ski and Snowboard Helmet Adjustable with 9 Vents, Impact Resistant ABS Shell and EPS Foam
This is another model by Retrospec equipped with an ABS outer shell fully formed with high-quality EPS foam. It is designed in a classic way known as “in mold,” with a polycarbonate shell and an EPS structure. These features ensure optimal protection and comfort. The ErgoKnob dial is for adjustment. In addition, the BreezeBar technology enables to customize the airflow. The ear cups and inner liner are removable for summer-type use and washing. The now traditional Boa-type rear dial adjusts. It comes in different sizes, rather centered on big heads, with a fairly fine adjustment range. It would be better to go through the test to be sure of the size. It has generous vents, headlamp attachments and a back loop.
7. Smith Maze Asian Fit – Snow Sports Helmet
This skiing helmet by Maze is carefully engineered in mold. This is one of the lightest certified snow helmets with a timeless shell shape. The AirEvac technology offers optimal goggle integration. The cheek pads are removable. In addition, this helmet has a self-adjusting fit system for perfect adjustment and maximum comfort. You can opt for this lightweight helmet with airflow climate control.
Almost Everyone Wears a Helmet
It’s hard to imagine today: 20 years ago, almost no skier or snowboarder wore a helmet on the slopes. Thus, during the 2002-2003 season, only 20% of snowboarders and 14% of skiers protected their heads.
The helmet is now an integral part of the equipment, just like the gloves. More than 90% of skiers and snowboarders wear one.This is not the case in other snow sports, however.
Wearing a helmet has an obvious advantage. Each year, thousands of skiers suffer an accident while skiing, snowboarding or sledding. Some 15% of them injure their heads. Wearing a helmet prevents about a third of these injuries.
Our Final Thoughts
We hope the information we shared about the best helmets for skiing will help you choose the right one for your next venture. Do not hesitate to buy one as it will not limit your hearing or vision. In addition, helmets today are light and comfortable. They will keep your head warm and provide you optimal comfort in freezing temperatures.
