The 6 Best Ski Helmets | Tested & Rated

The 6 Best Ski Helmets | Tested & Rated

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Best Overall Ski and Snowboard Helmet

Smith Vantage MIPS

80

OVERALL
SCORE

• Comfort

  8.0

• Warmth

  8.0

• Ventilation

  9.0

• Weight

  6.0

• Goggle Compatibility

  9.0

• Style

  7.0

Weight: 17.7 oz | Rotational Impact Protection System: MIPS

REASONS TO BUY

• Good, versatile fit
• Cozy
• Excellent venting
• Adjustment system

REASONS TO AVOID

• Expensive

17.7 oz | MIPS

The Smith Vantage MIPS has been our favorite ski helmet for years now, with a feature set that makes it a repeat favorite among our testers. We love the easily adjustable Boa dial fit system, which eliminates pressure points and provides a comfortable, custom fit regardless of head shape. The versatile ventilation system allows you to choose which vents to open so that you can tailor the amount of airflow. The Vantage uses MIPS technology to better absorb the rotational impact forces commonly associated with brain injuries. It also employs a generous amount of Koroyd, a welded tube structure designed to absorb impact forces and decrease your chances of serious injury from direct hits. These features, plus the helmet's tight, high-quality construction, make it an easy choice for any die-hard skier.

The only real downside to the Smith Vantage MIPS is its high price. The best-of-the-best doesn't come cheap, but there's value in spending more to get more, especially when it comes to head protection – as they say, you only get one head! The Vantage MIPS is appropriate for any skier or rider simply looking for the best ski helmet available on the market. If you can't quite swing the cost of this premium helmet, we also recommend the more affordable Smith Mission MIPS.

Read more: Smith Vantage MIPS review

The Smith Vantage earns points for both style and functionality.

Credit: laredo

Best Bang for Your Buck

Giro Ratio MIPS

64

OVERALL
SCORE

• Comfort

  6.0

• Warmth

  7.0

• Ventilation

  7.0

• Weight

  4.0

• Goggle Compatibility

  7.0

• Style

  6.0

Weight: 21.7 oz | Rotational Impact Protection System: MIPS

REASONS TO BUY

• Adjustable vents
• Dial for fit customization
• MIPS

REASONS TO AVOID

• Heavier weight
• Larger profile

21.7 oz | MIPS

The Giro Ratio MIPS strikes an impressive balance of value and performance. The Ratio MIPS includes a premium set of features, but utilizes a cost-friendly hardshell construction to keep the price reasonable. The ventilation system is excellent, with six adjustable vents that allow you to micro-manage the airflow and your temperature. The helmet uses a harness system for an adjustable fit, controlled by an oversized dial that is easily adjusted while wearing gloves. Unlike some other helmets at this price point, this helmet is outfitted with MIPS technology to protect against rotational impact forces, proving that you don't have to pay top dollar for additional protection.

While beneficial for cost savings, the hardshell construction is also our biggest complaint with this helmet. The increased weight and size is more noticeable while riding, and the bulkier appearance detracts slightly from its style. But for skiers and riders looking for a high-quality helmet on a budget, the money you save far outweighs these minor drawbacks. The Giro Ratio MIPS is an excellent option for casual skiers looking for a new lid that offers great features, top-notch protective technology, and avoids the sticker shock of many top models in this review.

Read more: Giro Ratio MIPS review

We found the Ratio to fit longer, oval head shapes the best.

Credit: laredo

Best Bargain for Resort and Backcountry Use

Smith Mission MIPS

71

OVERALL
SCORE

• Comfort

  7.0

• Warmth

  7.0

• Ventilation

  8.0

• Weight

  6.0

• Goggle Compatibility

  8.0

• Style

  6.0

Weight: 16.9 oz. | Rotational Impact Protection System: MIPS

REASONS TO BUY

• Ample and adjustable ventilation
• Protective features
• Lightweight

REASONS TO AVOID

• Less stylish
• Earpads are tricky to remove

16.9 oz. | MIPS

The Smith Mission MIPS is our recommendation as a budget-friendly helmet for those who frequently split their time between riding chairlifts and the backcountry. Purchasing a helmet for each activity can be a financial burden and unnecessary depending on one's touring goals. The Mission achieves an equitable share of front and backcountry needs in a helmet. It is a well-balanced model with many favorable features of a resort helmet like adjustable vents, a warm liner, MIPS, and Koroyd, all in a lightweight, low profile, backcountry-ready package. It is only a few ounces heavier than the lightest helmet in our review but offers more utility to the standard ski tour. For the average recreational backcountry skier, the marginal weight increase is a reasonable tradeoff for enhanced impact protection and other amenities this helmet provides. This unique balance of features and performance led to the Mission being one of the first helmets our testers reached for, whether you are spending the day riding groomers or touring out of our favorite trailhead.

Our snowboarding reviewer's main hesitation with this helmet was its styling. Fortunately, this is subjective, and anything can look stylish if you own it. Additionally, removing the earpads was more complicated than other models. When removing the pads, it felt similar to breaking the plastic insert. Because the pads are integrated into the harness system, you need to remove the harness attachment near the temple area of the helmet. Despite these minor quirks, this helmet's lightweight, functional, breathable, and protective nature makes it an affordable option for those who want one helmet for front and backcountry use.

Read more: Smith Mission MIPS review

The Smith Mission has a lot to offer for such an affordable helmet.

Credit: Isaac Laredo

Best for Freeriders

Giro Tor Spherical

74

OVERALL
SCORE

• Comfort

  8.0

• Warmth

  8.0

• Ventilation

  7.0

• Weight

  4.0

• Goggle Compatibility

  9.0

• Style

  7.0

Weight: 22 oz | Rotational Impact Protection System: MIPS Spherical

REASONS TO BUY

• Very comfortable
• MIPS Spherical
• Warm

REASONS TO AVOID

• Heavier weight
• Pricey
• Moderately bulky

22 oz | MIPS Spherical

The Giro Tor Spherical is our recommendation for dedicated freeriders. This product combines warmth, comfort, and premium features with innovative protection technology. A microfleece breathable liner helps make this helmet one of the warmest in our review while adding to the impressive comfort levels. The adjustable harness system accommodates various head shapes and provides a secure fit that is hard to notice while riding. Giro teamed up with MIPS to design the Spherical technology, which uses an EPP foam inner liner and ball-in-socket design to aid in protection against rotational impacts. The helmet rounds out with premium features that enhance the user experience, like a user-friendly magnetic buckle, a wide chin strap, and an easy-to-use goggle strap. The streamlined venting, freeride-oriented style, enhanced levels of protection, and premium features set make this a standout helmet for dedicated hard-chargers.

The most notable downside to the Tor is the higher price. This helmet is far from cheap because it employs premium features. It's also slightly bulkier and heavier than traditional in-mold products due to the added inner liner associated with the Spherical system. The pros far outweigh the cons of this product, however, and we are happy to recommend the Giro Tor to devoted skiers and riders looking for a premium helmet.

Read more: Giro Tor Spherical review

A versatile helmet that provides warmth, comfort, and innovative protection.

Credit: Isaac Laredo

Best for Freestyle Skiers and Riders

Anon Logan WaveCel

76

OVERALL
SCORE

• Comfort

  8.0

• Warmth

  6.0

• Ventilation

  9.0

• Weight

  6.0

• Goggle Compatibility

  8.0

• Style

  9.0

Weight: 17 oz. | Rotational Impact Protection System: WaveCel

REASONS TO BUY

• Magnetic buckle
• Style
• Protection features
• Adjustable harness

REASONS TO AVOID

• Fixed vents
• Price

17 oz. | WaveCel

The Anon Logan WaveCel is our recommendation for freestyle riders because of its comfort, ventilation, and protective features without losing out on style. The Logan is a relatively lightweight and low-profile model, making it easy to forget about atop your noggin. This model incorporates WaveCel technology to increase its protective merit. WaveCel is a protection technology designed to flex, crumple, and glide to help dissipate force and prevent injuries from rotational impacts commonly experienced in ski accidents. The Logan is also a very well-ventilated helmet. The new-school skate-inspired styling is at home whether you are freeriding or in the terrain park. This helmet makes no compromises to ensure it's