Buying the best snow helmet will not only give you the needed head protection we all find mandatory, but the sleek look and style you want to rock on the mountain the next time you’re riding. Regardless if you’re snowboarding or skiing, these picks we’ve found today through some rigorous research and experience will help you sift through the rubble of the many models that flood the market nowadays. Although we’d love to give you an exact best pick, we choose 10 in our shopping guides for a reason — we all have our different wants and needs, so let’s get into how to find the best for you.
Picking the best snow helmet for you
There are a few factors to keep in mind when you’re shopping and choosing a helmet. Firstly, what’s your budget? As we saw in our previous guide, there are some great helmets under $100 if you’re in need of something relatively affordable without extra features (aside from protecting your head, of course). Otherwise, how high do you want to go? $200? Maybe a few hundred more in a helmet under $300? We found some of the best snow helmets in each price point if you’re unsure and want to compare and contrast.
Next, as always with something that’s going to be on your head, let’s talk protection. Of course, all helmets are technically going to give you at least some security when you’re riding. However, as the helmet game continues grow, so do “special” protection “systems” (rightfully so, considering research is expanding their knowledge on the impact and concern over concussions).
One of the most popular “advanced” protection systems right now is called MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System). It comes with a cost (for a reason — it’s really proved how effective it is through helmet research), but as opposed to just some hard-material with foam for comfort to protect your head, MIPS has a special internal build that reduces rotational forces at certain impacts when you fall (which is what really gets your head if you fall a certain way).
Of course, the look of your helmet is an important part of choosing (for most, anyways). Do you already have your gear and want to match your snowboard, goggles and clothing? If you do want a specific color, keep in mind many of these offer a lot of choices as opposed to just the picture we’ve provided.
The last factor we’ll have you keep in mind before we get into our picks is “extra helmet features”. We’re talking types of ventilation systems, removable ear pads for future replacement (to put some music speakers in there, too), fit systems (some have merely a strap while others a mechanism to really get a custom fit), protection systems (as stated above), and more. Try to think hard about what’s worth it since more advanced extra features hike up the price.
The best snowboard and ski helmets
Smith Vantage
Check prices\reviews | Read our Smith Vantage review
To kick off our list, this one has been around for quite a few years and continues to rock the market. The Vantage helmet is a uniquely designed piece of gear that has an incredible ventilation system to keep you head cool during any conditions. This snow helmet is lightweight but also incredibly durable and will be able to withstand serious impacts and collisions. For extra features, it has a removable goggle lock that allows you to lock your goggles in place while riding and the ear pads are also removable allowing you to take them out for comfort, replacement, or speaker use.
The chinstrap is also easily adjustable and will secure the helmet nicely to your head for a comfortable fit that will allow you to wear it for long sessions and the lining on this helmet is smooth and comfortable — you would be hard pressed to find a more comfortable fit in a helmet. The Smith Vantage is one of the more expensive snow helmets when compared to other models out there but it is by far one of the best helmets for snowboarding and skiing making it worthy of this price tag, starting off this helmet guide strong. You can also check out their Vantage MIPS version for a few more bucks and that extra protection we were talking about. Outdoor Gear Lab also agreed with us and had this first in their snow helmet guide.
Giro Ledge MIPS
See prices\reviews | Read our Giro Ledge review
Next up is the Giro Ledge MIPS, which is another one of the best snow helmets available today at a very reasonable price. It has a simple, sleek design that comes available in several different colors (especially the matte styles which we love). This helmet can be used for snow sports as well as street sports. It also has a great ventilation system which keeps you cool while wearing it. As the helmet title suggests, it has the beloved built-in MIPS technology (surprising at that price) which makes it an extremely durable model that will protect you from any impacts to your head.
There is a removable goggle retainer and removable ear pads allowing you to customize it for depending on the style you like. This snow helmet is compatible with most goggles and will keep them in place and secure with its adjustable goggle retainer. The Giro Ledge MIPS helmet is a great choice for riders who want to skate the streets in the summer and then hit the mountains in the winter, not to mention grab a helmet that isn’t going to break the wallet at all. Here’s a cool video of the Ledge.
Oakley Mod5 MIPS
Read reviews\price | Read our Oakley MOD5 review
This another one of the best and highly rated snow helmets out there, and Oakley brings us a high performance snow helmet that will protect you during any extreme collision and ensure your safety when trying at any of those new tricks you’ve been itching to attempt. The hybrid shell on this helmet makes it very lightweight and you will hardly realize you have it on when wearing it. However, don’t let the lightweight of this helmet fool you, it is still incredibly durable and won’t crack under the hardest of conditions. The dynamic design provides excellent coverage of and will protect you from impacts to the side, top, or back of your head.
The Mod5 also has adjustable ventilation allowing you to control the temperature when wearing it through various conditions. The strap is magnetic making it simple to secure on your head and keeps it in place nicely. It also comes with MIPS of course, giving us even more confidence while we’re shredding. The Oakley Mod5 MIPS is on the pricier side but it is certainly one of the best snow helmets and is deserving of the price tag, especially if you’re an Oakley fan.
K2 Diversion
See reviews\price | Read our K2 Diversion review
The K2 diversion is one of my favorite helmets in this review. The stylish design will make you look good on the mountain and it also has built in speakers that allow you to listen to music while riding. The audio jack is compatible with any phone and the speakers sound great. For those riders that enjoy cruising to their favorite sound track this helmet tops the charts. The hybrid material of this snow helmet is incredibly long lasting and can withstand serious impacts, which will keep you protected when throwing that newest trick you’ve been training for.
In terms of extras, the lining is soft and smooth (you can remove it to wash it and keep it clean) and the ventilation is decently built for high performance and is easily adjustable with a dial allowing you to open and close the vents depending on the temperature with ease (one of our favorite features here). The K2 Diversion is one of the best helmets for snowboarders and skiers and is an instant hit with anyone that tries it.
Smith Pivot MIPS
Read reviews\pricing | Read our Smith Pivot review
Here’s another Smith helmet with MIPS to keep in mind, and this one makes our list for a few reasons, including the bombshell PLUS construction, airflow climate control (13 vents), self-adjusting fit system, and removable goggle lock. The bombshell construction combined with MIPS gives us a peace of mind for protection, and their “AirEvac 2 ventilation” system is a bit more technically designed than others out there, giving us a bit more freedom when it comes to making sure we aren’t overheating after those multiple-hour long runs.
We could probably write an entire top 10 Smith helmet guide if we wanted to, so keep in mind they’re one of the best brands out there when it comes to not only their reputation in the helmet game but also backed up by a lot of user reviews to give us confidence in our purchase. This is yet another solid snow helmet with MIPS to grab with some awesome extra features if you’re down to pay for them. Check out the Smith Pivot MIPS for yet another great choice if you have the budget and want to make sure you’re good to go with some MIPS protection.
Roxy Power Powder
Check pricing\reviews | Read our Roxy Power Powder review
Up next we have the Roxy Power Powder helmet which is one of the one of the best helmets for snowboarding and skiing and the lady riders out there will love this model. It is beautifully designed and incredibly comfortable when wearing it for long periods at a time. The thin design of this helmet, while durable, is very lightweight but will still offer excellent protection. You will feel safe as can be when wearing this helmet. The fleece lining on this helmet will snugly secure to your head keeping the helmet in place and also keeping you comfortable while wearing it.
The ventilation on this helmet allows some solid airflow, which will help you avoid overheating when riding with it and the light and soft ear pads are removable, allowing you to stay warm in the winter and or take them out for summer use. Any of the lady riders out there will love the Roxy Power Powder and won’t want to wear anything else out there.
Anon Prime
Check prices\reviews | Read our Anon Prime review
The Prime is an excellent Burton helmet made of the highest quality helmets on the market. It has 23 adjustable vents allowing incredible temperature control when wearing it in different conditions. It has an easily adjustable fit that you can loosen or tighten using a simple dial and the hybrid shell on this helmet makes it feel as light as a feather but also makes it very tough and resistant to impacts. Burton is known for their high quality sporting gear and the Anon Prime helmet is an excellent high performance model.
It will provide great protection from any impacts but will also let you feel free as you are riding with its comfortable design and its lightweight mold. The price point on this model is reasonable for the quality that it offers and the durability of this helmet will make it outlast several comparable options. The Anon Prime is one of the best snow helmets you can buy and you won’t be disappointed when choosing this lid.
Bern Watts EPS
Check pricing\reviews | Read our Bern Watts EPS review
The Bern Watts is one of the more popular budget-friendly helmets available in the market today. It has a simple design that looks sharp and stylish but it is also built for excellent durability making it a model that will outlast competitors. This helmet is great for summer sports like skating and biking but it is also designed for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. Its versatile design allows you to comfortably wear it in hot or cold conditions and the ventilation provides excellent comfort regardless of the climate.
The earpieces on this helmet also come with built in technology to allow you to add audio to the helmet easily so you can ride to your favorite powder playlists. The Bern Watts EPS helmet is one of the best affordable snow helmets but it is also one of the best summer sport helmets as well. Regardless of the activity you enjoy, this adaptable helmet will make an excellent choice for those who don’t want a lot of bells and whistles.
K2 Stash
See reviews\price | Read our K2 Stash review
This helmet is snow and bike certified, allowing you to wear it year round for summer sports and winter sports. It has a minimalist design that gives a very sleek appearance that some may look for. It has In-Mold construction, which makes it an ultra lightweight helmet yet it is still able to withstand serious impact to protect you from crashes and collisions. The Stash is priced very reasonably for such a high performance helmet making it one of the more popular choices for riders who enjoy various extreme sports.
The interior vent system in this helmet allows decent airflow between the helmet and your head, keeping you cool and preventing you from sweating and overheating during long stretches of use. The liner is also smooth and snug, so wearing this helmet for long periods you’ll forget that it’s even on and it will allow you maximum comfort. I would recommend the K2 Stash to riders that are looking for something they can wear year round in different climates and conditions.
Lucky Bums Snow Sport Helmet
Check prices\reviews Read our Lucky Bums Helmet review
Last on the list we have the Lucky Bums Snow Sport helmet, which really caught our eye with how many user reviews it had around the net. This helmet has a unique design that is stylish and streamlines at a super affordable price compared to other high-end models. It has dual reinforced layers, giving you the some decent protection for any snow sport (isn’t necessarily MIPS, but it’ll get the job done considering what you’re paying). It has multiple sizing options and an adjustable fit allowing you to find the right, make for maximum comfort. You have the choice of multiple colors so you can choose the option that fits your style.
The snowboard and ski helmet is also one of the cheapest options when choosing a helmet for those that aren’t looking to break the bank but still looking for a high quality options. The lifetime warranty on this helmet also guarantees that any damage to the helmet will be replaceable (check with Lucky Bums on that when you buy it). For those riders that are looking for a simple option that will provide comfort and protection the Lucky Bums Snow Sport helmet is a great choice to finish off our list today.
