Snow Helmet Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Ski or Snowboard Helmet
A snow helmet is one of the most important pieces of equipment you will wear on the mountain. Whether you are skiing, snowboarding or heading to the snow for the first time, a correctly fitting helmet can help protect your head while also keeping you warm and comfortable throughout the day.
But not every helmet fits the same, and there is more to choosing a snow helmet than simply finding the right colour or picking a size from the label.
From sizing and MIPS technology to ventilation and goggle compatibility, here is what to look for when choosing the right snow helmet.
Why Wear a Snow Helmet?
Skiing and snowboarding involve speed, changing snow conditions and plenty of other people sharing the mountain. Even experienced skiers and snowboarders can fall.
Snow helmets are specifically designed for skiing, snowboarding and other recreational snow sports. Standards such as ASTM F2040 set performance requirements for recreational snow-sports helmets, although no helmet can protect against every possible impact or prevent every head injury.
Modern snow helmets are also much more comfortable than older designs. They can be lightweight, warm and well ventilated, with features such as adjustable fit systems, removable liners, magnetic buckles and ventilation designed to work together with your snow goggles.
Getting the Right Snow Helmet Fit
Fit should be your first consideration when choosing a snow helmet.
A helmet should feel snug and secure around your entire head without creating uncomfortable pressure points. It should not feel loose or move excessively when you shake your head from side to side.
The front of the helmet should sit comfortably across your forehead rather than being pushed too far back on your head.
Many modern helmets also have adjustable fit systems such as a dial or BOA® system. These allow you to fine-tune the fit once the helmet is on your head.
When measuring for a helmet, measure around the widest part of your head, just above your eyebrows and ears, and then compare the measurement with the manufacturer's size chart.
Remember that sizing can vary slightly between different helmet brands and models, so don't assume you will always wear the same size.
Should You Size Up in a Snow Helmet?
Generally, no.
A helmet needs to fit securely to work as intended. Buying an oversized helmet to allow room for thick beanies or to give a child "room to grow" can result in a poor fit.
Snow helmets are already designed with insulation and padding for cold conditions, so you usually don't need a thick beanie underneath.
Make Sure Your Helmet Works With Your Goggles
Your snow helmet and goggles should work together as a system.
Ideally, your goggles should sit comfortably against the helmet without a large gap between the top of the goggles and the helmet. At the same time, the helmet shouldn't push your goggles down onto your nose.
Good helmet and goggle compatibility can also help with ventilation. Many snow helmets are designed so warm air can move from the goggles through ventilation channels in the helmet, helping reduce fogging.
If possible, try your goggles and helmet on together before buying.
What Is MIPS in a Snow Helmet?
You may have noticed MIPS appearing on many ski and snowboard helmets.
Mips® is an additional safety system incorporated into certain helmets. It uses a low-friction layer inside the helmet that allows a small amount of movement during certain angled impacts.
The system is designed to help reduce some of the rotational motion that may otherwise be transferred to the head during these impacts. Mips states that its system allows approximately 10–15mm of movement in certain angled impacts.
It is important to remember that MIPS doesn't make a helmet injury-proof. It is an additional safety feature incorporated into the overall helmet design.
At Rapid Surf & Ski, you'll find MIPS technology in snow helmets such as the Oakley MOD1 MIPS and Oakley MOD3 MIPS.
Look for Snow Helmet Safety Standards
When buying a ski or snowboard helmet, look for a recognised snow-sports helmet safety certification.
Two commonly seen standards are:
- ASTM F2040 – a standard covering helmets used for recreational snow sports including skiing and snowboarding.
- EN 1077 – a European standard specifically covering helmets for alpine skiers and snowboarders.
For example, Rapid's Oakley MOD3 MIPS helmets carry ASTM F2040 and CE EN1077 certification.
Fixed or Adjustable Ventilation?
Anyone who has spent a full day skiing or snowboarding knows just how quickly you can warm up, even when the outside temperature is freezing.
That's where helmet ventilation becomes important.
Fixed ventilation provides constant airflow through openings in the helmet. It is simple, lightweight and works well for many recreational skiers and snowboarders.
Adjustable ventilation allows you to open or close vents depending on the conditions. Open them when you are working hard or skiing on a warmer spring day and close them when the temperature drops.
Higher-spec helmets may also include dedicated front ventilation designed to move warm air away from your goggles.
Other Snow Helmet Features Worth Considering
Once you've found a helmet that fits correctly, there are a few extra features that can make your time on the mountain more comfortable.
Adjustable fit system: Dial and BOA® systems make it easier to fine-tune the helmet around your head.
Removable ear pads: Great for warmer conditions and make the helmet easier to clean.
Removable or washable liner: Particularly useful after a long snow trip.
Magnetic buckle: Buckles such as Fidlock® can make fastening and removing your helmet much easier while wearing snow gloves.
Goggle retention clip: Helps keep your goggle strap securely positioned around the helmet.
Lightweight construction: A lighter helmet can be more comfortable when you are wearing it all day.
The right combination depends on how often you head to the snow, the conditions you normally ski or snowboard in and your budget.
What About Snow Helmets for Kids?
Fit is especially important when choosing a snow helmet for children.
It can be tempting to buy a larger size so they can grow into it, but an oversized helmet may move around instead of remaining securely positioned.
Choose a helmet that fits properly now, and use the helmet's adjustment system to fine-tune the fit where available.
It's also worth getting kids involved in choosing their helmet. A comfortable helmet they like wearing is much more likely to stay on their head all day.
When Should You Replace a Snow Helmet?
A helmet should be replaced after a significant impact, even if there isn't obvious damage on the outside. The internal materials may have absorbed energy during the impact and the damage isn't always visible.
You should also inspect your helmet regularly for cracks, damaged straps, compressed padding or other signs of deterioration.
Helmet lifespan and replacement recommendations vary between manufacturers, so check the instructions supplied with your particular helmet.
Can You Use a Bike Helmet for Skiing or Snowboarding?
A purpose-designed snow helmet is the better choice.
Ski and snowboard helmets are designed and tested specifically for snow sports and are built for cold mountain conditions. They also include features such as insulation, ear coverage and helmet-to-goggle ventilation that you won't normally find in a cycling helmet.
What Is the Best Snow Helmet?
There isn't one helmet that is best for everyone.
The best snow helmet is one that:
- is designed and certified for snow sports
- fits your head correctly
- feels comfortable
- works properly with your goggles
- has the ventilation you need
- includes the features you value
- suits your budget.
Features such as MIPS, BOA® adjustment, magnetic buckles and adjustable ventilation are well worth considering, but correct fit should always come first.
Find the Right Snow Helmet at Rapid Surf & Ski
Whether you're buying your first ski helmet, replacing an older helmet or looking for a MIPS snow helmet, the team at Rapid Surf & Ski in Prospect, Adelaide can help you find the right fit.
Bring your snow goggles in with you and we can help make sure your helmet and goggles fit comfortably together before you head to the mountain.
Shop our range of ski and snowboard helmets online or visit Rapid Surf & Ski at 180 Main North Road, Prospect, South Australia. We ship Australia-wide.
Get the fit right, choose the features that suit you and head to the snow ready for your next adventure.