How to Choose a Ski Helmet

ski helmets are a familiar piece of equipment, but many of us can still remember when you’d more likely spot a bright neon headband, pom-poms, or even a fur hat on heads in the typical lift line. Apart from the occasional “gaper day,” almost everyone chooses to wear a helmet, and that is a good thing.

After all, head injuries are the leading cause of death in snowsports. It is common sense to wear one. And since you’re going to wear one (you are, right?), why not pick the best option to fit your style and performance needs.

In this ski helmet guide, we’ll cover the basics of helmet construction, features, fit, and FAQ.

Should I Wear a Ski Helmet?

If you’re still asking yourself if you need a helmet, the answer is YES. Skiing is a high-speed sport. Unless you have a private resort, you inevitably ski around other people. Conditions are unpredictable and variable. Even a World Cup skier cannot control all of those variables at once. A helmet is a simple way to improve your odds, should the worst occur.  

Ski Helmet Construction

There are two basic types of helmet construction: Polycarbonate In-Mold and Injection ABS. The former fuses a polycarbonate shell  with an impact-absorbing foam liner. This integrated construction results in a lighter helmet that often has more ventilation options.
Injection ABS is a more affordable construction option that is durable and impact resistant. It is similar to a skateboard helmet, with a hard plastic outer shell fused to a foam liner.

Safety Features in Ski Helmets

The whole helmet is a safety feature, right? Even though it may sound funny, many helmets have additional features beyond the fundamental impact protection afforded by the shell and foam liner described above.

Many helmets are now built with MIPS liners to further protect the brain from injury, MIPS is a thin plastic inner liner that is designed to rotate if a helmet experiences an angular impact. Research has found that many concussions result from that kind of rotational force, which can cause the brain to move inside the skull, sometimes violently.

Beyond safety that is specific to head trauma, some helmets are embedded with Recco rescue system reflectors that could help searchers find lost skiers.

Finding the Right Size Ski Helmet

All of the engineering that goes into helmet safety relies on a properly sized helmet, the same as your boots, skis, and any other piece of gear in your shed. Start with the helmet shell, after all, it won’t stretch or shrink to fit your head if it isn’t right. The shell should fit snug and comfortably around the circumference of your head without any pressure points. You can fine-tune fit with the rear retention system, but that’s no substitute for the correct size.

Helmets that are too small can lead to discomfort or headaches, making them at risk of being “forgotten” in the car to avoid the pain. Helmets that are oversized can move around in bumpy terrain and potentially impair visibility. Take your time and get the right size! 

Ski Helmet Ventilation

Ski helmets that are meant for resort days typically have active ventilation. This means the skier can opt to open or close the vents, depending on whether they’re getting first tracks on a cold morning or skiing corn on one of their last spring days.

Passive ventilation is more common on backcountry ski helmets. This technology is borrowed from bicycle helmets, and it’s not too complicated. All it means is the helmet has several large, open vents for maximum airflow. This allows you to comfortably wear a helmet while climbing. If needed, you can wear a thin insulated liner to stay warm on the descents.

Goggle Compatibility

First, a little skiing terminology, for the uninitiated. A “gaper” is a novice skier who is occasionally annoying, sometimes messing up the lift line, and usually out of control on the snow. The “gap” in gaper refers to the unsightly and uncomfortable space between goggles and helmet, due to their incompatibility.
To avoid the gaper gap as well as the fogging, weird tan line, and forehead frostbite that may result, the easiest approach is to buy goggles and helmet from the same brand. That way, they’re sure to fit snugly and seamlessly with maximum compatibility.

Resort and All Mountain Ski Helmets

For days when you’re at the resort or occasionally dipping into the sidecountry, a helmet like SCOTT’s Flow Pro MIPS balances protection, style, and ventilation. The MIPS system (see above), is an extra layer of safety and protection, for dropping into a big line on the backside. Active ventilation lets you control air flow to stay cool while bootpacking without getting an ice cream headache on the groomers.

Helmets for Ski Touring

As a more strenuous, often slower-speed activity, backcountry skiing can get hot. A typical resort ski helmet won’t be comfortable, or you’ll have to put it on and take it off throughout the day. Instead, look for a backcountry specific helmet with passive ventilation and clever features like a headlamp holder for Alpine starts. They’re so light and comfortable that many skiers wear these helmets all day, to simplify and speed up their transitions at the top and bottom.

Consider SCOTT’s Couloir Tour, a lightweight helmet made from 33% recycled material. Or, for particularly ambitious objectives, SCOTT’s Couloir Mountain has the same features as the Tour as well as dual certification to meet the standards of mountaineering helmets and protect you from rockfall.

Ski Helmet FAQ

Q: Should I wear a hat under my ski helmet?

A: No, your helmet should fit snugly around your head, and between the windproof shell and the insulated lining, it will be warm enough. A hat beneath your helmet could compromise fit and safety. The only exception here are ski touring helmets that are designed to fit a light beanie underneath.

Q: I still have my dad’s old ski racing helmet, why do I need a new one?

A: Helmets don’t last forever. The protective foam liner degrades due to aging and UV exposure. Every helmet has a sticker that notes its manufacture date. If your helmet is older than five years or has experienced an impact, it is time to replace it.

Q: Why can’t I wear my bike helmet for skiing?

A: There are specific safety certification standards for every type of activity requiring a helmet. Each certification is specifically designed for a given activity, so only a ski helmet is designed for the inherent risks of skiing. Plus, your head will get cold, and you’ll look really dorky in a bike helmet on the slopes, trust us. 

Conclusion

With today’s helmet technology and dedicated designs for each type of snow sport, you have every reason to take the simple step of wearing a helmet to improve your safety on skis. Sizing and fit come first, but be sure to choose a helmet that suits your style and performance needs. That way you won’t need any convincing to buckle up before your step into your bindings.