The Ultimate Winter Gear Guide: Choosing the Right Ski Helmet
How to Choose a Ski Helmet
Skiing and snowboarding are fun, but safety comes first. A proper ski helmet should protect your head, fit securely, and integrate cleanly with your goggles. This guide explains what to look for when choosing a ski helmet.
What to Look for When Buying a Ski Helmet
When choosing a ski helmet, focus on the fundamentals. These three factors determine real-world protection and comfort. Everything else is secondary.
| Key Factor | What to Check | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Safety Certification |
ASTM F2040 (North America) CE EN 1077 (Europe) Snell RS-98 (Occasionally listed) |
Certification confirms the helmet meets impact-protection standards for snow sports |
| 2. Proper Fit | • Measure head circumference above eyebrows • Tighten fit system until secure • Shake head — helmet should not move • Straps should sit flat and snug |
Fit matters more than features. A helmet must stay in place during a fall and remain comfortable for full-day use |
| 3. Goggle Compatibility | • No gap between helmet and goggles • Helmet brim should not push goggles down • Vent alignment helps reduce fog |
Poor helmet-goggle pairing causes fogging and discomfort. A proper helmet should sit naturally with your goggles |
About MIPS and Rotational Impact Protection
Many modern ski helmets include MIPS or similar systems. These are designed to reduce rotational forces in certain angled impacts.
Helmet Construction Types
Hard Shell (ABS)
Durable and impact-resistant. Common for park riding and daily resort use.
- High durability
- Slightly heavier
- Often more affordable
In-Mold Construction
Lighter and more refined, often with better ventilation.
- Lower weight
- Improved airflow
- Sleeker profile
Helmet Care and Replacement
- Replace after any significant impact
- Dry liners and pads before storage
- Clean using mild soap and water
- Re-check fit each season
RACKTRENDZ Best-Selling Picks (Value-Focused)
These are popular options from RACKTRENDZ’s snow helmet lineup—covering budget-friendly MIPS helmets, step-up comfort, and premium protection.
1) Giro Ledge MIPS (2024) — Best Overall Value
A best-seller for a reason: clean profile, proven snow-helmet construction, and MIPS. Great for riders who want reliable protection and a simple fit system.
- MIPS rotational-impact system
- Durable hard shell feel (good daily/park use)
- Easy fit adjustment and solid goggle pairing
2) Giro Ratio MIPS — Step-Up Comfort for the Price
If you want a bit more refinement than a basic park-style shell, the Ratio MIPS is a strong middle ground: comfort, ventilation, and an all-mountain feel.
- MIPS
- Comfort-oriented fit for longer days
- Good “one helmet for everything” choice
3) Giro Neo MIPS — Best Value “All-Mountain” Fit
A popular pick for riders who want the comfort/coverage vibe of an all-mountain helmet, plus MIPS—without jumping to premium pricing.
- MIPS
- Comfort-first shape for general resort riding
- Pairs cleanly with most goggles
4) Giro Crue MIPS — Great for Park Style and Smaller Fits
If you like a classic skate-style silhouette (and want MIPS), Crue MIPS is a strong pick. It’s also commonly chosen for smaller head sizes depending on the sizing run.
- MIPS
- Durable, park-friendly style
- Simple, dependable daily-use choice
5) Giro Ledge SL MIPS — Clean Look, Dialed Setup
If you like the Ledge family but want a more “dialed” feel, the Ledge SL MIPS is a solid upgrade path.
- MIPS
- Refined fit/feel vs. basic park shells
- Great everyday resort helmet
6) Giro Tor Spherical — Premium Protection + Comfort
For riders who spend a lot of days on snow and want premium-level protection and comfort, Tor Spherical is the step-up option. If you’re investing once for multiple seasons, this is the “buy once, cry once” tier.
- High-end protection system (Spherical design)
- Comfort-forward for long resort days
- Excellent goggle integration
Care and Replacement (Simple Rules)
- Replace after a significant impact. Helmets are built to manage impact energy once.
- Don’t store wet. Let liner/ear pads dry before putting it in a bag.
- Skip harsh chemicals. Mild soap and water is enough for shell and pads.
- Check fit each season. Pads pack out over time—re-test stability at the start of winter.