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Reviewed: the 12 best ski helmets for 2020

Stay safe on the mountain this season with the latest helmets
Stay safe on the mountain this season with the latest helmets

In many ski resorts, there are now more people wearing helmets than not, and with so many options available, there’s never been a better time to get a head start on safety.

Most of the helmets featured here come in an array of colour options, so style needn’t suffer either – if that’s what’s important it’s really easy to find one to match your look.

Whether joining the helmet with visor revolution to benefit from the big screen’s massive field of vision, or rocking skater style with a helmet that fits over a goggle strap, there’s something here to suit.

Read our expert guide to buying a new helmet here. 

Best for design detail

Bollé V-Line Carbon, £299

Function and performance meet superior style in this premium head and eyewear combo

bolle helmet
bolle helmet

Metallic and carbon detailing gives a high-end look // Visor tint automatically adapts to changing light conditions, so one lens works for overcast, flat-light days and bluebird glory days // Hard plastic helmet outer offers tough protection // Adjustable ventilation for tailoring temperature // Adjustment wheel at the rear makes it easy to dial in fit // Magnetic buckle is easy to use with gloved hands // Removeable, washable liner
bolle.com

Best for featherweight protection

Giro Jackson, £150

Souped up safety is an added bonus in this lightweight, well-vented package

giro helmet
giro helmet

Light construction thanks to a foam core bonded to a thin outer shell // MIPS technology – a sliding layer under the core reduces brain-damaging rotational impact forces // Fixed vents inspired by car design keep airflow moving, even when working hard on hot days // Vents directly above goggles prevent lens fog // Easy fit adjustment for both goggles and head shape thanks to a dial at the back, plus height adjustment
giro.co.uk

Best for visor chic

Head Rachel, £180

Light, well vented and comfortable, this is the subtle way to get with the visor programme

head helmet
head helmet

Visor pivots on elastic cords, providing the feel of goggles // Works well over glasses // Visors for different conditions cost £55 and are easy to swap in without tools // Adjustable venting and light construction help all day comfort // BOA dial tightens the fit around the entire head // Magnetic buckle is easy for gloved hands to use // Polarised lens (Rachel Polar, £220) and men’s versions (Radar) also available
head.com

Best for all-over hill antics

Oakley MOD1 MIPS, £130

Urban looks mark out this lightweight freeride/freestyle lid

oakley helmet
oakley helmet

Foam core bonded to a thin, tough outer keeps things light// Brim vents for fog free goggles // Removable, washable, anti-microbial beanie style liner suits hot heads // Easy to use BOA dial fit adjustment // Removable earpads for styling goggle strap under helmet // MIPS technology – a sliding layer under the core reduces brain-damaging rotational impact forces // Also available in a youth version, with attention paid to the developing head shape of younger riders
oakley.com

Best for cosy comfort

Roxy Angie SRT, £115

Eye-catching graphics, fleecy details and a clever safety feature make this a sure-fire hit on the hill

roxy helmet
roxy helmet

Liner is flexibly attached inside so it moves to help reduce brain-damaging rotational impact forces // Fixed vents on the top and rear combine with channels in the core to bump up airflow // Fleecy padded chinstrap // Foam core bonded to a thin outer shell for a light construction // Magnetic buckle is easy to use with gloved hands // Luxurious, removable fleece-lined earpads
roxy-uk.co.uk

Best for all-around sound

Scott Track Plus, £90

Top-end safety features include cleverly perforated sound-capturing earpads that maximise hearing

scott helmet
scott helmet

MIPS technology – a sliding layer reduces brain-damaging rotational impact forces // Earpad construction makes it easier to pinpoint where noises come from for extra safety on the slopes // The foam core is bonded to a tough, thin outer shell for a light ride // Fixed venting prevents overheating // Dial at the back allows easy on-the-fly fit adjustment
scott-sports.com

Best for outstanding value

Wed’ze H-FS 300, £30

A low, low price from Decathlon’s own brand, fully safety certified and with innovative features too

wedze helmet
wedze helmet

Tough plastic outer shell deals with the knocks and scrapes of freestyle riding // Large ventilation holes for keeping a cool head when working hard // Mesh vent guards keep snow out while allowing air to flow in // Rear dial adjustment allows easy fit tweaking, even on the go // Removable, washable liner
decathlon.co.uk

Best for innovative features without breaking the bank

Atomic Savor Visor Stereo, £150

Not only is this good value for a visored look, top-end technical features include extra safety thanks to a cleverly crafted liner

atomic helmet
atomic helmet

3D shaping of the foam inner creates crumple zones for an extra level of protection // Durable hard plastic outer shell // Removeable, washable, antimicrobial lining keeps odours at bay // Comes with a second set of visor hinges to give extra space when wearing glasses // An impressive nine layers of mirror coating reduce glare and eye fatigue // Long-lasting anti-scratch, snow shedding lens coating // Helmet bag and lens cloth included
atomic.com

Best for freestyle rough and tumble

Cebe Method, £128

Bounce-back liner foam means this good-looking helmet flies on day after day even after repeated terrain park headbanging

cebe helmet
cebe helmet

Tough plastic shell deals with the rigours of freestyle riding // Two types of foam in the core provide a strong structure that can withstand multiple impact // A third, softer, foam in areas where most impact occurs further enhances safety // Fixed vents at front, top and back prevent overheating // Removable earpads so goggle strap can be styled under helmet
cebe.com

Best for a lighter eco footprint

Picture Omega, £110

Recycled materials in this orange bombshell give an eco glow, while this year’s redesigned earpads enhance hearing

picture helmet
picture helmet

Two-part shell construction – tougher plastic on top, lighter and low profile at the sides // Recycled polystyrene for the foam core // Removable earpads are designed to enhance hearing when using them // Adjustable ventilation so airflow can be altered to suit the conditions // Fit dial at the rear for easy on-the-fly adjustment
picture-organic-clothing.com

Best for customised fit

Salomon Sight, £155

High-tech protection in the liner of this exceptionally well fitting model make it not only safer but comfier

salomon helmet
salomon helmet

Low-density foam at front and back gives consistent protection against multiple lesser falls // Salomon’s EPS 4D liner is divided into sections that respond individually, absorbing impact from any direction and protecting the brain // Pump-to-fit Custom Air system delivers precise head wrapping // As well as vents, there’s an internal airflow system to keep head cool
salomon.com

Best for the appliance of science

Sweet Switcher MIPS, £230

The high price buys a whole heap of tech, hidden under a deceptively simple looking, comfortable hood

sweet protection helmet
sweet protection helmet

Stronger material to maintain shape around the sides, lighter material bumped up with shock-absorbers on top // Inserts at front and back spread impact in these vulnerable areas // MIPS technology helps diffuse brain-damaging rotational movement when impact comes from an angle – the helmet’s outer shell slides over a low-friction inner layer // Head stays extra cool thanks to vents in the comfortably shaped liner // Easy to use magnetic buckle // Fit dial tightens all around the head // Hollow ear pads help hearing
sweetprotection.com