Reviewed: the 12 best ski helmets for 2020
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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