Best Ski and Snowboard Helmets

I will admit that I really don’t like wearing a helmet when I ski. No matter how lightweight or comfortable a helmet is, a hat is still more comfortable. But, a hat won’t protect your noggin in a bad crash and a helmet will. So responsibility and the desire to keep my brains and skull in tact, means that I wear a helmet anyways.

Because I don’t really like wearing a helmet all that much, finding a great helmet that is comfortable, lightweight, safe and looks great is essential in encouraging me to wear protective head gear.

I have owned many helmets over the years, and I have disliked most of them. This is what inspired me to write an article about the helmets I haven’t hated and recommend some of the best ski and snowboard helmets on the market.

K2 Ski and Snowboard Helmets

K2 Moxie – This is a great helmet for those female riders who like to shred. Not only is it super lightweight and comfy (not to mention designed specifically with a woman’s smaller head in mind), it also looks great and has some great-added features. I own this helmet and it’s been one of the best ones I’ve had over the years.

K2 Edge – With many of the same features as the K2 Moxie, the Edge is a great choice for the guys. The K2 Edge is lightweight, comfortable, and safe, plus it looks great.

Giro Ski and Snowboard Helmets

Giro Encore – My brother (an insanely good and crazy skier) has long stood by the Giro line of helmets—and a Giro even saved his noggin after a bad a crash. Giro Encore is an excellent mid-line helmet. Affordable but still “cool” looking, the Giro Encore will offer you a lot for such a great price. The Giro Encore features a comfortable liner, a goggle notch to keep your goggles secure, a temperature-regulating “thermostat,” removable ear pads, and a special seal that can insulate you from the chill.

Giro Seam – This is a helmet my 200-day skiing brother swears by, which is testimony enough for me. The Giro Seam ski helmet is ready to keep you comfortable, warm and protected as you explore untouched powder glades and steep backside terrain

Boeri Ski and Snowboard Helmets

Boeri Tactic Ski Helmet – I’ve had Boeri helmets in the past that I’ve loved and some that I’ve hated. But, the Boeri Tactic Ski Helmet offers superior head protection, while still being lightweight and comfortable. Boeri’s “Head-Loc” Occipital Retention System provides optimal fit. Plus, adjustable ventilation will either keep you warm or cool.

Uvex Ski and Snowboard Helmets

Uvex X Ride Motion – The Uvex X-Ride Motion ski helmet features six adjustable vents and an anti itch, sweat-absorbing liner, removable ear flaps and a ratcheting monomaniac closure on the strap. The X-Ride Motion ski helmet in available in of six shell sizes – XS, S, M, L, XL, and XXL. Each size is accommodating to a 2 cm range, which can provide for a really exacting, comfortable and solid fit.

RED by Burton Ski and Snowboard Helmets

RED by Burton – It’s lightweight, it’s stylish and it’s comfortable—not to mention it’ll protect your head in the event of a wipeout. If you are looking for a feather-light helmet that allows you to forget you’re even wearing a helmet, this is a good choice.

RED Hi-Fi Women’s Helmet – Designed and worn by Burton’s pro-team of women riders, the RED Hi-Fi Helmet offers reliable head protection in a women’s specific fit.  The RED’s new Air Band Fit System pumps air into a low-profile headband letting you fine tune your fit.

Smith Ski and Snowboard Helmets

Smith Maze – The Smith Maze is the “world’s lightest certified snow-helmet.”  Weighing in at a scant 11.5 ounces, the Maze is so light you will barely notice it on your head. Plenty of airflow will keep your head from burning up and your goggles from fogging.

Smith Intrigue – Yet another great helmet choice for the ladies, the Smith Intrigue is styled specifically for women, the Smith Intrigue ski helmet offers superior protection and comfort.

Smith Variant Brim – If you’re an aggressive Big Mountain skier, the Smith Variant Brim helmet utilizes top-of-the-line technology to maximize protection for aggressive, big-mountain descents.

Photo by Vlastula on Flickr