Best of the Buckets: The Top Ski Helmets of Winter 2023
There's nothing like an early March snowstorm to remind Detroit that ski season isn't over! If you are looking to hit the slopes for the first time and need a helmet - or are way overdue for a replacement - then this is the article for you.
Do you remember the last time that you thought about your helmet? I mean critically and thoroughly thought about your ski or snowboard helmet beyond that credit card swipe. Even just a quick review of its technical specifications, performance features, or functional longevity.
Have no fear, friends - this article is not an Expedition Detroit community condemnation open letter. It's a gear review article, clean and simple. In fact, we're just as guilty of apathy towards our most important piece of equipment.
Until very recently, that is.
It's amazing how experiencing two direct helmet-to-tree collisions, while falling over 100 feet on double-black terrain in the Rocky Mountains, has an effect of bringing the importance of helmet qualifications to the forefront of your attention. If that scenario sounds oddly specific, well... yours truly lived through that exact scenario just over a week ago. I was fortunate enough to ski away with only jello legs and a slightly bruised ego (on a related note, check your DIN settings). If I hadn't been wearing my sturdy Bern helmet - or, God forbid, any helmet - my skiing days and/or life could have ended in those trees.
Please don't wait until you're in a similar, extreme situation to give your helmet a second thought. To simplify any helmet-searching efforts, our team bunkered down and researched the highest-rated helmets for curating this list of the "Top 5 Ski and Snowboard Helmets" currently offered on the market. While all of these helmets contain the industry-standard safety requirements, each of these helmets also contain special features that differentiate their fit, comfort, style, and technical aspects from the rest of the market.
You're going to like the way you ride in these buckets.
1. GIRO TOR SPHERICAL
Brand: GIRO
Rating: 4.7/5
Price: $249.95
Sizes: S-M-L
Warranty: Limited Lifetime
When it comes to protecting your noggin, compromising simply isn't an option. The Giro Tor Spherical Helmet is made for steep and deep conditions with the new MIPS® Spherical Technology™ that facilitates the highest level of protection. The adjustable ventilation allows you to maintain all-day comfort no matter the varying conditions, and the fit system helps make micro-adjustments a breeze even with gloves on. The new magnetic buckle closure is a one-handed operation that is easy to open and close.
2. SMITH NEXUS
Brand: SMITH
Rating: 4.9/5
Price: $325.00
Sizes: S-M-L
Warranty: Limited Lifetime
For the devout skier or snowboarder looking for premium fit, function, and protection, look to the Smith Nexus MIPS Helmet. A hybrid shell construction combines lightness and durability while maintaining a low profile (i.e. no bobblehead aesthetics here), and the helmet's features also include complete
Koroyd® coverage AND MIPS for elevated protection.
3. PRET FURY X
Brand: PRET
Rating: 4.9/5
Price: $164.99 (CURRENTLY ON SALE)
Sizes: S-M-L
Warranty: One Year
If anything is going to incite fury on a pow day, it's a hot, clammy, ill-fitting helmet. The Pret Fury X MIPS Helmet sets a new high mark for fit and comfort, with lightweight construction, the intuitive RCS QR Fit System, and breezy Level C Tuned Ventilation that allows riders to control airflow with a single lever. It's the go-to choice for Pret's pro athletes, and it deserves a spot on your dome, too.
