When it comes to snowboard protection, finding one of the best snowboard helmets that is both safe and functional should be at the top of the list. However, just like finding the right snowboard or bindings, it’s not a case of one size fits all; as brands, fortunately, have developed a whole range of technologies suitable for different riding styles.
And with fatal snowboarding injuries almost always being head-related, ensuring you have the right gear will not only be performance-enhancing but life-saving too. In the past decade, helmet-wearing has soared to over 80% in most ski resorts. But what ensures a high-quality helmet offering ultimate protection?
Safety is a priority when examining the right headgear, which is why you should invest in snowboard helmets featuring MIP technologies, an absorb shocking EPS and lightweight & durable materials. Additionally, if you’re going for comfort as well, look for a snowboard helmet that offers moisture-wicking materials, with a quality ventilation system, allowing you to stay cool and dry on the slopes.
Best Snowboard Helmets FAQs
Are ski and snowboard helmets the same?
Ski and snowboard helmets are essentially the same, however, snow helmets are designed for specific use. If you're after something that's perfect for backcountry or freeriding, lightweight helmets are ideal. However, if you're looking for a ski or snowboard helmet, perfect for tackling harsh terrain, definitely opt for a helmet with a good ventilation system.
Are snowboard helmets with a MIPS worth it?
MIPS stands for Multi-Directional Impact system. This system is designed to mimic the brain’s protective structure by reducing rotational forces caused by angled impacts to the head, so it's definitely worth investing in a snowboard helmet featuring MIPS technology.
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Finding a quality snowboard helmet is essential and should not be treated lightly, which is why we’ve compiled a list of some premium brands manufacturing the best snowboard helmets. These brands are leaders in the industry, as they are creating ground-breaking technology designed to keep your noggin safe, even while you tackle the most intimidating mountains.
POC
1/14
Price: From $150
POC is known for producing ski goggles, but they’re manufacturing some of the best snowboard helmets as well. They’re leaders when it comes to creating the best action sports equipment as their mission is to, ‘protect lives and reduce consequences of accidents for athletes and anyone inspired to be one’. POC make well-constructed gear thanks to their design forums, POC lab and WATTS lab, where the greatest minds come together to create products where safety is the priority.
Known for their POC Obex Spin collection, these snowboard helmets are engineered to be traceable, durable helmets perfect for backcountry skiing and snowboarding. The POC obex collections make strong and durable snow helmets with a combination of polycarbonate and ABS shell strong. Its EPS foam absorbs and disperses shock while offering adjustable fit helmet systems that make it feel like a customised fit. Additionally, POC obex helmets include adjustable ventilation which helps you cool off and defogs your goggles.
Sandbox
2/14
Price: From $140
Sandbox, founded by legendary snowboarder Kevin Sansalone, has built a reputation for making the most protective snowboard helmets in the game. Before launching his company in the late 80s and early 90s, Kevin and his rowdy group of friends were rockstars in the world of snowboarding as they travelled the globe competing, partying, and filming. Today, Kevin’s brand is well known and embraced by professional athletes everywhere, as Sandbox makes high-quality protective headgear inspiring you to push your limits.
Many of their snowboard helmets include a hardcore ABS plastic shell, securing safety for your noggin even if you happen to take a bad fall down a mountain. Sandbox helmets also offer removable ear covers and a removable goggle clip, while their venting system allows heat to escape out of the back of the helmet. Also, multiple fit pad thicknesses are available, ensuring your helmet is the perfect fit.
Smith
3/14
Price: From $80
Smith launched in 1965 after dentist and ski enthusiast Robert Smith began selling the world’s first thermal goggle lenses out of his own van. Since then, Smith has revolutionised the world of skiing and snowboarding through innovation and game-changing technology. Located in Sun Valley, Idaho for over 50 years, Smith has created top of the market products tailor-made to enhance your performance.
Smith makes some of the best snowboard helmets as they integrate a multi-directional impact protection system (MIPS) into their gear, reducing rotational forces that can result from impact. Also, their Smith Vantage collection features some of their best sellers as snowboard helmets come with a hybrid shell construction for maximum durability and strength, a BOA fit system, and removable ear pads. Also, Smith has pioneered Air Evac ventilation, which generates airflow and helps clear the fog out of goggles, promising crystal clear vision.
Giro
4/14
Price: From $85
In 1985, Jim Giro established his brand and became known for designs enhancing experience and performance. Still to this day, Giro is one of the most well respected and reliable brands when it comes to equipment for snowboarding.
Promising a comfortable and sturdy helmet for you to feel super safe in, Giro snowboard helmets have built-in MIPS technology with a hard-shell construction protecting the head from rotational forces. Also, if you’re looking for a helmet designed for comfort, then look no further, as Giro makes its helmets to be snug through its In-Form Fit System, while its In-Mold Construction helps to absorb shock, guaranteed to make you feel little to no rebound from impact. These snowboard helmets are perfect for aggressive riders tackling harsh terrain.
Bern
5/14
Price: From $130
Bern designs are made to be stylish, functional, and protected. Creating some of the best helmets for cycling, skating, and snowboarding, Bern will make you look and feel your best while also inspiring you to reach your best results. Bern has been around for the past 15 years, drawing influence from street style to create their cool line of products. They’re passionate about engineering fashionable and innovative helmets, so if you’re looking for a brand representing originality and eccentricity, Bern has you covered.
Bern snowboard helmets are designed to be highly functional as they offer a range of MIPS helmets, making whiplash no problem. Many of their helmets are also extremely tough as they’re constructed out of a hybrid shell while offering a BOA dial system that quickly locks in the perfect fit every time. Bern snowboard helmets also come with drop-in ear pads with audio compatibility.
Marker
6/14
Price: From $90
Marker offers some of the best snowboard helmets on the market, for the best prices as well. Believing that high-quality protective gear should be accessible to all, Market are devoted to making head protection that’s reliable and durable, without compromising performance.
Marker is the only brand to use MAP technology – an innovative closed-cell foam delivering multipack absorption while still promising a flexible and lightweight feel for the freedom of movement. Snowboard helmets also offer high-quality ventilation systems, guaranteed to keep your head cool while you work up a sweat on the mountains. Marker snowboard helmets include removable ear pads too.
Salomon
7/14
Price: From $200
Salomon group is a French sports equipment manufacturing company based in France. Founded in the heart of the French Alps by the Salomon family when they opened their first ski shop in downtown Annecy. The brand was behind the first pair of ‘le lift’ snowboard bindings, which replaced the traditional leather binding straps and soon after, Salomon invents the first binding to have a self-release heel piece, featured at the 1966 Chile Olympic Games. Since 1947, Salomon has led the industry due to its originality and innovative technology that manufactures the most advanced equipment; including great helmets.
With their hardshell construction, safety comes first with Salomon snowboard helmets while also offering extreme comfort with their foam interior and custom dial at the back of the helmet, securing a snug and easy fit. The Thermal Control System also allows for adjustable ventilation, ensuring your head stays cool and dry, while its MPS low-friction liner reduces the impact of rotational forces. Also, its liner and ear pads can be removed for washing.
Rossignol
8/14
Price: From $159
For over 100 years, Rossignol has been setting the benchmark in winter sports, making the best apparel that’s both stylish and highly functional. Located in Isere, France, Rossignol was one of the first brands to produce plastic skis. Since then, Rossignol has manufactured top-tier Nordic clothing and equipment, inspiring people to get moving.
Their snowboard helmets are ideal for aggressive riders as their EPP multi-impact technology features expanded polypropylene that increases durability and helps the helmet retain protective shock absorption properties for longer. Designed to be an easy fit, Rossignol helmets are easy to adjust with their flexible elastic, providing comfort without compromising protection. Additional adjustable vents are available, offering on-the-fly temperature control.
Sweet Protection
9/14
Price: From $150
Sweet Protection, one of the most reliable ski and snowboard brands, started in Osterdalen – a small mountain village in Norway – by a group of kayakers who felt premium protective gear for their sport was missing. Initially, creating skateboarding and water sports equipment, Sweet Protection eventually expanded its business to create apparel for winter sports. The award-winning company is known for engineering the best protective gear, inspiring people to push their limits.
Their ski and snowboard helmets feature MIPS technology, helping to deflect rotational forces while its EPS foam absorbs impact and distributes full force. Many of Sweet Protection’s range includes low profile helmets with a magnetic buckle that’s easy to slip on and off. Also, if you’re looking for a snowboard helmet that lets you play your tunes while you ride, Sweet Protection headgear includes audio-compatible pads.
Anon
10/14
Price: From $90
Anon are a leading snowboard and ski brand as they engineer progressive designs featuring the most advanced technology. As of 2009, Burton – another beloved snowboard brand, featured above – has owned Anon. Anon has cultivated a large following, embraced by the biggest and best snowboarders in the world. Known especially for supplying some of the best ski optics, Anon also create some of the best snowboard helmets too.
Many of Anon’s collection features snowboard helmets made from an In-Mold Shell Construction with MIPS built-in too. Anon helmets come with a passive and goggle venting system, ensuring your eyewear won’t get foggy, providing a clear field of view. Also, The Expedition fleece on its liner and ear pads will keep you nice and warm while also providing moisture-wicking comfort.
SHRED
11/14
Price: From $160
SHRED was launched in 2006 by Ted Ligety, who set out to create products that would marry pioneering technology with the freshest style. Emerging as leaders of the market while still embracing their underdog status, SHRED blends their daring designs with game-changing science, helping you look stylish as you explore the mountains.
With strong, durable ABS shell snowboard helmets that are super tough and offer shock absorption, without adding extra weight, you’re sure to feel extremely light while tearing through powder. The RES technology also reduces rotational forces on the brain, while its ventilation system covers the front and back of your helmet, keeping your head cool and goggles clear. Also, SHRED snowboard helmets are designed to make you feel crisp and fresh, as they offer anti-odour treatments, fighting off the funk after a long day of riding.
Atomic
12/14
Price: From $150
Atomic is located in Altenmarkt, Austria, right in the heart of the Alps, which is often used as the Atomic team’s designer lab, as they can just test and develop products in their own backyard. Founded in 1995, Atomic has always been synonymous with innovation as they set out to create the very best snow sports equipment.
Offering hybrid In-Mold construction, Atomic’s snowboard helmets are lightweight, perfect for long days in the alpines. Their MIPS offers the ultimate protection as they absorb the force of angled impacts, while its added ventilation moves heat away from the head. Also, if you’re looking for a stylish snowboard or ski helmet, Atomic has you covered as their range is inspired by eclectic streetwear, guaranteed to make you feel like the most fashionable one on the slopes.
K2
13/14
Price: From $90
K2 was founded in 1962 after businessman Bill Kirscher manufactured the world’s first fibreglass skis. Since then, K2 has remained a premier brand for winter action sports as they offer a diverse range of products suitable for all riding styles. They’re about tailoring futurist equipment, and their helmet collection is no exception.
K2 designs are extremely tough, hardshell snowboard helmets, however, their strong construction never compromises comfort as they have added Active Matrix adjustable vents, allowing control of temperature and airflow. Also, many of its collection comes with built-in audio systems, so you can enjoy a little music, heightening the outdoor experience.
Oakley
14/14
Price: From $160
Starting in 1975, Oakley is one of the top sports manufacturers in the world, as they incorporate high tech materials with their slick winter apparel and accessories. Chosen by pro athletes to compete at the highest level possible, Oakley offers an endless collection of helmets, designed for you to perform at your peak.
Their Oakley mod collection features their highest selling snowboard helmets with a classic skate style, offering MIPS and a modular brim system allowing riders to choose between a brim or no brim aesthetic; without comprising goggle integration.
Also, 360-degree BOA fit snowboard helmets are available, delivering full wrap-around comfort, suitable for extreme weather conditions. Also, the Oakley mod collection features removable ear pads and odour and bacterial eliminating technology. You’re sure to feel fresh and clean while repping this brand.
