9 best ski helmets for hitting the slopes in 2023, tried and tested

Anon’s windham is a tough-as-nails hardshell that feels like it’ll take big knocks in its stride – ideal for more experienced skiers and snowboarders who are pushing their ability or practising in the snow park. While this helmet doesn’t have MIPS technology, it uses an impact-absorbing EPS foam with an integrated Wavecel layer, a collapsible cellular structure of interconnected shock absorbers that’s designed to flex and crumple in the event of an accident (so your head doesn’t). We also rated this helmet for both warmth and breathability thanks to a soft Polartec fleece lining that traps in heat but also wicks away moisture nicely if you sweat.

Decent protection needn’t cost the earth – Mountain Warehouse’s pinnacle ticked all our boxes on test for an affordable lid. This model is lightweight enough to feel comfortable from first to last lift, and there’s a lovely soft fleece lining and ear flaps that feel cosy to wear in cold conditions and are removable and washable.

Any downsides to the pinnacle? This helmet is on the chunky side and does look quite massive when worn – so if you’re after something streamlined, look elsewhere. We also found the pinnacle a shade too warm for spring ski days, as ventilation shafts are limited.

Decathlon has aimed this well-priced helmet at freeriding (skiing in open terrain away from the slopes), but we reckon this design would suit most skiers and boarders of beginner to intermediate level. Breathability is great thanks to wide vents on the back and top of the helmet and is very comfortable to wear thanks to a removable foam insert, but it’s not super warm in cold conditions. There’s good technology packed in, especially for this price point, with an MIPS safety layer and an integrated RECCO reflector (a small, battery-free transponder which makes you searchable to professional mountain rescue teams in case of an accident or avalanche).

Comfort is the name of the game in Salomon’s pioneer – this freeing helmet fits snugly on the head with a turn dial on the back of the neck for a custom fit that stays put all day, and yet feels so light. In fact, at just 370g this is one of the lightest helmets we tested so you’ll barely notice you’re protected. The size range is good, with an XL option that many helmet brands don’t stretch to, while a washable liner and cosy ear flaps trap in heat nicely in bitter conditions. The pioneer’s looks aren’t the most fashion-forward, but you do get safety and substance (if not much in the way of style) for under £100.

There’s a lot of choice on the helmet market – but if you’re progressing in snow sports lessons or tend to take an annual holiday to the slopes you’ll just want a safe, sensible choice with built-in MIPS technology and a comfy fit in most weather conditions. In that case, try Giro’s trig for size. This hardy hardshell all-rounder is reasonably comfortable, safe and solid and looks rather cool, with a wide peak that protects goggles nicely and 8 ventilation channels for good breathability. A fuss-free choice that you can wear as your skills improve.

POC’s meninx hydrogen features MIPS technology and even includes an NFC chip designed to provide medical information to rescue teams in the case of an emergency, as well as a built-in RECCO detector. Sizes range from XS to XXL, so there should be something to suit everyone, and good ventilation and detachable ear protectors have comfort and coolness covered for the whole ski season. The meninx isn’t super lightweight, at 600g, but does offer a streamlined fit. Prices start from around £60 for an XS helmet at the moment and stretch all the way up to an eye-watering £240.

Bern’s helmets have been classics since they were in the medals at the 2006 Winter Olympics. These tried-and-tested designs are solid, comfortable and safe, if often on the heavy side. Our pick of this season’s designs is the macon, which is reliably warm even in sub-zero temperatures thanks to a thick ribbed liner and an adjustable dial for a snug fit that traps heat in. You can choose an MIPS or non-MIPs version of the macon, though we’d of course recommend the former. During testing, we liked the helmet’s peak, which keeps snow and sun glare away from your goggles. This is a sturdy helmet but may look on the massive side on small heads.

If you’d rather pick a gender-specific lid over a unisex design, you may get on well with Head’s radar (for men) and Rachel (for women). Both helmets feature integrated goggles, which are brilliant if you find it hard to get lenses to sit flush with a helmet, or if you’re just liable to losing your goggles on the mountainside. Lenses are interchangeable, so you can swap quickly in different light conditions, and a micro fur lining inside the helmet is designed to feel like you’re wearing a cosy beanie – great in a freezing whiteout. A helmet that does it all.

If you want a smaller helmet designed with female skiers and boarders in mind, our favourite model on test was the sleek spell from Salomon, a brand born in the French mountains. We found this helmet pleasingly breathable – ideal for wear early and late in the ski season or if you find you tend to overheat on the slope – and at 430g it’s lightweight enough to feel comfy all day long. Salomon’s own-brand EPS safety technology is designed to effectively absorb shocks if you do take a tumble. An affordable, functional and good-looking choice for beginners.