The Best Ski Helmets of 2026

Weighing in at just 424 grams, this helmet features a lightweight polycarbonate shell with Anon’s WaveCel liner under the hood. WaveCel is akin to having hundreds of interconnected shock absorbers between your head and the helmet’s shell—distributing the impact and mitigating rotational forces as the cellular structure flexes and glides upon impact. Additionally, an integrated BOA system enables you to adjust the fit and a magnetic Fidlock buckle allows you to pop your helmet on and off with one hand, even when wearing gloves.

This sleek helmet may look unassuming but inside, it features Atomic’s high-end safety features. The brand’s proprietary Holo Core, with a structure resembling an egg carton, is ready and waiting to act as a crumple zone that absorbs direct impacts. In addition, Atomic’s Multi-Directional Impact Deflector (AMID) is a dual-density foam that further absorbs impacts while also deflecting rotational forces that might otherwise scramble your eggs. This helmet is the choice of Atomic’s top athletes and a great choice for safety-conscious skiers of all levels.

The Tenaya Spherical helmet blends style, protection and comfort to deliver a lightweight and crowd-pleasing brain bucket. The hybrid construction features a durable, hard-shell upper and an in-mold lower, keeping the helmet both strong and lightweight. Giro’s ball-and-socket design layers two interior liners to better manage forces from impacts: an outer EPS layer to absorb high-speed crashes and an inner EPP layer to handle slower-speed tumbles. The combination of progressive material layering with MIPS helps to redirect rotational energy away from the brain.

The POC Fornix BC brings technology to your safety game with a medical ID chip that stores your digital profile. In the event of an accident, first responders or other skiers can easily access critical information by simply tapping their smartphone on the shell. In an effort to reduce the need for that information, the helmet is also equipped with MIPS to protect you from harmful rotational forces in the case of an angled impact. In addition to safety, the Fornix BC provides comfort through an adjustable ventilation dial and a secure fit with a 360-degree adjustment system.

It’s hard to go wrong with a Pret helmet; the brand puts the same level of safety in each of its models, so it really comes down to style and specific features that you’re looking for. One of our go-to favorites from the brand is the Cynic for its protective features like MIPS, and an adjustable venting system to keep humid air moving away from your goggles when the sun is beating down and seal out snow when it’s storming. Just as comfortable in the backcountry as in the resort, the Cynic can be a helmet quiver of one and the helmet fits seamlessly with any of the brand’s goggle offerings.

The Fury sits at the intersection of lightweight design and high-level protection, making it easy to see why it’s become a go-to for many of the brand’s athletes. At just over 400 grams, it’s barely noticeable on your head but still manages to bring modern safety features like MIPS, reducing rotational forces that can cause brain injuries in the event of an angled impact. The updated fit system is low profile and easy to adjust, active vents are controlled with a single lever and the magnetic Fidlock buckle is a welcome touch when fumbling with gloves. On the back of the special edition Fury Teton, available in both black and white, is an illustration of Wyoming’s Teton mountains—adding some artistic flair to your safety setup.

The all-new Brigade Index is the first fully-recyclable ski helmet on the market and comes in two versions: one with MIPS integration and one without. A dial on the back of the helmet enables you to cinch down the perfect fit, vertically and laterally, while strategically placed vents on the top of the helmet help regulate your body temperature without any extra fidgeting. When you’re done using it, simply ship the helmet back to Salomon to give the material a second life.

One of Smith’s most popular helmets, the Vantage returns lighter and tougher than ever this year. A new three-piece hybrid shell trims weight while reinforcing key impact zones. Full-coverage Koroyd adds both energy absorption and breathable protection while MIPS takes care of rotational forces to round out a strong safety package. On the comfort side, adjustable front and rear vents allow one-handed climate control, the BOA 360 Fit System fine-tunes the fit and a Fidlock magnetic buckle makes fastening effortless, even with gloves on. Removable ear pads work with audio chips and can be pulled out when style or temperature dictate.

Incorporating Sweet’s 2Vi technology, the Trooper combines a variable-elasticity shell with a multi-density, shock-absorbing liner that improves impact dissipation based on the complex geometry of your head. This is paired with a two-layer MIPS safety system, helping reduce rotational motion during angled impacts and rounding out some serious protection. The snap-in lining provides a secure fit and is easily removable for washing. The Occigrip fit system, with height adjustment, ensures your comfort and the magnetic buckle makes life easy on the go. Plus, adjustable ventilation and audio-ready, removable ear pads allow some customization to your preferences.