Snow Experts Share Their Favorite Ski Helmets-Including Tips for Getting the Right One

"Ski helmets weren't a thing when I graduated from ski school 30 years ago. But these days? My helmet is the first thing I pack, whether I'm skiing at my home ski resort in Montana or traveling to the Dolomites to carve fresh tracks in the Alps. Ski helmets, or as I call them, "brain buckets," protect our most important organ. They also keep your head warm. Finally, they're a"

"There are hundreds to choose from, all packed with different features. As a lifelong skier and gear tester of 10 years, I'm here to help you shop for this essential accessory, including several options I use myself. Though we didn't test these formally, Travel + Leisure editors and avid skiers share their favorite brands and models, too. Additionally, we chatted with Corey Popp, an alpine ski racing coach at Mt. Bachelor in Bend, Oregon, to"

Ski helmets protect the brain, provide warmth, and double as a fashion statement while incorporating varied technologies and fit options. Helmet adoption has grown over decades, and modern helmets offer multiple vents, antimicrobial linings, and impact-absorbing systems. Smith Optics moved from goggles into helmets and now offers four snow helmet collections with three fits, eight technologies, and nearly 50 models priced from the budget Holt to the high-end Icon. The Nexus Mips includes an antimicrobial lining and an adjustable 24-vent airflow system and suits frequent skiers. The Vantage Mips adds patented Koroyd energy-absorbing technology. Editors, avid skiers, and coach Corey Popp shared model recommendations and buying tips.

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