How to Choose Ski & Snowboarding Helmets

You don’t have to be an expert on the slopes to understand that a helmet adds to your safety. Not only do they do a great job of protecting your head from impacts, but they also help to keep snow out of your face, heat in, and goggles secure. Safety is very important, and Christy Sports offers many helmet options to keep your head safe while skiing or riding.

The Basics of Ski and Snowboard Helmets

Helmets cannot fully prevent concussions, but they can greatly reduce concussion risk and severity.

Key helmet components:

• Shell: Hard outer layer; deflects debris, protects inner layers.
• Shock absorption layer: Expanded polystyrene foam; absorbs impact forces.
• Liner: Soft padding; adds comfort and warmth.

Buying tip: Knowing these helmet components helps explain helmet features and price differences.

Helmet Construction

Helmet shell types:

• In-mold: Shell + foam fused in one process; lightweight but less durable (prone to dents). 
• Injection-molded: Thick plastic shell + foam; heavier but more durable..

Shock absorption technology: All helmets use expanded polystyrene foam to protect the head from impacts.

Added technologies:

• Smith Koroyd: Waffle-like crushable material for extra protection.
• Giro Spherical: Ball-and-socket design reduces rotational forces.
• MIPS: Widely used tech that reduces rotational injury risk.

Key tip: Choose construction/tech based on preference for lightweight vs. durability and budget. All helmets sold at Christy Sports will protect your head effectively!

Size and Fit

Importance of helmet fit: Comfort and proper sizing = a safer, more enjoyable day.

Measuring helmet size at home:

• Measure circumference ~1 inch above eyebrows/ears.

Size ranges (varies slightly by brand):

• Small: 51–55 cm
• Medium: 55–59 cm
• Large: 59–63 cm

Recommendation: trying helmets in-store

• Test multiple models—fit varies by brand.

Proper helmet fit:

• Snug, even pressure (not too loose/tight).
• Shouldn’t shift when you shake your head.
• Wiggle test: helmet moves the skin on forehead when wiggled up and down.
• Strap check: no more than two fingers fit under strap.