The beautiful image of a skier gracefully weaving through the brush, flying off side hits, and nailing 720s can all come to an abrupt end with a single smack. Head trauma is nothing to scoff at and a high-quality helmet can save you from more than just a headache.
A solid helmet comes with great safety features but often, women’s sporting gear doesn’t receive the amount of love and attention to detail as the male equivalents. You can’t leave it all at the slopes if your sub-par gear is holding you back.
This is why I’ve written up this list of the best women’s ski helmets on the market. Don’t settle for less, it can be dangerous to your health and your wallet.
Seriously, some helmets I encountered had astronomical prices for half the protective features that those on our list offer.
Product
Details
Best Overall
Smith Mirage MIPS
- Size: Small
- AGE Range: Adult
Best Lightweight Helmet
Smith Vantage MIPS
- Size: Small
- AGE Range: Unisex-adult
Best Budget Helmet
Giro Ceva MIPS
- Size: SMALL
- AGE Range: ADULT
Best For Ventilation
Smith Quantum MIPS
- Size: SMALL
- AGE Range: ADULT
Best Adjustable Helmet
Smith Liberty MIPS
- Size: LARGE
- AGE Range: WOMEN
Best Of The Rest
Scott Symbol 2 Plus D
- Size: LARGE
- AGE Range: WOMEN
Best Women’s Ski Helmets – Top 6 Picks
A boa-fit system, a comfy back shell design that fits well with your goggle strap, and a true alpine helmet. We are all different, what you want in a quality helmet will differ from others. Of course, head protection is a must but for something to be considered a great helmet, there has got to be more.
But you can be assured of two things: The helmets below aren’t great, they are the best helmets available and each helmet has either MIPS technology or an equivalent system baked in.
Sort through the bin with confidence. You are going to get something good.
1. Smith Mirage MIPS
Mirages appear in the desert, causing starved and thirsty wanderers to seek refuge within them. Unfortunately, these images are a sham. The Smith Mirage plays a similar role in a similar situation.
Quality-hungry skiers browse for hours searching for a new helmet at a good price. Only this time, the Mirage is real. Seek refuge within the Smith Mirage.
Not too good to be true
With an insanely low price point and a polycarbonate and EPS foam dual build, the Mirage reaches heights that few others will. The overall weight of the mirage is low and there is a seamless fusion between the EPS foam and the rough outer shell.
Comfort and support for you and a cold shoulder for the rest of the world.
Between the shell and liner is yet another layer. One that specializes in following the direction that your head goes in upon receiving a hit. This lessens the overall effect of the hit and lowers the probability of a concussion.
Besides five-star protection, there is plenty to adjust and customize. A dial fit system that can be adjusted on the go. Fully removable earpieces that are easy to wash and then reattach. A slider for closing and opening the vents.
No expense was spared and even the price was kept at an incredibly affordable range. Of all the women’s helmets on offer, few could match up to this list of features.
Features
- Material: EPS and Polycarbonate
- Helmet Style: Half-shell
- Adjustable Vents: Yes
- Warranty: Limited lifetime
- Audio-Ready: Compatible with Outdoor Tech Audio Systems
Pros
- The ear pads have an inner surface that makes for a secure and comfortable seal.
- Shell and liner are separated by a low friction layer that makes for better impact protection.
- The dial fit system is easy to use and adjust on the fly.
Cons
- Not many color options to choose from.
Smith Mirage MIPS
The price of “Smith Mirage MIPS” varies, so check the latest price at
2. Smith Vantage MIPS
A lifetime of bad posture and phone use has led me, and many others, to recurring neck pain. My comrades in suffering know that once the pain starts, it’ll be a while till it’s gone. Do you know what could ruin a ski day? A heavy helmet that’ll wear you down.
Do you know what could prevent an afternoon of annoying neck pain: the Smith Vantage. The Vantage is lightweight and made for your comfort.
Lightweight Construction
Lightweight ski gear is always a double-edged sword. On one side, you get comfort and mobility and on the other, you may not receive as much protection as heavier options. But the Smith vantage treads this line well. Melding lightweight design with efficient protection.
This perfect marriage is only possible thanks to the Koroyd foam that fills the helmet in. It’s strategically spread about for a more zonal design. Reducing weight by not being applied in a wanton manner but with enough protection to make a difference.
This zonal foam works well with the rest of the in-mold construction. MIPS technology also plies its trade within the recesses of the Smith Vantage. Resulting in pseudo-hybrid shell construction.
The Smith vantage need not be relegated to only backcountry skiing. It can also double as a snowboarding helmet and a good one at that. There aren’t too many helmets that can double as ski and snowboard helmets, but fortunately, the Smith vantage can.
Features
- Material: Koroyd
- Helmet Style: Half-shell
- Adjustable Vents: Adjustable ventilation
- Warranty: Limited lifetime
- Audio-Ready: Compatible with Outdoor Tech Audio Systems
Pros
- Removable ear pads are warm and audio-chip compatible.
- The helmet has a lightweight in-mold construction and MIPS technology.
- The vent system integrates with Smith goggles for fog-free vision.
Cons
- At the time of this writing, only medium and large sizes are available.
Smith Vantage MIPS
The price of “Smith Vantage MIPS” varies, so check the latest price at
3. Giro Ceva MIPS
The Giro Ceva has the quality build design that can be found in all the other helmets on this list. The amount of protection it offers would rank it among the best snowboard helmets.
But these two facts are not the sole reasons why Ceva made it onto this list. The most astonishing thing about this helmet was the price that it is available for.
It Costs How Much?!
The Ceva truly costs a fraction of everything else on the helmet market. While a low price is always welcomed, it’s what’s on offer for this tiny price that excites me. You can count on a Polycarbonate shell with MIPS technology, all of this attached to an EPS foam liner.
For ventilation, you’ve got stacked venting that is compatible with all Giro goggles currently available. If the past is anything to go by, then any goggles released in the future by Giro will also be compatible.
To top it all off, the In-Form fit system of this helmet gives you 6 centimeters of wiggle room to tighten or loosen as you see fit.
The adjustable venting is controlled by a hidden button and should any breaks or defects be discovered, this budget darling is backed by a lifetime warranty. I could truly go on and on about the quality on offer here.
Features
- Material: Polycarbonate
- Helmet Style: Half-shell
- Adjustable Vents: Yes
- Warranty: Limited lifetime
- Audio-Ready: Compatible with Aftermarket Giro Audio Systems
Pros
- Stack ventilation for clear goggles and complete helmet-to-goggle integration.
- Has a low-profile control button that lets you adjust just how much ventilation you would like.
- Up to 6cm of fit adjustment is possible with an In-Form fit system.
Cons
- The ear pads are not removable.
Giro Ceva MIPS
The price of “Giro Ceva MIPS” varies, so check the latest price at
4. Smith Quantum MIPS
With an astounding number of vents, ski mountaineering has never been so devoid of moisture. Twenty-two, twenty-two vents reside within the outer shell of the Smith Quantum MIPS helmet.
Skiers who sweat a lot or that enjoy an intense skiing style will benefit greatly from the amount of circulation possible with the Quantum.
A Breath Of Fresh Air
It’s easy to understand why vents are important and the benefits that they bring. A better use of our time would be spent going over the materials used to construct the skeleton of the Quantum top helmets. ABS and Koroyd.
ABS is a low melting point plastic that has a high tensile strength. This makes it perfect for two different reasons, its low melting point allows it to be easily heated up and then injected into a mold. Fitting the structure and allowing it to fill in the necessary areas.
Of course, the high tensile strength of this plastic makes it perfect for taking heavy hits. Koroyd on the other hand, is adept at spreading out the force of an impact, thereby minimizing the damage done to the helmet and therefore, your head.
Underlying the outer layer and resting on top of the inner layer is a low-friction liner. This low-friction liner is specially made for handling rotational impacts. Preventing your head from bouncing around and sustaining additional damage beyond the initial impact.
Forget being a breathable helmet, the Quantum is a true bonafide tank.
Features
- Material: ABS and Koroyd
- Helmet Style: Half-shell
- Adjustable Vents: Yes
- Warranty: One year
- Audio-Ready: Compatible with Outdoor Tech Audio Systems
Pros
- Aerocore construction for solid ventilation and protection.
- A low-friction liner that handles rotational impacts well.
- Twenty-two vents line the outside of this helmet.
Cons
- Runs small and as a result, you may have trouble finding the right size.
Smith Quantum MIPS
The price of “Smith Quantum MIPS” varies, so check the latest price at
5. Smith Liberty MIPS
Adjustable venting is great, but there should be more to your favorite helmet than just that. Lately, new helmet manufacturers have begun to emphasize skier adjustability as one of the core tenets of their overall helmet design.
The Smith Liberty MIPS helmet is the result of this long-deserved focus on user experience.
More than Adjustable Venting
The Liberty stays true to its name. Giving you the liberty to tinker and tweak your helmet as you see fit. In fact, I think that is where we should start. The fitting system of this helmet.
The Liberty has a VaporFit system that is operated with a rotary dial. This rotary dial fit system works in tandem with the overall shape of the helmet. With VaporFit, you can expect a full 5-centimeters of adjusting room.
Dial it in and find the perfect custom fit by adjusting the up, down, forward, and backward positioning of the Liberty. Once you’ve secured what works best for you, you can turn your attention to the Snapfit ear pads.
These pads seal your ears off from winter’s cold air and are removable. Even if spring were to arrive early, you’ve got removable ear pads that’ll let your ears breathe. Is that all that can be fiddled with? Of course not!
The adjustable venting of this helmet is controlled with a simple slider. Move it around until you get the right amount of air circulation. Smith helmets are quality, the Liberty is more proof of that.
Features
- Material: ABS, EPS, and Polycarbonate
- Helmet Style: Half-shell
- Adjustable Vents: Yes
- Warranty: Limited lifetime
- Audio-Ready: Compatible with Outdoor Tech Audio Systems
Pros
- Has a Vapor fit system that is both comfortable and allows 5cm of rotary adjustment.
- Adjust airflow with a slider system that can be managed with ski gloves.
- The bombshell material on top of the helmet makes for the best heavy-impact protection.
Cons
- The amount of in-mold material could have been expanded.
Smith Liberty MIPS
The price of “ Smith Liberty MIPS ” varies, so check the latest price at
6. Scott Symbol 2 Plus D
The Scott Symbol 2 Plus D is more than just a monstrosity of a name. It’s also one of the best-looking helmets that I’ve come across. I really enjoy how well the ear flaps connect with the rest of the helmet.
But it’s got more than looks, this is a well-rounded helmet with plenty to offer.
On Offer
Let’s get back to those ear flaps that I mentioned before. The special thing about them is the 360-degree Pure Sound technology that makes up their design. While still keeping your ears warm, they don’t affect your ability to hear.
Your hearing capability is optimized and unimpeded. Your other senses matter too, it’s why the Symbol 2 helmet also has a non-intrusive venting system. This ventilation system lets you ski without fogging up your women’s ski goggles.
For impact protection, D30 foam resides throughout the entire helmet. Securing your head shape for maximum protection.
This material is free-flowing, allowing it to conform to the needs of whatever impact you suffer. On impact, the foam tightens, absorbing the worst of the damage. Most helmets for skiing simply can’t compete with protective features this good.
The adjustable fit system is user-friendly and intuitive. Backcountry skiers rejoice, no more struggling with your resort helmet just to get a half-decent fit. And to top it all off, a fit that is comfortable.
Features
- Material: EPS and Polycarbonate
- Helmet Style: Half-shell
- Adjustable Vents: Yes
- Warranty: Not available
- Audio-Ready: Not included
Pros
- Non-intrusive goggle venting system that lets you ski without obstructed vision.
- Earpieces are designed to not dampen your hearing.
- D30 impact foam absorbs and disperses the energy of impacts.
Cons
- Only small and large sizes are currently available, but this will change in the foreseeable future.
Scott Symbol 2 Plus D
The price of “Scott Symbol 2 Plus D” varies, so check the latest price at
How to Choose A Quality Women’s Ski Helmet
Let’s break down and discuss all the essential factors that go into making the best women’s ski helmets.
Durability
Of course, you are going to want something that is going to last. Can you imagine paying the big bucks for something that can’t last long enough to satisfy you? So, what screams “quality” in the world of women’s ski helmets?
The place you’ll want to look at is the materials used to make the mold of the helmet. Polycarbonate is durable and resistant to the strongest hits. The Symbol 2 Plus D has its entire outer shell made out of the material and its durability grade definitely benefits from it.
Koroyd is another strong and long-lasting material. It doesn’t shatter due to how it handles impacts. Choosing to spread the energy of a hit outward throughout its entire structure rather than having one area tank the entire hit.
If this sounds good to you then may I recommend the Smith Quantum? Its dual build of ABS and Koroyd serves your noggin faithfully.
Comfort
Being comfortable is essential to your overall skiing experience. What makes a helmet comfortable then? I’d say it can be broken down into three pieces. The first is the padding that rests closest to your head.
A good foam padding that protects but isn’t hard as cement will provide you with a sense of security that should feel comforting. You can’t go wrong with EPS foam, like that which is found in the Smith Liberty.
The next part that your helmet will need to maximize your comfort is an adjustable fit system. Preferably something that can be tweaked on the fly. A dial-fit system works best.
Finally, the last comfort-oriented feature that your helmet should have is a proper ventilation system. I’ll speak more on this in the next section, but the short and sweet of it is that vents prevent moisture build-up, which leads to gross sweat.
Ventilation and Breathability
Ventilation was touched on briefly in the previous section but now I’ll handle it in more depth. The primary reason why ventilation is added to helmets is to dump out heat while letting fresh, cool air into your helmet.
This constant flow of circulation is refreshing and downright necessary if you want to ski without feeling grossed out with yourself. But simple as vents may be, there is one thing to consider.
Do you want vents that can be adjusted or vents that are constantly open? The answer is adjustable venting, always adjustable venting.
Vents that can be adjusted allowing you to restrict or expand the amount of air that flows into your helmet. Usually, through the operation of a simple dial or slider.
All of the women’s helmets on our list have an adjustable ventilation system. This isn’t a coincidence, top ski gear manufacturers know the importance of letting you decide how to best handle airflow.
What Accessories Should A Women’s Ski Helmet Have?
This category is about the extras that a women’s helmet can offer you. Safety clips for your lift pass or a magnetic buckle for your chin. There is a ton of features that can fall into this category.
The best way to know what accessories one should want in their helmet is to figure out what accessories would make their life easier. For example, the aforementioned magnetic buckle from before is perfect for handling cold temperatures.
This is because you can leave your gloves on and not have to freeze your fingers just to strap in and out of your headgear. Goggle compatibility is another great accessory to have. Nothing annoys me more than constantly fogging goggles.
You should also need to carry stylish women’s ski gloves with you to keep your hands warms.
Having a helmet with vents that align perfectly with your goggles is downright essential. There is more that can be discussed, but the point is to seek out accessories that make your skiing experience easier.
My Final Thoughts
As you’ve seen above, picking out a quality women’s helmet and the right gear for your needs rests entirely on four different categories. The last thing to keep in mind is what you need. Do you ski aggressively? If so, then you’ll need a durable helmet.
The structure of protective padding is weakened with every hit. This is why a durable helmet is essential for the daredevils out there. Of course, wearer comfort has an important role but do not take your own safety lightly.
Caught the snowboarding bug? Want some more women’s gear recommendations? We’ve got more of what you are looking for on our site.
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