Safety Certifications: What They Mean
ASTM F2040 (US standard): The baseline requirement for ski and snowboard helmets sold in the US. Tests for direct impact protection at specified zones. ASTM Class A helmets provide more coverage than Class B (which allows more venting at the expense of some side coverage). All helmets sold in US ski shops must meet F2040.
EN 1077 (European standard): European equivalent with two classes: Class A (full coverage) and Class B (reduced coverage/more ventilation). Essentially equivalent protection level to ASTM F2040.
CE EN 12492: Mountaineering helmet standard. Some alpine/touring helmets dual-certify under both EN 12492 and EN 1077 for versatility.
Virginia Tech STAR Rating for Ski Helmets: Independent third-party testing that evaluates both direct and rotational impact protection. The most comprehensive available rating. Available free at helmet.beam.vt.edu/ski-helmet-ratings.html. A helmet scoring 1–2 stars is objectively less protective than a 4–5 star helmet at the same price.
MIPS and Rotational Protection in Ski Helmets
Skiing and snowboarding crashes frequently involve angled impacts — hitting a mogul, a tree, or icy snow at speed. These impacts create rotational forces that the standard ASTM/EN tests don't measure. MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) addresses this gap.
The MIPS liner is a low-friction yellow layer inside the helmet that allows ~10–15mm of movement between helmet shell and your head on oblique impact. This sliding motion dissipates rotational energy before it transfers to your brain.
Alternatives to MIPS include SPIN (POC's silicone pad system) and WaveCel (Bontrager, also used in some ski helmets). All three independently tested technologies show meaningful reduction in rotational brain injury forces.
Bottom line: For $20–40 more, MIPS is worth it. Virginia Tech's ski helmet ratings consistently show MIPS helmets outperforming equivalent non-MIPS models.
In-Mold vs Hard Shell Construction
In-mold (fused): The ABS or polycarbonate outer shell is fused directly to the EPS foam liner during manufacturing. Lighter, better ventilation, more durable in daily use. Preferred for most recreational and performance skiing. If the outer shell cracks, replace immediately.
Hard shell: Separate outer shell over EPS liner. Heavier but more resistant to abrasion and repeated minor impacts. Common in race helmets and freeride helmets where repeated hard contacts are expected.
Hybrid: Hard shell reinforcement at high-impact zones (front, rear) with in-mold construction elsewhere. Best of both worlds; common in mid-range performance helmets.
Ski Helmet Fit Guide
- Measure: Wrap a soft tape measure around your head ~1" above your eyebrows. Match to the brand's size chart (sizing varies significantly between brands).
- Level position: Helmet sits level with 1–2 finger-widths above eyebrows. Not tilted back — that exposes your forehead, the most common impact zone.
- No rock: With the dial/retention tightened, the helmet should not rock side-to-side or front-to-back. If it rocks with the dial fully tightened, size down.
- No pressure points: Wear for 10 minutes. Hot spots will become painful after 4+ hours. Don't rationalize them away.
- Dial system: Most modern helmets have a BOA or similar dial retention at the rear. Adjust until snug without squeezing. The dial should do the fine-tuning; the size does the coarse fit.
- Goggle compatibility: Test your actual goggles in the shop. The goggle frame should seat cleanly against the helmet without gaps (cold air enters) or overhang.
Goggle Compatibility
Goggle-helmet compatibility is the most commonly overlooked fit factor. A gap between goggle and helmet allows cold air to hit your forehead — uncomfortable and potentially dangerous in low-temperature conditions. Key factors:
- Same brand pairing: Matching helmet and goggle brand (Giro + Giro, Smith + Smith, Oakley + Oakley) virtually guarantees compatibility.
- Goggle clip/groove: Most helmets have a goggle clip or channel at the back to secure the strap. Verify the strap width fits.
- OTG (Over The Glasses) goggles: If you wear prescription glasses under goggles, ensure the helmet accommodates OTG frame depth.
Top Ski & Snowboard Helmet Picks
Helmet Protection Technologies Compared
Sources & Further Reading
- Virginia Tech. "Ski Helmet STAR Ratings." helmet.beam.vt.edu/ski-helmet-ratings.html
- MIPS AB. "Rotational Protection in Snow Sports." mipsprotection.com
- ASTM International. "Standard F2040: Ski/Snowboard Helmets." astm.org
- POC. "SPIN Technology Explained." pocsports.com
- National Ski Areas Association. "Helmet Use Data." nsaa.org
