Snow Helmets - Features and Size Guide

Firstly, it all comes down to fit. Just like ski and snowboard boots , the most important thing to consider before everything and anything is how they actually fit your head. Luckily, all helmet sizes correlate to your heads circumference in centimeter measurement, making it incredibly easy to purchase them online as well! Helmets should be snug enough that you don’t need to wear a beanie underneath to keep it on, but not too tight that you’ll end up with a headache. If you’re unsure – try and shake it! If it moves, it’s too big!

Luckily, if you’re in between sizes, many come with Adjustable Fit Systems – making it possible to get the perfect fit.

These can include the Adjustable Boa System – with the twist of a dial, you’ll be locked in like never before. Because it’s a cable, it fits ergonomically and evenly around the shape of your head without creating pressure points.

Adjustable Boa System – with the twist of a dial, you’ll be locked in like never before. Because it’s a cable, it fits ergonomically and evenly around the shape of your head without creating pressure points.

You can find this system on the Smith Vantage Helmet

Similar to a Boa System, an In-Form fit system uses a dial which not only tightens and loosen horizontally, but also vertically. This means you’ll get a perfect 360 degree fit no matter what.

You can find this system on many Giro helmets, including the Giro Seam

Pad systems are the most used helmet adjustment system, and there’s a reason why – they’re cost effective and comfy! Removable foam pads can be added or taken away from the lining of the helmet to increase and decrease space in the helmet. If you like to ride with a beanie underneath, this can be a really good option. This system is also great for kids – you can remove the pads as they grow and get a couple more years out of their gear!

You can find this system across most snow helmet brands, including the Anon Blitz

Snow helmets aren’t just a stack hat for your head anymore – there are so many differing safety features and fit features in them, along with different ways of construction that change the price and quality of the helmet dramatically.

There are two major ways that snow helmets are constructed – either a hard shell outer with a glued in foam/liner or an in-mold construction where the outer-shell and inner foam are injection moulded as one piece. A hard shell helmet (like the Bern Baker) is the most cost effective way to get the safety you need, whilst going for an in-mold construction (like the Smith Maze) allows for a dramatic decrease in weight and a slimmer/sleeker profile – no lolly-pop heads around here!

Founded in 2001 by five biomechanical specialists in Sweden, MIPS has been working on and refining the most technologically advanced helmet designs to reduce unnecessary traumatic brain injuries. Most brain injuries happen because of a lineal or rotational force to the head, or even a combination of both – MIPS works with this information and re-directs the force itself from solely impacting the skull.