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The Halfdays Guide to SKI HELMETS

Snowfall has hit Colorado, and the best time of the year is once again upon us. Passes have arrived in mailboxes, Airbnbs for long weekends in the mountains have been booked, and the descent into a full-fledged ski craze has commenced. So what does the beginning of yet another ski season mean for beginners, or us girls who just can’t help but upgrade our gear as often as possible? The search for a top-of-the-line fit from head to toe, obviously.

With functionality at the forefront and style falling close behind, we’re always ready to take on the hunt for the best of the best in ski and snowboard gear. Next up on our list, you ask? Helmets. Vital to ski and snowboard safety, helmets today incorporate advanced technology (more on that later), elevated style features, and, let’s be real, often include unnecessary bells and whistles and fancy lingo to justify their cost.

So, how do we sift through the vast market of ski helmets to find that optimal blend of style, comfort, and safety? For starters, we prioritize MIPS technology in all our helmets. For the newbies, MIPS Brain Protection System is an advanced technology that took over 25 years to develop and safeguards against brain injuries by reducing rotational forces to the head. For us, it’s a no-brainer! (no pun intended). With protection out of the way, we look to supreme style and comfort.

We asked our ever-trusty source on all things ski gear- the Halfdays Chalet Slack channel- for their helmet recs, and we’ve compiled a list of their faves for you. Safe, stylish, and supremely comfortable ski days await!

Smith Vantage MIPS Helmet

smithoptics.com

Price: $270.00

If you’ve entered any Google searches for ‘best women’s ski helmets’ over the past couple of years, you’ve likely encountered the Smith Vantage MIPS helmet on nearly every list you’ve clicked on. Recommended by two Halfdayers, and favored by beginner and advanced boarders and skiers, the Smith Vantage MIPS helmet is reliable, lightweight, and adjustable for maximum comfort. The helmet’s dial system offers an incredibly adjustable fit, and 21 vents allow for breathable days on the mountain.

Smith Allure Mips Helmet

smithoptics.com

Price: $155.00

The ever-reliable Smith does it again with the Allure MIPS helmet, a more cost-friendly, yet still protective and durable alternative to the Vantage. The Allure’s price reflects its simplicity; the helmet includes 9 vents and has less adjustability than the Vantage, but this reliable and safe choice still ensures comfort with a lightweight shell and cushy interior.

Pret Vision X

prethelmets.com

Price: $219

The Pret Vision X helmet has a lot to offer. For starters, we’re loving the duo-tone look (which is offered in 5 other colorways!). Beyond style, Vision X includes Pret’s HALEO antimicrobial foam to prevent bacterial growth and ensure your helmet stays fresh all season long. With a magnetic buckle, front and upper vents, and the latest in safety technology, this helmet undoubtedly ticks all the boxes.

Giro Ratio MIPS Helmet

giro.com

Price: $120

Halfdayer Alli Rubin is of the philosophy that the cheapest helmet with MIPS gets the job done! And with some excellent, cost-effective options on the market now, we can’t blame her. Giro’s Ratio Mips helmet comes in at $120, and with MIPS technology usually sending helmet prices into the 200s, is a pretty sweet deal. The Ratio helmet includes adjustable venting and a dial-operated fit system, too, proving you really can have it all without breaking the bank.

POC Obex MIPS Helmet

na.pocsports.com

$200

We love the look of pretty much everything Poc puts out, and their Obex MIPS helmet is no different. Sleek, stylish, and available in seven different colors, the Obex is a great move for skiers and boarders who want that clean, expertly designed-look. Appearances aside, the Obex helmet is lightweight, includes an interior size adjustment system, and has integrated vents at the front of the helmet to prevent goggle fogging. This adaptable helmet is ideal for all weather conditions and will have you styling for days.

Atomic Savor GT Visor Stereo

atomic.com

Price: $280

Though we’d love nothing more than to write an entire article on visor helmets alone, due to their polarizing nature, we’ll leave you with just one favorite. The Atomic Savor GT Visor Stereo is our Euro-chic dream. The 2-in-1 system includes Atomic’s Holo Core protection, which provides up to 30% higher impact protection than what’s required by industry safety standards. Wall-to-wall visibility attached to the helmet completely eliminates the need for ever-so-annoying goggle adjustments, and the style itself is just too good. Safe to say we’ve converted to team visor helmets.