The best helmets for freeride skiing

Alexis updated: November 30, 2021

1. #1 POC Obex 4.6/5 see on amazonsee details
2. #2 ALPINA GRAP 2.0 3.8/5 see on amazonsee details
3. #3 Mod5 MIPS 3.8/5 see on amazonsee details

You are looking for a helmet for freeride skiing… Excellent idea! Because in freeride skiing, you are never safe from the unexpected, and even if you think you are surrounded by soft and deep snow, trees or rocks can hide under it, and can surprise even the expert skiers.

Comparison of the best freeride ski helmets

I invite you to complete your search for information on the products presented. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. You can read more about ridepark.

headphone comparison table

How to choose a freeride ski helmet?

Choosing a helmet is not easy. Between comfort, level of protection and aesthetics, it is sometimes difficult to combine all these criteria in one and the same helmet. You have to make compromises to choose the helmet that's right for you, and as you can imagine, sometimes it's the aesthetics that have to be neglected.

In any case, here is a list of sufficiently important criteria to help you choose the right freeride ski helmet:

1. Membership

Ski helmets are made up of two distinct parts. The outer shell and the inner lining also called the "liner".

Pay attention to the construction of the ski helmet and check that it has these two distinct parts.

2. Weight

The weight of the helmet is a determining factor. If you feel from the first tests that the helmet seems heavy to you, it is not a good sign, it is better to return it. Your first feeling should be great lightness and ease of moving your head without “overweight”.

Helmets made in one piece, called "in mold", are generally lighter than helmets made of two separate parts (the rigid shell and the inner liner). To promote great lightness, it will therefore be necessary to look at the construction of the ski helmet and opt for the "in mold".

3. Resistance

That's what you buy a helmet for, isn't it? It's for it to be resistant, it seems obvious. And there's no secret there, you'll have to avoid low-end helmets, especially for freeride skiing, which by definition exposes you to greater dangers than in a secure area. Certain technologies such as ABS, plastic with shock absorption and distribution, and EPS, the layer responsible for damping shocks by compression, are minimums.

When you have suffered a violent shock with your helmet, you can no longer use it because the shock suffered may damage the helmet without this being visible. And so, the ski helmet will no longer protect you as well, in the next fall.

4. Ventilation

The helmets have small ventilation windows, which are not very elegant but very useful. A helmet can become so insulating and airtight that it can become uncomfortable to wear. The vents are there to compensate for this discomfort by simply allowing air to circulate. Some helmet models have flaps to adjust the opening of the vents. In freeride skiing, you will certainly walk, or go up steep areas on skis, you will be very happy to be able to let your head breathe during these intense efforts!

5. Tightening

You certainly have your preference regarding the tightening of your ski helmet. Whether it's a simple clip, a tab to pull, or a knob to turn, there are many tightening techniques, but don't overlook this aspect. We often want to adjust our helmet, a little too tight, not enough, need to readjust the ski helmet at the top of the lifts, or temporarily remove it in a ski cabin.

There are a thousand reasons why you will have to use the neck strap of your helmet. Some systems are easier to use, but it's mostly personal preference, or sometimes morphology.

Another important point, in freeride skiing you are potentially exposed to heavy falls. It is important to ensure that the helmet is tight, so that the tightening system is optimal. It has often happened to me to see helmets come off or fly off because of poor or unsuitable tightening.

6. Special features

In freeride skiing, there are some options that can be very practical. Some helmets have a Recco reflector. This system makes it possible to find people buried under the snow. This system is complementary to an avalanche victim search device, it is strongly advised not to rely only on this system as the only means of rescue in the event of an avalanche.

Other very useful options such as detachable earmuffs for better ventilation. The ventilation flaps on the top of the helmet to let the air through. A location for the ski mask, to ensure that it is well maintained can be very useful.

Freeride skiing The practice of freeride skiing consists of skiing in ungroomed areas and with a significant inclination. The skier therefore skis unworked snow, which can be powdery, hard, windy and which can hide rocks, branches or even go on an avalanche. You need a good level of knowledge of the behavior of the snow, the mountain and its environment, but also a very good technical level. You can do initiations with guides or ski instructors who will take you to areas adapted to your level.

Your questions about helmets for freeride skiing

What to wear under a ski helmet?

If it's warm enough, (over 0 degrees), you can just put on your helmet and nothing else. If it's freezing temperatures, you can put on a very thin layer, the same thickness as a neck warmer. Balaclavas (or balaklavas) are thin balaclavas that can easily be slipped under a ski helmet.

Which ski helmet to choose to put a GoPro in it?

There are ski helmet models that directly integrate a mount to attach a GoPro. Otherwise any type of ski helmet can do the trick, just get a GoPro self-adhesive helmet mount.

How to choose the right size for a ski helmet?

To choose the size of the ski helmet that corresponds to your morphology, you must measure your head circumference.

How to measure your head circumference?

To measure your head circumference, take a tape measure and take the measurement from your forehead, and go around your head as horizontally as possible. The measurement in centimeters and that used in the size charts of helmet manufacturers.

When should you replace your ski helmet?

It is recommended to replace your ski helmet every 5 years, if it has not suffered a major impact. On the other hand, after a violent fall, it is necessary to immediately replace your ski helmet and no longer use the one that suffered an impact. The shock received by the expanded polystyrene may have altered the absorption capacity, even if no damage is visible.

1. #1 POC Obex 4.6/5 see on amazonsee details
2. #2 ALPINA GRAP 2.0 3.8/5 see on amazonsee details
3. #3 Mod5 MIPS 3.8/5 see on amazonsee details
4. #4 Auric Cut 4.4/5 see on amazonsee details
5. #5 Giro Ledge 3.8/5 see on amazonsee details

To deepen the subject