The Best Kids Ski Helmets in 2020
- October 4, 2020
If you’re bringing the kids up to the ski area, protecting them is your number one priority. Helmets are essential to the safety of every skier and snowboarder, including the youngsters. In addition to buying skis, poles and boots, you will also need to buy them the best kids ski helmet you can find.
You should consider safety, fit, comfort and style to find something both you and your child will love. With these factors in mind, we have produced a list of the top five best kids ski helmets to help you choose. For additional tips, check out our article on how to choose a ski helmet. Happy helmet hunting!
Comparison Chart
| Helmet | Construction | Ventilation | Weight | Safety Certification | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smith Optics Zoom Junior | In-mold | Fixed (6) | 12 oz. | ASTM F2040, CE EN 1077-B | $$ |
| Giro Crue | MIPS | Fixed (8) | 1 lb. | CE EN 1077-B | $$$ |
| POCito Fornix SPIN | In-mold | Adjustable (10) | 14 oz. | ASTM F2040, CE EN 1077-B | $$$$ |
| Anon Rime | Hard Shell | Fixed (5) | 1.3 lbs. | ASTM F2040, CE EN 1077-B | $$ |
| OutdoorMaster KELVIN | Hard Shell | Fixed (14) | 1.3 lbs. | ASTM F2040 | $ |
Best Kids Ski Helmets
At a Glance
Helmet Construction: In-mold
Shell Material: Polycarbonate
Vents: Fixed (6)
Weight: 12 oz.
Favorite Features
- Stacked vent technology for superior airflow
- Furry tricot lining adds warmth and comfort
- Removable goggle strap lock for a streamlined fit
The Details
The Smith Optics Zoom Junior helmet is available in a variety of sharp, vibrant colors that make it easy to spot your kid from a distance. Also, the in-mold construction of this helmet makes it extremely lightweight, which is great news for adults and kids alike.
If you have concerns about comfort, look no further. The super soft, plush inner lining of this Smith helmet ensures your child will be comfortable and warm on the slopes all day long. A detachable goggle strap lock also gives your kid the choice to securely wear their goggles over their helmet or under their helmet for a seamless fit.
Another key feature is the advanced air ventilation system. Using Smith’s AirEvac technology, warm air from your kid’s goggles is pushed up and out through the helmet vents, allowing continuous airflow from an otherwise hard outer shell. This keeps your kid’s head from getting too sweaty and helps prevent their goggles from fogging. On warmer days, you also have the option to remove the ear pads. Lastly, the adjustable dial fit system is easy to use to find the best fit.
At a Glance
Helmet Construction: MIPS
Shell Material: Polycarbonate
Vents: Fixed (8)
Weight: 1 lb.
Favorite Features
- MIPS provides more protection in certain impacts
- In form fit system for an easily adjustable, custom fit
- Super cool vent technology increases airflow
The Details
The Giro Crue MIPS Kids Snow helmet has a tough outer shell that is attached to the inner EPS foam liner. Using multi-directional impact protection system (MIPS) technology, this helmet ensures exceptional protection from multiple impact injuries.
The soft, fuzzy ear pads are removable for those toasty spring days to help keep kids cool while shredding down the slopes. In addition, the goggle lock strap is also removable, in case your child prefers to wear their goggle strap under their helmet.
Giro boasts about their stack vent technology with super cool vents. The front vents on the helmet align with the center vent of your kid’s goggles to prevent them from fogging. They are coined as “super cool” because they are designed to pull in cool, fresh air into the helmet while pushing warm, stale air out.
Lastly, it’s equipped with an in form system which allows your child to easily adjust not only the tightness of the helmet, but also the vertical placement, which helps to minimize the gap between the helmet and goggles.
At a Glance
Helmet Construction: In-mold
Shell Material: Polycarbonate
Vents: Adjustable (10)
Weight: 14 oz.
Favorite Features
- Advanced safety features and construction
- Adjustable ventilation for ultimate airflow control
- Fun, fluorescent colors that enhance visibility
The Details
The POCito Fornix SPIN ski helmet includes the most advanced safety features on this list. The helmet comes in bright, vibrant colors and features a RECCO reflector to make kids stand out on the slopes in all conditions.
This ski helmet protects young shredders with its special silicone pad technology system (SPIN), which minimizes the effects of rotational impacts by allowing the helmet to move relative to the head. For additional peace of mind, the POCito Fornix also has a NFC Medical ID chip embedded into the helmet. Parents can create a medical profile for their kids, which allows first responders to instantly retrieve vital information through NFC-enabled smartphone technology if an accident occurs.
In addition to these modern safety features, it also comes with removable ear pads and a highly adjustable fit system. Also, it is the only helmet on this list that provides adjustable ventilation. This means kids can choose whether to open or close the air vents to better control their temperature in different conditions.
There are also specific goggle vents to help warm air escape from their goggles and prevent them from fogging. All of these spectacular features do come at a higher cost, but the POCito Fornix SPIN is well worth it if your kid will be spending a lot of time out on the slopes.
At a Glance
Helmet Construction: Hard Shell
Shell Material: ABS Plastic
Vents: Fixed (5)
Weight: 1.3 lbs.
Favorite Features
- Inner liner and ear pads are quick-drying and warm
- Fidlock snap helmet buckle is safe and easy to use
- Simple fit for riders that prefer a streamlined look
The Details
The Anon Rime helmet features Endura-shell construction that ensures long-term durability and advanced strength. With internal fleecing lining, this helmet is warm while also providing the utmost comfort. Easily removable ear pads and liners ensure a streamlined fit for kids that want to wear a beanie or goggle straps underneath the helmet. To further simplify the fit, the goggle lock is also removable.
The quick and simple Fidlock snap buckle features a magnetic snap that allows kids to buckle and unbuckle their helmet strap with one hand, even with gloves on. You can spend less time tinkering with their gear and more time enjoying the slopes.
Passive ventilation channels built into the helmet pull fresh air into the front and push moisture out the back. These fixed air vents help prevent goggles from fogging and provide comfortable climate control all day long. In both standard colors and fun patterns, the Anon Rime is a great choice that you (and your kid) will love.
At a Glance
Helmet Construction: Hard Shell
Shell Material: ABS Plastic
Vents: Fixed (14)
Weight: 1.3 lbs.
Favorite Features
- Removable ear pads and liner are easy to clean
- Ample venting prevents overheating
- Wide variety of stylish color combinations
The Details
The OutdoorMaster KELVIN Ski helmet has a modern, tough construction and comes in a wide range of colors with an elite matte finish. Built with an EPS shock-absorbing core, this helmet was built with safety in mind.
Providing extra comfort, the detachable ear pads and inner fleece liner are not only warm, but also easy to wash. Equipped with 14 ventilation channels, this helmet has enhanced breathability qualities to ensure your kid can stay on the mountain all day without overheating.
In addition, there is a dial fit system to adjust the helmet for a perfect fit. It also comes with a fixed goggle strap lock to keep goggles secure and in place while riding. Stylish and safe, the OutdoorMaster KELVIN ski helmet is a great choice for kids and adults alike.
More Kids Ski Helmets
What to Look for in Kids Ski Helmets
To find the best kids ski helmet, you need to consider safety, construction, and quality. Although you may have a specific budget in mind, buying a well built helmet is an essential investment for a child’s safety on the mountain. To help you with this decision, here are some of the features you should look for in a kid’s ski helmet.
Safety
There are two main bodies that test ski helmets for safety, the American Society of Testing Materials International (ASTM) and the European Committee for Standardization (CE EN). Both the ASTM F2040 certification and the CE EN 1077A/B certification are used for testing the quality and safety of ski and snowboard helmets.
It’s important to note that these certifications cannot guarantee your child will not get hurt while riding. However, helmets with such safety certifications mitigate risk for head and brain injuries and should be considered in your purchase.
Construction
Most modern-made helmets are built for the purpose of safety, but you may have a preference based on the construction. In-mold designs are lightweight and designed so that the tough, outer shell collapses on impact while keeping the interior foam lining of the helmet in place.
Hard shell designs, on the other hand, are slightly heavier and are typically more durable. Multi-directional impact protection system (MIPS) helmets are designed to provide protection from impacts at an angle by reducing rotational forces.
Ventilation
Air vents are an important component because they allow continuous air to flow through the helmet and provide breathability. The number of vents and integration between them varies model to model and should be considered during the purchasing process.
Some helmets feature fixed vents, which are always open to provide increased ventilation, while other helmets have adjustable vents. This provides the flexibility to open or close the vents based on the weather conditions and how warm or cold your kid is feeling on the slopes.
Adjustability
Although most manufacturers provide measurements for sizing, it’s important to be able to fine tune the fit of the ski helmet for your child. Most helmets have adjustable chin straps and some sort of mechanism to dial in the fit. Being able to adjust not only the tightness of the helmet, but also its vertical position on your child’s head, can make a huge difference in finding the perfect fit.
In addition, you can sometimes adjust the thickness inside the helmet by removing the lining or ear pads, if they’re detachable.
Comfort & Warmth
No one wants to deal with the kids complaining about being uncomfortable on the mountain. So apart from finding the perfect size, make sure to choose a helmet that provides comfort and warmth. Look for a helmet that provides soft lining and ear pads that will keep your child cozy even on the coldest of days.
Alternatively, on warmer days you can remove the lining and ear pads, assuming they’re detachable, so that they don’t feel overheated as they work hard on the slopes.
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Kids Ski Helmets FAQs
How do I know which size ski helmet is right for my kid?
Start by measuring the largest part of your kid’s forehead, which is typically about one inch above their eyebrows. Record the circumference in centimeters and then refer to the helmet manufacturer’s chart to determine the appropriate size. The helmet needs to fit snug on their head, without being too tight. It is not a piece of gear that should be purchased a size up for them to grow into.
How do I know if the ski helmet I bought fits my kid?
Ensuring your kid’s helmet fits correctly is important for it to provide protection in the event of an accident. Have our kid shake their head back and forth with the helmet on. If it moves around, it may be too big, or if there are pressure points, then it may be too small. If possible, look at helmets in the store and have your kid try them on with their goggles before making your purchase.
Where is the best place to buy a ski helmet for kids?
There are many sporting goods stores that sell ski helmets, however they may only be in stock seasonally. If you live in a warmer climate, it may be even more difficult to find a kids ski helmet in person. However, shopping for kids ski helmets online is a great alternative as many retailers offer free returns and exchanges. Also, online there’s often a wider selection of colors, styles and sizes to choose from. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s sizing guide, as mentioned above, to ensure you buy a great helmet that fits your child properly.
Can ski helmets be used for other sports and vice versa?
While not very common, some manufacturers make helmets for multi-purpose use. Typically, snow sport helmets can be converted to summer sport helmets, but not the other way around. For example, the inner liner and ear pads of some ski and snowboard helmets can be removed so that the helmet can be used for summer sports, such as skateboarding or biking.
Are used ski helmets okay for my kid to use?
For skiing and snowboarding, we highly recommend buying a new helmet for kids (and yourself). Unless it is a more recent model that has barely been used, a hand-me-down helmet may not provide the amount of protection needed on the slopes. Used helmets can have minor damage from falls or being handled roughly that cannot easily be detected. Purchasing new ensures your kid has a fully functioning and uncompromised ski helmet.
How long will my kid’s ski helmet last before I need to replace it?
It is recommended to replace your ski helmet every 3-5 years of use because the materials begin to break down. Even if your kid is young and learning, and therefore has not fallen much, you should still replace their helmet after its fifth season of use. However, if your kid takes a hard hit or is in an accident, helmet manufacturers recommend you replace it immediately.
Final Thoughts
With so many options, it can be both confusing and overwhelming to determine which is the best kids ski helmet for you. Knowing that safety is of the utmost importance, all of the helmets on this list have met standard safety specifications. With its lightweight, in-mold construction and a cozy, adjustable fit, the Smith Optics Zoom Junior helmet made the top of our list as a parent favorite.
However, the other options on this list are just as noteworthy and each offer slightly different features. Choosing the best kids ski helmet for you will depend on personal preference and which of these features you value most. We hope this article helps you make the right choice for your young shredder!
