Are you ready to hit the slopes with your little energizer bunny? As a parent, nothing is more important than making sure our kids are safe while they have fun. And when it comes to skiing and snowboarding, a good ski helmet is essential. But with so many options out there, it can be overwhelming trying to find the perfect helmet for your child.
That’s why we’ve done the research and narrowed it down to the top 5 ski helmets for kids in 2023, that not only provide the necessary safety but also offer the comfort and style your littles demand (*politely request*).
Whether your kid is a beginner or a pro, these helmets will keep their heads protected in style and comfort. So, grab your mittens and get ready, because we’re about to show you our picks to ensure a safe and enjoyable season on the slopes!
What features should Kid’s Ski Helmets have?
As parents, we understand the importance of finding the perfect ski helmet for our children. Not only does it need to provide the necessary protection, but it also needs to be something that our kids will actually want to wear. When shopping for a ski helmet, there are three key features to consider: size, safety, and comfort.
The helmet must fit your child’s head properly in order to provide the necessary protection. Look for helmets with an adjustable dial system to ensure the perfect fit. Safety is the most important aspect of any ski helmet, and we want to make sure our kids are protected on the slopes. Look for helmets made of polycarbonate or similar material for the outer shell, as well as ear pads and removable liners for added safety and comfort. Ventilation is also important to prevent overheating and foggy goggles.
Comfort is also crucial. Kids are more likely to wear a helmet that they find comfortable, so look for helmets with removable ear pads, soft lining, and a great ventilation system to keep your child cozy and comfortable on the slopes (without fogging up their view).
It’s important to find the perfect balance between safety and comfort to ensure that your child has the best experience possible while skiing and snowboarding (but always err on the side of safety in a toss-up). With all these features in mind, you’ll be able to find the perfect ski helmet for your child that not only keeps them safe but also makes them look cool and feel comfortable on the slopes.
The Size
When choosing a ski helmet for your child, it’s important to select the right size to ensure a proper fit. If it doesn’t fit right, then it’s not going to be able to do its’ job effectively. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Measure your child’s head: Use a flexible tape measure to measure the circumference of your child’s head, about an inch above their eyebrows and ears. This will give you an idea of what size helmet to look for.
- Check the size chart: Most ski helmet manufacturers provide a size chart that corresponds to head measurements. Compare your child’s head measurement to the size chart to determine the right size.
- Try it on: Have your child try on the helmet before purchasing to ensure a proper fit. The helmet should fit snugly but not too tight. It should not be able to be moved around on the head or tilt forward or backward.
- Adjustable fit: Look for helmets with an adjustable dial system or other adjustable features that allow for a custom fit. This will ensure a comfortable and secure fit for your child.
- Keep in mind that the size of the helmet may vary based on the brand and model, so be sure to check the size chart for each helmet you consider, and always have your child try on the helmet before purchasing.
Safety
When choosing a ski helmet for your child, safety should be your top priority. Here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that the helmet is safe:
- Look for a helmet that meets safety standards: Ski helmets are required to meet specific safety standards, such as ASTM F2040, EN1077, and CPSC. Check that the helmet you are considering meets these safety standards.
- Check for impact-resistant materials: The outer shell of the helmet should be made of impact-resistant materials such as polycarbonate, ABS, or other similar materials.
- Look for additional safety features: Some helmets come with additional safety features such as ear pads and removable liners that provide extra protection to the head and ears.
- Check for ventilation: A well-ventilated helmet will help to prevent overheating and keep your child comfortable on the slopes.
- Look for a snug fit: A properly fitting helmet will help to keep your child safe by providing maximum protection. The helmet should fit snugly but not too tight, and it should not be able to be moved around on the head or tilt forward or backward.
- Check for Certifications: Look for helmets that are certified by organizations such as ASTM or Snell Memorial Foundation. They have stringent standards for testing helmets for impact and penetration resistance, retention systems, and other safety features.
Comfort
We’ve already mentioned choosing a well-fitted adjustable helmet with removable liners and solid ventilation. While they play a part in the sizing and safety, they also matter for your little rippers’ comfort.
One other thing to keep in mind is the weight of the helmet. A lightweight helmet will be more comfortable for your child to wear for long periods of time. We all know how much time and effort goes into bundling the family up and getting out to the lift, so if they want to quit 20 minutes later just because they’re uncomfortable, it’ll be frustrating for everyone.
Asking a ski shop employee about the comfort of the helmet is a good idea. Most ski resort employees are knowledgeable about the products they sell and may be able to provide valuable information about the comfort of a particular helmet.
Depending on the popularity of the helmet and how long it’s been on the market, they may have feedback from other customers who have bought or rented it before.
It’s always good to ask questions and gather as much information as possible when making a purchase, especially when it comes to safety gear like ski helmets, so feel free to ask instructors or experienced skiers you know. Keep in mind that comfort is a personal preference, so it’s important to have your child try the helmet on before making a purchase.
What to know
- Meets ASTM F2040 and EN1077 standards
- They offer a one-year warranty on manufacturer defects.
What to love
- The earpads are “audio ready” which means they’re designed to work with earbuds so you can shred to your favorite tunes.
- It’s made to match their Dover men’s and Frontera women’s ski jackets.
What to know
- The AKASO ski and snowboarding helmet is about 1 pound
- The manufacturer states the dimensions are: 11.18 x 9.57 x 7.6 inches
- It comes in 4 solid colors, so not the most exciting style-wise
- The outer shell is constructed from ABS plastic and under that, it uses EPS foam as its impact-absorbing liner which helps shed weight while maximizing protection.
- ASTM F2040 and CE EN1077 certified for safety.
What to love
- There’s a goggle loop on the back to help keep them secure.
- The vent on top of the helmet is adjustable, so you can control the level of airflow you get each and every minute.
- Reviewers noted that the GoPro adhesive mount works well with this helmet
- With almost 2,700 reviews, it has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.
In conclusion
Keeping your child safe on the slopes is of the utmost importance, so the helmets we’ve highlighted in this article are all top-rated options that are sure to keep your child safe and comfortable on the slopes.
When shopping for a ski or snowboarding helmet for your child, make sure to consider safety, comfort, and fit. Always check for certifications, and make sure the helmet meets safety standards. And don’t forget to have your child try on the helmet before purchasing to guarantee the perfect fit.
With the right helmet, your child will be able to enjoy the slopes safely, comfortably, and confidently.
Remember, safety first!
Questions And Answers
How Do I Measure The Size Of The Snowboarding Or Ski Helmet That I Need For My Child?
Not sure how to measure your child’s head size properly? Take a soft measuring tape and measure your child’s head circumference about one inch above the eyebrows and straight across. Be sure not to pull too tightly or allow extra space or the helmet may not fit well.
What Is The Lifespan Of A Ski Helmet?
In general, the lifespan of a snowboarding or skiing helmet is three to five years. The reason for this is that helmets are exposed to harsh conditions, especially when it comes to snow and ice.
The best way to test whether your helmet needs replacing is by performing the pendulum test. If your helmet slips forward significantly on an angle less than 45 degrees, it may not be up to snuff in terms of protecting you.
When shopping for a new helmet, make sure it meets at least one of these safety standards: ASTM F2040 or CE EN1077. These standards indicate that the helmet has undergone rigorous testing and will protect you from moderate impacts while also reducing concussion risk (more on this below).
If your helmet does happen to take some damage while on the slopes, don’t throw it away just yet. Many manufacturers offer replacement parts for helmets as well as services where they’ll repair your helmet for a fee (usually around $20). It’s worth checking with them before buying another one if yours is still working but has minor dings or scratches.
Do Snowboarding And Ski Helmets Really Prevent Concussions?
The short answer is yes, properly fitted snow helmets do protect against concussions. And it’s not just about the helmet: fitting and wearing a ski or snowboard helmet correctly is essential for concussion protection.
Concussions can be caused by any impact to your head, including sudden changes in direction, such as when you fall on a ski run. This means that even if you wear a helmet while snowboarding or skiing, if it doesn’t fit properly or you don’t wear it securely (or both), there’s no guarantee that you’ll be protected from concussions.
So what exactly does proper fit mean? A good-fitting snow helmet should sit low on the forehead so that it covers your temples without being too tight; this will give you plenty of room to move your head without the helmet shifting around too much. The front of the helmet should also extend down low enough to touch your eyebrows but not lower – otherwise it could get in the way when you’re looking up at an angle while snowboarding or skiing.
