🪖 How to Choose the Right Ski Helmet for Your Child
When it comes to your child’s ski gear, nothing is more important than safety – and a properly fitted ski helmet is essential. Whether your little skier is heading to ski school for the first time or already cruising down the slopes, the right helmet offers protection, warmth, and confidence.
Here’s everything you need to know when choosing the perfect kids’ ski helmet.
✅ 1. Fit is Everything
A kids ski helmet that doesn’t fit properly is a safety risk. A loose one can slip out of place, and a tight one will cause discomfort (cue slope-side tantrums!).
Look for:
- Adjustable sizing systems, like dial-fit allow for growth in children
- A snug, secure fit that doesn’t pinch
- Good coverage around the temples and back of the head
How to Measure:
- Measure the full circumference of the head 1cm above the eyebrows
- A ski helmet usually accommodates a range of head sizes such as 52–54 cm
- Put the helmet on and turn the dial at the back of the head so that you feel full pressure around the circumference of the liner. The ski helmet itself should no longer move when you shake your head lightly with the chin strap open.
- The helmet must be level on the head: not too low on the forehead or the neck. Close the chin strap. One finger should fit between strap and chin
Top tip: Try the "shake test" – have your child wear the ski helmet and gently shake their head. It shouldn’t move around.
❄️ 2. Keep Them Warm (and Happy)
Ski helmets also play a big role in keeping children warm and cosy, especially in cold mountain weather.
Look for:
- Fleece-lined interiors
- Insulated ear flaps that don’t block hearing
- Ventilation holes (ideally adjustable) for temperature control
Avoid using hats underneath the helmet, as this can affect fit and safety. A properly fitted helmet with good insulation will keep them warm enough.
🕶️ 3. Ski Goggle Compatibility
There’s nothing more annoying for children than cold air sneaking in through the gap between their ski goggles and helmet – known as the dreaded “gaper gap.”
To avoid this:
- Check that your child’s goggles fit well with the helmet
- Ensure the goggle strap sits securely over the helmet and secured by the clip
- Test them together before hitting the slopes
Buying the ski helmet and goggles together or from the same brand can sometimes make compatibility easier.
🌈 4. Let Them Choose the Style
Children love to feel like they have a say – and when it comes to their gear, colour and style can matter just as much as comfort.
Let them choose:
- A favourite colour or fun pattern
- A style that matches their personality
- Accessories like stickers or ski helmet covers will personalise their helmet whilst also making it easy for you to spot them on a crowded slope.
🏅 5. Check for Safety Standards
Always ensure the helmet meets certified safety standards, such as:
- CE EN1077
- ASTM F2040
These certifications mean the helmet has been tested to protect against skiing and snowboarding impacts.
Common European Norm (CEN) is the European ski helmet standard. CEN 1077 was issued in 1996.
American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM), all helmets must show that they have reached standard F2040
Avoid novelty or non-certified helmets – they may look fun and be cheap, but they don’t offer the protection your child needs on the slopes.
🧒 Final Thoughts
It is also important that you replace your helmet every 5 years as the materials used within a ski helmet can gradually break down over time, making them less sturdy and potentially compromising the level of protection they afford. Helmets are only designed for ONE impact, so if a hard fallen is taken, replace your helmet, or it may not protect you a second time
