Best Women’s Snowboard Helmets of 2022

BEST FOR NON-HELMET WEARERS

The reviews are in: female snowboarders are raving that this helmet is so lightweight and comfortable, you’ll forget you’re even wearing it. If you’re traditionally a hat-wearer on the slopes, or you’ve never worn a helmet before and are worried you’ll find it heavy and uncomfortable, stop right there ‘cuz you’ve met your match! The Smith Vantage weighs just over a pound, yet it sports complete coverage to keep you warm and safe. The Vantage features MIPS, one of the newest and safest helmet technologies out there. Plus, it has removable ear pads so you can choose to make use of your own ear coverage instead, and its 21 vents are completely adjustable so that you can set the airflow to be juuuuust right.

BEST FOR ABNORMAL HEADS

Do you consider yourself to have a larger than average or smaller than average head size? Or, does your head have a slightly different shape than the norm? Well that’s no problem with the Era helmet from Giro! The Era has internal size and shape adjustment mechanisms that allow you to form the helmet to your perfect fit, no matter your head shape and size. This feature is also great for perfecting your helmet’s fit against large and small goggles and for making room to add a hat or headband underneath, abnormal head size or not! Another thing you can fine-tune on the Giro Era helmet is the ventilation system. Open and close any number of vents to let in a comfortable amount of air. As a bonus, you can integrate any Giro audio product with this skull-saver.

BEST FOR ON-THE-GO ADJUSTMENTS

If you’re one to make frequent wardrobe adjustments (especially when you’re wearing something as involved as a snowboard outfit), then surely you’ll want a dome accessory that is easily adjustable. We have just the one for you. The Anon Griffon features helmet adjustment technology that allows for precision adjustments at the turn of an external dial, which means you can make size adjustments without even having to take the helmet off.

The Griffon also has a magnetic snap buckle that is easy to open and close with gloves on, so if you do need to take your helmet off in the middle of the action to adjust something underneath, you won’t need to take your gloves off too. Beware of one non-adjustable component of this helmet: unlike some other helmets on the list, this one doesn’t have the ability to open and close vents.

BEST FOR EXTREME SAFETY

Whether you’re an extreme boarder making risky moves or you’re just a Nervous Nelly out on the slopes, if you want to know that you’re getting the very best head protection out there, the POC Obex is a great choice. This helmet features SPIN technology (Similar to MIPS technology, see Specs and Features Explained) to protect your head in the event of an indirect hit, whereas some other helmets only protect in the event of a direct strike.

This helmet also has three layers in its main body construction, each designed with a different safety purpose in mind, from outer-layer smash protection to inner-layer impact absorption. It also contains gel-like padding that shifts upon impact in order to better reduce trauma. If we haven’t sold you on the safety features of this helmet, then you should know that it also has a goggle clip, anti-goggle-fog technology, and a fully adjustable ventilation system.

BEST FOR THE ALL-SEASON SHREDDER

Don’t want to retire your helmet when the warm weather hits? No problem. You can keep on going right through spring and into summer with the Team Macon helmet from Bern. Inspired by a Bern skate and bike helmet, this snowboard-ready head protection is lightweight and minimalist. You wouldn’t want to rely on this helmet for warmth, but it’s perfect for someone who prefers to wear a beanie or thicker gator underneath. Its earpads are easily removable so you’ll have no trouble getting off your board, on your bike, and then back on your board again season after season. Plus, the price tag on this helmet is way easy on the wallet.

BEST FOR SUPERIOR WARMTH

You can tell just by looking at it that the Pret Haven X helmet is built for superior warmth and comfort. Its liner is made of wool and it has thick ear pads that are super soft and cozy. This helmet locks in heat with unbeatable efficiency, and it does have adjustable vents in case you ever find yourself getting too hot. Not only is the Haven X super warm, it also has some other awesome features like an adjustable fit system and a glove-friendly strap closure. Since much of your body heat escapes through your head, if you get cold easily you’ll definitely want to check this one out.

BEST FOR: EASE OF USE

Let’s face it: there are some aspects of snowsports that are a bit inconvenient, and dressing is one of them. Bulky clothes, many layers, various accessories, and you’ve gotta keep track of it all. That’s why we picked out The Auburn helmet from Anon for our Best No-Fuss Helmet. If you’re looking for convenience, we’ve got it right here. For starters, the Anon Auburn features a sleek profile and lightweight shell. Its magnetic snap closure is easy to do and undo with gloves on.

Its integrated ventilation system keeps fog out of your goggles while it wicks moisture from your head and ears so you don’t have to fuss with blurry vision or noggin wetness on the slopes. Perhaps the most convenient (and most impressive) feature this helmet offers is its auto-adjust fit system that automatically expands and contracts to fit your head each time you put it on. Extra cold day? No problem, throw on that extra head layer and the Anon Auburn will do the sizing for you.

BEST FOR THE HAT/HELMET COMBO 

Each snowboarder develops her own wintry style on the slopes. For some, that means wearing a hat or thicker head accessory under the helmet, and when it comes to this fashionable (and practical!) trend, not all helmets do the job, In fact, it can be difficult to find a winter-weather helmet that allows for a hat to fit underneath, but this one does!

Advertised as beanie-compatible, you’ll have no trouble fitting your favorite cold-weather topper under the Smith Allure. This helmet also features AirEvac Technology to keep air moving through the helmet and wick away moisture. To top it all off, the inside of this helmet is uniquely flexible for a secure and comfortable fit every time.

BEST FOR LONG-TERM INVESTMENT

If you’re new to snowsports, it won’t take you long to find out that the costs of playing on the slopes add up fast. From equipment to clothing to lift tickets and lodging, it’s not hard to spend a small fortune just to get going. And this helmet is no different. It’s the highest priced helmet on this list. However, if you’re committed to the sport, this is a well worth it buy.

It features the latest safety technology and construction, 22 vents (that you can open and close easily with one hand), a removable and washable comfort liner, and a super easy size adjustment system. This isn’t a cheap helmet, and it admittedly doesn’t have a ton of bells and whistles either, but when you buy it, you pay for a high-quality product that is built to last for many seasons to come.

BEST FOR: VALUE

If you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck, check out the Valence helmet from Smith. A leader in the world of outdoor accessories, Smith is known for high-quality, functionable products that last, which is why we put three of their helmets on this list. The Smith Valence is in the midrange price category.

This helmet doesn’t come with a ton of fancy features, but it will get the job done should you need it to, and it will keep you comfortable and warm, too. It even has an odor-fighting liner so you don’t stink up the gondola after you’ve broken a gnarly sweat zigging and zagging down the hill. Premium safety technology, check. Super soft liner and ear pads, check. Premium ventilation, check. What else do you really need?