Ski helmets for Black Friday

Visor helmet or helmet with mask

The visor helmet, such as the Cairn Electron Visor and Android Visor or the Head Radar, features a screen that lifts with a simple move: it can be worn over prescription glasses, prevents fogging that forms between two pieces of equipment, and reduces the amount of gear to carry. The classic helmet, like the Smith Rodeo, the Head Compact, or the POC, is paired with a mask chosen separately: you ensure that the top of the mask meets the edge of the helmet without leaving a strip of forehead exposed to the cold and wind. This duo allows you to change the screen according to the brightness, while a visor is purchased with its helmet. Both options meet the same safety standard.

Other winter sports offers

The Black Friday winter sports deals also include:

• Glasses.
• Ski.
• Snowboard.
• Textile.
• Shoes.
• Snowshoes.

All offers are compiled on the winter sports page.

EN 1077 standard and Mips protection

In Europe, ski helmets conform to the EN 1077 standard, which tests shock absorption, penetration resistance, and strap strength. It distinguishes class A, which includes more enveloping helmets that cover the ears and temples, and class B, which offers less coverage and is better ventilated. The Mips system, originating from research started in Sweden in 1996 by a neurosurgeon and a researcher from the royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, adds a low-friction layer that allows the helmet to slide a few millimeters on the head during an angled impact, reducing the rotational forces transmitted to the brain. It can be found on the POC Levator, Sweet Protection Volata, and Pit Viper Brainstorm.

Taking measurements: head circumference and adjustment

The size is measured with a tape measure, one finger above the eyebrows, going over the ears and around the most prominent part of the back of the head. Each brand provides a sizing chart in centimeters; if you fall between sizes, try it on before choosing. The helmet should fit snugly on the forehead without any gaps, not tilt backward when pushed from the front, and stay in place when shaking your head, with the dial tight. The chin strap should close with one finger able to slip under the chin. You wear the helmet without a beanie underneath: the thickness can affect the fit and reduce the effectiveness of the protection in case of a fall.

Children's helmets and racing helmets

For a child, choose a helmet that fits their current size, never a model that’s too big to last longer: the Cairn Android kids and the Head Mojo or Maja have an adjustable dial that accommodates growth over a few centimeters. Their colorful shells make them visible on the slopes and in ski lift lines. Racing helmets, like the Head Team SL or the Sweet Protection Volata, offer a more enveloping shell; in slalom, racers often add a chin guard to protect their face from the poles. The POC Skull Dura comes in a version with the name of Swiss skier Marco Odermatt. The Black Friday arrives just in time, right before the ski resorts open.

Frequently asked questions

How to clean the inside of a ski helmet?

The comfort foam in most helmets can be removed and washed by hand in warm soapy water. The shell should be wiped with a damp cloth, avoiding solvents that can weaken the plastic and protective foam; then let it air dry.

What helmet for ski touring?

For touring, a lightweight and well-ventilated helmet is preferred to avoid overheating on the ascent. Some models meet both ski and mountaineering standards, useful for routes in glacial terrain; you can attach it to the bag during easier climbs.

Can a ski helmet be used for snowboarding?

Yes, the standards that govern ski helmets also apply to snowboarding and other snow sports. Snowboarders often select more rounded and highly ventilated shells for freestyle, but the level of protection remains the same.

How long does a ski helmet last?

Without falls, manufacturers recommend replacing it after a few years, often five, when the foam ages and the straps wear out. After a severe impact, you should replace it immediately, even without visible cracks, as the foam may have lost its shock-absorbing capability.

Is wearing a ski helmet mandatory on the slopes?

In France, there is no law requiring skiers to wear one, but it is highly recommended at all ages and is widely worn by children. Some neighbouring countries, like Italy, have made it compulsory for minors in ski areas.