Best Snowboard Helmets: Certifications, MIPS and 7 Picks for 2026–27

A good snowboard helmet should do three things: meet a recognized safety standard, fit your head properly and be comfortable enough that you actually wear it all day. Everything else, from vents to audio-ready ear pads, is a bonus. The trouble is that product pages can read like alphabet soup, with ASTM, EN, MIPS, Koroyd and WaveCel all thrown in.

This guide explains the main certifications and rotational-impact systems in plain English, then rounds up seven helmets from Smith, Sweet Protection, Anon and Dakine using what each maker publishes. If you are building your kit from scratch, our guides to what to wear snowboarding and the best snowboard goggles go hand in hand with this one.

Quick picks

• Most vents and the most features: Smith Vantage 2 Mips
• Lightest listed weight: Smith Descend Mips
• Women’s-specific fit from Smith: Smith Vida Mips
• Adjustable vents and goggle-aligned venting: Sweet Protection Switcher 2Vi Mips
• BOA dial and Fidlock buckle with MIPS: Anon Rodan MIPS
• Alternative rotational system (WaveCel): Anon Logan WaveCel
• Simple, certified MIPS helmet: Dakine Daytripper MIPS

How we chose these helmets

We have not hands-on tested these helmets, and we cannot test safety performance. We picked them by reading each manufacturer’s official product page and comparing what is published: rotational-impact technology, listed certifications, vents, fit system, sizing, listed weight and goggle integration. We included only helmets that are sold as ski and snowboard helmets, and we favored brands with clear published specs.

We left out prices, star ratings and scores, because those change and we cannot verify them. Where a maker’s page does not list a detail, such as a certification or weight, we say so rather than guess. Pros and cons are inferred from the published specs.

Helmet safety standards explained

ASTM F2040 (United States)

ASTM F2040 is the specification for helmets used in non-motorized recreational snow sports such as skiing and snowboarding. ASTM lists F2040-18 as the active edition. According to ASTM, it is a performance standard that does not dictate helmet design, and it notes that a compliant helmet offers limited protection, mainly at lower speeds. A helmet must meet every requirement to claim compliance. The main tests cover impact, the retention system and roll-off, according to Sweet Protection’s certification page. The full standard is sold by ASTM, so we do not reproduce it here.

EN 1077 and CE marking (Europe)

EN 1077:2007 is the European standard for helmets for alpine skiers and snowboarders. It has two classes. Class A helmets must cover the ear area. Class B helmets do not have to meet that ear-coverage requirement, which leaves more room for ventilation and hearing; every helmet below that names a class lists Class B. A helmet can carry both ASTM F2040 and EN 1077 labels, and several of the helmets below list both. In Europe, a CE mark also signals conformity with EU rules for protective equipment: Dakine’s page, for example, cites EU Regulation 2016/425 and links a CE certificate.

How to read the label

Look for the standard printed inside the helmet or on the maker’s product page, such as “ASTM F2040” or “CE EN 1077 Class B”. Brand names for protective tech, like Koroyd or WaveCel, are not certifications. Some pages list the standard in the spec text, others link to a declaration of conformity, and a few do not mention it at all, so check the label on the helmet itself before you ride.

MIPS and other rotational-impact systems

Many falls involve angled impacts, which can twist the head. MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) adds a low-friction layer inside the helmet, between the padding and the EPS foam, so the helmet can slide slightly relative to the head during certain angled impacts. MIPS says the movement is about 10 to 15 mm and that the system adds roughly 25 to 45 grams.

MIPS is also candid about its limits: it states that no helmet or impact protection system can protect a user from all injuries. Other brands use their own approaches. Anon’s Logan, for example, uses WaveCel, which the maker describes as a network of interconnected cells between the head and shell, and Atomic uses a system it calls AMID. We have not seen independent test comparisons for this guide, so treat any claims about superiority with caution. What matters is that the helmet fits, is certified and is not damaged.

The best snowboard helmets

Smith Vantage 2 Mips

Smith describes the Vantage 2 as a lightweight all-mountain helmet built on a three-piece hybrid shell with full Koroyd coverage, plus the Mips Brain Protection System. Its page lists ASTM F 2040 and CE EN 1077:2007. It has 40 vents with dual regulators for one-handed adjustment, a BOA 360 Fit System and a Fidlock strap buckle.

Smith’s AirEvac venting is designed to work with Smith goggles to help keep lenses fog-free, and the helmet is compatible with Aleck audio systems. Smith lists a size M weight of 18 oz (500 g), and sizes run from Small to X-Large.

Smith Descend Mips

The Descend is a lightweight, low-profile helmet that pairs Mips with Zonal Koroyd coverage. Smith lists it at 16 oz (400 g) in size M, making it the lightest listed weight in this guide. Its in-mold construction fuses the outer shell and EPS foam into one piece, and the page lists ASTM F 2040, CE EN 1077:2007 Class B, CPSC and CE EN1078.

It has 16 vents with Regulator climate control, removable audio-compatible Snapfit SL2 ear pads and AirEvac integration with Smith goggles. A dial lets you adjust fit on the move, and sizes run from Small to X-Large.

Smith Vida Mips (women’s)

Smith’s Vida is a women’s-specific all-mountain helmet with adjustable venting, Zonal Koroyd and Mips protection in a low-profile design. The page lists ASTM F 2040 and CE EN 1077:2007 Class B, and says some colorways are sold without Mips, so check the listing carefully.

It has 12 vents, removable audio-compatible ear pads and the VaporFit Snow dial, which offers 270-degree fit adjustment. Sizes are Small, Medium and Large. Smith does not list a weight on the page.

Sweet Protection Switcher 2Vi Mips

Sweet’s Switcher 2Vi is an all-mountain and freeride helmet with a hybrid design: ABS sides, a full-circumference polycarbonate lower edge and multi-density EPS with impact shields at the front and back. It uses the Mips safety system, and Sweet lists CE EN1077 Class B and ASTM2040 on the page.

There are 34 adjustable vents (16 forward-facing, 16 rear-facing and two goggle vents), controlled by a single dial at the rear. Occigrip adjusts width, a Fidlock magnetic buckle closes with one hand, and Sweet lists a weight of 560 g. Sizes are SM, ML, LXL and XXL, and Sweet’s Audio Ready system takes sound chips that are sold separately.

Anon Rodan MIPS

Anon’s Rodan MIPS uses a polycarbonate in-mold shell fused to an EPS liner with a MIPS low-friction layer. It has a 360-degree BOA Fit System with a dial below the shell, a Fidlock magnetic buckle that works with gloves and passive ventilation with snow-stopper fabric over the vents. The liner and ear pads are fleece, and the ear pads hold removable speaker inserts.

Anon offers Regular (oval) and Round fit, with sizes S to XL across a head-circumference range of about 52 to 64 cm (Regular). Its page does not list a weight or certification standards, though it links to a Declaration of Conformity. The warranty is one year, and Anon offers 30% off a crash replacement.

Anon Logan WaveCel

The Logan is the pick for riders curious about alternatives to MIPS. It uses WaveCel, which Anon describes as a network of hundreds of interconnected shock absorbers that sits between the head and the shell to absorb impact and redirect rotational force. It has a lightweight in-mold polycarbonate shell, 10 passive vents, a 360-degree BOA Fit System that adjusts through eight positions and a Fidlock buckle.

Thermoformed ear pads are designed to accommodate earbuds, and Regular and Round fits are available. As with the Rodan, Anon’s page does not list a weight or the standards.

Dakine Daytripper MIPS

Dakine’s Daytripper is a simpler helmet with the MIPS Brain Protection System, 10 passive vents, an adjustable fit dial and a Fidlock magnetic strap buckle. The page lists CE EN 1077:2007 Class B, conforming to EU Regulation 2016/425, and UKCA certification, and it links to a CE certificate PDF.

Weight is listed at 500 g for M/L. Sizes are XS/S (48–54 cm), M/L (52–57 cm) and L/XL (58–62 cm), and Dakine says the shell, liner and strap use recycled materials. It also has removable audio-compatible ear pads and a goggle strap holder.

Snowboard helmets compared

How to choose a snowboard helmet

Get the size right first

A helmet that does not match your head loses effectiveness, and sizing varies by brand. Measure your head around the forehead, about 2 cm (roughly 3/4 inch) above the eyebrows, with the tape going around the back of your head, then check that brand’s size chart. The helmet should sit level, stay in place without being painfully tight, and feel snug once the chin strap and rear dial are adjusted. If you ride with a beanie or thin liner, try the helmet over it.

Pair it with your goggles

Helmets and goggles should sit together without a big gap or pressure points. Smith, Sweet Protection and Anon all publish pairing guidance: Smith designs its helmets to integrate with Smith goggles, Sweet aligns goggle vents with its own goggles, and Anon publishes a goggle and helmet size chart. If you mix brands, try both on together. Our snowboard goggles guide covers lens and fit choices.

Ventilation, audio and extras

Adjustable vents let you open up on warm days and close on cold ones, while passive vents are simpler. Some helmets have removable ear pads for audio chips or earbuds. A magnetic buckle such as Fidlock is easier with gloves on. None of these extras affect certification, so choose them after fit and standards.

Look after the helmet

MIPS says not to use a helmet if its low-friction layer is damaged or displaced. Anon offers a discount on a crash replacement, which hints at how seriously manufacturers take hard impacts. Follow the instructions that came with your helmet, and replace it if it is damaged or has taken a significant hit. Packing a helmet for a trip? See our guide to how to pack a snowboard bag and the best snowboard travel bags.

Frequently asked questions

Is MIPS worth it?

MIPS is designed to help reduce rotational forces in certain angled impacts, and it adds roughly 25 to 45 grams according to MIPS. It is not a substitute for proper fit and certification, and MIPS itself says no system can protect against all injuries. Many riders choose it as an extra layer of protection, but the decision is personal.

What is the difference between EN 1077 Class A and Class B?

Class A helmets must cover the ear area, while Class B helmets do not have to meet that requirement, leaving room for vents and hearing. Every helmet in this guide that names a class lists Class B.

Do I need a helmet that is certified to both ASTM and EN?

Not necessarily. Some helmets here list both standards and others list only one, as the table shows. The key is that your helmet carries a recognized standard on its label.

Can I use a bike helmet for snowboarding?

Bike and snow helmets are built for different conditions. Use a helmet sold and labeled for ski and snowboard use. Smith’s Descend page lists a bike standard (CE EN1078) alongside the snow standards, but that is a specific model, not a general rule.

How should a snowboard helmet fit?

It should sit level, feel snug but not painful, and stay put when you shake your head. Adjust the dial and chin strap, and test it with your goggles. Sizes vary by brand, so use the maker’s chart.

When should I replace a helmet?

Follow the maker’s instructions. If a helmet is damaged or has taken a significant impact, replace it. Anon even offers a crash replacement discount, and MIPS says not to use a helmet with a damaged low-friction layer.

Sources and further reading

• Vantage 2 Mips — Smith
• Descend Mips — Smith
• Vida Mips — Smith
• Switcher 2Vi Mips Helmet — Sweet Protection
• Anon Rodan MIPS Ski and Snowboard Helmet — Anon
• Anon Logan WaveCel Ski and Snowboard Helmet — Anon
• Daytripper MIPS Helmet — Dakine
• ASTM F2040-18, Standard Specification for Helmets Used for Recreational Snow Sports — ASTM International
• Ski helmets — Mips
• About certifications — Sweet Protection
• Four Amid Pro helmet — Atomic
• Ski helmets: everything you need to know — ILoveSki