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I’m an Avid Skier, and This Olympian-approved Helmet Is the Most Comfortable One I’ve Worn on the Slopes

Take it from someone who has tested roughly 50 ski helmets.

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Published on December 4, 2023 05:00AM EST

I've Tested 50+ Ski Helmets, and This Is the Best One — Photo:
Travel + Leisure / Reese Herrington

Looking over the fall line of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort's Whitewall, I should have seen a snow-packed drop-off into the vast, powdery Feuz bowl. It's one of the highest points of the fantastic British Columbia ski resort famed for its steep, extreme terrain. Instead, as we ascended the American Dream chairlift in otherwise overcast conditions with occasional peaks of sunshine, a storm quickly blew into the mountain, creating awful visibility reminiscent of a whiteout. I've been skiing for over a decade, but at this moment, I was nervous because I couldn't make out what I was about to ski down. And within an instant, I was falling, and I was falling fast.

As I reflect back on my harrowing descent down the treacherous slope, I can't help but appreciate the crucial role that my Bern Hendrix Ski Helmet played in ensuring my safety — the adrenaline-fueled moment was certainly a stark reminder of the indispensable protection offered by modern ski helmets.

Bern Hendrix Mips Helmet

$150 at Backcountry

After testing roughly 50 different ski helmets over the years, even if I hadn't taken a spill that day, I would have been glad to have the Bern Hendrix Mips Helmet atop my head — but in retrospect of being bounced around by the mountain, surrounded by exposed rock and other hazards, I'm even more thankful. Alongside protecting me from a severe head injury, I like Bern's helmet because it is constructed with a thin shell made with ABS thermoplastic, which is known for its impact resistance and compression qualities and keeps it lightweight but incredibly durable. It's also available in a carbon fiber version that offers another level of protection since the material is stronger.

It is also outfitted with Mips technology for ultimate protection. Short for multidirectional impact protection system, this crucial feature in ski helmets is designed to help reduce the rotational motion of specific impacts that may otherwise be transferred to your head, which is intended to help reduce the risk of brain injury.

I've Tested 50+ Ski Helmets, and This Is the Best One UPDATE 2 — Travel + Leisure / Dan Koday

But beyond the safety elements of the helmet, what truly sets the Bern Hendrix Mips Helmet apart for me and why I am choosing to make it my only ski helmet this season — besides it being a trusted helmet for gold medal-winning Olympic snowboarders like Lindsey Jacobellis — is because, in all the others I've tested, it is without a doubt the most comfortable helmet I've ever worn on the slopes.

The helmet also stays in place on my head nicely and keeps my head and ears warm, even on the most brutally cold of ski days. On warmer spring skiing days, thanks to its impressive all-season design and 14 fixed air vents, I never overheat in this helmet, which I have often experienced with other brands and models.

Bern Hendrix Mips Helmet

$150 at Backcountry

I was able to test the Bern Hendrix Mips Helmet a few times last ski season, first at the aforementioned Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, but also on a warm, spring skiing bluebird day at Panorama Mountain Resort and during a backcountry trek in a Lofoten Islands blizzard. Despite the varying conditions, one thing that I noticed about using the helmet was that it had one of most effortless buckle straps I've encountered. And yes, not all helmet straps are created equal; I have struggled with many over the years to get them fastened quickly, sometimes needing to remove my gloves.

I've also experienced other helmets where the buckle gets easily jammed in place, but this is not the case with the Bern Hendrix. Featuring sturdy straps and a well-made plastic catch clasp, I can usually get the Bern Hendrix fastened even when I'm wearing bulkier ski gloves, a significant perk for regular skiers.

Another perk? There's enough room and a dedicated spot inside the helmet that fits headsets comfortably, allowing you to hear your ski surroundings. I love this pair by Wildhorn Alta, which has HD speakers, excellent battery life, and hands-free calling functionality.

Additionally, its sleek design allows a variety of ski goggles to fit comfortably over the helmet, which can't be said for other versions; sometimes, the way that they fit around the helmet isn't ideal, and the goggles will jam into your face due to the helmet's design. Using the Bern Hendrix, though, I've never had a problem with a variety of goggles fitting comfortably over the design of this helmet, which includes a stylish lid that keeps them securely in place.

Bern Hendrix Mips Helmet

$150 at Backcountry

At $150, the Bern Hendrix Mips Helmet may seem like a big investment for a piece of winter gear — except it's not exclusive to the cold-weather months. As mentioned before, it's convertible for all seasons, which means that you can wear it during springtime ski excursions, and it can be used for other activities outside of the slopes (think: bike riding, skateboarding, ATV riding, climbing, and more).

The thing about a well-fitting helmet is, like a lot of your other ski gear, it can make or break a ski day, and having tested as many helmets as I have over the years, I can say with confidence that Bern's Hendrix Mips Helmet is now my go-to. So, if you're looking for a new helmet that feels good and doesn't weigh you down — whether you're a beginner or advanced sports enthusiast — consider this model for safety, comfortability, and style this ski season.

Still on the lookout for the best ski helmets? Keep scrolling to explore other top-rated versions that have won over avid skiers at Amazon.