Does It Matter Whether It's a "Ski" or "Snowboard" Helmet?
Technically, most snow helmets are certified for both skiing and snowboarding — the safety standards don't distinguish between the two. But there are real differences in design philosophy that matter depending on how you ride.
Ski helmets tend to prioritize aerodynamics and goggle integration. They're often designed for higher speeds and may have more ventilation control for variable conditions. Many feature a more forward-leaning fit that works well with a skier's stance.
Snowboard helmets often have a slightly rounder profile and more coverage at the back of the head — useful when you're falling backward onto a hardpack run. They also tend to prioritize a relaxed fit that works with the more upright snowboard stance.
The bottom line: look for a helmet certified to ASTM F2040 or EN 1077 (or both), and then choose based on fit, coverage, and features — not the label on the box.
Open Face vs. Full Face
This is the most important decision for snowboarders who ride park or pipe, and for skiers who push into steep or technical terrain.
Open face helmets are the standard for most resort riding. They're lighter, better ventilated, and work with any goggle. If you're a groomer skier, all-mountain snowboarder, or backcountry rider, an open face helmet is almost certainly the right call.
Full face helmets add a chin bar for face and jaw protection. They're designed for freestyle snowboarding (especially big air and slopestyle), aggressive park riding, and any discipline where a forward fall onto your face is a realistic outcome. They're heavier and warmer, but the protection trade-off is worth it at the right level of riding.
MIPS: What It Is and When You Need It
MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) is a low-friction layer inside the helmet that allows the shell to rotate slightly on oblique impacts — the kind of angled hits that are most common in real-world crashes. This rotation reduces the rotational force transferred to the brain.
Independent testing consistently shows MIPS-equipped helmets outperform non-MIPS helmets on oblique impact tests. If you're choosing between two otherwise equal helmets and one has MIPS, choose the MIPS version.
The Demon 6800 MIPS Helmet is our flagship snow helmet — certified to ASTM F2040 and EN 1077, with a full MIPS liner and a fit system designed for all-day comfort on the mountain.
Fit: The Most Important Factor
No certification, no MIPS system, and no price point matters if the helmet doesn't fit correctly. A helmet that moves on your head in a crash isn't protecting you.
How to measure for a snow helmet:
- Measure your head circumference about 1 inch above your eyebrows — this is the widest part of your skull.
- Use that measurement against the brand's size chart. Sizing varies between brands.
- Put the helmet on and shake your head. The helmet should move with your head, not on it.
- The front edge should sit about 1 inch above your eyebrows — low enough to protect your forehead, high enough to see clearly.
- Buckle the chin strap. You should be able to fit two fingers between the strap and your chin — no more, no less.
Ventilation and Conditions
If you ride in variable conditions — cold mornings, warm spring afternoons, or both in the same day — look for a helmet with adjustable venting. Most quality snow helmets have a vent slider that lets you open or close airflow without taking the helmet off.
For backcountry and touring, prioritize warmth over ventilation. For park and pipe, ventilation matters more because you're working hard and generating heat.
Shop Demon Snow Helmets
Every Demon snow helmet is certified to international safety standards and designed for real mountain conditions. Whether you're looking for a lightweight all-mountain lid or a MIPS-equipped performance helmet, we've got you covered.