The Smith Vantage is the high-end helmet your head deserves. Protection comes from a combination of innovative Koroyd material in zones, and MIPS. While completely vented (21 vents!), it provides excellent shock absorption under impact. 

Smith has made sure that the Vantage is extremely comfortable. They have done this by providing lots of adjustments so that you can dial in the perfect fit for your head, and even have a women's model for . The liner is antimocrobial so it fights the funk while keeping your head warm. 

A solid alternative to the Smith Vantage is the Sweet Protection Switcher MIPS Helmet.

Sweet Protection has perfected the Switcher’s ventilation sweet spot, preventing your head from getting too hot or cold.

Like the Smith, the Switcher has 22 adjustable vents and lightweight hybrid construction. It doesn’t use Koryod; instead, its in-mold and hard shell tech provide extra protection in vulnerable areas. It also has the all-important MIPS system that we are seeing more of in snow helmets.

The Sweet Protection Switcher MIPS helmet comes audio ready. This makes it easy to slip in your Aleck Nunchucks or sound system of choice.

Pret has been pushing the category further with their emphasis on comfort and weight for years now. The Fury X is pro-level protection that performs well in all conditions. Its super lightweight construction makes it one of those helmets that you are happy to wear all day. The Fury X is also a MIPS helmet, raising confidence in its protection credentials.

Hitting the backcountry, the park, or cruising the blues? The Fury X’s audio ready ear pads mean you can be rocking out all day in comfort.

The combination of lightweight, ventilation, style, and compatibility make it a favorite for Pret's athletes, the media, and skiers and boarders everywhere.

We are a big fan of Smith helmets, and the Code is no exception. The Code does what every helmet should; be comfortable, and provide exceptional protection.

By placing the Koroyd in vulnerable zones around the helmet, Smith ensured excellent protection when you get a bump to the head. The excellent MIPS system improves protection further, guarding you against rotational forces.

The adjustable BOA 360 Fit System, coupled with the knit liner, allows you to get the perfect fit and feel, keeping your head comfortable all day.

Six vent holes stop your head from overheating on the warmest slushy spring afternoon. These holes work perfectly with your goggles to make sure they don’t steam up too.

The audio system compatible ear pads will ensure you are listening to some banging tunes until you hit the bars!

The Giro Grid Spherical is the helmet of choice for those that want something super lightweight.

Popular with ski tourers and splitboarders, who want to carry less weight for those big uphill slogs. That doesn’t mean it is the wrong choice for those who like to stay in a resort.

Spherical Technology is the core of the Grid’s protection which works with the helmet’s MIPS. It deflects impact away from your head while eradicating contact between your head and hard plastic or slip planes.

With its low profile design and easy adjustment, the Giro Grid is comfortable and stable.

6. Bern Watts 2.0

Bern has been saving rider's bacon for years, especially those that ski the east where they are based. Their team is always willing to innovate for safety and style while being the few helmet brands that has a loyal following.

We like the Watts 2.0 mostly because not only does it have all the tech built in without the weight, but it also effortlessly transitions from snow to trail to pavement as you need. A snow & a bike helmet in one? Yes ... yes it is.

Bern was also one of the first brands to design their ear pads for audio drop-ins so ... respect.

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Marker says that the Phoenix Map Carbon is for hard-chargers, and we agree.

Marker’s strategically placed MAP protection pads give 22% more protection than helmets with regular EPS pads. The big selling point; it instantly pops back to its original form, letting it can take multiple impacts. To top it all off, the MAP pads make the Phoenix very comfortable.

The carbon outer shell keeps the weight down while adding even more protection. This outer shell has cleverly placed vents to keep air flowing through the helmet, keeping you cool and your goggle clear. These vents open and close to control how much airflow you want.

With just a turn of the dial, the RTS system allows you to quickly and easily customize your helmet’s fit. This means your helmet will be perfectly comfortable and secure when you are charging.

To keep you in the zone, the audio ready ear pads allow you to listen to the music that psychs you up before you drop in

Skiers also enjoy a wide field of vision and excellent protection from the elements. This type of helmet is popular with skiers that wear glasses, as they don’t have to worry about fitting them under goggles.

As you can see, there are quite a few options for audio ready ski helmets. We even have a published database of every brand, and model here on the site. All of those listed above are excellent and worth considering. 

Every audio-ready helmet is compatible with the Aleck Nunchucks helmet speaker system, which gives unrivalled sound quality and connectivity with your group. Combining one of these helmets with an Aleck system, will enhance your mountain time with incredible sound, comfort, and safety.

** Quick warning that we (and many others) have found out the hard way that Oakley helmets have insufficient space in their ear pads for audio systems. They market their helmets as "audio compatible" but most riders report discomfort so stear clear if you can.