How to Fit a Ski and Snowboard Helmet Correctly
How should a ski helmet fit? A step-by-step guide to measuring, the shake test, closing the goggle gap, and picking a helmet that stands out on the slopes.
By Gold Crown Crew
Nothing ruins a perfect bluebird day on the mountain faster than gear that doesn't fit right. While a poorly fitting jacket is annoying, a poorly fitting helmet is a genuine safety hazard.
Every winter, thousands of skiers and riders search for a simple answer to one crucial question: how should a ski helmet fit?
If your helmet is sliding around, pinching your forehead, or leaving a massive gap above your goggles, it can't do its job. Here is exactly how to find the perfect fit for your ski helmets and snowboard helmets so you can ride safely and look good doing it.
Step 1: Measure Your Head (The Right Way)
Before you start browsing snowboard helmets, grab a flexible measuring tape. Wrap it around your head about an inch above your eyebrows and ears. This gives you your head circumference in centimeters — the exact measurement used by helmet manufacturers.
Step 2: The "Shake Test"
Once you put the helmet on and adjust the spin-dial at the back:
- Shake your head side-to-side and up-and-down.
- If the helmet slides, wobbles, or shifts independently of your skin, it is too big.
- If it pinches your temples or causes a pressure headache within two minutes, it is too small.
The Sweet Spot: The helmet should feel snug, like a firm hug around your head. When you move the helmet, your eyebrows should move with it.
Step 3: Mind the "Goggle Gap"
In the snow world, the space between the top of your goggles and the bottom of your helmet is called the "goggle gap" (or "gaper gap").
Why it matters: A massive gap lets freezing wind and snow blast your forehead.
The fix: When trying on ski helmets, always wear them with your actual riding goggles. The helmet's brim should sit flush against the top of your goggles without pushing them down onto your nose.
Step 4: Stand Out on the Slopes
Once you have the fit dialed, it's time for the fun part: style. Too many riders buy a high-performance helmet only to blend into the sea of matte gray and black on the chairlift.
Look for bright, high-contrast graphics that match your personality. Not only does a vibrant helmet look incredibly cool, but it also makes it incredibly easy for your crew to spot you in the trees or the lift line.