How To Measure Yourself for a Ski & Snowboard Helmet

There’s nothing better than enjoying the snow and being on the mountain. Whether you’re skiing or snowboarding, the most important piece of gear you have is your helmet. Learn how to measure yourself for a helmet, and how to properly adjust the fit of your helmet once you have it.

Getting the correct helmet size is the crucial first step in helmet shopping, because it makes sure that your helmet is comfortable for you (because let’s be honest, if a helmet is uncomfortable, you won’t be stoked to wear it) and that it functions at its best to help keep you safe in an accident. 

Finding Your Ski/Snowboard Helmet Size

How do you determine helmet size?  Measure your head circumference in centimeters by wrapping a flexible tape measure around the largest portion of your head, about one inch above your eyebrows. If you don’t have a flexible tape measure, you can also use a piece of string and then measure that with a ruler.

Our snow helmets come in round contour fit in addition to standard oval fit, which fits a rounder head shape, and have a slightly different size chart. 

What if you’re in between sizes? If you’re in between two sizes, we recommend heading to your local Smith retailer so you can try on the different helmet sizes in person and find the perfect fit. 

Final Adjustments

Once you’ve determined your size and ordered your new ski/snowboard helmet, there are a couple of final adjustments to make so that it fits properly. 

• 
  Your helmet will either have an adjustment dial at the back of the helmet to fine-tune the fit of your helmet or a Lifestyle Fit System that flexes to match your head shape for maximum comfort. Your helmet should feel snug but not tight and should stay put if you shake your head up and down and back and forth. 


• Next, buckle the chin strap and adjust it so that if you open your mouth wide, your helmet presses slightly into the top of your head.  You should be able to fit two fingers between the buckled helmet chin strap and your chin. 

How Should Your Helmet and Goggles Fit Together?

 There should be no gap between the top of your goggles and the helmet. Make sure your helmet fits so that it is just above the top of your goggles, but isn’t so low that it pushes down on your goggles. Our helmets are designed to match the curvature of the goggle frame, eliminating “gaper gap” and allowing for precise alignment between the helmet’s AirEvac and the goggle venting systems. If you’re not sure what goggles are right for you, be sure to check out our Goggle Guide.