There is the gear you need and there is gear you love. The Smith Mission ski and snowboard helmet is both. Its lightweight design brings the latest safety innovations including MIPS and zonal Koroyd for enhanced energy absorption in the event of a crash. Because you head to the mountain in all conditions, adjustable vents let you dial in the climate control. It's lined for instant comfort, and you can fine tune the fit with the adjustable dial.
There is the gear you need and there is gear you love. The Smith Mission ski and snowboard helmet is both. Its lightweight design brings the latest safety innovations including MIPS and zonal Koroyd for enhanced energy absorption in the event of a crash. Because you head to the mountain in all conditions, adjustable vents let you dial in the climate control. It's lined for instant comfort, and you can fine tune the fit with the adjustable dial.
There is the gear you need and there is gear you love. The Smith Mission ski and snowboard helmet is both. Its lightweight design brings the latest safety innovations including MIPS and zonal Koroyd for enhanced energy absorption in the event of a crash. Because you head to the mountain in all conditions, adjustable vents let you dial in the climate control. It's lined for instant comfort, and you can fine tune the fit with the adjustable dial.
There is the gear you need and there is gear you love. The Smith Mission ski and snowboard helmet is both. Its lightweight design brings the latest safety innovations including MIPS and zonal Koroyd for enhanced energy absorption in the event of a crash. Because you head to the mountain in all conditions, adjustable vents let you dial in the climate control. It's lined for instant comfort, and you can fine tune the fit with the adjustable dial.
Last updated at 02/26/2026 21:20:59
Smith Smith Mission MIPS Snow Helmet Matte Crimson / Large - Matte Crimson | Snow Helmets
Free delivery
originally posted on smithoptics.com
I knew I wanted a helmet with the Boa fit system and MIPS. I decided on the Variance because it was cheaper and had tons of positive reviews, which is for good reason. This helmet is extremely comfortable for all day riding. I had the opportunity to go to a local ski shop and try on sizes which I highly recommend. I went with the large due to the fact I sometimes wear hoods/buffs underneath my helmet and wanted a little more room which worked out great. Prior to this helmet I was using a second hand Giro helmet which I could never get to fit quite right, so this helmet is a huge improvement. My only qualm is that when tightening the Boa fit system, usually one side of the helmet will tighten more than the other. To fix this, I use my hand and push the frame (what ... MoreI knew I wanted a helmet with the Boa fit system and MIPS. I decided on the Variance because it was cheaper and had tons of positive reviews, which is for good reason. This helmet is extremely comfortable for all day riding. I had the opportunity to go to a local ski shop and try on sizes which I highly recommend. I went with the large due to the fact I sometimes wear hoods/buffs underneath my helmet and wanted a little more room which worked out great. Prior to this helmet I was using a second hand Giro helmet which I could never get to fit quite right, so this helmet is a huge improvement. My only qualm is that when tightening the Boa fit system, usually one side of the helmet will tighten more than the other. To fix this, I use my hand and push the frame (what I'm calling the piece that tightens) toward the Boa spinning dial, and everything tightens as it's supposed to. For this reason I've decided to give this helmet 4 stars, but other than that, this helmet rocks. Can't attest to the usefulness of MIPS as I haven't suffered a bad crash. If you're on the fence about getting MIPS or not, my logic was the same for wearing a helmet in the first place: you don't need it till you need it and better have it when you do then risk not being able to ride ever again...One other thing I noted about the matte black color. Don't set your helmet on the concrete of anything super rough because it will scratch! If everyone could take a moment and do a mini snow dance for CO that would be awesome.
originally posted on REI
I got this helmet for a ski trip to CO. Style is great, MIPS is good, and the helmet is lightweight. HOWEVER, upon picking it up from REI, the LEFT ear cover seemed out of place (flared out). I just thought it was a strap tightening issue, so i didn't think it was a big deal, Especially because i was flying out the next day.Unfortunately the flared earpiece proved to be very annoying during the trip. My SMITH goggles kept getting caught on it when I'd move them from the brim of my helmet onto my face. I would compensate for the flare by tightening the strap to the point where it was uncomfortable. Upon inspection after our first day of skiing, i couldn't find out why it was doing that, so i just assumed it was a poor fit and carried on. This persisted for the ... MoreI got this helmet for a ski trip to CO. Style is great, MIPS is good, and the helmet is lightweight. HOWEVER, upon picking it up from REI, the LEFT ear cover seemed out of place (flared out). I just thought it was a strap tightening issue, so i didn't think it was a big deal, Especially because i was flying out the next day.Unfortunately the flared earpiece proved to be very annoying during the trip. My SMITH goggles kept getting caught on it when I'd move them from the brim of my helmet onto my face. I would compensate for the flare by tightening the strap to the point where it was uncomfortable. Upon inspection after our first day of skiing, i couldn't find out why it was doing that, so i just assumed it was a poor fit and carried on. This persisted for the remainder of our trip, and once i came home, i took a deeper look because i knew something was off.I found that a very thin plastic piece lodged deep in the ear pocket at the lowest position, which appears to have snapped off from somewhere. I don't know how this happened because when I flexed and bent the opposing (R) earpiece in every-way imaginable to compare, it just would not break. The plastic is very flexible and I'm sure that's one of the reasons they chose that material. This leads me to believe it was broken upon pickup. Now this helmet is used and I don't know how to fix this.This is the only reason why I'm not giving it 5 stars. For spending $130, I expected a very good helmet that will last me for years to come. This does not seem like the quality you'd expect from SMITH. I am attaching photos of both ear pieces and broken plastic piece as well as a video showing me over-flexing the R earpiece and it NOT breaking. I can imagine if this was not an issue i would LOVE this helmet. unfortunately that is not the case.
originally posted on REI
I think this is a great helmet compared to what I have used previously for many years. It fits snuggly and i can take out the liner to wear my balaclava if needed. It stays well vented and aids my goggles with good air flow. The helmet has a lower profile and feels light on my head which I like. My only gripe with it is the ear muffs are a bit too bulky. They keep ears very warm, but also block much sound. The helmet clamp is easy to use and seems sturdy... Buckles are fine but nothing special.
Smith Smith Mission MIPS Snow Helmet Matte Crimson / Large - Matte Crimson | Snow Helmets
Free delivery
I knew I wanted a helmet with the Boa fit system and MIPS. I decided on the Variance because it was cheaper and had tons of positive reviews, which is for good reason. This helmet is extremely comfortable for all day riding. I had the opportunity to go to a local ski shop and try on sizes which I highly recommend. I went with the large due to the fact I sometimes wear hoods/buffs underneath my helmet and wanted a little more room which worked out great. Prior to this helmet I was using a second hand Giro helmet which I could never get to fit quite right, so this helmet is a huge improvement. My only qualm is that when tightening the Boa fit system, usually one side of the helmet will tighten more than the other. To fix this, I use my hand and push the frame (what ... MoreI knew I wanted a helmet with the Boa fit system and MIPS. I decided on the Variance because it was cheaper and had tons of positive reviews, which is for good reason. This helmet is extremely comfortable for all day riding. I had the opportunity to go to a local ski shop and try on sizes which I highly recommend. I went with the large due to the fact I sometimes wear hoods/buffs underneath my helmet and wanted a little more room which worked out great. Prior to this helmet I was using a second hand Giro helmet which I could never get to fit quite right, so this helmet is a huge improvement. My only qualm is that when tightening the Boa fit system, usually one side of the helmet will tighten more than the other. To fix this, I use my hand and push the frame (what I'm calling the piece that tightens) toward the Boa spinning dial, and everything tightens as it's supposed to. For this reason I've decided to give this helmet 4 stars, but other than that, this helmet rocks. Can't attest to the usefulness of MIPS as I haven't suffered a bad crash. If you're on the fence about getting MIPS or not, my logic was the same for wearing a helmet in the first place: you don't need it till you need it and better have it when you do then risk not being able to ride ever again...One other thing I noted about the matte black color. Don't set your helmet on the concrete of anything super rough because it will scratch! If everyone could take a moment and do a mini snow dance for CO that would be awesome.
I got this helmet for a ski trip to CO. Style is great, MIPS is good, and the helmet is lightweight. HOWEVER, upon picking it up from REI, the LEFT ear cover seemed out of place (flared out). I just thought it was a strap tightening issue, so i didn't think it was a big deal, Especially because i was flying out the next day.Unfortunately the flared earpiece proved to be very annoying during the trip. My SMITH goggles kept getting caught on it when I'd move them from the brim of my helmet onto my face. I would compensate for the flare by tightening the strap to the point where it was uncomfortable. Upon inspection after our first day of skiing, i couldn't find out why it was doing that, so i just assumed it was a poor fit and carried on. This persisted for the ... MoreI got this helmet for a ski trip to CO. Style is great, MIPS is good, and the helmet is lightweight. HOWEVER, upon picking it up from REI, the LEFT ear cover seemed out of place (flared out). I just thought it was a strap tightening issue, so i didn't think it was a big deal, Especially because i was flying out the next day.Unfortunately the flared earpiece proved to be very annoying during the trip. My SMITH goggles kept getting caught on it when I'd move them from the brim of my helmet onto my face. I would compensate for the flare by tightening the strap to the point where it was uncomfortable. Upon inspection after our first day of skiing, i couldn't find out why it was doing that, so i just assumed it was a poor fit and carried on. This persisted for the remainder of our trip, and once i came home, i took a deeper look because i knew something was off.I found that a very thin plastic piece lodged deep in the ear pocket at the lowest position, which appears to have snapped off from somewhere. I don't know how this happened because when I flexed and bent the opposing (R) earpiece in every-way imaginable to compare, it just would not break. The plastic is very flexible and I'm sure that's one of the reasons they chose that material. This leads me to believe it was broken upon pickup. Now this helmet is used and I don't know how to fix this.This is the only reason why I'm not giving it 5 stars. For spending $130, I expected a very good helmet that will last me for years to come. This does not seem like the quality you'd expect from SMITH. I am attaching photos of both ear pieces and broken plastic piece as well as a video showing me over-flexing the R earpiece and it NOT breaking. I can imagine if this was not an issue i would LOVE this helmet. unfortunately that is not the case.
I think this is a great helmet compared to what I have used previously for many years. It fits snuggly and i can take out the liner to wear my balaclava if needed. It stays well vented and aids my goggles with good air flow. The helmet has a lower profile and feels light on my head which I like. My only gripe with it is the ear muffs are a bit too bulky. They keep ears very warm, but also block much sound. The helmet clamp is easy to use and seems sturdy... Buckles are fine but nothing special.
This helmet is a great value! It does not sacrifice functionality or safety, though it doesn’t feel as luxurious upon closer inspection as more expensive Smith products. This is as expected, and Smith has done a great job with it.I picked up a rose colored helmet after rocking the Smith Variance for a few years. This helmet has all the features of my last one — albeit the audio insert openings are a bit hidden in the design, but are present and fully functional (I was able to insert my Alecks once I figured out how to open up the ear pads).Close to the top of the inner ear pads and along the inner back of the helmet there is a velcro seem that takes a bit of patience to open up the first time. Once you open it once, it’s much easier afterwards. Hope this helps ... MoreThis helmet is a great value! It does not sacrifice functionality or safety, though it doesn’t feel as luxurious upon closer inspection as more expensive Smith products. This is as expected, and Smith has done a great job with it.I picked up a rose colored helmet after rocking the Smith Variance for a few years. This helmet has all the features of my last one — albeit the audio insert openings are a bit hidden in the design, but are present and fully functional (I was able to insert my Alecks once I figured out how to open up the ear pads).Close to the top of the inner ear pads and along the inner back of the helmet there is a velcro seem that takes a bit of patience to open up the first time. Once you open it once, it’s much easier afterwards. Hope this helps someone!
Sleek and functional helmet. It's beautiful and the variable vents really help with airflow on warm days. The two tone color scheme also adds a little bit of flashiness. Sizing is true and the earpads are really warm and work with my audio inserts. I'd definitely recommend the Variance, as it's a tried a proven helmet. I think this older generation Variance is better than new helmet Smith has to replace it (called Level) because the older one uses the BOA tightening system while the new one uses Vaporfit, which I find inferior. In older generations, Vaporfit was used exclusively on the mid-tier helmets. Starting in 2020, Smith is only using BOA on their highest end helmets (Quantum and Vantage). Thus, if you can snag one of these older gen Variance helmets, do it!
I bought both the Variance and the Vantage to try on and ended up keeping the Variance. I really wanted the Vantage due to better ventilation system, but the Variance was a better fit for my head. My head size is at the top end of the Medium range and although both helmets were nominally size Medium, the Vantage felt uncomfortably tight and its 360-degree Boa adjustment systems created pressure points at my temples, even at loosest adjustment. Having both in hand, the Vantage also struck me as a fussier design, with its more complicated 360-degree Boa adjustment system and it dual-control ventilation system. However, the Vantage is an ounce lighter and it does have more ventilation, if those features are important to you.Both the Variance and the Vantage are a ... MoreI bought both the Variance and the Vantage to try on and ended up keeping the Variance. I really wanted the Vantage due to better ventilation system, but the Variance was a better fit for my head. My head size is at the top end of the Medium range and although both helmets were nominally size Medium, the Vantage felt uncomfortably tight and its 360-degree Boa adjustment systems created pressure points at my temples, even at loosest adjustment. Having both in hand, the Vantage also struck me as a fussier design, with its more complicated 360-degree Boa adjustment system and it dual-control ventilation system. However, the Vantage is an ounce lighter and it does have more ventilation, if those features are important to you.Both the Variance and the Vantage are a massive fail in the removable ear-flaps department. While both are advertised as having removable ear-flaps, the inconvenient truth that Smith fails to inform you about is that the ear-flaps are one unit with the Boa cushioning/comfort trim that runs around the back of your head, so removing the ear-flaps requires that you detach the Boa system from the helmet in order to slide off the ear-flaps/cushion assembly. Terrible design decision that could have easily been avoided with Velcro attachment between the Boa cushion and the ear-flaps.While on the subject, the ear-flaps of both the Vantage and the Variance strike as overkill - way thicker than they need to be. My old Giro Nine.9 had much thinner ear-flaps with central perforations for better hearing and I never felt they were too cold, even in sub-zero temps. The ear-flaps on both these helmets are way too thick and too warm for my liking.But at the end of the day, the Variance is that rare PERFECT fit for my head even without having to use the Boa adjustment system, so it's a keeper.
Fit is excellent! Head measures 61cm, Large is supposed to fit up to 63cm - and indeed it does fit my big head. Very comfortable and the adjuster in the back/neck does not rub on my neck like my old helmet did. Highly recommend!
I was in the market for a MIPS helmet due to the safety features, and decided to order 3 helmets and send 2 back. This was by far the most comfortable helmet - the interior lining wears like a beanie or a baseball cap, as opposed to most other helmets that have weird padding that's velcroed to the interior shell. This makes it SUPER comfy. Also, it's a sleek helmet. I would say the only downside is the super bright color, but I decided that was actually a plus because it makes me easy to find on the mountain. I had also ordered the following two helmets but sent them back:Smith Pivot MIPS - this wasn't nearly as comfortable and the "adjustable vents" on the top were simply cloth flaps on the interior lining, which you could only adjust if you took the helmet ... MoreI was in the market for a MIPS helmet due to the safety features, and decided to order 3 helmets and send 2 back. This was by far the most comfortable helmet - the interior lining wears like a beanie or a baseball cap, as opposed to most other helmets that have weird padding that's velcroed to the interior shell. This makes it SUPER comfy. Also, it's a sleek helmet. I would say the only downside is the super bright color, but I decided that was actually a plus because it makes me easy to find on the mountain. I had also ordered the following two helmets but sent them back:Smith Pivot MIPS - this wasn't nearly as comfortable and the "adjustable vents" on the top were simply cloth flaps on the interior lining, which you could only adjust if you took the helmet completely off. Not to mention they didn't look like they would work at all. Very odd design.Giro Union MIPS - not as comfortable as the Smith helmets and also just looks very clunky on the head. Giro helmets sit really high and make the wearer look like they have a space helmet on or something. I'm going for safety here, but there are WAY better options that have both safety and style. In general, I've found Giro helmets to fit this way and not look as cool.
I work at a ski resort and last winter season I was looking at peoples helmets as they came and went. The Smith Variance really caught my eye.The sun visor serves as a shelf when you put your googles up when inside. On my old helmet the googles would slip back down so I would need to take them totally off or let them hang off the back. Speaking of which, the strap on the back of the Variance works great. It is full attached and the google strap will never come off. My old helmet google "strap" wasn't completely attached, so if I let my googles hang off the back they sometimes would fall off completely.I also like the vents on the Variance. They can be fully open, partially open, or fully closed giving you 3 options depending on the weather.The only thing I don't ... MoreI work at a ski resort and last winter season I was looking at peoples helmets as they came and went. The Smith Variance really caught my eye.The sun visor serves as a shelf when you put your googles up when inside. On my old helmet the googles would slip back down so I would need to take them totally off or let them hang off the back. Speaking of which, the strap on the back of the Variance works great. It is full attached and the google strap will never come off. My old helmet google "strap" wasn't completely attached, so if I let my googles hang off the back they sometimes would fall off completely.I also like the vents on the Variance. They can be fully open, partially open, or fully closed giving you 3 options depending on the weather.The only thing I don't like is the fact that a size sticker was on the front of the helmet. After making sure it fit properly I took the sticker off but of course there was residue left behind. I took some Goo Gone to get the residue off and that part of the helmet became discolored. It really ticked me off! Why did they put the sticker right on the front, or why a sticker at all? There's a size tag inside the helmet, and a paper tag hanging off.
I have been a skier for 49 years and this year finally decided to buy a helmet. I was very hesitant as I have never had one or thought of using one. After a couple hard hits of the head on icy snow I decided to make to move to a helmet. I was told it might take a three times of use to get used to it. This helmet fit so good I was used to it the first time skiing. The fit is very comfortable and does a good job keeping the head warm without a head cover. Goggles work well with this helmet and with the holder on the rear keep them attached to the helmet. I haven't had any hits of the head to hard snow yet and hope to keep it that way, so haven't tested the strike protection of the helmet but feel the design of this helmet will have it work well. I would recommend ... MoreI have been a skier for 49 years and this year finally decided to buy a helmet. I was very hesitant as I have never had one or thought of using one. After a couple hard hits of the head on icy snow I decided to make to move to a helmet. I was told it might take a three times of use to get used to it. This helmet fit so good I was used to it the first time skiing. The fit is very comfortable and does a good job keeping the head warm without a head cover. Goggles work well with this helmet and with the holder on the rear keep them attached to the helmet. I haven't had any hits of the head to hard snow yet and hope to keep it that way, so haven't tested the strike protection of the helmet but feel the design of this helmet will have it work well. I would recommend those who haven't yet switched to a helmet to go and do so and this helmet is a good choice.
