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The Best Ski Helmets for 2022

By Austin Parker Published January 19, 2022

When it comes to safety on the slopes, there is no substitute for a good ski helmet. It seems like every season we hear a few cautionary tales of crashes in the terrain park and run-ins with trees. This year though, we’ve done all the testing and legwork for you. After a few months of trying on every ski helmet we could get our hands on, we’ve selected our favorites. Whether you’re just getting on skis for your first time or are a seasoned terrain park phenom, we’ve got a ski helmet for you.

Editor’s Pick: Smith Quantum

Smith Quantum — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Using Smith’s Koroyd material, the Quantum is incredibly light. Don’t let that fool you though. It will stand up to serious damage, and the included MIPS liner, BOA fit system, and Wayfinder straps keep it locked down perfectly. Due to the extra shock absorption of Smith’s Aerocore design, the Quantum can take bumps in side impact zones, outperforming most other helmets.

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For The Ladies: Pret Lyric X

The Lyric X’s plush liner will keep your lady warm and comfortable no matter how hard it’s snowing. The shell boasts a MIPS liner, and RECCO reflector (the only helmet on our list with RECCO technology). Developed specifically with Pret’s athlete team, it is as stylish as it is protective.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Austin Parker is a former contributor at The Manual Parker is a powder skier and sport climber and is no stranger hauling…

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Snow Sports

Outdoors

A long-awaited reopening in the Smoky Mountains is finally here

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Ever since the devastation of Hurricane Helene, Great Smoky Mountains National Park has slowly but surely been reopening sections of the park following reconstruction efforts. The Cosby Area, which is a popular place for visitors to hike, camp, and picnic, is next on the list. As of May 12, 2025, the Cosby Area has officially reopened following the completion of a culvert replacement under Cosby Entrance Road.

This is one of many rehabilitation projects in the area aimed at protecting aquatic species and managing water flow, since flood damage has been a major concern. Heavy rainfall, flooding, and recent debris buildup have heightened risks in the area.

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Golf ball near the hole

Maybe you've found a box of old golf balls in your garage, or an unclaimed one out on the fairway. You might be wondering, do golf balls go bad? Modern golf balls are actually pretty robust, lasting as long as five or ten years or more without significant degradation, but it's always good to check. Golf balls can degrade over time, and the signs aren't always obvious. Here's everything you need to consider when teeing up with old golf balls.
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Look for structural damage
The first thing to look for is structural damage. If your golf balls have visible scuffs, cuts, or cracks from play, they aren't going to serve you well out on the fairway. These deformities, even if they are small, can affect the aerodynamics during flight. You might be okay with very minor dings, but use your best judgment.
Checking the health of the core
If your golf ball has no structural damage, now it's time to check the health of the core. I like to give them a gentle squeeze to see if they are firm and consistent all the way around. A bad one will feel softer or even squishy in places. Then, gently bounce the golf ball on a hard surface and compare it to a new one. If it bounces almost as high, that means that it's likely still good.
The saltwater test
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