TL;DR: In this article, I’ll give you my top picks for intensifying your auditory experience on the slopes, as well as some pros and cons of riding with headphones. If you like shredding with headphones, I’ll help you pick exactly which noisemakers are going to suit you best. Like Dr. Dre says, “Keep their heads ringin’, ring, ding-dong, ring-a-ding, ding, ding-dong.”

There are many different options when it comes to how you’d like to experience sound when on the mountain, and it’s all about finding what resonates with you personally. You may find that the sound of your board swishing through the snow, the birds chirping, and wind in your sails is enough for you. If you’re wanting more stimulation via a pair of headphones, the options abound. You may prefer something much slimmer, such as an earbud or airpod, or you could enjoy riding with a helmet that comes compatible with audio capabilities.

What to Consider When Buying Headphones For Skiing or Snowboarding

Safety

It is worth keeping in mind that skiing and snowboarding are inherently risky activities, and that interfering with one of your main senses (your hearing) is only going to add to that risk. If you feel that the reward of the added dopamine from listening to your favorite track while making tracks is worth it to you, then let the good times roll! But I recommend riding with one headphone in and one headphone out to strike a good balance between enjoying your music and being conscious of your surroundings. This will make it easier to react to and mitigate hazardous situations, while still allowing you to bring your favorite tunes along for the ride.

Wired vs. Bluetooth vs. Integrated Headphones

Choosing a set of headphones with Bluetooth capabilities eliminates the pesky audio cord that can potentially get hung up on branches and/or caught in your jacket's zipper. However, if you’re like me, bluetooth headphones are just one more item to remember to charge every day—and traditional corded headphones may just help keep the party going well into après.

It’s ultimately up to personal preference when choosing what approach you will take to audio on your favorite run. If you’re more of a traditionalist looking for a corded set of earphones or earbuds, rest assured, I got you. For those looking for something a little more high-tech or modern, there are options that can integrate you music directly into a helmet of your liking. However, keep in mind that they only really work if your helmet is “on,” and are probably not the best après option.

Price

Even though skiing or riding with music can add some extra hype to a day on the mountain, not everyone will want to come up with those extra funds to do so. For those of us that are budget-conscious, traditional corded earbuds will be one of the best choices. This style of headphone can be found at around the $20 mark, and are a good option to help keep costs low and the volume high.

A pair of quality headphones that integrate directly into your helmet is probably the most expensive option, yet arguable well worth the investment. Helmet speakers themselves can range from around $50 to $150 for a set, depending on brand and quality. However, you will also need a helmet that is compatible with your headphones, and if your current helmet doesn’t accommodate these, then plan on spending at least $80 for an entry-level audio-compatible helmet.

Earbuds that feature bluetooth wireless capabilities typically range in between these other two options, starting at around $40 for a pair, and going up over the $100 mark for a set that offers noise-canceling capabilities, and better audio quality.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me personally for any tips or advice. Now, let’s get into some of the different options and my recommendations for each style.

Different Types of Headphones for Skiing and Snowboarding

Here are a few different headphones that I personally recommend, and more information on the different approaches to using headphones while riding.

In-Ear Wireless Headphones

If you want to play your music loud but not have a loud appearance, you can discreetly bump whatever music your heart desires with in-ear wireless headphones. These are also a good choice for those that want added alertness when riding, or ability to converse on the chair without stopping the playlist by simply removing just one of the earbuds.

Treblab X3 Pro Earbuds

The X3 Pro delivers distortion-free Hi-Fi sound quality in a lightweight package, with earhooks for a secure and comfy fit. These little buggers pack an audible punch to your inner ear, and are capable of holding a charge for up to nine hours. They feature four microphones for ultra clear communication during those mid-chairlift ride work calls.

Skullcandy Rail Earbuds

Whether sliding rails in the park or railing turns on the groomers, the Skullcandy Rail can keep up, and make for great ski headphones—offering up to 42 hours of power! Their multipoint pairing lets you connect earbuds to two devices simultaneously, so if you're riding with a buddy, you can go back and forth between your playlist and theirs.

Skullcandy Grind True Wireless Earbuds

These buds will keep you grinding with up to 40 hours of battery life. They’re equipped with the Skull-IQ system, which allows you to activate hands-free voice controls—meaning no need to remove those winter gloves or mittens! Worry-Free Wireless also allows you to track down either one of the earbuds if they go missing. However, they still may not be findable after a full yard sale crash into deep snow.

Traditional Wired Headphones or Earbuds

These are for the purists, the traditionalists, and those of us who want a good old-fashioned corded headphone that you simply plug in to your device. No pairing necessary!

Apple Earpods

Tried and true, these are one of the most economical yet durable and functional options on the market today. Apple’s signature no frills, slim design gives you exactly what you need and little more for a fun day on the mountain. Keep in mind that a pair of white headphones could get easily lost in the snow after a fall, though.

Skullcandy Ink'd+ Earbuds

These simple, quality earbuds by Skullcandy feature a noise-isolating fit and a microphone, as well as call and track control—all with a tried and true aux cord for affordable, quality sound without having to rely on bluetooth tech. They come in a wide array of color options, and have a one year warranty.

Helmet-Ready Headphones

These headphones are the new wave for those who want to get their soundwaves in while experiencing the joys of skiing. Commonly called “headphone speakers,” these directly integrate into the earpiece of your helmet for a seamless helmet-to-headphone interface, made possible through bluetooth connectivity. Rest assured these will have you on your own planet!

Wildhorn Outfitters Alta Wireless Bluetooth Helmet Headphones

Unlike the ski area Alta, the Alta Helmet Headphones by Wildhorn Outfitters are for both skiers and snowboarders. These audio pucks look absolutely slick, and are known to be one of the best ski helmet headphones on the market. The battery has over 10 hours of run time, and they are compatible with both Siri and Google assistant for hands-free connection. They are also sweat-resistant, carrying an IP45 rating, so moisture and cold temperatures are a non-issue.

Outdoor Tech Chips 3.0 Bluetooth Helmet Speakers

The chips work with nearly any audio-compatible helmet, and offer up to 10 hours of playtime so you know you’re good when it’s time to hit the slopes. Listen to music, podcasts, and even make hands-free phone calls or send texts with the simple push of a button, without removing your helmet (or even your glove for that matter).

OutdoorMaster Snow-BT01 Bluetooth Helmet Headphone

These are some of the most affordable ski helmet headphones available today. They offer up to 15 hours of battery life while actively playing music, and over 500 hours of standby time. These helmet-ready wireless bluetooth headphones with a built-in microphone will keep you bumping on a budget!

Headphone-Ready Helmets

Before you jam out to your favorite tunes or make hands-free calls mid-powder run with your helmet-ready headphones, you are going to have to make sure there is compatibility with your snow helmet. Look out helmets that are labeled “audio compatible” to ensure they work with your headp[hones. On Curated, we carry a wide array of audio-ready helmets—here are a few of my top picks:

Smith Nexus MIPS Helmet

This is Smith’s top-of-the-line offering for audio-compatible snow helmets. It features an extremely lightweight, low profile design, without sacrificing durability or protection. It’s packed with Koroyd®, which is a fully-vented material that provides more protection upon impact than a traditional foam. The Nexus also gives you the ability to adjust the airflow to your helmet, with a 24 vent design, and is fit with adjustable BOA. And yes, it’s audio compatible!

Smith Holt Helmet

The Smith Holt is a great option for those looking for versatility and great protection, at more of an entry-level price point. This is a tried and true helmet design that is lightweight and durable, while providing good airflow through a series of fixed vents. There are removable ear pads for those warmer days, or you can keep the ear pads in to allow for the helmet speakers of your choosing.

Anon Rodan MIPS Helmet

The Rodan offers superior protection, and is equipped with MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System). The chin strap comes with the Fidlock system, which helps with the ease of buckling and unbuckling the helmet by utilizing magnets. This is a super comfortable helmet that is also audio compatible, featuring passive ventilation and BOA for a truly personalized fit.

Find the Best Skiing or Snowboarding Headphones For You

The good times (or good tunes) don’t have to end with last chair, because with the right set of headphones, the good times just keep rolling. If you’re still looking for advice on the best set of headphones for you, or guidance on your next snowboard or ski gear purchase, chat with me or another Curated Winter Sports expert for free, personalized advice. We’re never more than a click away!