SKIERS and snowboarders have one thing in common: falling is often part of their alpine experience. Although most crashes injure only the ego, some high-profile accidents — like the death of the actress Natasha Richardson last year on a beginner ski trail — have brought safety to the forefront.

This winter, Vail Resorts began requiring all employees at its five ski areas to wear helmets while skiing and snowboarding on the job. And a California state senator recently introduced a bill that would require helmet use in the state for skiers and snowboarders who are 18 or younger.

“A helmet will cut the risk of injury significantly,” said Robert Johnson, an orthopedic surgeon in Burlington, Vt., who is on the board of the International Society for Skiing Safety. Even with a helmet, severe injuries are still possible, he noted.

Jarod Richmond, who reports on snow conditions at the Sunday River ski resort in southern Maine, skis about six days a week. He tested these helmets for a month on terrain ranging from tree runs and wide-open trails to the occasional jump.

Photos: Joel Page for The New York Times

GIRO SEAM Ski Helmet $160, Altrec.com.

“The venting was awesome,” Mr. Richmond said, because it channeled air to his goggles. And since these vents were easy to adjust, moderating the temperature inside the helmet was a snap, and he wore it on one of the coldest days on the mountain this year. He liked the “all-mountain look” and said that the Giro Seam “didn’t feel like you were wearing a helmet.” His favorite feature? A dial that allows the user to fine-tune the fit.

RED PRIME $159.95, backcountry.com.

Comparing the Red Prime’s integrated air pump to the Reebok sneaker pump of yore, Mr. Richmond said that this air system “helps customize the fit.” But he was surprised by how high the helmet rode on his head, leaving a gap that exposes the forehead and can cause the skier’s equivalent of an ice cream headache. The product does come with a gasket, which covers the gap.

PRO-TEC VIGILANTE ANDREAS WIIG $99.96-$139.96, backcountry.com.

The sound quality on the Vigilante’s integrated headphones was “phenomenal,” Mr. Richmond said, and the sound controls were “easy to use, even wearing gloves.” He didn’t like the material on the ear flaps, which got cold easily, but he did say the helmet had a “decent fit” and was “versatile.” He appreciated the vents that channeled air towards his goggles, keeping them fog free.

POC RECEPTOR BUG $130, backcountry.com.

The Bug had a “secure feel,” Mr. Richmond said. He took a big tumble and said it “absorbed the shock really well, and I was able to get up and go along with no real issue.” It was also “very warm,” so much so that he had to take it off to adjust the venting, which was “inconvenient.”

SMITH MAZE $100, backcountry.com.

Smith calls its Maze helmet the lightest on the market, and it was certainly the lightest in the test. Mr. Richmond called it “warm” and said that it “vents well” and would be versatile enough for springtime skiing. He did not like the removable goggle clip because it came off too easily, potentially letting the wearer’s goggles fall off. Overall, he called it a “good helmet” that “could take an impact decently.”

Every year, thousands of people suffer head injuries on the ski slopes, which is why it is a good idea for anyone who skis or snowboards to wear a helmet. Consumer Reports has suggestions about which ones are best for you.

With the winter season upon us, Consumer Reports shows which ski helmets are best for your protection on the slopes.

Few skiers wore helmets 10 years ago. Sara Quinn, who had been in an ski accident, believes her old helmet saved her from serious injury.

“It may have hit my skis and I could have cracked my head open,” she said.

Consumer Reports just crash-tested a dozen ski helmets to see how well they can protect you in an accident. Tests show all of the helmets met the industry’s minimum safety standards for shock absorption. Nevertheless, one of the ones they tested — the Boeri Rage — broke apart and the strap came loose.

“When the strap comes loose, it won’t stay on your head and the sharp fragment could cut you,” said Maurice Wynn, of Consumer Reports.

Consumer Reports judged the helmet “Not Acceptable.”

In a separate test, testers used a device to check the strength of the chin strap. The tester dropped a weight to stress the straps and buckles and see if they would hold. Testers found two helmets failed that test.

Consumer Reports did find several good helmets to recommend. One of the best is the $110 Giro Nine Point Nine.

Before you buy a helmet, Consumer Reports said to make sure it fits properly. Testers said a ski helmet should be snug, but not tight.

The Giro Nine Point Nine is what is called a short shell. It has soft earflaps that are removable. If you prefer a full-shell ski helmet that also covers your ears, a good choice is the $130 Leedom Scream.

Here are a few other articles you might like:

1. Use your head when it comes to ski helmets