Being up a mountain for a day in the snow is a lot of fun. But what isn’t fun, especially when you have gloves or mittens on, is trying to fumble around with a smartphone. However, you still want to be able to listen to music, plus make and receive calls.
We recommend that you always wear a helmet for extra safety when skiing or snowboarding. However, finding the right set of headphones that are both comfortable with a helmet, and easy to operate can be difficult.
That’s why we decided to create this review of the best headphones for skiing or snowboarding currently on the market to make sure you find the perfect product for your needs…
Contents
Top 8 Best Headphones for Skiing or Snowboarding of 2023
1 Alta Wildhorn – Best Helmet Drop-in Headphones for Skiing or Snowboarding
These headphones will fit straight into any audio-ready helmet. Compatible helmet brands include Wildhorn, Smith, Poc, K2, Gyro, Bolle, Anon, Burton, and more. Simply just slide them into the ear pad section.
Some nice functions will help you while hitting the slopes, along with impressive audio quality. High-grade materials have been used in the construction, ensuring that the cold weather and rough conditions are no match.
Quality components…
Connecting to your audio device wirelessly couldn’t be easier with the latest Bluetooth 5.0 technology. It not only provides a stable and reliable connection but uses less power, too, resulting in longer battery life.
Sound is delivered by two 40mm drivers offering rich, balanced sound with deep bass. Volume can be raised to a level that can be heard outdoors without having to contend with any annoying distortion. As a result, they are some of the best bass headphones for skiing or snowboarding currently available.
Ready for action…
With an IP45 resistance rating to dust and water, there’s no need to worry during snowfall. You can continue to listen all day thanks to the built-in rechargeable battery. Enjoy up to 10 hours of playback off a single charge.
With one on the right and two on the left, the oversized buttons provide easy control, even when wearing gloves. Control volume, change tracks, activate your voice assistant, make calls, and pause music quickly and easily. As a result, these are some of the best easy to use headphones for skiing or snowboarding on the market.
(4.4 / 5)Pros
- Fits into a wide range of helmets.
- Latest Bluetooth 5.0 technology.
- Easy to operate oversized buttons.
Cons
- Only compatible with audio-ready helmets.
- Micro-USB charging port instead of USB-C.
2 Letscom U8I – Best Waterproof Headphones for Skiing or Snowboarding
These headphones from Letscom have the convenience of being wireless. They have an over-ear hooked design, along with a neck strap, making these some of the best secure fit headphones for skiing or snowboarding. The last thing you want is to take a spill and then try to search through the snow for your earphones.
There are plenty more features that will assist you while spending a day out on the slopes. Being an in-ear style of headphone, audio can be heard clearly, while at the same time blocking out ambient noise.
Take on the slopes…
The latest Bluetooth 5.0 chipset makes pairing to your audio device quick and easy. Once connected, you can enjoy a high-quality, clear sound with decent bass. The built-in microphone makes it possible to make and receive calls with noise-canceling technology.
An IPX7 rating for water and dust resistance means that a bit of snow and ice won’t cause any issues. Keep a comfortable and secure fit to enjoy all these features by choosing one of three different earpiece sizes which are included.
Spend all day on the mountain…
After only a two-hour charge using the included micro-USB cable, you can enjoy up to eight hours of playback. That is because of the built-in polymer lithium rechargeable battery. You can even check the battery level in your smartphone’s status bar.
On the outside of the left headphone is a large MFB (Multi-Function Button) that can easily be accessed and pressed. This accesses your smartphone’s voice assistant making control easy while on the slopes.
(4.4 / 5)Pros
- Secure fit with ear hooks and neck strap.
- IPX7 water and dust resistance.
- Easy access MFB and voice assistant compatible.
Cons
- Battery life is not as long as other products.
- In-ear rubber pieces don’t always fit everyone.
3 OutdoorMaster – Best Extreme Cold Headphones for Skiing or Snowboarding
Here we have a very similar set of headphones to our first product. Once again, these are designed to fit into an audio-ready helmet. They can easily be placed and removed, turning your helmet into a mobile personal nightclub.
One advantage of having the headphones fitted into your helmet is there is a low chance of losing them if you have a fall. Being fitted inside the padded area of the helmet also offers more comfort and less restriction.
Shake the mountain…
Connection to your smartphone is completed wirelessly through the latest Bluetooth 5.0 connection. Audio is delivered through two large optimally tuned 40mm drivers providing loud and clear sound.
Getting wet from snow or sweat is no issue, as there is IP45 water and dust resistance rating. These headphones have also been tested to operate in climate conditions down to -4° Fahrenheit, ready to take on any mountain. Therefore, they are among the best below zero headphones for skiing or snowboarding on the market.
Shred all day…
Keep shredding all day with a long battery life of up to 15 hours of playback and approximately 500 hours of standby. Making these some of the best long battery life headphones for skiing or snowboarding around. And when you need to charge them, the micro-USB port is easily accessed without needing to remove the headphones.
Even clumsy glove-covered hands can easily control audio operations because of the convenient large buttons. Never miss a call either, thanks to the in-built microphone so you can keep in touch with your buddies.
(4.4 / 5)Pros
- Latest Bluetooth 5.0 technology.
- Long battery life and convenient charging port location.
- Convenient large controls can be operated with gloves.
Cons
- Larger in size than other similar products.
- Bass levels are adequate.
4 Vislla Sports – Best Wireless Headphones for Skiing or Snowboarding
For something a little different again, we have these headphones from Vislla. These are truly wireless headphones and come with a left and right unit, including a charging case. To keep the fit secure, there are ear hooks too.
These are in-ear headphones that sit within the ear canal using a rubber tip. Included are three different sizes being small, medium, and large. If you are confident in having found a good fit, the freedom and convenience are great.
Absolute simplicity…
Using Bluetooth 5.0 to wirelessly connect to your smartphone, these headphones automatically power on, and pair once removed from their case. No need to remove your phone from your pocket.
The single button control can be used to play, pause, and skip tracks, as well as activate your voice assistant. Almost completely hands-free operation makes these an ultra-convenient audio device while on the go.
Charging the slopes…
Take advantage of the sensational battery life, and stay out on the slopes all day long. A built-in 100mHa rechargeable battery in each bud offers up to eight hours of playback per charge. The case then offers up to an additional 24 hours of charge.
Snow isn’t an issue, thanks to the IPX7 water and dust resistance. For the best results, try and ensure the charging point is clean and dry before returning to the case. Now you can enjoy loud, clear sound throughout your shredding session.
(4.4 / 5)Pros
- True wireless headphones.
- Automatic pairing via Bluetooth 5.0.
- Huge battery life thanks to the charging case.
Cons
- Not everyone can get a completely secure fit.
- Might be hard to take on and off wearing gloves.
5 IASUS Xsound – Best Wired Headphones for Skiing or Snowboarding
Next up in our Best Headphones for Skiing or Snowboarding reviews is another set of helmet headphones, only this time they aren’t wireless. They can also be fitted to almost any helmet. Made by IASUS, these Xsound headphones connect using a 3.5mm audio jack.
Enjoy premium sound quality while wearing your helmet so you can enjoy awesome tunes while protecting your noggin. It’s worth noting, though, that there is no microphone, and these headphones are for listening only.
Install into almost any helmet…
Included with the headphones are two 3M premium Velcro adhesives for placing inside your helmet. The headphones can then easily be attached and reattached by simply placing or removing them.
For added comfort, the headphones are supplied with foam covers. By installing the headphones precisely where your ears sit within the helmet, the covers will reduce irritation and provide the best sound results. It also means these are some of the most comfortable headphones for skiing or snowboarding as well.
Impressive sound quality…
Using a steel chassis provides powerful bass response and full-range output providing balanced lows, mids, and highs. The maximum volume output is 9dB, although listening at full volume is not recommended for a long duration. That said, they are some of the most powerful headphones for skiing or snowboarding.
To make sure you can run the cable through your jacket and to your smartphone, an extension cable is included. Plug into any audio device that is fitted with a headphone jack to enjoy tunes all day without worrying about running out of battery.
(3.9 / 5)Pros
- Will fit almost any helmet.
- Great sound quality.
- No batteries are required.
Cons
- No wireless connection option.
- Cannot make and receive calls.
6 Mpow Flame – Best Bluetooth Headphones for Skiing or Snowboarding
Back to the in-ear style, complete with ear hooks and neck strap. These headphones from Mpow are of great value with their secure fit and banging sound. Available in a range of colors to match your snow outfit perfectly.
Choose from Black, Red, Blue Gray, all Black, Gold Purple, Green Black, Pink Black, Pink Gray, or Pink Purple. These headphones will fit comfortably under almost any helmet or beanie and keep you rockin’ all day long.
Take on the conditions…
Low temperatures and moisture are no problem for a Flame because of the IPX7 water and dust resistance rating. No matter what the conditions, the sound will just keep pumping out, keeping you focused and motivated.
Pair these with your smartphone using Bluetooth 5.0 for a solid wireless connection. Once paired, enjoy up to nine hours of audio playback from the built-in lithium polymer rechargeable battery after a full charge of around two hours.
Calling all shredders…
Make and receive calls using the built-in microphone complete with noise-canceling technology. Keep in touch with your friends and family even while out on the mountain with crystal clear voice playback and transmission.
Access your smartphone’s voice assistant by pressing the large, easy-to-reach button on the outside of the bud. You can then control most functions completely hands-free without needing to touch your phone.
(4.4 / 5)Pros
- IPX7 rated water and dust resistance.
- Range of cool colors available.
- Lightweight and comfortable design.
Cons
- Limited battery life.
- Doesn’t fit smaller ears well.
7 Outdoor Tech Chips 2.0 – Best Snow Ready Headphones for Skiing or Snowboarding
This is our final pair of helmet headphones from Outdoor Tech called Chips 2.0. These are wireless headphones and should fit most audio-ready helmets. Designed specifically for use in the snow, these headphones are ready for business.
Rated for use in weather temperatures as low as -4 degrees Fahrenheit, there is minimal impact on battery life. Comfortable and simple to use, there is plenty to get excited about with these helmet drop-in headphones.
You’ll get tired before they do…
Using a built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery, these headphones can offer audio playback for up to ten hours. Simply plug in the included USB cable to the easy to access port on the right headphone to charge them.
These headphones pair to your smartphone via Bluetooth. And while this is the previous 4.0 generation, the signal is still strong and reliable and offers premium audio quality through the 40mm drivers.
Easy to control…
Controlling functions like play/pause, skip track, and access to voice assistants is very easy. There is a single, very large button on each of the headphones. Each performs a different function depending on how many times you tap it.
Answer calls without needing to remove your helmet and gloves and without taking your phone from your pocket. And answer and end calls with a simple tap on your ear. The microphone even offers noise cancellation for clear voice signals too.
(4.2 / 5)Pros
- Designed specifically for use in snow.
- Good battery life.
- Easy to control buttons.
Cons
- Previous generation Bluetooth 4.0.
- Custom USB cable, so don’t lose it.
8 Beats Flex – Best Compact Headphones for Skiing or Snowboarding
You may not have heard of some or all of the previous brands. For our final product, we are sure everyone has heard of Beats. These Flex headphones provide premium sound quality in a comfortable and stylish package.
There’s a reason why Beats are so popular and so well known. That is because they are simple to use, look great, and give an awesome listening experience. Now imagine all of that while out on the mountain.
Seamless integration with Apple…
Onboard these headphones is the Apple W1 chip. By just powering on your Flex headphones and holding them near an iPhone or iPad, they’re ready to use. That’s as long as the device is synced to the iCloud.
Flex will work with Android devices too. But you’ll need to download the Beats App to take full advantage. You can enjoy features like quick pairing, device status, and firmware updates after installing the app.
Don’t stop the music…
From a single charge using the USB-C cable, you can have up to 12 hours of audio playback. If you need a little boost, after just a ten-minute charge, enjoy 1.5 hours of playback if you find yourself with a low battery.
Want to rock out to your favorite track with a friend while on the chairlift? Audio Sharing lets you share audio between your Beats Flex and another set of Beats headphones. Just don’t get the chairlift swinging too much.
(4.5 / 5)Pros
- Premium sound quality.
- Long battery life.
- Pairs seamlessly with Apple devices.
Cons
- Not as secure as other headphones.
- Android users need to download an App.
Best Headphones for Skiing or Snowboarding Buying Guide
All of these products will give you hours of enjoyment while shredding the slopes, making an already awesome experience even better. We bet you can’t wait to get out into some powder while rocking your favorite tracks.
Before you make that final decision, though, check out our helpful buying guide. We will cover some of the key factors that are often missed, so you can make the most informed choice possible.
Built for Helmets
If you are purchasing these headphones for only skiing or snowboarding, then a helmet model is a good idea. They are usually specifically designed for use in the snow and are easier to operate with gloves.
Four of the eight products can be installed inside a helmet. These include the Alta Wildhorn, OutdoorMaster, IASUS Xsound, and the Outdoor Tech Chips. But, keep in mind that the Xsound is wired and doesn’t have a microphone.
More Freedom
The other four products can work anywhere. So you can still use them when you go to the gym, running, or even around the house. The trade-off is that they are usually a little less secure, and the controls are often more difficult to operate.
If that sounds like something you can live with, take another look at the Letscom U8I, Vislla Sports, Mpow Flame, or the Beats Flex. Most are pretty secure, offering both ear hooks and a neck strap. Apart from the Vislla Sports, which only has ear hooks, and the Beats, which only has a neck strap.
With so much to consider, you might still not be sure or could be considering two different products. Stick around, as next, we reveal our choice of the best headphones for snowboarding and skiing and why.
Looking for Something Else?
We have headphones in every style and for every purpose. So, check out our in-depth reviews of the Best Bluetooth Headphones for Conference Calls, the Best Headphones Under $1,000, the Best Earbuds under $50, the Best Bluetooth Headphones under $200, and the Best Lightweight Headphones you can buy in 2023.
Also, take a look at our comprehensive Samson SR850 Review, our Fitbit Flyer Review, our AKG N700NC Review, our Corsair HS60 Haptic Review, and our Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 Review for more amazing products currently on the market.
What are the Best Headphones for Skiing or Snowboarding?
Making this decision wasn’t easy. All of these products have something great to offer in their own way. That’s why we’ve broken it down into the following fields. The headphones must have awesome sound quality, convenient features for the snow, and offer great value.
The product we feel achieves this best is the…
The sound is rich and powerful, while the IPX7 water and dust-resistance make use in the snow no problem. Easy-to-access controls make use with gloves simple, and best of all, these headphones are highly affordable.
Until next time, happy listening.
