Ski helmet - buy or hire?

[ChangePlease]

Going skiing after Christmas after a long break. I want to wear a helmet this time.

the idea of wearing one someone else has sweated in feels unappealing, but obviously this is expensive, especially as it’s likely to get very light occasional use

I like the ones with visors as I hate the feel of goggles

Anyone who has been to Three Valleys in recent years who can advise what the hire ones are like? Are they nice/newish or ugly and smelly? Or am I best splashing out on buying? TIA!

Buy, they’re not expensive

Buy - Decathlon.

yes buy one. I think my visor one was €70 in decathlon but you can get far cheaper if you have your own goggles

Buy - Aldi do them in January most years.

@ChangePlease

simple buy

What do I need to be looking for safety - rating wise?

Buy - Decathlon have a good selection. The sweat factor wouldn't bother me at all, but you have no idea how many falls your hire helmet has seen.

Buy - you don’t know if the hire ones have been dropped / smashed.

I don’t think the helmet of all things is something to scrimp on. If you can afford to ski you can afford to buy a decent one. Go to a ski shop, try some on and then price match online if you want.

They aren't very expensive; we bought after the first year or two.They last a few years for the DC ime.

Buy. I need a new helmet and I'm going for one with MIPS.

Buy. I have a bern snowboard helmet (I ski) but it has a lovely cosy (washable) fabric liner!

and, yes, get MIPS. It was a big recommendation from my trauma colleagues when I replaced my bike helmet recently.

@AdelaideRo @Rainbowshit what is the difference with MIPS vs no MIPS? They don’t seem to do many of those with a visor and they are ££££