Listening to the songs you love can take your skiing to another level. When you’re jamming to your favourite tracks, skiing on your own can be even more fun than riding with your friends (maybe!).
If you want to cruise to your favourite tunes, you need to get the right headphones. The bumping and sliding you’ll be doing on the slopes will be too much for most regular earbuds to handle.
Thankfully, we’ve put together this list of the best headphones for skiing. Every model in this guide is a great candidate to enhance your time on the slopes this season.
Best Headphones For Skiing At A Glance
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Why Do I Need The Best Headphones For Skiing?
If you want to enjoy music while you ride; you need to make sure you get headphones that are going to enhance your experience.
The best headphones for skiing bring more to the table than just music. It’s important to find a product that is ultra durable, weatherproof and secure while your sliding down the slopes.
Having the right headphones can also make your life easier when you’re on the mountain. Many of the best models allow you to make and receive calls without taking your gloves off.
Getting the most suitable headphones for skiing can make mountain life easier and more interesting. Choosing the right product is not always easy, but with any of the headphones on this list you are sure to be making a solid investment.
Hint: If you’re looking for more ski specific electronics, we have also reviewed the best watch for skiing and the best cameras for skiing.
How To Choose The Best Headphones For Skiing
Weather & Moisture Proofing
If you’re going to wear your headphones skiing, there is a good chance they’re going to get wet. Whether it’s sweat, snow or rain; moisture is always in close proximity.
The best headphones for skiing are designed with moisture defence in mind. In addition, they are designed to withstand the usual contaminants (dirt, dust, etc).
The protection that each set of headphones has against outside elements is rated using an ‘IP Code’. Different headphones will have a higher or lower IP Code rating, based on their level of proofing.
If you are buying headphones to wear on the slopes, it’s always important to check the IP code to get confirmation that they have the level of proofing you require. All the headphones on this list are designed to withstand the harsh conditions you might face on the mountain.
Fit
Skiing is a sport that’s full of action. It involves speed, bumps, jumps and even the occasional fall. Throughout all of these high-octane events, you need your headphones to stay secured in your ears.
The last thing you need is to be desperately digging through the snow hoping to find your lost earbud. Click To TweetAdditionally, your headphones need to fit comfortably under your helmet. A common issue with poorly designed headphones is them rattling in your ear while skiing. If they are rattling against the earpieces of your helmet, this only intensifies the issue.
It’s important to find headphones that offer a mix of comfort and security, allowing you to ski with freedom.
Durability
Wearing your headphones skiing is a great way to test their durability. If you want them to last the test of time, they are going to need to be tough.
The best headphones for skiing use a solid construction, designed to withstand the impacts of crashes and collisions.
Headphones made with poor build quality and cheap materials will be no match for the punishment you’ll put them through on the slopes. Stick to high quality products from trusted brands to avoid any issues.
Wired vs. Wireless
The decision to choose headphones with or without wires is one that comes down to personal preference.
Wireless headphones allow for the comfort of storing your device in your bag or pocket without wires getting in the way. However, if an earbud out then there is little chance of finding it.
Headphones with wires make it less likely you will loose a headphone. However, the wires can be restrictive, while also posing a potential safety hazard.
Sound Quality
The whole point of having headphones is so you can enjoy listening to your favourite tracks. If they have poor sound quality, that enjoyment is going to diminish.
Try to prioritise headphones that have demonstrated good sound quality and have a large amount of bass. High-quality headphones will provide full and rich sound.
When you are skiing, the wind will be whistling through your ears. This makes it more difficult to hear your headphones, so good sound quality is a must.
Multifunctional Features
The best skiing headphones often provide more than just the ability to listen to music.
Look for headphones with easy to use features; such as call answering, volume control and track skipping. Additionally, some headphones now include access to Siri or Google Voice, making a multitude of actions possible without touching your phone.
Being able to easily control your device without taking off your gloves is extremely useful when you’re on the mountain. Keep this in mind if practicality is your main goal.
Best Headphones For Skiing Reviewed
Bose SoundSport Free Headphones
Key Features
- Wireless: Fully Wireless
- Play Time: 5 hours
- Weather Proofing: Sweat and Splash (IPX4)
- Charging: Case Holds 10 Hours Additional Charge
Bose are one of the biggest names in sound and have a reputation for producing high-quality products. The SoundSport Free Headphones are no different, with durability and performance features making them some of the best on the market.
Their truly wireless design allows complete freedom of movement while you’re on the slopes. Additionally, they have an IPX4 rating, making them sweat and splash resistant.
These wireless headphones are rechargeable, with a battery life of up to five hours. They also come with a charging case that has the capacity to hold 2 additional charges (10 hours extra play time).
These headphones combine sound quality, durability and high-tech features. If you’re looking for ‘pitch perfect’ sound and a reliable design, the Bose Soundsport Free Headphones might be your best option.
Pros
- Sweat and splash resistant (IPX4)
- 5 hours play time
- Charging case holds 10 hours of charge
- Track lost earbuds via phone app
- Clear sound and high bass quality
- Firmware updates via bluetooth
- Built-in microphone
Cons
- Occasional sound delay when watching video
- Only the right earphone works during calls
Mpow Flame2 Bluetooth Headphones
Key Features
- Wireless: Semi Wireless
- Play Time: 12 hours
- Weather Proofing: Sweat, Water, Rain (IPX7)
The Mpow FLAME2 headphones offer most of the features you can expect from some of the biggest brands, but at a fraction of the price. These earbuds are designed to withstand the elements, with their IPX7 rating meaning they are capable of full water submersion, which is ideal for those ‘wet snow’ mountain days.
They feature ‘bass+’ sound technology for a fully immersive listening experience. Additionally, they use noise cancelling mics to make your music and phone calls free from distraction.
With a play time of up to 12 hours, these headphones are more than capable of lasting a full day on the slopes. The Mpow FLAME2 headphones are packed with enough features to satisfy most skiers and come in at a budget friendly price.
Pros
- 12 hours play time
- Water-resistant (IPX7)
- Only 2 hours to fully charge
- Noise cancelling features
- Connect 2 devices simultaneously
- Easy to use buttons
- Hands free calling
Cons
- Lacks the durability of more expensive options
- Sound quality could be better
Anker Soundcore Spirit X2 Headphones
Key Features
- Wireless: Fully Wireless
- Play Time: 9 hours
- Weather Proofing: ‘Sweatguard’ technology (IP68)
The Anker Soundcore Spirit X2 Headphones are some of the most durable wireless earbuds on the market. They have IP68 protection and ‘sweatguard’ technology keeping them safe from dust and moisture exposure.
These headphones also have an impressive playtime of 9 hours, which should be long enough to last all day on the slopes. Additionally, the charging case also holds 3 full charges (27 additional hours).
Using ‘BassUp’ technology that is often used in full size speakers, they can produce powerful bass intensity. In order to make sure the headphones are comfortable for every ear, they include an extensive selection of ear tips and wings.
These headphones are packed full of features that make them ‘mountain friendly’. They are ultra durable, have high sound quality and are sure to stay attached while riding every type of terrain.
Pros
- Fully water-resistant (IP68)
- 9 hours play time
- Case holds 27 additional hours of play time
- Extra flex tips suit every ear shape
- BassTurbo delivers great sound quality
- Phone call background noise cancellation
Cons
- May not fit smaller ears
- Phone call quality not always clear
Alta Wireless Helmet Headphones
Key Features
- Wireless: Fully Wireless
- Play Time: 10 hours
- Weather Proofing: Sweat and Dust Resistant (IP45)
If you’re looking comfortable ‘helmet compatible’ headphones, Alta have got you covered. Their headphones are designed to be used with audio compatible ski helmets that have installation space within the ear-pieces.
The Alta Helmet Headphones have an impressive play time of 10 hours, keeping your tunes playing from first lift to après-ski. They also offer durability; with their IP45 rating offering water, dust, sweat and cold resistance.
These headphones are specially designed for the slopes, with oversized buttons making them easy to control without the need to take off your gloves. Additionally, the built in mic offers Siri and Google Voice control for full mobile device usability.
These wireless headphones are designed specifically for mountain sports, with their easy to use features making them exceptionally practical on the snow. If you intend to buy them, make sure you have a compatible helmet first.
Pros
- 10 hours play time
- Easy to use buttons
- Weather resistant (IP45)
- Siri and Google Voice compatible
- Great sound quality at any volume
- Produced by skiers, for skiers
Pros
- Only usable with a compatible helmet
- Microphone could be improved
Skullcandy XTplyo In-Ear Sport Earbuds
Key Features
- Wireless: Wired
- Play Time: Unlimited
- Weather Proofing: Water Resistant
The Scullcandy XTplyo Earbuds are simple and easy to use. Offering some of the best ear-stability on the market, they are a great choice for skiers.
The soft in-ear earbud tips seal to your ear, improving comfort and stability. This also improves sound quality and reduces unwanted outside noise.
These winged ear-buds come with triple-lock technology, making them suitable for most ear shapes and sizes. They also have easy to access controls for on-slope practicality.
Scullcandy are a brand that have been producing quality headphones for many years and the XTplyo are a great example of this. Anyone looking for a secure, reliable and budget friendly pair of headphones will not be dissapointed.
Pros
- Comfortable fit
- Easy to use
- Accessible controls
- Noise cancelling
- Reliable brand
- Built-in microphone
- Budget friendly price
Cons
- Wires may be annoying for some skiers
- Sound quality may decrease over time
Summing Up
Getting the best skiing headphones can make a big difference to your on-slope experience. Take your time to assess the options available and weigh up the pros and cons to make an informed decision.
Keep in mind that skiing while listening to music can be dangerous. With the ability to hear your surroundings impaired, the possibility for a collision with another skier is increased.
However, when done safely, skiing with music can turn a good day on the slopes into a great one.
James is the founder of SnowSunSee. He started skiing when he was five years old and has been a qualified ski instructor for 8 years. He has taught skiing in many countries, including UK, Europe, Japan, China and Malaysia. When he’s not on the slopes, James spends his time travelling the world one trail at a time.