The biting wind off the summit always felt different. Today, it carried a threat, a whisper of ice hidden just beneath the pristine powder. As I adjusted the straps, the Avera MIPS felt… right.

For years, I’ve hammered into students the importance of a properly fitted helmet. It’s not just about passing a test; it’s about living to ski another day. The In Form Fit System on the Avera, with its vertical tuning, allows for genuinely custom adjustments. And frankly, the dial at the back is far easier to use with gloved hands than some of the clunkier systems I’ve wrestled with. The lightweight I.M. construction contributes to that feeling of barely-there protection.

The beauty of MIPS, of course, is its ability to mitigate rotational forces. That’s the silent killer, the stuff that sneaks up on you after a seemingly innocuous fall. And it’s where this helmet genuinely shines. I’ve seen too many otherwise healthy skiers end their seasons (or careers) because of preventable head injuries.

Now, let’s be honest, the Avera isn’t a burly, full-shell helmet. That makes it more comfortable for extended use, but maybe less ideal if you’re constantly hucking cliffs or getting into tree well scenarios. If that sounds like you, consider something like the Smith Vantage, a little beefier in construction, but the Avera is a stellar all-mountain performer.

My one nitpick? The vent closures could be a touch more substantial. They get the job done, but I’ve found myself checking them frequently on particularly windy days. It’s nothing a little careful manipulation with a glove doesn’t fix.

For the intermediate to advanced female skier who values comfort, fit, and top-tier safety technology, the Giro Avera MIPS is a no-brainer. Go ahead, snag one. Your future self will thank you. Consider that, and get back out there.