Don't make us say we told you so

You bought those all-terrain boards thinking you were saving yourself from the perils of blue-square groomers, where if the yahoos don't kill you, the boredom will. But there's another item that really can protect you—a helmet. (If you haven't noticed, ungroomed terrain can be lethal too: Western chutes are studded with rocks, and those eastern hardwoods are, well, quite hard.) Thankfully, manufacturers have finally done their part to make wearing one appealing—cool, even—in terms of both comfort and styling. Most shells are padded with expanded polystyrene (EPS), a lightweight foam that absorbs one major impact by spreading the load and destroying itself in the process. Most also have vents, and all are suitable for both skiers and snowboarders. Herewith, five of the best designs. Don't hit the slopes without one. —MARC PERUZZI

Photos: Clay Ellis