Ski touring helmets & goggles · Test magazine 2026
Tech talk with Awena Jouannic, Salomon
Product Line Manager Protective · Print page 135
Tests, reviews and background on Salomon
With the MTN Lab and MTN Patrol models, Salomon offers two lightweight helmets that meet safety standards for alpine skiing, mountaineering and cycling. What sets the helmets apart?
With their multi-norm certification and low weight, MTN Lab and MTN Patrol represent maximum versatility. Both helmets are suitable for skiing, mountaineering and cycling and offer athletes and mountain professionals a reliable all-in-one solution. The most important difference lies in the specially developed color variants of the MTN Patrol. They increase the visibility of mountain professionals and ensure even more safety in the terrain.
What are the biggest hurdles when it comes to shell construction in order to meet the strict standards for skiing, biking and climbing and still keep the helmet as light as a feather?
Developing a helmet that meets the safety requirements of three sports means balancing different requirements. For skis and bikes, the standards require greater coverage in the temple and back of the head areas, which requires additional material. The ski certification also includes a penetration test, which is why ventilation openings must be smaller and reinforced. When climbing, the helmet must be able to withstand impact forces from falling rocks or ice. This requires more material thickness in the upper head area. In order to still achieve a low weight, Salomon relies on an in-mold construction, optimized helmet geometry as well as lightweight textiles and adjustment systems. This is complemented by the patented EPS4D technology, which enables high protection with low weight.
How does the patented EPS4D cushioning physically work in a fall, and how does it absorb oblique impact forces better than standard foam?
EPS4D is Salomon's patented impact absorption technology. The EPS structure is constructed in such a way that independent cushioning zones are created that optimally absorb the impact energy. In the event of an impact, these areas deform in a targeted and independent manner, reducing the forces acting on the head. This controlled deformation is particularly effective in direct impacts at high speed and enables a high level of protection while keeping the weight low.
How does the ventilation concept solve the climatic conflict between the sweaty climb and the ice-cold descent?
The construction of the helmets is designed to function in a wide range of mountain conditions. During the ascent, generously sized air inlets and optimized ventilation channels ensure effective ventilation and support thermoregulation. For the descent, users can choose between summer and winter equipment, which means that thermal performance and comfort can be specifically adapted to the area of use and weather.
What does Salomon's test protocol look like to guarantee the practical suitability of the helmets in advance - for example in combination with headlamps and ski goggles?
During the development process, Salomon conducts extensive fit testing with a large group of test subjects. These start with the first prototypes and accompany development through to the series product. In addition, the helmets are subjected to durability tests to check the robustness of the headlamp attachment. Compatibility is tested with common ski goggles and headlamps. Before market launch, mountain guides and mountain rescue members test the helmets under real conditions over an entire winter season. Their feedback flows directly into the final product evaluation and helps to validate performance, comfort and functionality before the start of sales.
