Best Action Camera for Skiing: My Top Pick

by Simon Naylor | Updated: November 7th, 2022 |  Recommended Gear

Action cameras are getting better every year and the competition between brands is always strong. While GoPro is a firm favorite there is some tough competition from Insta360 – which I choose as my top pick for the best ski action camera this season.

My Top Pick

1. Insta360 X3 (Best Action Camera for Adventure Seekers)
2. GoPro Hero5 Sessions (Great Choice)

1. Insta360 X3

Best Action Camera for Adventure Seekers

Why I Picked the Insta360 X3

Here are the main differences that separate the Insta360 X3 from the rest of the pack:

• Incredible camera quality. I was impressed with how the 4K single-lens feature allows for 4K resolution with 30 fps. The MaxView can also be activated by using the ultra-wide setting for a 2.7K resolution which is great for taking HD videos of yourself and others skiing. 

• HDR videos. 8K time-lapses and 72MP photos are available when using the 360-degree camera feature. This provides you with more filming options when it comes to capturing your skiing trips on video. 

• Shooting in low light conditions isn’t a problem with the Insta360 X3. This is due to the built-in 48MP sensors. They capture more pixels that result in higher-quality images and videos in various lighting conditions. So, if you’re out skiing when it’s getting dark, you can be sure that this camera will still provide videos and pictures in clarity. 

• The stabilization features are excellent for keeping the camera steady and giving it a gimbal-style aesthetic whilst the camera is attached to you. This is great for taking videos when you’re skiing without the footage being shaky. 

• The large 2.29” responsive touchscreen display makes this camera super easy to use. You can navigate through the settings easily whilst you’re on the move. Skiers like how they can change between the camera settings to be creative and get different shots without any hassle. 

• The level of durability that’s available is also impressive. This camera is waterproof up to 33 feet and has been designed with a strong body to ensure that it can withstand rough environments.

• With A.I. technology, the camera automatically finds the best shots to frame for your 360-degree videos. I was impressed with how the A.I. tech also keeps track of moving objects. You can film in the general direction of another skier and the A.I. will frame them automatically to make better videos. 

• The sky swap feature allows your creativity to run wild. By using the Shot Lab, you can add templates that replace the sky in your shots which is a super fun process that makes for unique videos. 

• The run time is impressive as it can last for 81 minutes after being fully charged. The USB-C charging port makes it easy to charge the camera.

• With BLE 5.0 Bluetooth technology, this camera effortlessly connects to your devices. 

Insta360 X3 Kits

There are several options to choose from with the kits for this camera. This includes the basic standalone version that just includes the camera. However, there’s a Snow Set Kit which is fantastic for skiers. 

Snow Set Kit 

• One snow bundle
• One 64GB microSD card
• One lens cap
• One invisible selfie stick (1 x 120cm)

2. GoPro Hero5 Sessions

Great Choice

Why I Picked the Go Pro Session

Here's the main difference that separates the Go Pro Hero 5 Session from the rest of the pack:

• It's impressively small, lightweight, and delivers 4k footage.
• It's fully waterproof without the need for another external case.
• The GoPro connects to your phone and allows you to live stream the video being captured (you can also move pictures and videos wirelessly to your phone for storage.)
• Built-in voice control. You can start the camera without pressing a button: simply say 'GoPro, start recording'.
• It takes 10MP photos and supports a time-lapse mode.
• GoPro has put a lot of work into making the app look and work seamlessly, which adds to the power of this camera.
• It has an easy-to-use one-button system that you press to record or take a photo. Press to stop and press multiple times for other options.

Features To Look For In A Quality Skiing Helmet Cam Unit:

• 4k Video resolution - so it's future-proof and packs in enough pixels for projecting on larger-size TV/Monitor screens.

• Strong, waterproof, and shockproof. The mounts and casing should be able to absorb high-intensity skiing movements without damage.

• The mount should be easy to attach and detach in a moment. (less than 15-20 seconds).

• Motion stabilization is a must. The movement in an action cam is what produces immersive, footage, but you do need the minor shakes stabilized to make the footage watchable.

• Ability to mount easily onto your ski helmet, without being too big or clunky - otherwise you'll have difficulty getting into chairlifts and pulling the bar down over your head.

• The camera needs to be lightweight and not put too much weight on your head and neck. The lighter the better.

• The lens should adjust quickly to changes in light. When you move from the shade to the sunlight, the speed at which the camera's exposure adjusts will affect the final quality of your footage.

• The camera should be easy to turn on and off, record footage, and stop.

• Easy Bluetooth connection to your phone & strong app interface.

• The built-in microphone captures the depth of sound and reduces wind noise.

• Built-in wide-angle view (ability to cycle through different views a bonus.)

• Able to handle extreme cold and snow.

• Wireless.

• USB rechargeable battery with a long life

Watch Footage From The GoPro Hero5

A day out on the slopes with Jack in Utah. GoPro Hero5 attached to his helmet, he got some epic shots jumping on the piste, and plowing down some fine mountain powder.

Why You Should Get A Ski Helmet Action Camera

A ski helmet camera is a perfect way to capture yourself and your friends skiing down the mountain. By sitting on your helmet with a wide-angle lens, the action camera is able to capture your ski turns, the sky, jumps, powder movement, and the surrounding landscape.

1. Wide-angle

Built-in stabilizations adjust for shaky movements, but give you an immersive experience that really captures the intensity of the sport.

The camera is mounted on your helmet, so it doesn't reduce your visibility, but the camera is able to see a wider angle of view than a traditional phone or handheld camera can deliver. It's wireless, in that you hit record and it can record the footage to an onboard memory card.

2. Bluetooth

Some models can then connect via Bluetooth to your phone, and then allow you to edit and share photos and videos directly to Facebook or Instagram without even leaving the mountain. You can transfer files to your phone, edit or save them in the built-in app on your phone and then clear the space from your camera for more room.

3. Small Memory Cards

The cameras support mini-USB which are very tiny memory cards that can usually hold between 8-32GB but can hold up to 128GB in space if you go for a more expensive card. You'll need what's known as a Class-10 memory card - which means that it can write and record to the card at the highest possible speed (with no delays).

4. Move To Any Mount

Cards are interchangeable and easily slide in and out, meaning you can keep multiple cards in your backpack and switch them out without much trouble.

Tip: I use my helmet camera to film my day and share it with friends. It's also a great way to improve your skiing. You can look back at the footage and see things you wouldn't normally notice. 

A bird's eye view of your leg movements and ski placements can give you valuable feedback on how to improve. The cameras easily attach to small mounts, meaning you can share the same camera with someone else that has put the amount on their helmet. That way you can easily swap the position of the camera, to capture unique angles.

5. Capture Everything

Helmet cameras record without the need to physically hold them in your hand. Hit record on your connected phone or on the button on the side and they will begin to capture EVERYTHING in the direction of your gaze.

Advances in technology year after year, mean that ski helmet cameras are getting lighter, recording high-quality images, and finding improved ways to deal with stabilization.

Built-in software and post-footage stabilization through the camera's app mean you can produce the quality footage that required an entire camera crew just a few years ago.

6. Capture Memories

Helmet cameras are a fun way to capture memories, view your skiing from a third person, and remember your skiing adventures for a lifetime.

The cameras can withstand the cold of the mountain air and usually use rechargeable batteries that can be recharged by plugging a micro USB charge into your wall socket, laptop, or a battery pack that you keep in your backpack. The battery life lasts between 1-3 hours of continuous use.

About Us

Hello, I'm Simon & I love skiing. I started skiing in 2007 and I founded this website to help new skiers learn everything there is to know about skiing. NewToSki.com has grown to be a trusted resource for over a million skiers to plan their ski trips each year and learn more about every aspect of skiing. Be sure to join my email list for the best tips and handpicked deals each week.