A ski helmet must perform when it's well below freezing, and our quality control protocol at SPIRIT is designed to guarantee that. We have a specific "Cold-Weather QC" protocol that goes beyond standard testing. We subject random samples of our finished helmets to a 24-hour cold soak in a freezer, then immediately test the functionality of all mechanical parts. Can the adjustment dial still be turned easily? Does the ventilation slider move freely? Do the plastic buckles retain their strength and not become brittle? We also perform impact tests on these cold-soaked helmets to ensure the EPS liner and shell materials perform to the ASTM F2040 standard even at low temperatures. This extra layer of scrutiny ensures that every ski helmet we ship is not just certified, but truly ready for the harshest conditions the mountain can deliver.