What Headphones are best for Skiing?

Should I buy noise-cancelling headphones or regular closed-back (sealed) headphones?

• I will use these headphones primarily during air travel. There has been a lot of hype lately about active "noise cancelling" headphones that electronically filter out certain noises, but I read that these negatively affect the quality of the music coming through them. Can I just buy a good pair of closed-back traditional headphones, instead? How effective are these in blocking out airline engine noise compared to battery-powered active noise-cancelling headphones? Also, the noise cancelling headphones are much more expensive than the regular noise-isolating headphones; so, if these are just as effective, it will be much easier on my wallet, too. ***NOTE: I am not comparing noise-cancelling headphones to noise-isolating 'earbuds' (that go in the ear canal). I am comparing HEADPHONES, one with active noise-cancelling circuitry vs. one without. Sorry to post this question in "Home Theater", but there is no category for "headphones", and I thought that the home theater section would be a more likely place to get a detailed, intelligent answer.

• Answer:

  If these are going to be used on an airplane, get the noise cancelers. Even when not using the headphones to listen to something, the noise-canceling feature greatly reduces the background roar of the engine. However you really need to get something that is either in-ear, or over the ear for the noise cancelling to work. You can find noise-cancelling headphones for $30-40 on the low-end. I got a nice set of Able Planet noise cancelling headsets from Costco for $40 (they were $50 at Best Buy.) They are over-the-ear, but don't get excessively hot. They use a single AAA battery (inserts into the left headphone) and have in-line volume control. The headphone cable is detachable from the headset entirely in case you just want to use them for noise cancelling. Finally, the headsets fold flat and come with a nice bag for easy storage.