CE EN1077 Class A is a European safety standard for alpine ski helmets that tests for full head coverage, including the ears. Helmets meeting this standard have rigid ear protection built in, meaning they're impact-tested over a larger area of your head compared to Class B helmets, which only cover with soft ear pads.
This is the higher-protection tier of the two EN1077 classes, and it's required by many ski schools and race programs. If you're skiing in Europe, you'll find most helmets carry this certification.
For most skiers and snowboarders, a Class A helmet is a smart choice — the extra ear coverage adds meaningful protection without much downside. The main tradeoff is that rigid ear sections can feel less comfortable and muffle sound compared to soft-eared Class B helmets, which some park and freestyle riders prefer for the lighter, more open feel.