Minimum headlamp power?

Princeton Tec EOS is one of the brighter lights I've used.

agree about the princeton tec lights. they are designed to also use lithium batteries which greatly improves battery life if you use it heavily.

(the fenix light I mentioned is a bit expensive)

I've had good luck with the Myo XP and the BD Spot. Spot's lighter, XP has more oomph.

The Princeton Tec Apex Pro is a "big brother" of the EOS, with a more robust external battery pack -- comes highly recommended by some of my SAR friends if you really need a ton of light to work in, but probably overkill for day trips or recreational purposes.

I like the Apex. Granted that it's relatively heavy mostly due to 4 AAs, but my theory is that you never know when you might need a ton of light to work in. The low setting is fine for most purposes and will last a long time with lithium batteries, the high is good and the uber-high, well I have used it a few times and was glad I had it for those few minutes.

The only negative I have heard on the Apex is that it apparently fails under very wet conditions (has not happened to me).

The ultimate wearable electric light is the Sten light www.stenlight.com/

I have seen these in action on long caving trips of up to a week in duration and boy are they nice. At $310, it's a bit more than the minimum. They are designed to be helmet-mounted.

Friends have pointed out that over several years of heavy use (caving), the light pays for itself by having a recheargeable battery rather than chewing up disposable batteries. Two rechargeables will last a week of 10-12 hour days/nights (and lighter than the amount of lithium disposable AAs for the same duration in an Apex).

Depends on what you are planning on doing - the minimum required for safety while skinning up the cattrack at Hyak in the dark is less than what's required to stay out of cravasses on an unfamiliar route on a glacier at 3:00 AM, for instance.

I've been underwhelmed by the original Tikka/Zipka lights at walking speeds, let alone skiing. The Plus 2 versions are brighter, but I think there are better options out there. IME (using or travelling with someone else who's wearing one) the BD Spot, Princeton Tec EOS, and Petzl Myo XP (kind of in a different class) are all solid choices.

I don't ski in the dark on purpose (it does happen), but do use a headlamp to run in the dark. On a trail run through the Enchantments I found myself relying on and delaying others because I stopped to replace batteries and then it didn't work at all due to a sprung contact it was too dark and cold to fix on the run. Now I follow Lowell Skoog's advice and carry two lights instead of extra batteries, for almost same weight. When I bought the new light, found dramatic improvements at same or less weight and cost. The $30 Black Diamond Spot is great, 3 AAA's. Photos shows it next to the older Petzl something or other.