I have the GIRO Fuse helmet. It is very light and extremely comfortable; has adjustable vents and removable earflaps so it is very flexible for the varying temps you will see during the season. Audio-earflaps are also available for this model.
If they move both parks to the east side, it may be even longer before you can use them since the east side is always the last area to get the snowmaking.
I've heard negatives about the Rangers but not the Ski Patrol. What does the Ski Patrol do? I just always see them helping bring down the unfortunate injured people.