An apparatus and system are disclosed to extract breathable air from snow via a protective helmet. The apparatus includes a protective structure, at least one air intake cavity, and a mouthpiece. The protective structure defines an inner cavity and an outer surface. The air intake cavity or cavities are disposed on the outer surface of the protective structure. The mouthpiece is in fluid communication with the air intake cavity or cavities. Additionally, the mouthpiece is configured to allow a user to draw intake air from ambient snow through the one or more intake cavities and to the user's mouth upon inhalation. Advantageously, the apparatus and system provide a reliable mechanism for drawing air from ambient snow when a user, especially the user's face or head, is at least partially buried in the snow. Additionally, bulky and inefficient breathing tubes are minimized or eliminated.