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No fiddling with ear straps, buttons, or loops — this mask is as seamless going on and off and is as comfortable as it gets. We chose the ski masks on this list by testing them or through thorough research. We made sure to include a variety of ski mask options to suit different needs and budgets. How we tested One of the most important skiing equipment components is the ski mask, also known as the Balaclava. However, it is a misconception that balaclavas are only wearable while skiing. These are also very useful in hot weather or other sports such as off-roading. Let’s talk more about this interesting and important piece of equipment. What is a Balaclava?
We tested a variety of our favorites in temperatures from -10 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit and in wind, snow, sleet, and cold. In testing, we not only looked at the overall performance of each, but also at fit, style, breathability, and durability. Frequently Asked Questions How tight should a ski mask fit?
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Depending on which ski mask you choose, you may have a choice in size. If you have a small or large head, you may want to choose a ski mask that provides various size choices to ensure you get the right fit. The best fabrics for a ski mask are anything that keeps you warm and comfy, even if it gets wet from snow, condensation, or rain. Merino wool is one of the best fabrics since it is very lightweight, makes a great base layer, and insulates when wet. Other suitable materials for face masks include fleece, polyester, neoprene, or any synthetic fabric. Q: Can I machine-wash a ski mask? Some of the balaclavas we have described here are an important part of proper ski gear. These are recommended by ski resorts all over the world, and therefore these are of top quality. This guide to the best ski masks is for anyone active outside in the winter. Have you ever felt your face go numb? Wearing a ski mask can protect your face from wind, snow, and ice. The Protective Bandana is a full-coverage mask with a nose wire that loops over both ears — so it’s not easy to take on and off. But that being said, you don’t want to be fiddling with a mask when you’re out on the slopes — you want to be skiing. So pop this mask on, and you’ll be all set for the lift lines on the way up and the fun on the way down. Outdoor Research Protective Essential Midweight Balaclava Kit
To make sure that the ski masks we chose were up to snuff, we wore them while skiing and snowboarding. We considered the materials, design, and comfort of the ski masks, and most importantly, whether or not they caused goggles to fog up while on the move. What materials are used? Typically, you’re looking for a combination of fleece and a stretchy material like spandex. Mask, gaiter, buff, tube — whatever you call it, however you wear it, it’s an essential piece of gear if you’ll be hitting the snow this season. The neodanna is a style popularized by the motorcycle world. It features a neoprene face mask with a bandana around it. They often feature designs such as skulls on the face part of the mask. Hoods
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Nylon - A popular and versatile choice, nylon is protective but breathable and let's moisture out. It's also durable and relatively inexpensive and can be used in combination with other fabrics to provide a durable blend. It also offers high levels of windproof protection. Finding a comfortable ski mask will allow you to wear it all day long while you shred the slopes. Make sure the ski mask does not have any seams in uncomfortable places, as the last thing you want is to be scratching or need to adjust constantly while skiing. The fabric you choose will also make a difference. Soft materials like merino wool or fleece can be more comfortable than some polyester or nylon masks. But if you run hot, it may be more comfortable to wear something smooth and cool like polyester. Integration with goggles
Are you wearing other protective equipment? If you’re going to be wearing ski goggles or a helmet, make sure you buy balaclavas that won’t fog up your goggles and will fit snugly under a ski helmet. After using some (like BUFF) for literally thousands of outings, we’ve come to rely on them and can count on them for consistency and quality. So, we take this into account when making our selections. Materials There are tons of options on the market, but we have some favorites. Keep in mind, most of the products listed below come in men’s, women’s, and kids’ styles and many colors and patterns. Get a mask that’s either a synthetic blend of polyester and spandex fabrics or merino wool. Avoid cotton, as it will retain moisture and be cold against the skin (unless you’re looking for a mask to wear around indoor mountain areas and not while physically skiing). Our entire staff has used the majority of the face coverings and gaiters tested here for multiple seasons in a row now. For our initial testing, we spent around 2 months (in a few places across the country) wearing these gaiters, buffs, and balaclavas skiing, snowshoeing, and commuting in the winter.A: I’ll start with the worst fabric for a ski mask: cotton. Cotton soaks up moisture and does not provide any warmth when it gets wet. That’s why most outdoors people say “cotton kills,”, especially in cold and wet environments. Editor’s note: We updated this article first in December 2020 after receiving new information from ski resorts. At that time, representatives from Vail Resorts, Winter Park, and more noted that their resorts accept any cloth mask that fully covers the nose and mouth. Outdoor Research Protective Essential Bandana Kit The Tech Clava features a hinged balaclava design, which allows the hooded section to be worn both up and down. The front section slightly meshes so that air can flow in and out of the mask for easy breathing. This product is machine washable so you can keep it fresh season after season! Maintenance - Always refer to your maintenance instructions to ensure that you correctly look after your chosen balaclava. Depending upon what the principle material construction will determine the washing and care procedures. Many can be removed and simply popped into the washing machine on a regular cycle. Balaclava FAQ Q : What is balaclava? A: How tight your ski mask should be depends on what type of ski mask you are wearing. A balaclava should fit pretty snug on your face since this will be your base layer, and you might be wearing a helmet, hood, or hat over the ski mask. On the other hand, if you wear a ski hood, you might want it to fit looser, as those typically go outside your layers. Q: What are the best fabrics for a ski mask?
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