It may be tempting to incorrectly identify a balaclava or ski mask as a delightful pastry (you know we’re talking about baklava!) but that just wouldn’t be right. Balaclavas are a specific type of face warmer. The term has recently come to be used ubiquitously to describe any face warming device – from neck warmers to full face, windproof fabrics. We’re going to avoid neck warmers and stick solely to the more dedicated balaclavas and their modified counterparts. Today, we can find the best ski mask balaclavas in fleece, wool or other synthetics such as polyester, and each one has a purpose.

They’re made to be thick or thin, sometimes windproof, and often feature breathing holes to leave room for your breath to escape. The best balaclavas, however, are chosen specifically to match the needs of the wearer for snowmobiling, skiing or other snow sports.

Best Ski Mask Balaclavas

	Smartwool Men's NTS Mid 250 Pattern Balaclava	Beardski Prospector Ski Mask	Fantastic Zone Balaclava
Material:	100% merino wool	50% cotton, 50% polyester	Nylon polyester
Colors:	Black, gray	12 styles/colors to choose from	Black only
Features:	Breathable warmth, moisture-wicking, machine washable	Adjustable flaps to fit all sizes, water resistant, machine washable	Ultra lightweight, breathable mesh material, machine washable

For more of my ski gear recommendations, have a look through these popular Outside Pursuits guide links: Ski Base Layers, Ski Jackets, Ski Pants

Quick Answer: The Best Ski Mask Balaclavas

1. Smartwool NTS Mid 250 Pattern Balaclava
2. Beardski Prospector Ski Mask
3. Fantastic Zone Balaclava
4. Buff Balaclava
5. ZANheadgear Neoprene Half Face Mask
6. Seirus Innovation Unisex Neofleece Combo Scarf
7. Chaos-CTR Howler Windproof Balaclava

Our reviews of the top rated ski masks with our buyers guide will help you choose the right mask for you.

Ski Mask Balaclava Reviews

#1 Editor’s Choice – Smartwool Men’s NTS Mid 250 Pattern Balaclava

I personally own this balaclava and love it to death! For any occasion but the most extreme winds, this balaclava is all I need. When activity levels are high, this is my go-to choice. With flat-sewn seams all around, the lightweight 100% merino wool sits comfortably on my skin. It’s thin enough that your breath can easily pass through without needing breathing holes. Fortunately, it’s also extremely lightweight so it accompanies me on most of my cold weather backpacking trips.

I tend to stash it in an inside coat pocket when skiing, just in case I encounter some nasty conditions. Then I’ll tuck it under my neck warmer and it’s thin enough to be worn comfortably under a helmet. Overall, I’d say this is the best balaclava for skiing and all-around cold weather use. The use of merino wool means it dries quickly and resists the buildup of old breath odors, too! It comes in the classic colors black and gray, so it should be versatile enough to complement your goggles, helmet and ski gear.

#2 Runner Up – Beardski Prospector Ski Mask

This one makes our list for a pretty simple reason: it makes you look like a hardcore mountain man. This neoprene face-only mask is easy to take on and off while you’ve already got a hat, helmet and goggles on. I’ve personally seen many skiers use this for warmth, and the neoprene mask plus the long “beard” acts as a balaclava and neck warmer all in one. There are lots of different colors and styles to choose from, and it’s important to note that this ski mask should be hand-washed only, not in your machine.

While made of 50% cotton and 50% polyester, the only downside is that it’s bulky and heavy. If you want to take it off, you’ll need a backpack and not just a pocket to store it in. Unless, of course, your pockets are mega-size. There’s something to be said about what might be the coolest ski mask as well, because these are definitely all the rage right now.

#3 Best Protection – Fantastic Zone Balaclava

It’s pretty hard to argue with the price of this thin, polyester balaclava. It’s made to be windproof using polyester, which has natural wicking abilities for quickly drying your breath and excess moisture. One of my favorite things about this balaclava is that it features a separate upper and lower half, which means the mask can be worn in a combination of ways. With a few adjustments, it can cover everything but the eyes, or be pulled back to cover just the neck as a thin warmer.

It’s also possible to adjust this ski mask to cover anything in between. Definitely earning top marks for frugality and versatility! However, because the fabric is windproof and the mouth features no dedicated breathing holes, after a period of time you might still get moisture buildup. There’s also the very real potential for hot breath to be accidentally directed up toward your goggles or glasses where it can cause fog, so keep this in mind.

#4 Best Multi-Functional – Buff Balaclava

Nope, not a joke. This one is literally just called the “Buff”. They’ve been popular for years in the hiking and backpacking world for their versatility and usefulness in many forms. It’s really just a stretchy, warm fabric usually available in wild colors and patterns. What’s neat about this one is that it’s made of 100% merino wool, and you can wear it in 12 different ways:

• Neckerchief
• Headband
• Mask
• Hood
• Balaclava
• Durag
• Cap
• Hairband

It’s pretty thin, so you won’t want to fight the most frigid winds of the north with this on. This balaclava should only be hand-washed, and it comes in 15 colors and styles, so you’ll be sure to find one that matches your unique style.

#5 Best Value – ZANheadgear Neoprene Half Face Mask

If you’re looking to make a statement on the slopes, then the ZANheadgear half mask is for you. This mask comes in one of the most unique designs I’ve seen. The creative half-mask design not only makes a statement, but is super functional to keep your face warm while you’re on the slopes. After all, when you’re wearing your goggles, your nose and mouth will be the only parts of your face that’s exposed, so all you really need is the half face mask.

Another great bonus is that it’s reversible, so it can be worn on either side giving you that 2-for-1 value. This ZANheadgear mask is available in standard black if you’re after a more classic look. It only comes in one size, but being made of 70% stretchy neoprene and 30% polyester, it should fit most faces comfortably.

#6 Customer’s Choice – Seirus Innovation Unisex Neofleece Combo Scarf

If you’re looking for a simple, no-nonsense mask to stay warm, the bargain priced Seirus is for you! The half mask portion is made from standard neoprene, which should fit your face comfortably and keep you warm. The scarf section made from 200 wt Polartec® fleece will keep your neck warm on those freezing cold days on the mountain.

The opening for your nose is large enough to allow you to breathe easily and not fog up your goggles. I like that it comes in four sizes so you can get the perfect fit, making it ideal for kids as well. The mask is waterproof and has a breathable liner, so if you start sweating it will be able to evaporate. It also has an adjustable Velcro closure making it super easy to take on and off!

#7 Best Windproof – Chaos-CTR Howler Windproof Balaclava

Finally, we’re going to take a look at a fully windproof balaclava with a hinged upper and lower construction. One of the biggest drawbacks of windproof balaclavas is the buildup of wet breath. Fortunately, this balaclava takes that into account with a dedicated mesh breathing patch around the mouth to let out breath, without letting in too much air. The issue with simply putting holes in a balaclava is that they let in the wind, snow and unwanted moisture in general. By using a mesh breathing panel, however, you can allow for the passage of breath and fresh air without directly letting in the cutting, cold wind. This balaclava is great for those who love to mix things up a bit, as there are 4 fun ways to wear the mask. It comes in sizes ranging from S-M, L-XL and a Junior size for the little ones.

You’ll also be able to tuck this balaclava inside your coat to keep everything tightly wrapped up. The elongated neck segment is flared at the end to help drape over the shoulders and tuck well inside the jacket. Overall, this is one of the best balaclavas for the extreme cold, and a great choice for the nasty weather you might encounter in extreme conditions.

Ski Mask Balaclavas Comparison Table

How to Choose the Best Ski Mask

I personally own several different balaclavas – a thin merino one for running, a thick windproof one for the coldest windy days on the mountain, and a few in between for other levels of activity.

Design and material are the two biggest assets that any balaclava can have, because it’s the combination of these two factors which makes or breaks a balaclava.

Material

When picking out a balaclava, you’ll have to choose between a few different materials – though many fail to spend adequate time understanding the differences.

– Polyester

• Great at wicking away moisture and drying quickly
• Can often build up “stink factor” from breath and become worn more quickly
• Good lightweight material choice

– Nylon

Nylon is one of the most common materials used in ski masks because it’s inexpensive and durable. Nylon also has great breathability and lets out moisture easily.

• Can be woven tightly to be windproof
• More durable than most other outdoor fabrics
• Often used in combination with other fabrics as a blend

– Merino Wool

Probably the warmest fabric out there, and also very soft. Wool can have the downside of being itchy to some people.

• Great moisture-wicking properties
• Odor-resistant
• Overall the best choice for most balaclavas/ski masks

– Neoprene

Another synthetic fabric that’s very warm and inexpensive. Being a synthetic material, it’s durable and will last a long time.

• Windproof
• Highly water-resistant
• Doesn’t let the breath escape well

Design

Balaclavas are, by design, meant to cover the head, face and mouth. Usually, they only leave an opening for the eyes, and sometimes they have mouth and nose breathing holes. In today’s market, however, you’ll find “mask” type designs which cover only the cheeks and mouth. You may also find convertible balaclavas which can function as neck warmers, masks and balaclavas all in one. I’ll describe a few ideal designs for different wearers:

– For the Helmet Wearer

Most snowboard and ski helmet wearers will want one of two options:

• A thin, merino wool balaclava
• A removable, “mask-only” balaclava

I find that thicker material under my helmet really bothers me and often causes headaches. Further, the added material can make many helmets fit improperly or function unsafely. Either choose a thin balaclava or a face only, removable type mask with an adjustable Velcro strap.

– Goggle Integration

If you plan on skiing in very cold weather, look for a ski mask that has smaller eye openings so the goggle seals against the mask. If the eye opening is too large, it will leave skin exposed and can then leave you vulnerable to frostbite.

– Adjustability

Most ski masks are made from a stretchy material that will be form fitting to your face. All of the neoprene ski masks have a Velcro closure system on the back that allows you to fit the mask to your face. If you go with a mask that covers your head, then you’ll need to get the proper size since they won’t have an adjustable strap.

– For Full Protection

If you’re not wearing a helmet and want full head protection, look for a traditional balaclava to cover the head, face and mouth. When choosing this type of protection, you’ll probably want to either wear a hat over the top portion for extra warmth, or a thicker balaclava that’s entirely windproof. Be careful when choosing a windproof balaclava, however, as they’re almost always waterproof as well. This means you’ll want breathing holes or you’ll be marinating in stinky breath by the end of the day.

Conclusion

When it comes to balaclavas, warmer isn’t always better. Even in freezing conditions, most physical activities will keep you warm enough to only need a thin balaclava. When the serious weather hits, or if you’re riding a snowmobile or motorcycle in cold weather, you may need a dedicated windproof balaclava. You’ll definitely need to choose based on your level of activity, weather conditions and your personal preference. We’ve offered up choices to meet a variety of different needs, and we hope this guide was helpful for finding the perfect one to fit yours!

FAQs

What’s the difference between a ski mask and balaclava?

The terms ski mask and balaclava refer to the same product and are often used interchangeably, as we’ve done in this article.

What are the best materials for a ski mask?

The best ski masks are usually made out of merino wool, nylon, polyester or a combination of these materials. You’ll want to look for those that specify breathability and moisture-wicking abilities, so that yours stays warm and dry at all times.

How tight should a ski mask be?

It’s ideal for a ski mask to be worn loosely around the face so it can be adjusted as needed, and not so tight that it affects your breathability. Most are one-size-fits-all, and again it’s important to look for those made of well-ventilated materials to give you optimal comfort when on the slopes.

How should I wash my ski mask?

You’ll find that most of the products we’ve recommended are machine washable and dryable, so this makes washing hassle-free. You should always check with the manufacturer’s instructions in case it advises against machine washing, in which case a gentle hand wash or spot clean with a mild detergent will be your best bet.

Are ski masks worth getting?

When it comes to masks, you really don’t need much insulation or warmth. Mostly just keeping the wind off your face will keep you warm enough to keep going on the slopes. Ski masks or balaclavas are worth getting if you do want that extra protection and warmth, but they’re certainly not necessary. I usually carry a thin, windproof ski mask as a backup to my fleece neckwarmer when I’m out on the mountain.

Recent Updates

February 10, 2022: Verified availability of all products. Awards have been assigned to each product, additional FAQs have also been included to address popular customer queries.