When the temperatures plummet, your face deserves some love, and there's no easier way to stay protected from the weather than with a quality ski mask. Also known as balaclavas, they combine the best features of a beanie and neck warmer in one, with the bonus of full face coverage when you really need protection. We've been testing the very best ski masks and balaclavas from the world's leading outdoor brands so you can find something that suits your style, needs and budget.
While they've got a reputation as costume of choice for ninjas and bank robbers, balaclavas and ski masks are an essential item of winter clothing—after all, more heat is lost through the top of the head than any other part of the body (especially when the rest of you is covered in a ski jacket and pants). They come in many shapes, sizes and materials, with modern fabrics mixing with super soft merino wool for next-to-skin comfort. Thankfully, the days of the itchy wool hand-knitted designs are all but over. Read on to discover which is the best ski mask or balaclava for your winter sport activity.
Best Ski Mask Overall: Turtle Fur Comfort Luxe Quantum Balaclava
Best Value Ski Mask: BlackStrap The Hood Balaclava
Best Ski Mask For Versatility: Buff ThermoNet Hinged Balaclava
Best Waterproof Ski Mask: Sealskinz Beetley Head Gaitor
Best Multifunctional Snood: Buff Polar
Best Natural Fiber Ski Mask: Woolf Svarthetta Balaclava
Best Hood-Style Ski Mask: The North Face Whimzy Powder Hood
Best Windproof Ski Mask : 66° North Glymur Technical Balaclava
Best Balaclava Ski Mask: Outdoor Research Alpine Fleece Balaclava
Best Ski Mask For Kids: Turtle Fur Neckula Shellaclava
Best Ski Mask For Anon Goggle Wearers: Anon MFI Hellbrook Balaclava
Best Après Ski Mask: Halfdays x Matek Mot Mot Balaclava
Best Ski Mask Overall
Superior Comfort And Warmth
Turtle Fur Comfort Luxe Quantum Balaclava
Material: Polyester/rayon/spandex blend | Size: One size
Turtle Fur has been keeping necks and faces warm since 1982, and because they’re based on the East Coast, the company knows a thing or two about icy winds and bleak conditions. The Comfort Luxe Quantum is the most comfortable balaclava we've ever worn, boasting unrivaled thickness and warmth. It feels so good next to the skin and has the benefit of a hinged two-piece construction which is easy to pull away from the face and wear around the neck. There's also a double layer of fabric at the front which makes it even warmer.
It is slightly thicker and heavier (4 ounces) than most ski masks but it fits nicely under various helmets. Be warned though, if you run hot, this might be too hot if the temperature is anything but arctic.
Yes, all the fabric around the face can, if tucked into your goggles, cause some fogging, but with the exception of the Anon MFI system (see below), this is somewhat inevitable.
Pros:
- Sumptuous mid-weight fleece
- Versatile design
- Toasty warm and windproof
Cons:
- Can a balaclava be too warm?
Best Value Ski Mask
Everything You Need To Keep Warm
BlackStrap The Hood Balaclava
Material: TREO polyester, Dri-Flo fabric | Size: One size
A best-seller at Evo for good reason, the BlackStrap balaclava offers excellent all-weather protection (including 55+ SPF protection) and an impressive amount of stretch. It's a great design to wear under a helmet, being snug to the skin, but never irritating, and in my tests I appreciated the breathability of the TREO polyester fabric that did a good job wicking away any moisture. The fabric also has an anti-microbial treatment, so being sweaty and forgetting to wash it won't be a disaster. The fabric has also been doubled-up in key areas to protect against winds.
This ski mask has quite a traditional shape, but there is still a good hinge section between the head and neck section for added versatility and movement. All in all, it’s great value choice, and with 23 different designs, you can be boring or go bold.
Pros:
- Good value
- Stretchy
- Soft to the skin
Cons:
- The logo is a bit BS
Best Ski Mask For Versatility
Brilliantly Versatile Design For All
Buff ThermoNet Hinged Balaclava
Material: Polyester/elastane blend | Size: One size
Available in a host of funky prints or subdued colors, the ThermoNet collection of ski masks from Buff are brilliantly versatile, and if you're quick and don't mind a bold pattern, they're heavily discounted at Backcountry. The hinged, two-piece construction has a hole at the back for a ponytail and it can give full ninja-style protection over the face, or be used as a basic neck protector, or beanie and neck warmer. It fits under any helmet with ease, although be warned—the 2.3-ounce face covering is tight.
I've been using Buff neck warmers for years—running, cycling, hiking and skiing—and the PrimaLoft blend offers the best warmth without weight. This balaclava is no different, and while possibly too thin for the coldest days, the stretchy comfort and protection will be appreciated by those lapping lifts all day.
And special mention goes to the effective, if not a bit creepy, mouthpiece design, that eliminates the chance of goggle fogging.
Pros:
- Warmth without bulk
- Cool designs
- Versatile hinged design
Cons:
- Too tight for some
Best Waterproof Ski Mask
Impervious To The Worst Weather
Sealskinz Beetley Head Gaitor
Material: Polyester/elastane blend | Size: S/M, L/XL
Head gaitor isn't a term we've come across before, but it perfectly describes this waterproof balaclava from Sealskinz. It's not the softest or snuggest option here, but if you have to be outside when the weather is truly torrential, this design will keep your head and face dry.
It's quite thick, but fits under both my ski and bike helmet. It has a nice generous beanie section that pulls down completely covering my forehead, while the stretchy nose and face cover can be lifted easily when needed. There's also a toggle you can pull to cinch everything tightly together, although this should be reserved for the absolute worst conditions as it does make everything feel quite tight.
And unlike the rest of the ski masks on this list, the use of Aquasealz waterproof membrane means that rain just beads and runs off, leaving you dry and protected. We're not sure how well this protective coating survives after multiple washes, but so far, it feels impressively robust.
Pros:
- Impervious to the wet
- Cinchable opening
- Hinged design
Cons:
- Not especially soft lining
- Lacks stretch
Best Multifunctional Snood
When You Just Can't Embrace The Ninja Style
Buff Polar
Material: Polyester/elastane blend | Size: One size
It would be remiss of us to ignore snoods entirely here, especially as we've found one that's arguably more versatile than a standard ski mask, but still offers the same level of protection.
This extra long neck warmer design is made up from two different materials. The top section is standard Buff material (made from recycled polyester) with a nice amount of stretch, but the bottom third is delightfully warm, impressively biodegradable, PrimaLoft Bio fleece. The result is you can wear this as a neck warmer, beanie, face protector and full cover balaclava. It fits neatly under the helmet and has high levels of insulation where it counts, ideal for the snowy season.
Pros:
- Multi-functional design
- 97% recycled materials
- Biodegradable fleece
Cons:
- There's a lot of material to manage
Best Natural Fiber Ski Mask
Ninja-Style Merino Performance
Material: Merino wool blend | Size: One size
This journalist has been hugely impressed by Norwegian base layer brand Woolf, and I'm only too happy to recommend their merino thermals and ski socks. Their balaclava—despite having an unpronounceable name—also performs brilliantly thanks to a generous amount of merino wool and a cut that just works.
For the uninitiated, merino wool is sensational at keeping you warm while also wicking away moisture from the skin—ideal if you're skiing hard. It's also delightfully soft and naturally odor resistant. Here, they've used two types of fabric: 100% merino around the neck and shoulders, and a super fine Tencel, elastane and merino blend for the head and mouth. The combination means the beanie section fits effortlessly under all helmets without overheating and the mouth area remains ventilated, which minimizes fogging. The rest of your head and neck is toasty warm and—assuming you don't have an issue with natural fibers on your skin—wonderfully soft.
There's enough stretch in the design and fabric used around the skull that it also pulls down and sits more comfortably as a neck warmer than most other ‘performance’ designs.
Pros:
- Warm and wicking
- Generous cut
- Superb helmet fit
Cons:
- Merino isn't for everyone
- Costs more than most
Best Hood-Style Ski Mask
Oversized Fleecy Warmth
The North Face Whimzy Powder Hood
Material: 100% recycled polyester fleece | Size: S/M, L/XL
Ski helmets and hooded jackets rarely work well together. Yes, they will fit and offer protection against terrible conditions, but you'll struggle to turn your head. The solution is a hood-style balaclava that fits over your helmet, offering insulation without restricting your movements.
This example from The North Face is generous (read: huge) and delightfully fleecy. The outer features a WindWall water resistant coating that helps avoid snow accumulation and block out icy gusts. The hood can also be cinched in using a cord lock to customize the fit. It doesn't offer a traditional tight ski mask fit, which some people find a little suffocating, but the flip side is more chance of leaving a little skin exposed.
The stee*zy style might not be for everyone, but if you suffer in the cold, this is a blessing in a whiteout.
Pros:
- Over-helmet protection
- Recycled materials
- Water-resistant outer
Cons:
- Huge
- Doesn't have the sealed-in fit of traditional masks
Best Windproof Ski Mask
Serious Protection From The Elements
Material: Polartec polyester/spandex/nylon blend | Size: 1 (21 to 23 inches), 2 (23 to 24 inches)
More high performance headwear from the Nordics with this thick, protective and windproof balaclava from 66°North. Despite only weighing 2.9 ounces, it feels reassuringly robust due to the mix of Polartec fabrics. Over the head and across the mouth there are panels of Power Stretch Pro, a great material, famed for its warmth and stretchy nature, while around the neck and back of the head they've used Polartec Wind Pro. This material isn't anywhere near as stretchy, but it’s seriously good at keeping you warm, even in high winds.
I found the combination of materials reassuring in severe temperatures and conditions, and appreciated the fact that the mouth area still allowed me to breath normally without excessive fogging. It's another great option with helmets, and can double as a neck-only warmer if you're doing other activities.
The reduced stretch means it's important to check sizes for a comfortable fit. Size 1 measures 21 to 23 inches and size 2 measures 23 to 24 inches.
Pros:
- Serious kit for cold conditions
- Windproof where it counts
- Thick but comfortable
Cons:
- Not as heat-regulating as some
- Expensive (you'll need a second option for warmer days)
Best Balaclava Ski Mask
Innovative And Affordable Face Covering
Material: Polyester/nylon/spandex blend | Size: S/M, L/XL
A good value, this high performance ski mask is worth hunting down—your face will thank you.
Unlike most of the masks I tested, this polyester blend design has a soft-to-the-skin fleece inner but a snow-resistant outer helps prevent you from looking like a snowman if you do take a tumble in the powder. It's also appreciably windproof in all but the worst conditions.
I found that the overlapping 'hinged' fabric design made it easy to pull the head section away to wear it as a neck warmer, or with the head in place the neck section—whilst not as expansive as some—can be pulled up over the chin or nose with ease. They've even added in some silicone grips that do a great job holding onto your goggles.
Pros:
- Superb value even at full price
- Warm and versatile
- Soft shell outer repels snow
Cons:
- Short neck section
Best Ski Mask For Kids
Warmth And Protection For Sensitive Skin
Turtle Fur Neckula Shellaclava
Material: Polyester/spandex blend | Size: One size
While we're focusing on the younger kid's (3 to 6 years) balaclava from Turtle Fur, we could equally have chosen the Youth (7 to 12 years) Shellaclava. Both offer a snug but stretchy fit, a helmet-compatible hood and gorgeous fleece neck covering. The combination virtually guarantees warmth and comfort, which as we all know, means more time for you on the mountain.
On the inside of the neck warmer, the recycled polyester fleece is gloriously plush, with a shag carpet feel. This fabric traps in the warmth and, being a neck shape rather than traditional tight fitting ski mask, is easy to pull over the nose, or push out of the way.
Pros:
- All-over warmth
- Fun designs
- Helmet compatible
Cons:
- Spendy
Best Ski Mask For Anon Goggle Wearers
A Seamless, Game-Changing Fit
Anon MFI Hellbrook Balaclava
Material: Polyester/spandex blend | Size: One size
I was introduced to Anon’s MFI (Magnetic Facemask Integration) system when testing the best ski goggles earlier in the season, and was impressed by the ingenuity and amazed nobody had thought of it sooner. Essentially, magnets in the frame of compatible Anon goggles attach to a range of MFI balaclavas and neck gaiters to create a seamless fit without the need to tuck any fabric inside the goggle. It's niche, but brilliant.
The result is instant warmth, zero fogging (even when you're breathing hard), and no need to ever readjust your balaclava. The brand’s Hellbrook mask is a mid-weight design made from super soft fleece and comes with three frame systems, meaning it is compatible with all MFI goggles. It has a generous cut and fits nicely under your helmet. My only issue is that when you don't need the balaclava over your face, the frame can sit awkwardly in and around your neck. It's a minor gripe in an otherwise excellent innovation.
Pros:
- Seamless fit
- Zero goggle fog
- Super warm
Cons:
- Only works with Anon goggles
- Frame is awkward when not in use
Best Après Ski Mask
Who Knew Balaclavas Could Be Fashionable?
Material: Recycled polyester blend | Size: One size
If you're sick of outdoor brands applying the 'shrink it and pink it' approach to women's apparel, you need to check out Halfdays. Their collections balance flattering and chic looks with technical gear that holds up in all conditions. And with the Mot Mot—designed in collaboration with Matek—they've also managed to design a fashionable* balaclava.
Available in Oat Milk (shown) and Navy (tested), it has an oversized old school peaked beanie aesthetic with a classic stripe, and is extremely comfortable. The recycled polyester knit feels good and has enough stretch to be worn over the face or as a neck warmer. The looser knit weave isn't as good at protecting your chin from the most biting of winds though, but it does look great with a pair of classic shades.
We found our goggles fit well, and while it is a tighter fit, we could wear it under a helmet. Some would argue that defeats the object though, as this balaclava comes into its own transitioning from piste to pub.
Pros:
- Fun, stylish and warm
- Oversized, snuggly design
- Peaked beanie offers some shade
Cons:
- Doesn't fit with helmets
- *Fashion comes at a price
MORE FROMFORBES VETTED
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
We understand just how important quality ski apparel is on the slopes. From gloves and mittens to jackets and helmets, choosing the correct gear for your adventures can spell the difference between a good day on the slopes and a sad one in the resort lodge. And just as cold hands can be utterly miserable, wind-battered chins and frozen ears aren't much fun either, which is why a ski mask or balaclava is a must buy.
We’ve tested winter-ready clothing and gear across multiple continents and ski resorts in an effort to identify what works, what doesn’t and how a product stands to improve. Author Chris Haslam has covered ski equipment on behalf of Forbes for years, and his recommendations are bolstered by expert insights. He's tested all the ski masks and balaclavas on this list, including the styles from Buff and BlackStrap.
What To Consider When Shopping For A Ski Mask Or Balaclava
Helmet Compatibility
Look for designs with thinner material around the head that can fit easily under even the most snug-fitting helmets. Thicker designs will become uncomfortable.
Hinged Neck
Our favorite balaclavas feature an innovative hinge-stitch design around the neck and eyes that make it easy to pull up the neck section over your chin and nose, but also pull it down if you want to cool off and wear it as a basic neck warmer. This design is especially beneficial if you're wearing a tighter-fitting design.
Perforated Mouthpiece
Sadly, fogged up goggles are an occupational hazard when breathing heavily in a ski mask or balaclava. But the impact can be minimized by looking for designs with thinner, often perforated sections around the mouth that help you divert your breath away from your lenses.
Are Ski Masks And Balaclavas The Same Thing?
Basically, yes. Both accessories protect your face from the cold, wind and snow. They cover your head, neck and ears and offer additional warmth that you won't find with a simple scarf. The latest designs are also thin enough to fit safely under your ski helmet.
Traditionally, a ski mask was designed with holes cut out for the eyes and mouth and nose—think bank robber chic—while a balaclava has a single hole cut out for the face. In our research, however, the lines between the two styles have blurred and the traditional ski mask has fallen out of fashion. Today, the terms are virtually interchangeable.
The balaclava does pre-date the ski mask, having been created during the Crimean War (1853 to 1856). Compared to the Russian army, the British troops were ill prepared for the freezing conditions. After reports from the battlefield, situated near the little town of Balaclava, reached Britain, there was public outcry and many wives knitted protective hoods which also covered the neck and face to protect their husbands.
Do I Need A Balaclava For Skiing?
If you only ever venture out in spring conditions, then you might be okay with just a polo neck thermal or neck warmer, but if the temperature drops, we think a ski mask is a must-have winter sport accessory. Keeping your face covered helps avoid sunburn, windburn and being miserable on chairlifts when it snows.
The latest designs have a generous amount of stretch in them too, and are designed to be pulled down and used as a neck warmer if your head gets too hot. They're also made of materials that help wick away moisture, resist wet conditions and trap heat, keeping you toasty.
Can I Use A Neck Gaiter As A Ski Mask?
Neck warmers and tubes do a brilliant job as a compact scarf and can be pulled up over the nose and mouth for extra coverage. But balaclavas and ski masks are better suited to colder weather as they cover more skin, and can't slip down as easily. Yes, you can tuck your gaiter into your goggles, but this generally just leads to fogging.
What Is The Best Material For A Balaclava?
The majority of ski masks and balaclavas on this list are a polyester blend. Often mixed with spandex or elastane for added stretch, they offer a great combination of skin-friendly fleece and superb warmth. You can find light, mid-weight and heavyweight designs to cover all temperatures.
Traditional balaclavas were knitted with itchy wool, and while you can still find a few options like this—often more fashion-focused than adventure orientated—we're not recommending any. But ultra-fine merino wool is something of a wonder product, offering excellent heat retention and wicking properties. Some people still find merino itchy next to the skin, but for the rest of us, if you can spend a bit more, you'll be well rewarded.
But please, for the love of all things outdoor, avoid any cotton designs, as these hold onto moisture and will actually make you feel colder.