15 Best Balaclavas and Face Masks for Skiing in 2024 Winter

Balaclavas or ski masks are essential accessories used in snow sports like snowboarding and skiing and outdoor exposure during winters.

Recommended 3 Balaclavas for Skiing

Best Balaclavas for Skiing

1. Turtle Fur Quantum Balaclava Midweight

Turtle Fur’s midweight balaclava uses a single-layer comfort shell Tech fabric with 92% polyester and 8% spandex and fur. It provides additional warmth and ease as it has a brushed interior surface, unlike other balaclavas.

In addition, the Quantum balaclava provides UPF 50+ sun protection. Unlike other balaclavas on this list, this one has microfleece that lines the neck’s front panel and provides extra protection and warmth.

It is a one-size balaclava that fits everyone. It can also be used as a helmet liner. Plus, it doesn’t need any extra layers, like a Merino wool balaclava does, to keep you warm. You can easily use it at temperatures below -35°C, while some Merino wool models are too thin for these temperatures.

2. Minus33 Merino Wool 740 Expedition Balaclava

This balaclava is made of 100% Merino wool, making it super soft and warm. It can serve as a neck gaiter or a whole face balaclava. Other great features include the ability to wick off moisture and its odor-resistance, which the Turtle fur balaclava lacks.

It is a one-size balaclava but fits anyone regardless of gender, height, and weight. Some people might find the eye area too big and while merino wool is naturally breathable, the material appears a little bit thin. However, unlike the turtle fur balaclava, it works best as a windbreaker. At temperatures below -35°C, this Minus33 product might need an extra layer for added warmth.

3. T Wilker Knit Balaclava Set with Gloves

This T Wilker Knit Balaclava is a multi-purpose product, which can easily be used as a neck gaiter, ski mask, balaclava, and winter scarf as and when required. This kind of versatility is unseen with the Merino wool and Turtle fur.

This knit balaclava is made of acrylic knit and fleece, enhancing protection against falling temperatures more effectively than most of the other balaclavas featured on this list.

Another great thing is that unique gloves accompany this one. These anti-slip gloves are long-lasting and can withstand harsh conditions. The only problem is that the product has a strong smell of perfume when it arrives in the package, which is not present in any other balaclavas. Otherwise, it is an excellent unisex, tight-fit balaclava, providing perfect protection against cold winds, sun, and snow.

4. Columbia Omni-Heat Ski Balaclava

This Columbia balaclava has little silver dots that reflect and retain body warmth, which is a unique feature on this list. It helps regulate body temperature as it dissipates moisture and excess heat. This multi-functional hat can be used as a neck gaiter and worn separately as a balaclava.

You can use it to line a beanie or a helmet seamlessly for additional warmth. Moreover, it is made of polyester/elastane, which does not retain moisture and keeps warm throughout.

5. BUFF Adult ThermoNet Hinged Balaclava

This BUFF balaclava uses Primaloft yarn which provides guaranteed warmth while skiing, hiking, sleighing, etc. It is built with a 4-way ULTRA STRETCH, which provides flexibility in size and shape much more efficiently than any other products on this list.

Plus, its unique hinge design gives easy open access. The vapor grid mouthpiece promotes ventilation and prevents fog formation on the goggles, which the previous products don’t offer. It has an additional ponytail flap at the back, which is absent in all other balaclavas.

One downside is that it does not form a proper seal over one’s nose like the other balaclavas. Moreover, it is petite and would be more suitable for young and short adults or children.

6. Tough Headwear Balaclava Ski Mask

The Tough Headwear Balaclava uses a blend of 89% polyester and 11% spandex which help retain heat and repel moisture, however not as efficiently as the products already mentioned. It is a fantastic amalgam of warmth, stretchability, and comfort.

Mesh breathing panels are present for air circulation, which is a unique feature of this balaclava. It also minimizes fogging on the glasses through the breathing panels.This balaclava will provide adequate cold protection for winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, ATVing, but thanks to the heavy duty construction, you can also use it for working outside, or even in cold storage or freezers.

Like the T Wilker balaclava, it is also convertible into a neck warmer, ski mask, scarf, helmet liner, and ninja hood. Moreover, it can be worn for hours-long tasks, as it is durable and doesn’t wear out quickly.

7. Smartwool Merino 250 Balaclava

This Smartwool Balaclava is also made of 100% Merino wool fabric, but it has a single-layer interlock knit construction, which other balaclavas don’t have. Its jersey knit and double layering provides maximum face protection and warmth better than other Merino wool balaclavas.

It is versatile, and unlike the Omni-heat, T Wilker, and tough headwear balaclava, it provides greater peripheral vision.

However, its neck is not very long like other balaclavas, but you can pair it with a neck gaiter. Moreover, it may be too tight at first, but it fits comfortably after 2 to 3 uses.

8. Smartwool Intraknit 200 Balaclava

Another Smartwool product. The Intraknit 200 balaclava comprises 53% Merino wool, 45% polyester, 2% elastane. The natural anti-odor attribute of Merino wool allows it to remain fresh and clean for more extended periods.

It may be too large for people with small heads but fits perfectly under a helmet and serves as a nice liner. Moreover, its breathability allows you to perform winter sports like skiing and snowboarding without running out of breath fast.

9. Under Armour Men’s Storm Sport Balaclava

This balaclava has unique UA storm technology, repelling water without affecting breathability. Plus, its warm dual-layer ColdGear fabric gives it an edge over Merino wool, Tough headwear balaclava, and T wilker balaclava in terms of warmth.

Its exterior is very smooth and absorbs any sweat more effectively than the other balaclavas without letting the skin feel clammy. With this product, you can face cold winds, freezing temperatures, and go skiing without a second thought. It is durable and has an excellent fit, which some other balaclavas don’t provide.

10. Outdoor Research Ninjaclava

This balaclava has 100% nylon fabric which is breathable and wicks sweat and moisture. The heat release feature is unique to Ninjaclava and not present in the other balaclavas on this list. Moreover, unlike others, it has a flat seam construction and silicone prints around the eyes, which keep your goggles fixed.

The silicone prints will keep your goggles in place no matter what speed you are skiing. It provides complete coverage of the face and nose so you can easily be protected from the cold wind, UV rays, and any harsh conditions in snow. When heat gathers, peel open the hinged hood, and the temperatures will regulate right away.

11. Blackstrap Hood Balaclava Face Mask

Blackstrap hood balaclava uses patented tri-blend fabric made in the USA. It has become the topmost priority for snowboarders, skiers, and snowmobile riders due to its ergonomic design, Exo-hinge construction, and 4-way stretch fabric, which is moisture-wicking. These features are not found in the majority of balaclavas on this list.

Plus, unlike other balaclavas available in just one size, this one also has a kids size. It is rated UPF 50+ for protection against the sun, so that’s a plus point too.

However, its breathability is questioned by users because its fabric is thick, and you need to pull it down from time to time to catch your breath.

12. Self Pro Balaclava Ski Mask for Cold Weather

Self Pro Balaclava is made of 100% polyester, making it durable, absorbent, abrasion- and moisture-resistant. It stays warm and dry for extended periods. It is very soft to feel and remains wrinkle-free.

While this balaclava provides the best fit on this list, it is far from the top of the list for a clear reason: It tends to catch and absorb all the perspiration around your nose and mouth, so in extremely low temperatures it might get really cold and uncomfortable. This issue might not be a problem if you are not doing any intense skiing or snowshoeing, but you should definitely not do any skate skiing with this.

13. Ergodyne N-Ferno Winter Ski Mask Balaclava

This balaclava’s fabric provides better wind resistance than the other balaclavas listed here. It is versatile because you can also wear it as a neck gaiter and ski mask. You can tuck the material inside the jacket to provide full coverage to the head, neck, and upper chest.

The fleece which lines the head portion provides extra warmth in mild to extreme conditions. It has a stretchable material and hinge design and easily fits different head sizes.

14. RefrigiWear Extreme Dual Layer Balaclava

The Refrigiwear balaclava uses dual-layer Polartec fleece and reflective piping at the seams, while no other balaclava offers this feature. Plus, it is versatile and can be converted into a neck gaiter or a full coverage mask. Its comfortable material and unmatched warmth make it one of the best choices for snowboarders.

15. ZERDOCEAN Winter Windproof Balaclava

Finally, this soft fleece balaclava has a hinged, breathable mesh vent design. It allows you to ski effortlessly. Plus, the manufacturer promises that with this balaclava your goggles won’t fog up even in freezing weather if positioned right.

It serves as a neck warmer, winter gear, and a full face mask with its stretchable fabric. You can also use it to line a helmet. It is OK for skiing, snowboarding, cold weather outdoor sports, cycling, and even winter running. The best part is that it is available at a lower price than the other balaclavas, making it a great budget-friendly option for you.