As anyone who has ever gotten frostbite will surely tell you, it is not cool at all (no pun intended)! It is incredibly painful, and once you get it, you are more likely to get it again, and again when you subject yourself to the elements. However, there are ways you can protect yourself from the bitter cold, and from getting frostbite. A good neck warmer (aka neck gaiter) will keep your neck and face shielded from the wind and cold, and can help maintain a warm temperature throughout your entire body. Our necks are actually a huge source of heat loss for our body, in fact second to our heads I believe. So keeping something in place to regulate that loss is crucial to staying out on the hill longer and getting more enjoyment out of skiing.
There are a few different types of neck warmers, and as you might image they vary quite a bit in style, functionality, and of course price. A traditional neck warmer, made of a high quality material that helps to wick away moisture from your mouth and nose can range anywhere from $10 up to $50. My advice though is to find something in the middle of the road, you want something made from a quality material, but you probably don’t need to spend a small fortune. Personally, I am a big fan of anything from the Icebreaker brand, and that includes their neck gaiters. The Flexi Chute Neck warmer is a great option, excellent material, and convenient color options (pictured to the right), and it will run you about $30 at Backcountry.
If you decide to add go for a neck warmer with a few more bells and whistles, I suggest looking into one that has a more “ergonomic” base or bottom. These provide a great fit and feel more snug and attached then the traditional model. However, if you have a hard time keeping your neck warmer dry and typically rotate them around throughout the day to dry areas, this option may not be for you as there is really a front and back. They tend to feel a bit cumbersome if you try to wear them sideways or upside down.
The third type of neck gaiter, and quite possibly the most popular is the balaclava. Featuring a single piece of material, these slide over your head and work well at keep the heat trapped within your body. Balaclavas, like these, come in a wide array of colors and styles and can be found at most ski retailers and outdoor shops. The only thing I might add about the balaclava is that it can feel very confining, so if you don’t like the sound of that, you may want to consider another route. Also, if you wear a helmet, make sure and buy one that is thing enough to fit underneath.
Any way you cut it, these will keep you warmer in the cold, they are ideal for preventing frostbite, and can also help prevent wind burn and chapping. If you are tired of being cold out on the hill, and are always looking for ways to stay warm, be sure and pick one up this season! The Snow Ski sale is a great place to stat your quest for all cheap ski wear!
