When old man winter lets it rip, your face and neck are one of the most vulnerable places for heat loss while skiing. It’s for this reason that so many ski gear manufactures have gone to such great lengths to produce a ski mask for just about any style. If you have been a skier for a long time, and have worn your share of ski masks, then you probably remember a time when they would get soaked from perspiration and then freeze, becoming useless. Fortunately, those days are over, and some of the latest technology actually wicks away moisture and creates a long lasting blanket of warmth around your neck.
Though ski masks do come in a variety of shapes and sizes, the most common are known as balaclavas and they can be found at any local ski shop as well as online at any ski retailer. A good Balaclava will provide the most warmth of any ski mask option, and are great as they are constructed of a single piece of material (usually fleece or polyester) that encompasses your neck, face and head, leaving a small opening for your mouth, nose and eyes. This is a favorite among most skiers I know on the coldest days. The one down side to one of these is it can not be added or removed quite as easily some of the other options below.
Another great option is the more traditional neck warmer, also known as a neck gaiter. These also come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are made out of anything from fleece to polyester, and even micro fiber. These are great for those days when you are not sure whether you will need to wear a ski mask all day or just for part of it. They are very easy to take on and off.
The last type of ski mask is the neoprene version that covers just your face. Though these were very popular several years ago, they have lost some ground with the recent advancements in masks and balaclavas. However you can still find them at various retailers, and like the neck warmer, they can easily be added or removed as the weather changes.
So this winter, be sure and pack along a ski mask for the days when the temperatures are at their coldest. They are sure to keep your face and neck much warmer, and they really do a great job a protecting your skin from the elements and preventing frostbite.
