The 25 Best Balaclavas & Ski Masks For Women, Men, & Kids
Shredding the slopes with a face only your mother could love? Not anymore! Put on the fairest balaclava of them all, and blast past everyone else in style. Whether you’re a rookie or a pillow-hucking pro, it's an essential part of your ski gear. So we’ve put together a list of the best balaclavas and ski masks (plus a couple other goodies!), sure to keep you toasty as you hit the sweetest slopes around. Let’s jump in! (or jump ahead:)
How Do I Choose A Balaclava For Skiing?
What Is The Best Ski & Snowboard Balaclava?
In our research, we noted one thing: almost none of these have enough ventilation to stop ski goggles fogging, and you’ll see this mentioned quite a few times. We designed the Ponyclava with a stretchy flap which releases air even when it’s in place, to give you the best of both worlds.
Best Overall For Men: Phunkshun Hybrid Convertible Ballerclava
We have a separate post on the best women's balaclava, so we're starting with the men's up top.
Summary: Great all-rounder; one of the warmest helmet-compatible, midweight balaclavas
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Best Feature: Extra hingey hinge Worst Feature: Only comes in one size Get It If: You don't have a man bun (if you do, try a Ponyclava! 😁) and don't mind the ninja look, or want a convertible balaclava |
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Key Features
- Hinged design lets you easily pull the lower half off your face to eat and drink, or the hood down to turn it into a neck warmer
- Reinforced face panel uses a PFC-free Teflon coating for weather, freezing, and wind chill resistance
What We Like
- Extra versatile thanks to the full hinge
- Thicker, treated face panel helps block out cold wind
- Water-repellent mesh lining in face panel helps with extra wicking and breathability
- Hits all the basics (wicking, breathable, stretch, thin enough to fit under a helmet, odor-controlling, UV protection), and made in the USA from Repreve using recycled plastic bottles
What We Don't Like
- Only comes in one size. Although Phunkshun claims one size fits all because Repreve is so stretchy, that doesn't help if it's too big! We've also seen smaller cuts pull too tightly on larger heads.
- Excellent coverage, but lack of nose and mouth ventilation means that either you keep your nose exposed, or your goggles will likely fog - defeating the purpose
- If you have a man bun, it's going to be a bit awkward
Best Overall For Women: The Ponyclava
Summary: Ski balaclava with a ponytail hole, plus proper ventilation
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Best Feature: The ponytail hole Worst Feature: Not a full hinge Get It If: You have long hair (down to your shoulders or more), or a man bun - or might in the future |
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Key Features
- Ponytail hole to stop you from eating your hair
- Comes in small and large to fit all head sizes
- Physical ventilation stops goggles from fogging
- Light- to mid-weight, although we've used it in the Midwest with no problems
What We Like
- Ponytail hole keeps your hair from wrapping around your face and getting in your mouth
- Hair opening is low on the neck to fit under your back helmet strap - you won't notice it, whether you're using it or not
- Adjustable mouth and nose ventilation can be pulled away when you need more air, and lets air out even when left in place
- Hits all the basics (wicking, breathable, stretchy, fits under a helmet, odor-controlling, UV protection - great for all winter outdoor activities), and made from Repreve using recycled plastic bottles
- Works just fine as a regular balaclava if you have short hair or aren't using the hole
What We Don't Like
- Only one colour! (Take our poll on which ones you'd like to see next)
- Not a completely hinged design even though the mouthpiece is stretchy
Best Overall For Man Buns: The Ponyclava
See “Best Overall For Women” above. You can get it here.
Best Non-Phunkshun Midweight: BlackStrap Expedition Hood
Midweight is by far the biggest category, so we're going into extra detail here.
Summary: Another great all-rounder; perhaps a bit warmer than the Phunkshun
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Best Feature: Safe for goggle lenses (We used the photo with girly colours, sorry not sorry!) |
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Key Features
- Dual layer construction throughout for extra warmth in frigid weather
- Lens-safe fabric
What We Like
- Fits great under a helmet, despite being thicker
- Can be used to clean your goggles
- Hits all the basics (wicking, breathable, stretch, thin enough to fit under a helmet, odor-controlling, UV protection) and made in the USA
What We Don't Like
- Risks overheating because of the double layer over the head (remember, your ski helmet will also provide some insulation)
- Not a fully hinged balaclava like the Phunkshun
- This type of fabric doesn't always provide the most comfort in cold weather
- Rather more expensive
Runner-Up: Airhole Milk Fleece Balaclava Hinge
Ultimate comfort. The Milk Fleece Balaclava Hinge is also our pick for best anti-fog, with a 'luxurious, rich' fabric that's exceedingly soft on the skin and is rated for below-freezing temperatures. The only thing is that it doesn't have as full of a hinge as the Phunkshun or even the BlackStrap - and might be a bit thick to fit under your helmet.
Honourable Mention: Smartwool Merino Sport Hinged Fleece Balaclava
Covered below as our pick for best wool, but not the best overall midweight because it's not as convertible, and also because it's a bit shorter and won't stay under your collar as easily. Plus, merino can be a bit itchy.
Honourable Mention: Smartwool Merino 250 Balaclava
Smartwool makes a few performance masks. This one is made from a double layer of their Merino 250 baselayer, so it will be warmer than the Merino Sport Hinged above - but also more itchy, since there's no synthetic blend. Plus, not convertible.
We also covered the Intraknit Merino Balaclava on our women's ski mask post, but found the neck portion a bit too short and the forehead too high. But it has a mesh panel for ventilation!
Best Lightweight: Phunkshun Kombu Convertible Balaclava
Summary: The little brother of the Hybrid Convertible
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Best Feature: Hinge and versatility Worst Feature: Only one size Get It If: You want a lightweight balaclava |
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Key Features
- Hinged design
- Minimal weight and thickness
What We Like
- All the same features as the Hybrid Convertible, just thinner all around (no reinforcement or mesh in the face panel & single layer construction)
- Thin and lightweight fabric - no risk of overheating or not fitting under your helmet
- As expected, also hits all the basics
What We Don't Like
- Only comes in one size
- No ventilation, same as its big brother
Runner-Up: Airhole Drylite Balaclava Hinge
Airhole's products are top notch as always, and this one is a nice, light performance piece. However, it doesn't have a full hinge.
Honourable Mention: BlackStrap Expedition Hood
Lighter than the Expedition Hood, with a single layer over the head and neck and an extra layer over the hinged face panel that provides extra temperature control and is more wind resistant. If you run warm or want something light, this is a good option.
Best Heavyweight & Warmest Balaclava : Turtle Fur Original Shellaclava
Summary: Comparatively lighter head portion paired with thermal fleece neck warmer for your coldest winter adventures
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Best Feature: Extreme warmth (Pictured: Shellaclava Chelonia 150, because it's the only one available in colours) |
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Key Features
- Lighter hood in a tech fabric paired with a heavier neck - stay warm without overheating under your helmet
- Excellent general winter balaclava
What We Like
- Two different materials keep you warm in the right places
- Thermal fleece is nice and cozy
What We Don't Like
- Too warm for anything but the coldest days
- Slightly thicker hood can be tighter under the helmet
- Not vented
Runner-Up: Turtle Fur Quattroclava with Storm Flap
Thinner all-around, so not as bombproof or as snuggly as the Shellaclava, but the vented face and nose area makes it more breathable. The brushed interior is super smooth against the skin, and the storm flap provides extra protection against inclement weather. Check it out here.
Runner-Up: Turtle Fur Chelonia 150 Shellaclava
Some rank this as a heavyweight, so we're including it here, but according to Turtle Fur it's actually a midweight.
Honourable Mention: Phunkshun Mistral Double Ballerclava
The heaviest of all of Phunkshun's balaclavas, er, ballerclavas. Also great for extreme cold protection. Both hood and neck gaiter are made of a fleece material with extra mesh and wicking. However, it's harder to fit under a helmet because the head is so thick.
Best For Kids & Youth: Blackstrap Kids' Hood
Unfortunately, options for kids and youth are a bit limited. The Phunkshun Hybrid Convertible is our all-around best pick, but they don't make it in a mini version. They do make the Mistral Double, but that's heavyweight, as is Turtle Fur's kids' Shellaclava. Meanwhile, Turtle Fur's MaxClava is lightweight.
So we went with our best midweight outside of the Phunkshun: the BlackStrap Hood, which luckily does come in a kids' version.
Summary: Closest to a goldilocks option for kids
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Best Feature: Has almost all the features you'd want Worst Feature: A little pricey, only fits youth up to 7 years, may be a bit lightweight Get It If: You need something for a child |
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Key Features
- Like its big brother, has a single layer head covering for heat and moisture control, and a double layer hinged face panel for wind protection
- Lots of cool designs that the little ones are sure to love
What We Like
- Dual-layer face panel provides extra temperature control plus wind protection
- Goggle-safe - you've got enough to worry about herding kids around on the hill!
- Hits all the basics (wicking, breathable, stretch, thin enough to fit under a helmet, odor-controlling, UV protection) and made in the USA
What We Don't Like
- Only for kids aged 2-7
- Still pricey, especially for a kids' piece
Runner-up: Airhole Polar Fleece Balaclava Hinge Junior
If you need something for a youth over 7 but still smaller than an adult, then try this. It's a little warmer than the Kids' Hood, at the expense of some helmet compatibility.
Best Wool: Smartwool Merino Sport Hinged Fleece Balaclava
Summary: There is only one Smartwool
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Best Feature: Merino wool, for those who like it Worst Feature: Overly restrictive care instructions - difficult to clean Get It If: You're looking for a good, versatile merino wool option |
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Key Features
- Merino against the skin and polyester on the exterior
- Lighter nose and mouth panel for breathability
What We Like
- Naturally odor-wicking
- Merino wool is naturally sustainable, and recycled polyester adds to sustainability credentials
What We Don't Like
- Merino can be itchy, even when blended with synthetic fabrics
- Breathable fabrics aren't always enough to prevent goggles fogging without having actual holes
- A bit shorter than other options
- Not machine washable; care instructions read like a laundry list (pun intended!) of what not to do.
Best Anti Fog: Airhole Milk Fleece Balaclava Hinge
Summary: The original ski balaclava with a hole at the mouth
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Best Feature: The airhole Worst Feature: No nose hole Get It If: You want a high-quality, well-made balaclava |
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Key Features
- The breathing hole helps air escape, avoids condensation buildup, and lets you breathe freely
- Luxurious, rich milk fleece is ultra soft, hydrophobic, and wicking
What We Like
- Extra long neck - no risk of it coming out of your collar
- Comes in multiple sizes!
- Breathing ventilation thanks to the hole at the mouth
- Super soft against the skin
What We Don't Like
- No nose hole, and we typically see fogging coming from the nose more than the mouth
- Not adjustable: you can't cover up your mouth if you find you're cold
- This is rated for below-freezing temperatures, but is borderline too thick to fit under your helmet - you may need to drop down to the waffle fleece if it doesn't
- Not a full hinge
Honourable Mention: All Of Airhole's Other Ski Face Masks
Any of Airhole's offerings are an excellent choice. They're all high-performance masks, just with different weights. They range from Drylite (lightest) to polar fleece and Polartec Power Dry (medium) and shearling (heaviest).
Best Over Helmet: Burton Burke Hood (or Burton Cora Hood)
Ah, the OG Burke hood. This one is a bit different from all the others on this list. Burton has always been a snowboarding brand and you can kind of see that , which you can kind of see in
Summary: Over-helmet fuzzball to keep the wind out
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Best Feature: Over-helmet design Worst Feature: Bulky Get It If: You want something for windy days |
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Key Features
- Extra layer over top of your helmet that keeps the elements out
- Full-face, breathable coverage
What We Like
- Great for wind
- Soft fleece material is warm, fuzzy, and comfortable
- There is also a women's version (hallelujah!), the Burton Cora Hood, which we also covered in our post on the best women's ski masks.
What We Don't Like
- A little bulky
- Hard to get a really close fit - some snow and rain might still get in, especially as the nose is typically exposed
Available at Burton, as is the Cora.
Best Face Mask Style: Anon MFI
Summary: Magnets create a perfect fit for Anon MFI-compatible goggles, but not all Anon MFI masks are helmet compatible
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Best Feature: Magnetic integration Worst Feature: Not helmet compatible Get It If: You have Anon goggles and want a perfect, seamless fit |
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Key Features
- The MFI (magnetic face mask integration) around the nosepiece attaches to the bottom of Anon ski goggles, producing a seamless fit
- Laser-cut ventilation holes to avoid goggles fogging
What We Like
- Magnetic integration - who wouldn't prefer to do less fiddling with cloth and nosepieces?
- The ventilation holes
- Comes in a variety of fabrics, including lightweight, midweight, and wool
What We Don't Like
- MFIs with hoods are not helmet-compatible, which means you'd have to go with a MFI face mask if you're wearing a helmet
- Some reports indicate that the magnet doesn't always work, especially if it's cold or snowy
- Only works with MFI-compatible goggles, also made by Burton
Best Budget: Oyuki Proclava
Summary: Great versatile budget option, but high forehead reduces coverage
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Best Feature: Price Worst Feature: High forehead Get It If: You are budget conscious and/or just like the style |
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Key Features
- Price
What We Like
- Fits well under helmet
- Lining provides added comfort
What We Don't Like
- No ventilation means goggles are likely to fog up
- Eye hole sits high on the forehead and may not provide the best nose or chin coverage depending on how you wear it
Best Neck Gaiter / Neck Tube: BUFF ThermoNet Multifunctional Neckwear
Summary: Super versatile midweight neck tube
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Best Feature: Versatility Worst Feature: Gets fiddly Get It If: You don't need a face covering and want something that is very multifunctional |
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Key Features
- Can be worn in 12 different ways
- Meant to keep your neck warm
What We Like
- Extremely versatile
- Tons of designs
- Uses Repreve recycled material
- Added insulation for extra warmth
What We Don't Like
- Difficult to keep in place around the face (nose and mouth) and so you end up having to reset it a lot if using as a face covering
- No ventilation - goggle fogging risk
Runner-up: Airhole Airtube
Tube version of the Airhole balaclavas. Has similar material options, and is nice and long. However, the nose hole reduces the versatility of the tube, even though it improves ventilation.
Honourable Mention: BlackStrap Dual Layer Tube
Highly breathable, and so named because it has a dual layer of their tri-blend fabric all around, making it a solid midweight option. However, shorter than the BUFFs, so more difficult to keep in place, and may not always reach the eyes without coming out of the jacket collar.
Honourable Mention: BUFF Original
A lighter version, without the insulation. Even more versatile, because it can be used in fall and summer as well, but not always warm enough for the dead of winter on a mountain.
Best For Ski Resort COVID Requirements: Outdoor Research Protective Essential Midweight Balaclava Kit
Summary: Thankfully, most ski resorts aren't requiring cloth face masks anymore. But just in case, or if you need to be extra cautious about COVID, there's at least one good piece of gear for you.
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Best Feature: Built-in filtration for airborne particles Worst Feature: Paper filters get wet easily Get It If: You want an all-in-one option |
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Key Features
- Nose wire for adjustability
- 2-layer fabric with additional built-in filter to protect against virus transmission
- Antiviral and anti-microbial HEIQ V-BLOCK treatment will holds up reasonably well over time
What We Like
- No need to fumble around removing it to put on a disposable mask
- Can be worn without the disposable filters
What We Don't Like
- Runs large, even in the smaller size - too large for anyone with a small head
- Thin paper filters can easily wet out
- Jack-of-all-trades that is not necessarily optimal for skiing
Best Insulated: Carhartt Men's Knit Insulated Face Mask
Summary: Warm, but not a ski mask!
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Best Feature: Insulation Worst Feature: Not a ski mask Get It If: You just want something warm, maybe for physical activity during cold weather |
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Key Features
- Rib knit with Thinsulate insulation
What We Like
- Warm enough for most outdoor activities
What We Don't Like
- No skiing- or snowboarding-friendly features
Best Sun Protection & UV Protection: All
Pretty much all the entries on these lists are made with some sort of UV-resistant material. Even if they're not explicitly treated, synthetic materials like polyester do a decent job of blocking UV. So that fleece balaclava will do you just fine.
FAQ
Are 'balaclava ski mask', 'balaclava', and 'ski mask' all the same thing?
Basically, yes. Although the 'ski mask' can also just be a half-face cover (for your chin, nose, and mouth) that is tightly fitted around your face. Some of these have Velcro to attach at the back of the neck, or pull over your head. But we've found these are tricky to keep in place even if you put them under your helmet, which means they often tend to slide down and expose your neck.
If your head runs extremely hot and you don't mind the extra fiddling, a half-face ski mask or a neck gaiter might be better for you. But we've never seen anyone run this hot except in the warmest places.
The eternal question of the balaclava vs neck gaiter
As you know, balaclavas have a full head covering with holes for the eyes, nose and mouth, while a neck gaiter / neck tube is exactly what it sounds like: a tube that sits around your neck.
Which one should you choose? It depends on your needs. A balaclava is better suited to colder weather, as it provides a higher level of protection. Tubes are lighter, making them ideal for varied outdoor activities in milder winter conditions.
Tubes can be pulled up to cover your nose and mouth, but gravity can't be fought: it will eventually slide down. Even tucking the sides or back under your helmet won't make it stay in place consistently. Again, we speak from experience! Then, of course, you have the fogging goggles problem if you try to cover your nose, as there's no ventilation.
On the other hand, they can be easily adjusted without having to take off your helmet. But if you're trying to cover your face, this may cancel itself out if you have to fiddle with it more because it won't stay in place.
So, neck gaiters for skiing or snowboarding specifically may not be the best idea. But for hiking in the winter, or for being outside without a lot of wind in your face, they might be the way to go.
How do I protect my skin while skiing or boarding?
Wear a balaclava. Or a ski mask. Or anything! And apply sunscreen if you think there's a risk you'll be exposing your skin (like for that mountaintop photo op).
Do I actually need a balaclava for skiing?
Another eternal question. Our answer: Yes, we highly recommend one. We've found it to be a pretty essential piece of gear. Without one, unless you're in an area with a very mild climate, it's very easy for your face to become extremely cold, sunburned, windburned, or worse, a combination of these! That will ruin an epic day of skiing quickly.
But put on a good winter balaclava for your next ski trip and you'll be ready for whatever Mother Nature throws at you! It'll keep your face out of the sun, wind, and cold, so you can stay comfortable no matter what. And you'll likely find it's a versatile accessory for all sorts of outdoor activities, not to mention other winter adventures like ziplining or snowmobiling too.
A quick note for anyone who cares about preserving their youthful beauty like Michelle Pfeiffer in Stardust: your skincare professional will tell you that sun exposure is the first thing to avoid, closely followed by turning your face into a popsicle. Many mountains are at high altitudes, too, which means the sun is even more intense. So keep those cherubic cheeks out of the elements.
Do you have to wear a face covering for COVID at ski resorts?
In general, not anymore, except perhaps in a medical context (e.g. a first aid hut).
Is it ok to machine-wash my balaclava or ski mask?
Always check the care instructions for your particular item, but generally, yes. Most of these can just be thrown in the washing machine like anything else, though we'd definitely recommend using a delicate cycle and a laundry bag. You should also dry them on delicate or extra delicate, if not hang-dry entirely.
How Do I Choose A Balaclava For Skiing?
There are a few things you should watch out for. Let's start with the most important.
What materials and fabrics are best?
Look for soft materials that are:
- technical (performance fabric)
- breathable (to release heat from exertion)
- quick-dry (in case it's wet outside)
- excellent at moisture-wicking (keeps sweat away)
- wind- and water-resistant (stops it from soaking through)
- stretchy, ideally four-way stretch (to get a good fit and avoid bunching up)
That means no cotton! You have two main categories to choose from.
Synthetic fabrics
Synthetic fabrics like fleece, PolarTec, or Repreve recycled polyester are great for all of the above. The only downside is that synthetic fibers tend to pick up unpleasant odors more easily. But they usually come with an antimicrobial finish to avoid this problem.
Natural fabrics
We'll say it again: no cotton! Merino wool, which comes from sheep, is the go-to. It is sustainable, naturally odor-resistant, naturally moisture-wicking, and excellent at regulating body temperature. (That being said, body heat regulation is more important for a base layer than a ski mask, so you probably don't need to worry about it too much.)
The downside is that it's often itchy, and that's not pleasant on the face. You'll often find it in a blend of polyester or other synthetic materials to avoid this, but even that doesn't always solve the problem entirely. So the choice of merino or synthetic fabric generally comes down to personal preference.
Also, merino balaclavas are some of the most expensive ones on the market, unfortunately.
How much cold protection do I need?
Look for features that will help keep the cold air out and your body heat in. You wouldn't want a knitted balaclava - everything would go right through it!
Generally, just having something in front of your face will go a long way to warming you up, so we've found a midweight balaclava works the best all around. If you're out in frigid weather, though, you may want one of the heavier options. The tradeoff is that they are less breathable because they have thicker layers.
How do I make sure my balaclava is helmet-compatible?
We're writing this post assuming you're wearing a helmet on the hill, because everyone really should be!
Thinness and fit
Your balaclava should be thin enough to slide under your helmet without being too tight. Otherwise, your helmet will end up squeezing your head, and probably give you a headache.
Use the adjustment dial at the back of the helmet to loosen it if needed. If you don't have a dial, then it's extra important to try them both on together.
Of course, the helmet provides its own insulation too, and you don't want to overheat, which is why the head pieces on most ski balaclavas are made of much thinner material than the neck pieces.
Hair
The back strap of the helmet often smushes down on a ponytail or bun, making it really uncomfortable.
You already know that we made the Ponyclava to solve the problem of hair wrapping around the front and getting in your mouth. But we also made sure to put our ponytail hole low at the back - so that it doesn't interfere with the adjustment strap.
So how do I fit my balaclava for maximum comfort?
In a nutshell: Not too tight, not too loose. You want it to be snug, but not so snug that it feels like it's compressing your head with the force of an elephant. You also don't want it to be so loose that gaps appear, letting in cold air or snow, or so that excess fabric bunches up under your helmet.
It should also have a decently sized eye hole - enough to protect the part of your face that's not covered by your helmet, but not so much as to impede your peripheral vision. For example, that's why we were a bit unconvinced by the Oyuki Proclava - it sits too high on the forehead.
The point of a balaclava is to increase your comfort on the hill - so make sure you size it correctly. We make the Ponyclava in two sizes so that you always have a perfect fit.
How do I stop my ski goggles from fogging up?
Ventilation. Breathable materials like those described above are great, but it's really important to also have physical breathability, like a mesh panel for ventilation at the mouth and nose. Skiing has periods of being a highly aerobic activity and you will be breathing heavily - all that air needs a place to go.
Otherwise, either you have to keep your nose exposed (not fun) or you risk your goggles fogging up - and that is not just unpleasant but highly dangerous.
A few other things to consider
Visibility
If you plan on skiing or snowboarding at night, you may want to look for reflective elements so that you can be seen by others on the slopes.
Versatility
Versatility isn't a dealbreaker, but it can be useful. We've found that just having the ability to move the ventilation flap away from your mouth is all we need. But if you only want to buy one piece of gear for all winter outdoor activities and all weather conditions (e.g. hiking, skiing, shoveling snow), then this may matter more.
Washability
Although this may not sound like a big deal, it's always better to get a machine washable (and dryable!) balaclava. It is just so much easier to throw your ski mask in the washing machine rather than worry about hand washing every time it picks up some unpleasant odors. Luckily, most synthetic fabrics are machine washable.
Design
We're firm believers that bright ski gear is where it's at. Why settle for boring and plain? There are tons of options out there, and you can find bright solid colours and zany patterns that will make you stand out on the slopes.
Conclusion
To summarize: we would say that the best balaclava face mask is of course the Ponyclava. The helmet-compatible ponytail hole keeps your hair out of your mouth; physical ventilation stops your goggles fogging up; and our Repreve recycled material is soft, breathable, moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating - and fits great under a helmet.
But if you're not into the ponytail hole or want something with a larger variety of colours (we understand), then the Phunkshun Hybrid Convertible Balaclava is our top all-around, midweight pick, and has a full hinge to boot.
Phew. You've read all this way - now go make the slopes look good!