Balaclava Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Ski Face Mask

Your neck is freezing. Your goggles are fogging. Your hair is a tangled nightmare under the back of your helmet. Before you blame your jacket... stop. It's probably your balaclava.

This guide walks you through how to choose the right face covering for skiing and snowboarding, including the best options for women and riders with long hair. By the end, you'll know exactly what to look for, what to skip, and which features actually matter when you're dangling on a chairlift in a snowstorm.

The problems we're solving:

Picture this: You're cruising down a perfect run and BAM: your hair wraps around your face like some kind of frozen scarf. Now you're fumbling with it while your crew waits (or worse, ditches you).

Or: The day starts perfect. Fluffy snow, blue skies, crisp air. Three hours later? The wind is cutting through to your molars, your nose won't stop running, and your skin looks like the Sahara. Plus you've got a Rudolph-red nose situation happening.

Or: You're charging through powder when your long hair inevitably snakes around to the front and into your mouth. Always at the absolute worst moment.

Let's fix all of that with a proper balaclava.

What Is a Balaclava Ski Mask?

A balaclava (AKA ski mask, balaclava ski mask, face mask, or face covering) is basically a hood that covers your entire head, face, and neck - think ninja meets snowboarder. Unlike the old-school face masks that only covered your lower face, a proper balaclava wraps the whole package.

Why do they exist? To keep your face out of the weather. They shield you from brutal wind, freezing temps, snow dumps, rain, windburn, and sunburn. Most are made from breathable materials that are soft, insulating, and don't smell like a gym bag after a few runs - usually either synthetic fabrics or merino wool.

Even though they're lightweight, these face coverings provide solid UV protection. The fabrics are naturally UV-blocking, which matters more than you'd think. Mountains + snow reflection = sneaky sunburn central.

How to Choose a Balaclava: The 5 Key Factors

Forget the brand hype. Choosing the right face covering comes down to a few smart decisions.

1. Conditions: How Cold and How Wild?

Where and when are you riding?

Cold, stormy mid-winter laps? Or sunny spring slush sessions?

Resort groomers? Or eking out your turns backcountry touring? All of the above?

Conditions Cheat Sheet:

Your Conditions	Fabric Weight You Need	Coverage You Need
Brutal cold, blizzard conditions, resort riding	Mid to heavyweight with thermal fleece or brushed fleece	Full neck and head coverage, wind-blocking panels
Moderate winter days, mixed bag	Midweight	Full face covering, adjustable coverage
Spring skiing, backcountry touring	Lightweight	Breathable, possibly convertible options

2. Fit: Head Size, Hair, and Helmet

Your balaclava should be snug but not suffocating. It needs to:

• Fit comfortably under your helmet
• Stay put when you whip your head around
• Not crush your hair or ponytail into a painful lump

Why long hair changes everything

Here's the thing nobody tells you: standard ski balaclavas absolutely hate long hair. You tuck it in the back, and within two runs it's escaped, wrapped around to the front, and you're literally eating your own hair on the chairlift.

Even when you try to flatten it under your layers (complete with that awkward jacket shimmy), it still finds its way into your mouth. Every. Single. Time.

Women's heads also tend to run smaller than men's, but most balaclavas come in "one size fits all" sizing. (Narrator: it doesn't.) If it's too big, it bunches. If it's too tight, hello headache. Look for actual women's sizing or at minimum a small and large option.

If you have long hair, hunt for:

• A ponytail hole or slot
• Enough stretch so the fabric doesn't ride up when your hair's pulled through
• Smooth interior that won't snag curls or textured hair
• A hole that's placed lower on your head, near the nape of your neck, so that it sits under your helmet back strap and doesn't interfere with it

3. Fabric: Merino vs Synthetic vs Thick Fleece

Each fabric brings something different to the party.

Merino wool: Crazy good warmth-to-weight ratio, naturally fights odors, feels nice against your skin. Downsides? Pricier, slower to dry, can be itchy on your face (not ideal).

Synthetic (polyester blends, microfiber polyester, polyester weave, some fleeces and brushed fleeces): Dries fast, tough as nails, usually cheaper, perfect for high-output days. Synthetic options often include moisture wicking properties and breathable materials. Odor control varies depending on whether they use anti-microbial technology.

Fleece / thick knits (thermal fleece, some brushed fleeces): Super warm and cozy, but can be bulky under helmets and might overheat you on active days. Many come with a fleece-lined interior for extra comfort. Some water resistant options might have Durable Water Repellent, or DWR coatings, though this will probably make them less breathable.

Balaclava Materials Compared

Fabric Type	Warmth	Breathability	Odor Resistance	Best For
Merino Wool	Excellent	Good	Excellent (natural)	Multi-day trips, stink-haters
Synthetic (Fleece, Polyester)	Very Good	Excellent	Good (if treated)	High-output days, fast-drying
Synthetic (Fleece, Polyester) - Extra Insulated	Excellent (warmest)	Fair	Good (if treated)	Cold chairlifts, low activity
Hybrid (Merino + Synthetic)	Excellent	Very Good	Excellent	Best of both, premium price

Quick picks: Merino wool or synthetics for most ski/snowboard days, and especially for high exertion activities like ski touring or warm days in the spring. Fleece or heavyweight options for deep winter and extreme conditions

• Merino wool if you want warmth + less stink for multi-day trips
• Synthetic with moisture wicking if you sweat or ride hard and especially want something fast-drying
• Thermal fleece or something extra insulated if you ride cold areas and don't exert much

4. Ventilation and Anti-Fog

If your goggles fog every single run, your face mask is quite possibly the culprit, but it might be your goggles too.

The easiest thing to check is your face mask. Here's the thing: "breathable materials" alone won't cut it. Skiing gets intense, you're breathing hard, and all that hot air needs somewhere to go. If you can't vent it away from your ski goggles, you're very quickly dealing with foggy goggles. Holes or mesh can help, but they don't release enough air, and they also make it harder to get enough air.

The solution? A balaclava with a hinge at the side of the head! It's the best of both worlds: pull down the nose and mouth piece when you're charging, and pull it up on the chairlift to protect yourself from cold weather.

Once you have the balaclava dialed in, if you're still having goggle problems, then it might be time to go goggle shopping.

5. Style, Color, and Feel

Once you've nailed the function, think about the vibe.

• Does the fabric feel soft, or does it scratch your face?
• Do you want stealthy black or colors that pop in photos?
• Full ninja mode, or something convertible into a neck gaiter?

Quick PSA: Women's skin is about 20% thinner than men's on average, which means it's more prone to damage from cold weather exposure. A good face covering keeps your skin protected and you can skip the constant sunscreen reapplication dance. Win-win.

Best Balaclava for Skiing

These are the workhorses: balaclavas that'll handle most resort days without fuss.

A solid ski balaclava should:

• Fit under your helmet without creating pressure points
• Cover your neck and chin fully when it's windy
• Breathe well enough that you don't yank it off mid-run

The Ponyclava

Built for long hair; loved by all

We made the Ponyclava because standard ski balaclavas just don't work with long hair. Whether it's loose, tied, or braided, it always escapes and ends up in your mouth. The Ponyclava fixes this.

But it's not just for people with long hair. We think it works perfect for everyone - long hair or not.

Key Features:

• Helmet-compatible ponytail hole: Sits low on the neck under the helmet back strap. You won't notice it, whether you use it or not
• Hinged nose and mouth opening with ventilation: Pull the hinge down when you need air, leave it up for warmth. Either way, air escapes so your goggles don't fog
• Women's sizing: XS-S and M-L options for proper fit on smaller heads
• Soft brushed fleece: Made from Repreve (recycled plastic bottles), with moisture wicking properties
• Works for everyone: Functions as a regular balaclava if you have short hair or don't need the hole

Phunkshun Hybrid Convertible Ballerclava

If you just want another option. The all-rounder for guys; one of the warmest helmet-compatible midweights

This hinged face mask lets you pull the lower half down to eat and drink, or drop the hood into a neck gaiter. The reinforced face panel has a PFC-free coating for weather resistance, plus water-resistant mesh lining for moisture wicking and breathability.

Pros: Super versatile hinge, thick face panel blocks wind, all the good stuff (wicking, breathable, stretch, helmet-friendly, UV protection), made in USA from recycled materials.

Cons: One size only, no ventilation = potential goggle fog.

Best for: Guys without man buns who want maximum versatility.

BlackStrap Expedition Hood

A touch warmer than the Phunkshun; safe for goggle lenses

Dual-layer construction everywhere for serious cold weather warmth. Lens-safe fabric means you can wipe down your ski goggles with it.

Pros: Fits under helmet despite being thicker, made in USA, doubles as goggle cleaner.

Cons: Can overheat with the double layer over your head, not fully hinged, pricier.

Best for: Cold days when you need extra insulation but still want helmet compatibility.

Airhole Milk Fleece Balaclava Hinge

Maximum comfort with top-tier anti-fog game

The milk fleece fabric is ridiculously soft and rated for below-freezing. The signature airhole at the mouth helps exhaled air escape and prevents condensation.

Pros: Extra long neck, multiple sizes available, air holes for breathing, crazy soft against skin.

Cons: No nose hole (goggle fog usually comes from the nose), not adjustable, might be too thick for some helmets, not a full hinge.

Best for: Comfort lovers with helmets that have a bit of extra room.

Best Women's Ski Balaclava

Most face masks ignore problems that women (and anyone with long hair) deal with constantly: hair shoved down your jacket, helmet pressure points, and fit designed for bigger heads and shorter hair.

A women-friendly ski balaclava needs to:

• Handle hair without creating a helmet lump
• Stop your hair from getting in your mouth
• Actually fit smaller heads
• Come in a variety of colours to match with different ski outfits (for those who are into that sort of thing)

The Ponyclava is the only ski balaclava designed by women, for women with long hair.

Other Women-Friendly Ski Masks

BlackStrap The Hood Balaclava: Standard design with 4-way stretch and UV SPF 50 protection. Hinged for versatility, lightweight with dual-layer neck. Generic sizing fits many. Great color range. No ponytail hole, no ventilation (goggle fog risk).

Airhole Facemask (various weights): The iconic airhole prevents goggle fog (no nose hole though). Available from lightweight to heavyweight, all with water resistant and wind-blocking tech. Also Canadian! No ponytail hole, no women's sizing.

Top Balaclava Picks by Category

Here's your shortlist for different needs:

Category	Product	Best For	Key Fabric	Standout Feature
Best Overall (Women/Long Hair)	The Ponyclava	Women, long hair, man buns	Repreve recycled polyester synthetic with brushed fleece	Helmet-compatible ponytail hole + hinge
Best Overall (Men)	Phunkshun Hybrid Convertible	Men, all conditions	Repreve recycled polyester	Full hinge + reinforced face covering
Best Anti-Fog	Airhole Milk Fleece	Below-freezing temps	Milk fleece (microfiber polyester)	Air holes at mouth opening for breathing
Best Merino Wool	Smartwool Merino Sport Hinged	Multi-day trips	Merino wool + polyester	Natural odor resistance
Best Heavyweight	Turtle Fur Shellaclava	Extreme cold, blizzard conditions	Thermal fleece neck + tech hood	Dual materials for full neck and head coverage
Best Lightweight	Phunkshun Kombu Convertible	Spring skiing, touring	Thin polyester weave	Hinged + ultra-thin, breathable materials

Balaclavas for Other Outdoor Activities

While this guide focuses on skiing and snowboarding, balaclavas and face masks aren't just for the slopes. They're essential outdoor apparel for tons of cold weather activities:

• Mountain biking in winter or early spring when temps drop
• Snowmobiling (full-face hoods are clutch for wind protection - check out one of our brand ambassadors rocking the Ponyclava in the wild!)
• Ice climbing
• Winter hiking and backcountry touring
• Equestrian sports
• Even running or cycling in frigid weather

The same rules apply: look for breathable materials, moisture wicking, and a fit that works with whatever helmet or headgear you're using. Many riders cross over between activities and use the same face covering for multiple sports. And yes - the Ponyclava is perfect for these too!

How to Fit a Balaclava Properly

Make sure it's snug but not strangling. It should stay in place when you turn your head, fit comfortably under your helmet, and be long enough to tuck into your jacket. Avoid bunching around the neck or gaps that let cold weather in. If you have long hair, make sure it handles your ponytail without pulling your scalp.

Common Balaclava Problems and How to Fix Them

Let's troubleshoot the most annoying issues.

Hair Trapped or Painful

Problem: Ponytail or bun crushed under helmet, yanking your scalp. Hair wrapping around and invading your mouth. Constant mid-run adjustments.

Fix:

• Get a ponytail hole or design that routes hair out the back cleanly
• Choose stretchy, long designs so fabric doesn't ride up
• Make sure the hole sits underneath the helmet back strap and doesn't interfere with it
• Pick fabrics that don't snag curls or textured hair

Too Tight, Too Loose, Bunching, or Riding Up

Problem: Headaches, red forehead marks, or fabric bunching around your neck. Either it's strangling you or sliding down and exposing your neck to cold weather.

Fix:

• Sizing matters. One-size-fits-all often doesn't
• Look for 4-way stretch fabrics
• Skip overly thick face masks under tight helmets
• Choose women's or small sizes for smaller heads
• Make sure it's long enough to tuck into your jacket and stay put

FAQ: Your Quick Answers

What is the best balaclava for skiing?

We're obviously biased, but we think that the the Ponyclava is it. It's purpose-built with a helmet-compatible ponytail hole to stop hair from wandering into your mouth, plus adjustable ventilation to prevent ski goggles from fogging. And it works just as well for anyone without long hair too.

If you just aren't that into it (sad face!) then the Phunkshun Hybrid Convertible is a great all-rounder with its hinged design, reinforced face panel, and helmet compatibility.

What's the best women's ski balaclava if I have long hair?

The Ponyclava is the OG face covering designed specifically for long hair. And it comes in women-specific sizes (XS-S and M-L) for smaller heads.

Is there a difference between a ski mask and a balaclava?

Not really - the terms get used interchangeably. Sometimes "ski mask" or "face mask" refers to a half-face covering you pull up from your neck, while a balaclava typically means full neck and head coverage that you pull over your head. Balaclavas stay put better and give more complete protection.

What about between a balaclava and a neck gaiter?

A balaclava covers your entire head, face, and neck with a pull-on design that stays put. A neck gaiter is a tube of fabric that sits around your neck and can be pulled up over your nose and mouth. Neck gaiters are more adjustable but slide down easily—especially when you're active. For skiing and snowboarding, balaclavas give more reliable full neck and head coverage.

Can I wear a balaclava under any ski or snowboard helmet?

Most will fit under most helmets, but look for "helmet-compatible" options made from thin, stretchy, breathable materials. Super thick thermal fleece or heavily insulated face coverings might not fit well or could cause pressure points. Use your helmet's adjustment dial to make room for the extra layer.

Which fabric is best for a ski balaclava?

For most days, choose merino wool or synthetic blends with moisture wicking and breathable materials. Merino wool offers warmth, natural odor control, and comfort, but can be itchy and pricey. Synthetics (like polyester weave or microfiber polyester) are tough, fast-drying, and more affordable. Skip cotton - it soaks up water and leaves you freezing.

How do I stop my ski goggles from fogging with a balaclava on?

Look for face coverings with actual ventilation - mesh panels, air holes, or an adjustable or pull-down mouth opening. "Breathable materials" alone won't cut it. You need some way to send exhaled air away from your ski goggles.

Do I need a balaclava for skiing?

Not required, but highly recommended. A face covering protects you from wind, cold weather, snow, rain, sunburn, and windburn—all of which can wreck a day on the mountain fast. Without one, exposed skin gets painfully cold, dry, and damaged, especially at altitude where UV rays are intense and bounce off snow.

Can men wear the Ponyclava?

Absolutely! It works for anyone with or without long hair, including ponytails and man buns. Just check sizing: under 56cm helmet size = XS-S, over 56cm = M-L.

What about toques, wool hats, and beanies?

A toque (or beanie), sometimes just generically known as a wool hat, keeps your head warm but leaves your face, neck, and ears exposed. They're great for milder days, or if you're wearing a helmet that covers your ears well and it's not particularly cold. Or they're used for apres-ski warmth.

Some riders wear thin wool hats under their helmet on warmer days and save the balaclava for the brutal ones. But it can't be a thick knit, or it won't fit under a helmet.

Keep Your Face Warm and Never Eat Your Hair Again

Picking the right balaclava isn’t rocket science: it’s about finding the features that actually make your day better. Fabric that matches your weather (no more sweating or shivering), real ventilation so your goggles don’t turn into a steamy mess, a fit that plays nice with your helmet, and - if you’ve got long hair - a design that finally puts an end to the whole “snacking on your own ponytail” thing.

If any or all of the above are on your list, the Ponyclava is your new best friend - especially if you've got long hair. It fixes all the stuff regular balaclavas just don’t get. For everyone else, focus on helmet fit, breathability, and dialing in the right warmth for your mountain.

Bottom line: keep your face cozy, your goggles clear, and your style on point.

Ready to stop eating your hair? Let's do this. →