The Best Face Coverings for Skiing & Snowboarding of 2024-2025

Donning one of the best face coverings available makes staying comfortable in changing conditions easier for skiers and snowboarders. We tested the best face coverings to find the top options that will keep your neck and ears (and sometimes more) warm and protected so you can stay out longer and enjoy all winter has to offer.

Writer, skier, and gear-tester extraordinaire Carolyne Whelan has tested outdoor apparel for the past decade. She’s tried everything from cycling bibs to rain jackets to the warmest winter gear. For a person who doesn’t particularly enjoy winter, she’s long lived in cold winter climates and is on the forever quest for comfort while leaning into the best her location offers. While testing these face coverings, she spent hours in the mountains and parks around Montana, Idaho, and northern New Mexico. She tried them on Nordic trails, windy mountain passes, balmy local ski lifts, and backcountry ski tours with her much more skilled friends. She also shared these face coverings with other avid skiers to gain different perspectives and a fuller picture of what makes these coverings shine.

We understand that finding the best face covering for your needs can be challenging without trying various options in person. That’s why we have taken out the guesswork for you. Whether you’re looking for a budget option like the Buff Merino Move or a top performer like the Turtle Fur Quantum Luxe Balaclava, we have you covered. Scroll through to see all of our recommendations for every need and budget. Check out our comprehensive buyer’s guide and comparison chart at the end of our list. If you have any questions, look at our list of frequently asked questions.

The Best Face Coverings for Skiing & Snowboarding

The Best Face Coverings Comparison Chart

How We Tested the Best Face Coverings for Skiing & Snowboarding

Here at GearJunkie, we are dedicated athletes, outdoor hobbyists, and all-around adventure aficionados all year long. When winter sets in, we gleefully trade in our adventure sandals for ski boots and continue having fun on the same trails we hiked and biked. It may be skis and snowboards accompanying us up for the lift instead of mountain bikes, but the stoke remains the same.

Our Expert Testers

Writer, skier, and gear-tester extraordinaire Carolyne Whelan has tested outdoor apparel for the past decade. She’s tried everything from cycling bibs to rain jackets to the warmest winter gear. For a person who doesn’t particularly enjoy winter, she’s long lived in cold winter climates and is on the forever quest for comfort while leaning into the best her location offers. While testing these face coverings, she spent hours in the mountains and parks around Montana, Idaho, and northern New Mexico. She tried them on Nordic trails, windy mountain passes, balmy local ski lifts, and backcountry ski tours with her much more skilled friends. She also shared these face coverings with other avid skiers to gain different perspectives and a fuller picture of what makes these coverings shine.

Our Testing Grounds and Process

To test these ski face coverings, we spent the winter months alpine skiing, nordic skiing, and snowshoeing all around Montana, Idaho, and northern New Mexico. We spent days out in the brightest sun our goggles could handle, the darkest afternoons trying to beat the dark clouds that were racing us back to the trailhead, and plenty of nights out with the stars and clouds swirling around the full (or full-enough) moon. Many times, we swapped face coverings multiple times on the same day to see how different coverings handled the same conditions.

Whether pushing through uncomfortably frigid testing conditions or chasing the last patches of late-season snow as it melted from our favorite trails, there were plenty of opportunities to test gear in a variety of conditions to see where different items truly shined and when they just weren’t the best design for the job.

Overall, our team put in hundreds of miles testing these ski face coverings. We chased the snow, explored new areas, shared the trail with teams of sled dogs and sled dogs in training, and crossed time zones on skis to give the most well-informed reviews possible of the best gear out there to protect your neck, face, and head from the harshes and mildest conditions.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Face Coverings for Skiing & Snowboarding

In some areas of the world, winter is the longest season with the shortest days. The best way to pass the time is to lean into the spirit of things and work with the seasons, not against them. Whether you’re lucky enough to live in such a place or just visiting for vacation, it’s important to properly protect yourself against the elements. Just like the killer bunny from Monty Python, snow may look soft and fluffy, but it can kill you without the proper precautions.

With so many options for ski face coverings out there, which one works best for you will depend on your specific needs. Use this guide to help comb through the jargon and find the best fit for your ski trip. And don’t forget that comfort and safety is a head-to-toe matter — check out our guide to the best ski socks of 2024 to make sure your feet stay just as dry and cozy as your cheeks.

What Activity Will You Use It For?

One of the most important questions to ask yourself is: What sort of skiing or recreating am I planning on doing, and what other gear will I be wearing while I do this? Nordic skiing and skinning up a mountain while backcountry skiing require a lot of lung power, especially at higher altitudes. Snowshoeing, meanwhile, is a hard workout, but the intensity can be controlled as it’s easier to change pace as needed. While, of course, downhill skiers and snowboarders also need a level of breathability, your heart and lungs aren’t typically pumping as intensely as other pursuits so you may not need as much. Downhill skiers will instead want to prioritize an option like the Hood Balaclava from Blackstrap, which works well under a helmet and goggles.

Materials

Some people have general preferences for certain materials, whether synthetic or natural, and that can be an easy place to start. The simple but effective Smartwool Thermal Merino Reversible Neck Gaiter will be guaranteed to be made of, you guessed it, wool (just like all its products) products, and the Buff Merino Move Multifunctional Neckwear is also Merino wool. Wool keeps you warm even when wet, so that’s an advantage when recreating in winter. Synthetic coverings like the Turtle Fur Quantum Luxe Balaclava offer different benefits like cozy fleece or high breathability. In addition to the type of fabric, thickness, and breathability are critical considerations as well. What works best for you will largely be dependent on the conditions you expect to face and the activities you’ll be doing most often.

Whichever material you choose should have enough elasticity to accommodate a wide range of head sizes and shapes. A flexible fit ensures that the mask can adapt to your movements and maintain its position, whether you’re glancing down at your feet or looking up at the lift line. This adaptability is crucial for both comfort and maintaining visibility.

Coverage & Design

When buying a ski or snowboard mask, consider if you want a full head covering or simply a neck gaiter or face cover. The most effective face covering for skiing or snowboarding should cover critical areas exposed to the elements, including the neck, chin, cheeks, and sometimes the nose. Yet, it’s essential that the mask does not interfere with your helmet or goggles. We recommend trying on your face covering while wearing your other accessories. Check that the bottom of the mask tucks under your jacket collar to keep out drafts and that there’s a seamless interface with your goggles to avoid fogging and ensure a wide field of vision.

Other important factors include fit and versatility, such as the ability to be worn over the whole head or only the face or neck with a transformation. For a balance between full coverage and breathability, the Turtle Fur Quantum Luxe Balaclava stands out as the best overall face covering. Made from a blend of polyester, rayon, and spandex, it offers full head and neck coverage, with the possibility of chin and mouth coverage as well. It’s particularly suited for both alpine and Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and more. The microfleece lining is super cozy, and the hood can be peeled back to wear as a neck gaiter if it gets too hot, giving you the best of all worlds.

Breathability

When selecting the best face covering for skiing, breathability stands out as a key factor for both comfort and functionality on the slopes. While a snug fit is crucial, the mask must also allow for comfortable breathing, especially during rigorous activity. ook for models with venting options or breathable materials, particularly around the mouth and nose, to prevent moisture buildup inside the mask that can lead to dampness and cold. One standout option is the Buff Mountain Bandana. This bandana-style covering offers a unique blend of functionality and style, making it a great choice for skiers who prioritize ease of breathing without sacrificing protection from the cold.

Weather

There are lots of factors to consider when deciding what sort of coverage is best for you, and an important place to start is what sort of weather conditions you expect. Depending on where you’ll be skiing or recreating, you may need full protection from high winds and extreme cold, or you may benefit from more breathability and the ability to shed layers easily. Altitude can also be a factor, as the sun is less filtered, yet the thin air also means it can be harder to breathe. For face, check, and neck coverage, the Buff Mountain Bandana, while the REI Wind Pro Hinged Balaclava provides full coverage for the most brutal conditions.

Fit

When choosing a face covering for skiing or snowboarding, fit is paramount for ensuring comfort, functionality, and protection from the cold. A well-fitted ski mask should conform snugly to the contours of your face and head without being too tight or overly loose. Look for a face covering that securely hugs your face and head. It should sit comfortably without any gaps where cold air can sneak in. However, be wary of coverings that feel too tight, as they can restrict breathing or cause discomfort, especially when worn for extended periods.

Adjustability

Some face coverings come with adjustable features, such as drawstrings, Velcro straps, or flexible nose bridges, allowing wearers to tailor the fit to their specific needs. This customizability is particularly valuable for achieving the right balance between snugness and comfort. For those facing extremely cold conditions, the REI Wind Pro Hinged Balaclava is a highly flexible choice. While it is designed more for extreme cold rather than prioritizing breathability, it’s hinged design allows for flexibility in how you wear it, giving you the option to uncover your mouth and nose for easier breathing when conditions permit. The iconic Merino Move Multifunctional Neckwear from Buff is also an extremely versatile option since it can be worn a wide range of ways and it works for widely varying conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions