Best Ski & Snowboard Face Masks & Balaclavas of 2023

JUMP TO: SMARTWOOL MERINO SPORT / BLACKSTRAP THE HOOD / OYUKI PROCLAVA / BURTON CORA HOOD / OR ESSENTIAL MIDWEIGHT / ANON MFI HOODED / SMARTWOOL INTRAKNIT MERINO 200 / BUYING ADVICE

Author: Rob Thijssen

The Short Version

The Long Version

As the days get shorter and temperatures drop, many of us start to get excited about the upcoming powder season. Your board is waxed and prepped, your goggles shiny, and you just cut the price tags off a brand new pair of snowboard pants.

You’ve got everything set and ready for your next winter adventure. But have you really?

Underrated by many, a ski or snowboard balaclava or face mask is a small but critical piece of the all-day shred puzzle. It protects your precious mug from the elements when you’re out on the mountain. Plus, they can look pretty badass!

But what to look out for when shopping for one?

Balaclavas and face masks come in many shapes and forms, not to mention an array of different designs and materials. It can quickly become a challenge to decide on which one to choose.

To help you out, I’ve rounded up the best skiing and snowboarding face masks and balaclavas on the market today. If you prefer a fluffy fleece one, or you want to look like a ninja, there’s surely one that suits your needs...

So let’s do this!

If you love reading this review of the best ski and snowboard balaclavas, then you'll likely love reading some of our other snow related content:

Need To Know What To Look Out For?

Does it matter what materials? Can’t you just wear a scarf? These are questions you may ask yourself, and if you find yourself doing so, then be sure to check out my in-depth buying advice at the end of the article.

MATERIAL: 46% Recycled Polyester / 38% Merino Wool / 16% Spandex

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Made from natural and recycled materials

CONS: One of the more expensive balaclavas in this review

The Smartwool Merino Sport Fleece Hinged Balaclava is an excellent choice when you consider yourself a conscious consumer. Made with merino wool and recycled polyester, this snow balaclava is one of the most environmentally friendly ones in this review. And because pow lovers like us experience the effects of global warming first-hand, it is my favorite.

Besides the environmental benefits, merino wool also has outstanding moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating properties, and above all, doesn’t absorb smells like synthetic fabrics do. So no matter how hard you shred, you won’t be stinking up the place with unpleasant odors.

The hinged design lets you pull the top part back in a jiffy for when you're warming up and need some extra ventilation. It also fits comfortably underneath a helmet and leaves enough space for your goggles.

To prevent unwanted fogging inside your goggles, Smartwool included a lighter 150 fabric over the nose and mouth to increase breathability. This way your vision stays crystal-clear so you can stomp the most technical tree runs out there!

Although it might look pretty straightforward, the Smartwool Merino Sport Fleece Hinged Balaclava is a highly technical piece of gear. If you love skiing or snowboarding and want to enjoy snowy winters for many years to come, this is the one to get!

Best for Versatility: BLACKSTRAP THE HOOD BALACLAVA

MATERIAL: 80% Nylon, 17% Spandex, 3% other fibers. Liner: polyester

PRICE: $$

PROS: UPF 50 sun protection, 4-way stretch fabric, hinged construction, antimicrobial treatment (no-stink)

CONS: Stitching might cause pressure points when wearing a helmet

Very similar to Oyuki’s Proclava, the Blackstrap The Hood Balaclava features their patented Tri-Blend fabric. Highly breathable and moisture wicking, you can also use this balaclava to clean the lens of your goggles or sunglasses.

To make sure it fits easily under your helmet, they opted for a single layer on the head and neck. On the front of the neck and face however, they used a dual layer, making it more windproof and warm. Perfect for those chilly bluebird morning runs.

Another really nice feature is the antimicrobial finish. This way, unpleasant odors are reduced after a long day out freeriding. Your friends will thank you for it, trust me.

But it won’t just protect you from those awkward looks though. Thanks to a UPF 50+ sun protection, your gorgeous mug is also kept safe from harmful rays of the sun.

The Blackstrap The Hood Balaclava is a little more expensive than the Oyuki Proclava, its closest competitor in this review. However, you do get additional sun protection, a dual layer around your neck and face, and an antimicrobial treatment. Besides that, it’s made in the US. What more do you want?

Best on a Budget: OYUKI PROCLAVA

MATERIAL: 85% Polyester, 15% Spandex

PRICE: $$

PROS: Breathable, stretchy, and comes in an array of designs and colors

CONS: Fully synthetic fiber

By now, Oyuki has cemented itself as a leading brand in the ski and snowboard community. Their products are high-quality, surprisingly affordable, and look cool. Besides gloves and mittens, their balaclavas are also really good.

Take their Proclava, for example. Made out of 85% polyester and 15% spandex, this bad boy is both warm and super stretchy. It is, however, still very low profile and fits easily under a helmet. Make sure though, that you try it on with your helmet before you decide to buy.

A strategically placed hinge point guarantees outstanding performance and is compatible with many different face shapes. It allows you to switch between full balaclava, face mask, and neck gaiter within the blink of an eye.

It comes in an array of colors and styles, with designs influenced by traditional Japanese art and symbols. There’s even one with a sushi print and one with robots. Need I say more…

The Oyuki Proclava is an excellent balaclava/neck gaiter/face mask, made with the best materials possible, and is still gentle on your wallet. In my opinion, the only way to improve this epic piece of gear is when Oyuki decides to use recycled materials.

Best Women’s: BURTON CORA HOOD

MATERIAL: 100% Polyester Fleece

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Soft, fluffy fleece keeps you nice and toasty

CONS: It can be quite bulky

If a neck gaiter doesn’t quite do it for you, the Burton Cora Hood definitely does! The quick-drying, highly breathable, and ultra-soft DRYRIDE Thermex™ fleece keeps you warm on even the coldest winter adventures.

Available in regular and over-the-helmet sizing, this fluffy puppy is ideal both on and off the mountain. The chafe-free softlock seams eliminate overlapping fabrics for stellar comfort and the drawcord closure guarantees a perfect fit.

Available in multiple colors, you’ll definitely be able to find one that matches your setup. With the stylish Burton Cora Hood, you’re warm and comfortable, all day long. And you still look good!

MATERIAL: 82% Polyester, 18% Spandex

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Midweight layer for extra insulation, includes 3-pack of breathing filters

CONS: You have to remember to bring the filters

In the post-COVID era, wearing a face mask is still a requirement at many ski resorts. I hear you think; If only there was a face mask that protects you from the cold, wind, and COVID 19…

Your prayers have been answered by the design gurus at Outdoor Research. The Essential Midweight Balaclava has a comfy and customizable fit, with the option of supercharging it with the renowned Essential Filter.

The mask can be washed up to 30 times before the HEIQ V-BLOCK® slowly diminishes. The disposable filters are in accordance with ASTM test standards and reduce the risk of contaminant transmission.

To guarantee a perfect fit, it has a hinge construction and an integrated nose wire. The durable polyester fabric feels soft to the skin, dries quickly, and is water and stain repellent. And let’s be honest, that is a desirable feat when you start drooling at the sight of those untouched powdery slopes.

The OR Essential Midweight Balaclava Kit is the perfect choice when riding in the resorts and you’re looking to protect yourself from both viruses and cold temps.

Best Against Fog Build-Up: ANON MFI HOODED BALACLAVA

MATERIAL: 100% polyester bonded stretch fleece

PRICE: $$$$

PROS: Attaches magnetically to any pair of MFI goggles

CONS: Not helmet compatible, expensive

When you love hitting the park and you’re looking for a hooded balaclava that looks awesome and doesn’t fog up your goggles, have a look at the Anon MFI Hooded Balaclava. 

The revolutionary magnetic connection seals the face panel to your MFI compatible goggles. Thanks to special ventilation channels, that annoying fog build-up in your goggles is virtually non-existent. This allows you to have a crystal-clear view of your line, and maybe more importantly, your landing.

Made of breathable stretchy fleece, it offers similar comfort to a hooded sweatshirt but also protects you from wind, sun, and cold. An adjustable bungee cinch-cord provides a perfect fit.

Because it’s not compatible with a helmet, this balaclava is not recommended for freeriding or off-piste. It’s more used by park shredders. With an almost post-apocalyptic look, you’re sure to get some glances.

Overall, the Anon MFI Hooded Balaclava is an awesome-looking piece of gear. Because it’s not helmet-compatible, it is however limited in its use. When you’re not a fan of the hooded version, or you do want to wear a helmet while riding, have a look at the Anon MFI Light-Weight Neck Warmer.

Best for the Environment: SMARTWOOL INTRAKNIT MERINO 200 BALACLAVA

MATERIAL: 53% Merino Wool, 45% Recycled Polyester, 2% Spandex

PRICE: $$$

PROS: Comfortable against skin, 3D Mapping for a perfect fit

CONS: Expensive

If you have been living in a snow cave for the last two decades, you might have missed the merino revolution. No worries, we’ve got your back! In short, this natural fiber regulates body temperature better than synthetics, feels soft to the skin, and above all, absorbs smells caused by bacteria.

Therefore it’s an excellent choice for baselayers, socks, and items like face masks and balaclavas.

Smartwool manufactures its products mainly from merino wool, and the Intraknit Merino 200 Balaclava uses Smartwool’s own Sport Yarn blend. This combines the power of merino wool with the durability and fast dry times of polyester.

Engineered construction and 3D mapping guarantee a near-custom fit and maximum freedom of movement, without the use of excess fabric. Plus, it has integrated mesh panels across the mouth and ears to help with venting.

It is slightly shorter than most balaclavas, though, and might protect your neck less than other options.

Being one of the most expensive balaclavas in this review, you might think twice before going for this one. However, if you can afford the splurge, treat yourself to this premium piece of gear.

BUYING ADVICE FOR SKI & SNOWBOARD FACE MASKS & BALACLAVAS

Materials

Like with baselayers, the material you choose defines the level of comfort you’ll have. The eternal “battle of the baselayers” is fought between natural fibers and synthetics. Both have pros and cons. Below, I’ll break them down.

SYNTHETICS: Synthetic fibers are durable, quick-drying, wick moisture well, and are affordable. Potential drawbacks are that they can feel uncomfortably hot and sweaty against the skin and create unpleasant odors when you sweat. Polyester is the most common type of synthetic you will find used for face masks and balaclavas, and unfortunately is one of the worst for retaining odors over time.

MERINO WOOL: Merino wool is a natural fiber, obtained from the merino sheep. This is a softer and finer wool fiber, that doesn’t itch, regulates temperature very well, and best of all doesn’t smell! 

However, merino wool is less durable and more expensive than synthetics. That’s why a lot of manufacturers nowadays combine the two types of materials. They use synthetic core fibers for strength and durability and spin wool around them for the benefits of its amazing “against the skin” properties.

Fabric weights

WARMTH vs BREATHABILITY: Some face masks and balaclavas are thicker than others. Obviously, thicker ones provide more warmth. But this isn’t necessarily always a good thing.

Especially when you’re out freeriding and have to hike a bit to get to that secret couloir, a thicker item - like the Burton Cora - can quickly become uncomfortably hot. It can also prevent you from being able to fully close your jacket, so make sure you try this out before buying!

MERINO WEIGHTS: Merino wool also comes in different fabric weights. Often this is indicated with a number like 150, or 200. This means 150 grams per square meter of fabric. The heavier the fabric, the better it insulates.

Helmet Compatibility

Since more and more skiers and snowboarders are deciding to wear a helmet (which is the best thing you can do), make sure that when wearing a balaclava your helmet still fits properly.

Since you’ll be wearing an extra layer over your head, it can happen that your helmet feels tighter and causes a headache. So ideally try it at home for a few hours before heading out.

Additional features

MESH VENTILATION: Some models have an integrated mesh mouthpiece, like the Smartwool Intraknit Merino 200 Balaclava. This allows you to breathe easier and helps prevent your goggles from fogging up too.

FLEECE AND/OR WINDPROOFING: Sometimes, brands use a combination of a thinner half and a thicker half made out of (windproof) fleece. These models provide extra protection from cold and wind. If serious cold and/or weather protection is a concern, then consider looking for these features.

MORE INFORMATION

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