The 9 Best Ski & Snowboard Face Masks of 2022-2023
By: Jen Streby: Senior Buyer | October 19, 2022
Experienced skiers and snowboarders know that a cold face is a sure recipe for a short, uncomfortable day on the hill. But beyond that, everyone has their own preferences. That’s why there’s no “one best ski mask.” Instead, we’ve got this list of the best ski balaclavas all with different styles, fits, materials, and priorities, so that you can find the ski mask that works best for your face and skiing weather when choosing what to wear skiing. And even then, for some folks, there’s no one balaclava that they want to ski in every day. Instead, having a few balaclava ski masks that you can swap out depending on the weather and temperature makes a lot of sense for many skiers.
New This Year:
This year, top brands have listened and are coming out with multiple styles of their popular masks, so that you can choose what style works best for you. So stop putting up with mediocre face masks that leave you cold and uncomfortable. The best ski balaclava is the one that makes your face feel great through a long day of skiing, and there’s sure to be a mask that fits that description on this list.
BlackStrap The Hood Balaclava
Your face may be beautiful (or handsome), but you need to cover it up every once in a while, to preserve its good looks. Protect it in style and comfort with the BlackStrap The Hood. Made from a stretchy, moisture-wicking fabric, The Hood features UPF 55+ sun protection and is anti-microbial treated, so the stink can get lost. A four-way stretch means no restricted movement. Hide your precious face from the elements - whether it be sun or sleet - with the BlackStrap The Hood. Blackstrap’s Hood is one of the warmest options on this list and works great for people with beards.
| Material | Style | Original Price |
| Synthetic | Hinged Hood | $34.95 |
BlackStrap The Junior Hood Balaclava - Kids'
If you've ever been skiing with youngsters, you know firsthand how much they dislike the stinging feeling of icy particles blasting their faces. Save yourself and your kids the misery and protect 'em with a BlackStrap The Junior Hood. Designed with a hinge, The Junior Hood can be worn up to yield maximum protection, but also down so they can still score some chairlift snacks! If that sounds like a win-win, that's because it is! Your kids deserve the same warmth and comfort as you do, and the Junior Hood delivers just that.
| Material | Style | Original Price |
| Synthetic | Hinged Hood | $26.95 |
Oyuki Proclava
The Oyuki Proclava is made from a warm, breathable, fleece-lined, super-stretch material, with a strategic hinge point for uncompromised performance and compatibility with lots of different face shapes. This is a strong contender for the most versatile ski mask on the market.
| Material | Style | Original Price |
| 85% Polyester / 15% Spandex | Hinged Hood | $29.95 |
Burton Cora Hood - Women's
To be honest, we're not entirely sure who Cora is, but if you ever discover the answer please be sure to send her our utmost gratitude because the Burton Cora Hood is simply divine when it comes to ensuring warmth and comfort in cold mountain climates. This hood is ridiculously warm and stylish.
| Material | Style | Original Price |
| Dryride Thermex | Hinged Fleece Hood | $44.95 |
BlackStrap The Expedition Hood Balaclava
When winds pick up and icy snow starts whipping through the air at warp speed, protect your neck and face with the storm-ready, dual-layer construction of the BlackStrap The Expedition Hood. Constructed from BlackStrap's proprietary stretchy material, and layered to maximize warmth without sacrificing natural mobility, you won't want to venture into the mountains without it.
| Material | Style | Original Price |
| Synthetic | Hinged Hood | $39.95 |
BlackStrap The Tube
The BlackStrap The Tube is technical, functional, and comfortable. Its breathable and moisture-wicking fabric offers up UPF 50+ UV protection and is treated with anti-microbial, so that sweaty stank can take a hike. A four-way stretch means no movement is limited. Protect yourself from the elements in the BlackStrap The Tube. This a premium face tube with the comfort and style to match.
| Material | Style | Original Price |
| Synthetic | Face Tube | $24.95 |
MONS ROYALE Double Up Neckwarmer
Double up (literally) with the two-layer warmth of the 100% merino wool MONS ROYALE Double Up Neckwarmer. While most face tubes are thin and not that warm, the Double Up is thick and cozy.
| Material | Style | Original Price |
| Merino Wool | Face Tube | $45.00 |
Le Bent 200 Balaclava
The Le Bent 200 Balaclava innovates upon the traditional balaclava with a lightweight and stretchy rayon/merino wool blend. The hinged design and soft, itch-free material of this facemask make it an all-around win throughout winter. It’s an understated, consistent winner.
| Material | Style | Original Price |
| Bamboo/Merino Blend | Hinged Hood | $34.95 |
Learn More With Our Other Accessories Guides:
- Sunglasses - How to Choose
- Sunglasses - Style & Face Shape
- Goggles - How to Choose
- Goggles - How to Wear Goggles with Glasses
- Goggles - How to Prevent Fogging
- Helmets - How to Choose & Fit Guide
- Helmets - MIPS Technology
- Gloves & Mittens - How to Choose
- Hats - Types, Styles, & Materials
- Socks - How to Choose Ski & Snowboard Socks
Discover Our Favorite Accessories:
- The Warmest Mittens
- The Best Face Masks, Neck Tubes & Balaclavas
- The Best Ski & Snowboard Mittens
- The Best Ski & Snowboard Helmets
- The Best Kids' Ski & Snowboard Helmets
- The Best Ski & Snowboard Socks
- The Best Ski & Snowboard Gloves
- The Best Kids' Ski & Snowboard Gloves
- The Best Ski & Snowboard Goggles
- The Best Kids' Ski & Snowboard Goggles
- The Best Value Ski & Snowboard Goggles
- The Best Ski Bags
- The Best Ski & Snowboard Boot Bags
- The Best Ski & Snowboard Backpacks
- The Best Snowboard Bags
- The Best Ski & Snowboard Wax
- The Best Snowboard Stomp Pads
- The Best Ski & Snowboard Glove Liners
- The Best Snowboard Wrist Guards & Protective Gear
- The Best Heated Ski Socks & Ski Boot Heaters
The Selection Process:
Our snow accessories buyers have an endless amount of knowledge on all things snow accessory related stemming from years of experience in the outdoor industry in tandem with their countless hours spent outside in all conditions around the world. From hot to cold, snow, rain, wind, and even sunshine, they know what accessories will keep you comfortable and really up your experience outside. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.
Jen Streby
Hi! My name is Jen and while growing up in the very cold Midwest, I didn’t have much experience in the snow apart from sledding and building your classic snowman. Eventually, after college, I migrated my way out to Utah. There I stepped on the snow on skis for the first time at the young age of 27. The first experience being at Alta, doing a complete yard sale under the Collins lift on my first run. Stubborn me didn’t give up. I soon after got a job at Snowbird where I grew to love the sport and learned to love the mountains in the wintertime as much as I do in the summer.
My winter passion didn’t change upon moving to the PNW where I call Seattle my home. I started with evo 6 years ago and have been a buyer for several categories, one of which currently includes the snow accessories category. Come to me if you want to talk about helmets, goggles, gloves, and more.