Balaclava vs. Ski Mask: Everything You Need To Know

Winter is just around the corner, and in some places, snow is already starting to hit the ground – which is great news for those who love skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, or even hiking or going on different outdoor adventures in the freezing cold. And while it’s a no-brainer to invest in a good jacket that will protect you from the harsh winter elements, you shouldn’t skip over the cold weather accessories, like hats, gloves, and of course, ski masks and/or balaclavas. Which brings us to our next point: is there really a difference between a ski mask and a balaclava? Read on to find out everything you need to know about these very similar but every-so-slightly different face coverings that are essential for every winter sports enthusiast, including where to score the best ski masks and balaclavas on the market today.

What Is a Ski Mask?

A ski mask is a piece of cloth headwear that is designed to protect you from cold weather elements, usually while doing outdoor snow sports like skiing, snowboarding, or snowmobiling. Ski masks typically cover the lower half of the face, as well as the neck, and are designed so that helmets can easily fit over them. 

What Is a Balaclava?

A balaclava is a piece of cloth headwear that covers most of the face and has openings for the eyes, and sometimes the nose and mouth, and is very similar to a ski mask. It is often used in extreme cold weather conditions to protect the face from the harsh winter elements like freezing temperatures, wind, and snow. It can actually be worn in a variety of ways, as it can be rolled up to be used solely as a hat, or rolled down to be used as a scarf that covers your neck. 

Balaclavas are also sometimes used by military forces not only in extreme weather conditions but as a way to conceal identities as well. 

What Are the Main Differences Between a Ski Mask and a Balaclava?

There aren’t that many differences between balaclavas and ski masks other than the fact that ski masks cover the lower half of one’s face, while balaclavas cover the majority of one’s face. 

Both headwear garments can be made from a variety of materials, including wool, cotton, polar fleece, polypropylene, and/or neoprene.

The Best Ski Masks on the Market

For a go-to ski mask that you’ll reach for every snowsport season, try the Seirus Men’s Neofleece Combo Scarf, which seals out moisture, has an adjustable Velcro closure for an optimal custom fit, and central breathing holes to keep the air circulation flowing. Bonus: this baby is fog-proof if you wear glasses, as one customer reviewed. “My brother works outside some days in the winter and he will not leave the house without this! It keeps him warm and helps to warm the air as he breathes,” they wrote, adding that they’ve been buying them for five years. “He wears glasses and this does not bother the arms of his glasses or cause them to fog like many other masks do.”

If you’re on the hunt for a ski mask with a little more pizzazz, check out the BlackStrap The Tube, which the brand describes as “technical, functional, and comfortable,” and is available in a whopping 25 colors and designs. This ski mask is also very breathable, making it perfect for hitting the slopes any time of the day, and even offers 50+ UV protection so you’re covered on sunny days. “I bought two of these Blackstrap Tubes. One for myself and one for my boyfriend,” one snowsport enthusiast wrote in a review. “We both loved them! We went snowboarding and didn’t head to the mountain without them! Very warm and lightweight! The colors are also awesome! I really love these tubes!”

The Best Balaclavas on the Market

For a basic balaclava that’ll come in handy whenever the weather is harsh, check out the Columbia Titanium II Balaclava, which will not only shield your face from rain, wind, and snow, it’s also stain-resistant and features a lightweight, stretchy fabric that’ll make you feel like you’re not wearing anything at all. “Great headcover. Fits my 24” head very snug but still comfortable. The length down to the shoulders could be a little longer, I have long hair,” one customer reviewed. “I can wear my glasses and a hat and still fit good enough for me. Overall I really like the way it looks and its functionality. I highly recommend it!

If you’re looking for a balaclava that has a little more personality, try the Oyuki Proclava in Pink Crane, which is actually available in 18 different prints and colors and fits easily under a helmet, and is both warm and breathable. “Super breathable, yet warmer than a buff on colder days. Not too hot on warmer days, think 32F for ‘warm.’ Anything warmer than that you might want something lighter, but this can be worn comfortably over the chin only as well,” one happy customer reviewed. “Doesn’t fog up my ski goggles, though some of my sunglasses do, some don’t. Overall highly recommended piece of gear.”