Short answer: a balaclava is a fitted hood that covers your head, neck and most of your face, leaving an opening for the eyes. "Ski mask" is the everyday name for the same thing when you wear it on the mountain. A neck gaiter is a tube that only covers your neck and the lower half of your face. If you ski with goggles and a helmet, a full-face balaclava with one wide goggle opening covers the most skin in one piece. If you only want something you can pull up and down on the lift, a neck gaiter is easier. Below we explain the differences, when each one makes sense, and how to wash a ski mask so it lasts.
Who wrote this: this guide is by blockhead.shop. We design and sell the Blockhead ski mask, a full-face stretch balaclava, so we have a side here. We've tried to be fair about the other options too.
Is a ski mask the same as a balaclava?
Mostly, yes. "Balaclava" is the garment's name: a one-piece hood that covers the head and neck, with an opening for the face or the eyes. "Ski mask" is what most people call it when it's worn for skiing or snowboarding. Some shops also use "ski mask" for goggles, which is confusing, so check the photos before you buy.
Balaclavas come with different openings:
- Full face, eyes only: one opening across the eyes. This is the warmest and the one that works best with ski goggles.
- Open face: the whole face is open, the mask covers head, ears and neck. Comfortable, but your cheeks and nose are out in the wind.
- Hinged or convertible: the lower part folds down under your chin, so it works as both.
- Three holes: two eye holes and a mouth hole. Good for a costume, less good with goggles, because the goggle frame doesn't fit two small holes.
What's the difference between a balaclava and a neck gaiter?
| Full-face balaclava (ski mask) | Neck gaiter | |
|---|---|---|
| What it covers | Head, ears, face around the eyes, neck | Neck, chin, mouth and nose when pulled up |
| With goggles | Goggles sit on the mask around one wide opening, so there's no gap at the forehead | Fine, but the forehead and ears are left to your helmet or beanie |
| Under a helmet | Yes if the fabric is thin enough; covers the ears too | Yes, it doesn't touch the helmet at all |
| On and off | Over the head; you take your helmet off first | Pull up and down any time |
| Stays in place | One piece, doesn't slip | Can slide down when you talk or turn your head |
| Best for | Cold lift rides, windy days, wearing all day | Mild days, hiking, people who hate covering their head |
The gap between goggles and helmet is where most riders get cold. The outdoor site Advnture recommends a snug balaclava under the helmet with the edge of the face opening held in place by the goggle foam, so no draft gets in. A neck gaiter can't do that, because it stops below the eyes.
Which one is warmer?
A full-face balaclava, simply because it covers more skin, including the ears and the top of the head. How warm it feels still depends on the fabric: a thin printed gaiter and a thick merino hood are very different. Wind matters more than temperature. The National Weather Service notes that at 0°F with a 15 mph wind, the wind chill is -19°F and exposed skin can freeze in 30 minutes. On days like that, covered cheeks and a covered nose make a real difference.
Where does a funny ski mask fit in?
A funny ski mask is a full-face balaclava with a face on it. Blockhead is one: a bright yellow full-face stretch ski mask with a blocky head, a knob on top, thick black eyebrows and one of four faces (Tongue Out, Big Grin, Chomp or Smirk). It has one wide eye opening sized for ski goggles and fits under most ski and snowboard helmets. It's a stretch polyester mask, about 80 g, made for lift rides and cold days. It's a fun mask, not a technical base layer, so on a brutally cold day wear your usual layers too. If you want to see the faces side by side, start on the funny ski mask page, or read our honest comparison of funny ski mask styles.
How should a balaclava fit?
- Snug, not tight. It should stay in place when you turn your head, without pressing on your nose.
- Eye opening lines up with your goggles. The goggle foam should sit on the mask all the way round, not on a fold.
- No bunching at the neck. Tuck the neck part into your jacket collar.
Blockhead is one size, for adult heads about 22–23 in (56–59 cm). Measure around your head just above your eyebrows if you're not sure. Wearing glasses? Read will a ski mask or balaclava fit over glasses. Buying for a child? Read are ski masks for kids? first.
How do you wash a ski mask?
- Air it out after every day. Turn it inside out and let it dry at room temperature. A damp mask in a bag is what makes it smell.
- Hand wash in cold water with a little mild detergent. Gently squeeze the water through the fabric; don't scrub the printed or stitched face.
- Rinse in cold water until the water runs clear.
- Don't wring it. Press the water out, then roll it in a towel.
- Lay it flat to dry. Not on a radiator, not in a dryer, and not hanging: a wet mask stretches under its own weight.
That's all it takes to keep the shape and the face looking sharp for next season.
FAQ
Why is it called a balaclava?
The name comes from Balaklava, a town in Crimea. British soldiers there during the Crimean War in the 1850s wore knitted head coverings against the cold, and the name stuck.
Can you wear a balaclava under a ski helmet?
Yes, as long as it's fairly thin. Put the mask on first, line up the eye opening, then put the helmet on and adjust it. Thick hoods or masks with big 3D parts can push the helmet up.
Is a neck gaiter enough for skiing?
On a mild or sunny day, often yes. On a cold, windy lift ride it leaves your forehead and ears to your helmet, and it tends to slide down. That's when a full-face balaclava is the better pick.
Can I put a ski mask in the washing machine?
We don't recommend it. The spin cycle and heat can stretch or shrink the mask and fade the print. Hand washing in cold water takes five minutes.
Do I need a ski mask if I wear goggles?
Goggles protect your eyes, not your cheeks, nose or chin. On cold or windy days a full-face mask covers the skin the goggles leave open.
Want the version with a face on it? Pick your Blockhead face. A single mask is $26.99, and any 2 get 12% off, 3 get 19% off and 4 or more get 25% off, mixed across faces.
— The Blockhead team