While skiers don't need ski masks for every day on the mountain, they certainly come in handy when it's very cold, windy and snowy. Ski masks come in a variety of different styles, from full face masks with holes for the eyes and mouth to models that slip over the lower half of the face. Keeping the mask dry is important in keeping you warm, comfortable and protected from the elements.
Instructions
1. Pick out a mask that fits your face. The mask should be snug around your face without any gaps or loose spots. Materials such as fleece and wool will help to wick moisture away from your face. Neoprene offers a good water-resistant barrier and is form-fitting.
2. Make sure the mask has ample ventilation. Some masks include only tiny breathing holes, which will mean that you breathe directly into the fabric causing moisture to collect on the inside of the mask. Stifling masks of this nature will also mean problems with lenses fogging. Find a mask that offers a good ventilation hole or apparatus. Some masks, like the Talus Cold Avenger, offer a plastic breathing apparatus designed to prevent moisture build-up.
3. Spend a minute or two putting the mask on. If you feel the need for a ski mask, don't just throw it on after you've jumped on the lift. Go inside and spend time putting it on so that it is situated correctly and secured snugly on your face. If you put the mask on outside, you risk having snow getting caught in it and having it sit cockeyed. Make sure that the breathing holes are aligned with your nose and/or mouth so that you don't breathe into the material and cause condensation.
4. Wear a hood. Like knit hats and beanies, ski masks are warm but not waterproof. To keep snow from falling onto the top or down the back of the ski mask, wear a waterproof hood on your head. Tighten down the the sides of the hood to offer the most coverage and best vision.
5. Breathe only out of the ventilation holes. If there's no nose hole or if it's not effective at allowing you to breathe, breathe out of the mouth and vice versa.
6. Shake the mask off after each ski run. If it's snowing, sleeting or hailing while you're skiing, chances are that your ski mask is going to collect some serious snow on the outside. While you ride the lift between runs, clean the snow off to prevent it from sticking and melting into the mask. If there's any beaded moisture on the mask, wipe it off with a paper towel, tissue or goggle cloth.
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