Battle of the Ski Face Masks

12th November 2020

Last modified on May 20th, 2021

Selecting one’s snowsports outfit used to be one of the pre-season occupations for every fashionable skier or snowboarder. A mask is now part of the decision making process.

Looks and fashion combined with practicality is the judgement to make.

And of course, the all-important price.

Do you want a face mask to do the main job of limiting the spread of the virus/offering some protection to yourself?

Or would you like it to do another function, or even functions?

The PlanetSKI editor , James Cove, has gone for the former.

“I want a simple mask that meets all the regulations and is comfortable to wear while being easy to take on and off,” said James.

“Usually products that claim to do multiple things do all of them, but not perfectly.”

Step forward the Wipe-Out offering produced by his good friend, Julie Slaughter, who lives in Chamonix.

Cost: It was free for James as Julie is a mate.

Mask One

Next up we have an offering from the mighty Les3Vallees in France.

It is the largest linked ski area in the world, so naturally it looks like being the largest face covering in the ski world too.

It has two functions and serves as a neck warmer too.

“The ‘2in1 Mask’ – made from breathable filter fabric, it will keep you warm & let you ski with total peace of mind,” said Les3Vallees.

Cost: €15 ( £13.50).

Mask Two

Now Zermatt in Switzerland likes to think of itself as the best at everything, so naturally it has produced a covering that can do three things.

This is a “multifunctional protective mask” it proudly proclaims.

It slips over a ski helmet and attaches to the fastening for goggles.

“It can quickly be pulled up over your mouth and nose in areas where masks have to be worn, and when you get out onto the slopes it can be worn around your neck to keep out the cold,” said the resort.

“Then on the way home you can use it to protect your goggles”.

Cost: 24.50CHFs (£20.40)

We are awaiting for the ski company that comes up with a fourth use.

What other functions would you like a mask to have?

Do send in your thoughts and any images of your proposed ski mask (should we even be able to go skiing) over on the PlanetSKI Facebook page.

We have seen a few so far in the open glacier resorts: