How to Buy a Ski Mask
Skiing is such a refreshing winter sport. You are out in the middle on nature's beauty, soaking in the scenery and slaloming down the slopes. But if you've ever skied when the temperature or weather is less than favorable, then you know how bitter cold it can be. The solution is a ski mask. Here are some tips on how to buy one for your next downhill adventure. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Determine the style of ski mask you would like to buy. Since they are a one-size fits most item, style is where you are going to have choices. Some ski masks wrap from your neck, leave a space for your mouth, nose and eyes and have a visor on top; these are of course called "visor ski masks." Others simply cover your nose and mouth (and leave small holes for breathing) and expose your eyes, and even another version which is called a "three hole mask" leaves only your eyes and nose exposed. It is all about what you feel most comfortable wearing.
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Select the material for your ski mask. Again this all comes down to personal preference. Materials like neoprene do better at repelling water than their cotton or wool counterparts. Also of late spandex has taken a share of the market. Try a few on and see what feels the most protective and unobtrusive.
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Check out sites like Burton and Rei for a plethora of styles when it comes to ski masks and other outdoor apparel. You can get some great deals toward the end of the season for next year. Buy in the spring and be ready for the snow.
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Go to the slopes in your area or stores in the resort towns themselves. Skiing stores are still "mom and pop" operations. Meaning that there really isn't a national chain from coast to coast. So if you don't want to order online, (and truth be told, with something like a ski mask, you probably want to try it on before you buy it) go to the actual store. You can type in "ski store" and your town in your favorite search engine. Or you can also check out sites like Ski Slopes for a comprehensive guide of slopes all across North America.
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Bid on ski masks on auction sites. Ski apparel is definitely something that can be bought second-hand. With kids growing every year and the equipment sometimes only being used a handful of times, sites like eBay are great places to look to buy a ski mask, as people throughout the country clean out their closets from year to year.
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Tips & Warnings
Buy all of your ski gear from the same place. Many times, they offer discount packages. And they may throw in a low cost item like a ski mask for free.
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Comments
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LeeBagby
Jan 30, 2008
This article is flawed in many ways. It does not mention the best and most common material in ski masks - fleece. Fleece offers superior insulating charactherists when wet and is very comfortable and soft. It does not mention the latest technology in ski masks - Core Heaters or heat exchangers. These allow you to breathe warm air keeping your core body temperature constant and helping to keep your hands and feet warm. They are also more comfortable because the face mask stays dry. Also the reccommendation that a face mask be bought used is not good. Facemasks are snotty and inexpensive. There are very few on the second hand market because they would cost mor to ship than they are worth. My recommendation - Buy a new heat exchange facemask made with fleece.
