How to Wear a Ski Mask

Protect yourself from the cold during winter activities like skiing.

Ski masks or balaclavas are cold-weather garments with a long history. During the Crimean War, balaclavas were sent to British troops to protect them from the Ukraine's cold weather. They developed into masks to conceal identity and were made infamous by resistance groups such the Irish Republican Army, Zapatistas and Black Mask. Balaclavas traditionally were knitted from wool, but are now constructed from many materials and are used for a variety of activities.

Instructions

1. Pull the mask over the top of your head with the opening facing forward. Roll the lower portion of the ski mask up to cover the crown of the head.

2. Unroll the lower portion of the mask so that it covers your neck and upper shoulders; this portion can be tucked into your shirt or coat. Pull down the opening below your nose to allow breathing.

3. Pull the bottom of the opening down while keeping the upper part in place. By stretching the opening a bit you are able to reveal your mouth, nose and eyes.

4. Pull the opening down around the back of your head to wear the ski mask to warm your neck.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear goggles with the ski mask for protection from cold weather as well as unimpeded vision.

• Remove a ski mask before entering banks and federal buildings.

References

• The National Archives: British Battles
• Stitch for Senate: History of the Balaclava and Ways of Wearing It
• Exo-Pro Inc.: Cold Weather Face Masks, Neoprene Face Masks, Motorcycle Face Masks, Cold Weather Clothing