People who love skiing, especially those living in colder climates, know the frustration of having a cold ski mask covering their face, preventing them from feeling the chill during that all-important ski run. If you’re one of these people, then you might also be frustrated by the lack of available options when it comes to having a small mouth opening for your ski mask. Sure, you can rig up a makeshift solution using duct tape or medical tape, but nothing beats the posh look and feel of a well-designed ski mask with a pleasant, albeit small, opening.
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Real Options For A Real Problem
Having a small mouth opening for your ski mask is certainly a problem, and there are several reputable companies that have designed, and are designing, products to solve it. While we at Goggles and Skiwear wish you the best of luck finding a suitable option for your needs, there are a few brands we have to point out that are dedicated to making smaller mouths available for those who need them. So without further ado, here are the brands that we think you should try out; we would recommend each one for a different situation.
Arc’teryx
We started with the tailors, and we couldn’t leave out one of the best when it comes to making smaller mouths available to skiers. Arc’teryx is a brand founded in Scotland in 1985 that designs and manufactures premium outdoor gear. They are best known for their ski, snowboard and hiking gear, as well as mountain and urban assault course gear. What we like most about Arc’teryx is how they combine functionality with style. For example, their Ski Mask, the Scultura, utilizes a single-piece design that keeps water from running into your mouth when you’re skiing. In addition, the material used for the Scultura is breathable, water-repellent, and highly transparent, meaning it allows for more air to reach your skin. The best part is how the Scultura utilizes a soft and pliable silicone gel cushion that, when placed inside the mouth, conforms to the shape of the teeth and contours of the jaw, preventing it from moving around inside your mouth and causing discomfort. Furthermore, the pliable gel cushion, along with the single-piece construction, make the Scultura lighter than previous models. Finally, for those who want to avoid the feeling of having a mask covering their entire face, the Scultura provides an option for an adjustable strap, which you can remove if you want a more conventional look.
Primavera
Another brand that has designed a product for those with smaller mouths in mind is Primavera. Much like Arc’teryx, Primavera is a brand that is dedicated to designing innovative outdoor equipment, but they are Italian and were established in 1873. What we like most about Primavera is how they utilize smart technology to provide consumers with better fitting products. One of the best examples of their dedication to creating better fitting products is the Ski Mask, the Fennez. This particular product offers users an alternative to the traditional designs with two large straps that span across the forehead, making it the first of its kind. In addition, the Fennez is designed to provide users with a more natural look when skiing, as it uses a new cheek pad design that provides users with more support and stability. The cheek pads of the Fennez are made from a soft and pliant synthetic textile, meaning they are more comfortable and less irritating than traditional pads made from wool or synthetic materials. Furthermore, the cheek pads, along with the adjustable strap, make the Fennez more versatile and comfortable than traditional designs, and better suited for a wider array of skiing activities. Finally, since the entire upper portion of the mask can be removed, you have a clearer view of what’s going on around you while skiing.
Upper Limit
We’ve saved the best for last, but certainly not the least, of our recommended brands when it comes to creating smaller mouths available for your ski mask. We’re talking about Upper Limit, and it is the result of over 40 years of experience in the ski mask industry. What we like most about Upper Limit is how they continue to innovate when it comes to creating smaller mouths available for their customers. One of the best examples of their innovative spirit is their Alpine Ski Mask, the Satori. The Satori, designed with the purpose of reducing drag and increasing efficiency while skiing, features an innovative two-part design that provides users with a secure and comfortable fit while skiing. In fact, the adjustable band at the back of the Satori allows users to alter the fit, as well as the amount of coverage, which is great for those who want to switch from a traditional ski mask to more of a sporty look. The Satori also utilizes a quick-release push button that makes removing and replacing the mask quick and easy, even for those with limited mobility. Finally, just like the other brands mentioned so far, the Satori is designed to offer users a better fit and comfort than traditional models while skiing, and can be used for a variety of activities, including snowboarding, skiing, hiking, and biking. What is most innovative about the Satori, though, is how it utilizes an aerodynamic profile that, when placed over the mouth, reduces the wind blast and, therefore, the feeling of cold.
Before Making A Decision
If you’re still reading, then it might be time for you to make a decision. One of the things that makes this article interesting is that we didn’t just recommend a brand or two, but rather an entire industry of brands that are dedicated to providing users with smaller mouth openings for their ski masks. It’s always good to try out different brands, but in this case, we think it’s worth investing in a brand whose entire purpose is to create smaller mouth openings. So even if you decide against any of these options, or just one of them, at least you’ll know what you’re investing in.
Of course, this article isn’t intended to serve as an in-depth review of the various options out there. For that, we recommend you visit our website, where we’ve compiled a short video guide that walks you through the different types of small mouths available and how to choose the right one for your needs. If you have any questions about which of these options is best suited for your needs, then feel free to contact us and we’ll help you choose the right product for your needs. Happy skiing!