What are the different masks available and which can I use to ski in this new season?

Hello snow lovers!

Today were here to talk about something that might be interesting for you to know. What type face masks can can I use on the slopes?

Since COVID-19 appeared in our lives, we have had to adapt to new changes on our day to day. What Covid measures will the resorts take? What security protocols will the resorts carry out? Will the slopes be open? Do you recommend skiing this season?

But there's something that has worried us all more than anything, the use of the mask, It's still here with us and has no intention of leaving, so it is better to get used to it. 

This extra is already part of the most important elements of our daily outfit.

The face mask is already a must

In past seasons you have already used a buff/tubular as a mask due to the cold, skiing with a mask is nothing new for you so it shouldn't be a problem for you.

Please note: many ski resorts only require the use of masks in main areas and chair lifts. Although this may vary depending on the country or if they update their restrictions, due to the increase of some of the strains of the coronavirus.

Since the season began we have received quite a few queries about what type of mask is the best for skiing. Here we would like to solve those doubts, we want to tell you what are the different types of masks available on the market to ski in the safest way.

Before you start… Mask basics

Before starting with this article, we need to start with some basics. For example, the acronym FFP (Filtering Face Piece) is usually accompanied by a number; this numbering indicates the minimum percentage of filtration ➡ these masks are self-filtering for particles.

The masks that have these acronyms are the most recommended and are approved by the European Union.

FFP1 masks filter 78% of particles; the FFP2 have an efficiency of 92%; and FFP3 are 98% safe.

You should know that surgical or hygienic masks are not PPE (personal protective equipment), their function is mainly not to contaminate other users.

Ski with a mask to ensure safety for yourself and other skiers

Regarding the placement of the mask, the most important thing is not to touch the outer or inner fabric. The hands can be contaminated and you would transfer the virus to the mask. Here are some tips on how  to put on the mask:

1) Wash your hands or disinfect them before putting it on.

2) Take the mask from the rubber bands.

3) Place the rubber bands behind the ears (or on the nape of the neck, crown, helmet...) all without touching the mask with the skin.

4) Cover your nose, mouth and chin with the mask.

5) If your mask has a metallic band, adjust it to the skin without touching the fabric.

On the other hand, while you wear a mask, try not to change its position, try not to lower it to speak, sneeze or cough.

To remove it, do it the same way you put it on, washing your hands and removing it by the rubber bands.

Good! ? Now that you know all the basics about a mask... let's start with what matters most to you: what kind of mask do you need to ski.

Is this the mask you need to ski this season?

Do we still need the mask for this 21/22 Ski Season? 

Due the increases in COVID-19 cases, the appearance of new strains (such as the South African strain ÓMICRON) and the lack of the long-awaited herd effect, this year is going to be likelast year. Although we are in a better situatuion thanks to the vaccination carried out in recent months.

The mask has been shown to be effective in stopping the spread if used properly. So whether we like it or not, wearing the mask allows us to go out and have a "somewhat normal" social life.

To be able to practice our favorite winter hobby: skiing. In many resorts, the use of the mask is only requested in main areas, when social distance cannot be maintained with others, in the use of ski lifts/chairlifts, at the restaurants, etc. We recommend you to check the country restrictions before going because each country has its own measures and restrictions. More information here

Skiing with a hygienic, surgical and self-filtering mask

Can you ski with a Hygienic Mask?

Hygienic masks are medical items, reusable (R) or non-reusable (NR), with reference UNE 0064-1:2020 for adults and UNE 0064-2:2020 for children.

The composition of hygienic masks is one or more layers of textile equipment. And depending on the type you have chosen (NR or R) you can use it for a certain time. The non-reusable ones must be thrown away after one use, it is recommended not to use them for more than 4 hours. On the other hand, in reusable hygienic masks you should look at the manufacturer's label to see the number of washes allowed.

According to the OCU, NR hygienic masks have 95% particle filtering.

And with a surgical mask, is it possible to ski?

The next type is surgical masks, they have a CE mark that ensures that the product complies with the legislation and the reference to the UNE EN 14683 standard that ensures compliance with the quality standard. This is a medical item that you can only buy in pharmacies.

Its use is recommended for infected, symptomatic or asymptomatic positive people, since they are designed to protect those who are close to the carrier.

Like hygienic masks, its recommended use is four hours maximum. Likewise, the bacterial filtration efficiency (EFB) varies depending on the type of mask:

– Type I → Equal to or greater than 95%

– Type II → Equal to or greater than 98%

Skiing with a hygienic and surgical mask is possible, they are not the most recommended for practicing sports, they can cause a feeling of suffocation and discomfort.

Skiing with a surgical mask is safe!

Skiing with a self-filtering mask, yes or no?

And what are the self-filtering masks like? These are the FFP2, FFP3 and N95, without a valve. Its use is recommended for health professionals and people with confirmed or asymptomatic COVID-19.

The main objective is to protect the person who wears it from inhaling pathogens such as COVID-19. To guarantee its protection, it must be placed achieving maximum facial hermeticism.

According to the WTO (Collegiate Medical Organization), self-filtering masks are not recommended for use by the general population, because they are unnecessary, inefficient and can be counterproductive.

Its continued use makes breathing difficult for some people!

Very important: auto-filtering masks with an exhalation valve should never be used, as it puts other people at risk.

The recommended self-filtering mask for skiing is the FFP2

Skiing with a filter cloth mask

Cloth masks are a must for many people! Because in addition to being able to make them at home, to your liking and with your measurements, you can also buy cool designs (important for those who take care of their personal image and their outfits)

In April 2020, the United States Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that cloth face masks are recommended to slow the spread of COVID-19. 

Another way would be to wear a surgical mask and a homemade one on top. This way you make sure of its effectiveness, however, you give it your 'fashion' touch so that it is not the same mask that others wear.

The most effective ones should have more than one layer of cotton cloth. Don't forget that these types of masks are not approved!

The filter prevents you from breathing in any unwanted particles. The approved ones are the TNT SMS. They are not reusable, although the mask CAN be washed and put back on, the filters must be discarded. With this action you manage to neutralize the virus.

Would you like to make a filter mask? 

– Cut 2 rectangles with the measures recommended by the Ministry of Health 9.5 cm x 18 cm (adults) and 6.5 cm x 15 cm (children).

Please note : the fabric of the mask must be cotton and the rectangles are placed one on top of the other.

– The longest part of the 2 overlapping cotton fabrics are folded to form a hem, sew one side.

– Then do the same with the shorter sides. In this case, sew both sides. Leave a space to ski pass the rubber that will hold the mask!

– To finish, easily ski pass the rubber band with a needle and form a knot at its ends. Sew the elastic to the four corners of the hem to keep it from moving.

– Insert the filter into the opening and enjoy your mask safely!

This skier wears a cloth mask with a filter, well done!

Skiing with a sports mask

These types of masks have become the best ally for carrying outside physical activities. The technology that has been implemented in the textiles of this new sports mask makes exercising while wearing a mask more comfortable. Its fibers repel moisture and dries quickly!

Even if you practice skiing with social distance, covering your mouth and nose helps reduce the risk of contagion.

These types of masks are breathable, so they eliminate CO2 to the outside, allowing oxygen to enter to reduce the feeling of suffocation that can be common with other masks.

Sports mask → Made with highly breathable textiles

When choosing a mask for skiing or playing sports, it is important to note that these are made from fabric. Pay attention to the number of washes you can do and how many hours you can wear it without the protection diminishing.

Sports masks are the best option to ski in the most comfortable way. You will hardly notice you are wearing it!

After hours and hours of research we have found the best mask to ski in the safest and most comfortable way. Do you want to know which is the best mask?

So the winner is > The Salomon SPORTS MASK, this is a light mask that prevents moisture and allows you to breathe easily. It has pleats and a TPU mesh to keep the fabric away from the face.

This mesh is designed in a way that adds volume in front of the mouth so you can breathe easier while skiing.

And It is reusable! You can use it and wash it up to 50 times (washing at a max. of 40°C).