8 Best Ski Hats and Beanies

There are many important items you need when putting together a ski ensemble. Boots, jackets, gloves, and goggles all serve a particular purpose in terms of keeping you warm on the slopes. Hats are no exception.

Many people overlook or ignore their headgear when picking out their equipment. However, a tough, warm hat or beanie goes a long way in the dead of winter.

A good hat will not just keep you warm during cold days or long nights, it will ensure your body retains more heat during your runs. That is critical because it prevents you from freezing when temperatures get low.

Even in warmer weather, a light hat protects your ears and adds another crucial layer of protection against the wind. There are many options out there, and each one is best suited for a specific situation.

To help you wade through the numerous ski hats on the market, this guide breaks down the best models and then analyzes them on numerous criteria, including comfort, insulation, look, and feel.

Though the following options have their own specialties, they each excel in every general category. That is what makes them such good choices for your skiing adventure.

Who Should Get This

Every skier can use a good hat for their winter outings. The simple items help you retain heat, protect your ears, and keep the wind off of your skin.

There are also many brands and styles to choose from. That is why the following items are great choices for both young and old skiers alike.

While you can find lighter ski hats, the items are especially useful for skiers who ski in rough conditions. The extra protection adds a lot of warmth to your head and ears.

That’s always going to come in handy, but it is especially important in situations where you absolutely need to keep the wind away.

Top Picks of Best Ski Hats and Beanies

Below is a list of my top recommendations along with a quick review of each ski hat. The goal is to help you get to know the pros and cons of each product so you can make a more informed purchase decision.

1. Best All-Around: Mountain Hardwear Dome Perignon

When picking out a good all-around ski hat, few items do more than the Dome Perignon. This stylish option is soft, warm, and has enough durability to protect your head from both the wind and snow. The fleece lining feels great, and the material dries extremely quickly.

The Dome Perignon also has a clean aesthetic that’s perfect for skiers who enjoy a minimalistic style. It also easily fits under a helmet, making it great for those who don’t get enough insulation for their normal gear. It is quite sturdy and breathable as well.

What We Like:

• Quick drying technology
• Fits well
• Comfortable and warm
• Helmet compatible
• Holds up to the wind with ease
• Minimalist design with small logo
• Excellent ventilation
• Design creates a solid fit

What We Don’t Like:

• Can run small

2. Best Unisex: Self Pro Balaclava Fleece Hood

If you’re a skier who needs a heavy-duty hat, look no further than this one. It can be worn in numerous ways, providing it with excellent versatility, and it also has an interesting, eye-catching appearance. Though the style won’t be for everyone, it’s hard to find a better ski hat if you need full and complete winter protection.

This unique model doesn’t just come with strong construction, it also gives full coverage to your head, face, ears, and neck. As such, it is incredibly versatile, providing you with many different ways to wear it. The fleece liner and knitted exterior are incredibly durable.

What We Like:

• Versatile
• Can be worn in numerous ways
• Fleece lining
• Tough, knitted exterior
• Incredibly durable
• Affordable

What We Don’t Like:

• Not a great fit for those with larger heads
• Not the most stylish option on the market

3. Most Stylish: Smartwool Straightline

Simply put, the Smartwool Straightline is one of the best-looking ski hats out there. The striped pattern works with merino wool/acrylic material to bring a fun, stylish appearance other hats can’t achieve.

It is also warm, rugged, and has a light-but-tough construction that works on both sunny days and overcast evenings. There is nothing this can’t handle.

The striped exterior pops and the small tassel is a fun addition. There are many color schemes to pick from as well. The tough, breathable construction has what it takes to stand up to harsher weather, but it’s also light enough for clear or sunny days. If you ski in different conditions, this is a good pick.

What We Like:

• Interior headband liner
• Merino wool/acrylic hybrid construction
• Cool, fun look
• Tough, but light
• Great for both rough and calm weather
• Can be worn for activities beyond skiing
• Locks in heat, great insulation
• Many color options

What We Don’t Like:

• Size won’t work for everyone

4. Best Men’s: Under Armour Blank Storm Beanie

If you like minimalist design, the Under Armour Blank Storm is the hat for you. This plain item shows the Under Armour logo and nothing else. Beyond that clean look, it is also extremely warm and feels soft on your head. The fleece is incredibly comfortable and the thermo-conductive interior coating keeps the heat trapped in.

Though it’s not great for helmets, this is one of the best stand-alone options for people who need year-round protection. The attractive design is incredibly minimal, only showing the Under Armour logo, but it still provides all of the warmth and comfort you would expect in a high-end hat.

What We Like:

• Minimalist design
• Clean look
• Solid feet
• Soft and flexible fit
• Lightweight
• Warm
• Can be used year-round
• Thermo-conductive interior coating

What We Don’t Like:

• Embroidered logo can be itchy
• Not great to wear under a helmet

5. Best Women’s: Columbia Trail Summit Beanie Ii

Columbia is one of the largest winter clothing brands on Earth, and its Trail Summit Beanie is one of the best women’s ski hats they make. This simple model has a clean aesthetic and utilizes omni-wick technology to ensure you stay dry no matter how much you sweat.

The snug fit and handy ponytail opening both cater to female skiers, providing you excellent quality on the slopes or at the lodge. It also comes in a range of subdued, vibrant colors. The stretch fleece is soft and comfortable, while the mainly polyester construction is quite durable. Any woman skier of any skill level will appreciate this one.

What We Like:

• Thermo stretch fleece
• Omni-wick technology
• Ponytail opening
• Locks in heat
• Perfect to wear under a helmet
• Low profile
• Dries quickly
• Great colors

What We Don’t Like:

• Not as durable as sturdier models
• Can be tight on smaller heads

6. Best Budget: Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie

Skiers on a budget should check out the Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie. This option is not just cheap, it is also incredibly soft thanks to the acrylic knit and soft fleece lining. In addition, it is also extremely flexible thanks to the included elastic.

The Carhartt also comes in a wide range of colors and has the durability needed to brave the tough winter snow. It’s hard to find a better deal on the slopes.

This patterned option is not only stylish, it also utilizes a soft fleece to keep you warm no matter how cold the weather gets. The hat is also available in a wide range of different colors, all of which look great.

What We Like:

• Patterned shell
• Soft fleece
• Warm and comfortable
• Affordable
• Many color options
• Durable
• Acrylic knit

What We Don’t Like:

• Doesn’t hold up to extreme weather
• Could be more durable

7. Best for Warm Weather: The North Face Earband

If you’re a skier who enjoys skiing in warmer weather, check out the North Face Earband. This model doesn’t give you full head protection, but it does keep your ears nice and toasty. That makes it perfect for slightly chilly days that don’t require as much gear.

Beyond that, it also dries quickly, is easy to throw on or put in your pocket, and is fully reversible so that you can quickly switch between different colors.

This uniquely-designed option comes from a trusted company and protects your ears without weighing down your entire head. In that way, it’s perfect for skiers who want a little extra warmth without being smothered.

What We Like:

• Lightweight
• Reversible
• Polyester fleece construction
• FlashDry technology
• Clean look
• Dries quickly
• Easy to take on and off
• Helmet compatible
• Available in multiple color options

What We Don’t Like:

• Not great to stave off wind
• Fit varies from person to person

8. Best Premium: Camoland Winter Trapper Trooper Hat

Many people will not recognize the name Camoland, but their Trapper Trooper Hat is one of the best premium ski hats on the market. This does not just offer you extra protection in the form of ear flaps and an adjustable face mask, it also keeps you warm with a thermal lining and tough polyester construction.

It is soft, comfortable, and is able to take a beating out on the slopes. It can be worn comfortably with goggles as well.

It is water-proof, durable, and comes with both a detachable face mask and ear flaps. The furry liner also makes it a good option for skiers who need to stay warm, while the roomy interior allows you to wear glasses while it’s on.

What We Like:

• Sturdy polyester material
• Detachable face mask
• Exterior ear flaps provide further protection
• Water-proof
• Works with goggles
• Therman interior lining
• Warm and comfortable
• High-quality build

What We Do Not Like:

• Face mask isn’t adjustable
• Zippers are plastic rather than metal

How to Choose Ski Hats: Buying Guide

Not sure how to narrow down the choices from the crowd? Take the factors below into account during your ski hat research journey.

Fabric

When picking out a hat you need to pay attention to its material. Most popular brands use fleece, wool, or synthetic polyesters. These all have their own pros and cons, but each one provides warmth and helps keep out moisture. From there, it all comes down to personal preference.

Fleece and polyester both dry much more quickly than wool (typically overnight) and they easily wick away sweat. Wool tends to be a bit more expensive and can take longer to dry. However, it is extremely warm. The golden rule is to never use cotton or yarn hats, as they tend to retain water and can get you wet.

Ski Environment

Though not directly related to your hat, it is also important to get gear that fits the area you ski in. If you often go out on sunny or clear days, you can get away with a much lighter hat.

However, if you’re further north, or if you’re someone who skis in rough environments, you need a thick model that can handle biting winds. Full coverage hats, especially ones that insulate your ears, are also quite important for tougher mountains.

Layers

A hat’s primary focus is to keep you warm. While a single thick option can make that happen, it is also possible to wear two at once in the same way you layer a jacket.

You can reinforce your hat with skullcaps or balaclavas to add extra insulation, while thin beanies sit well under heavy knit options. This method works extremely well for cold mornings because, if temperatures get too warm, you can simply take one off and put it in your pocket.

Appearance

Once you know what type of hat you want or what features to look for, you next need to focus on the appearance. Not every skier cares about their clothing style, but if you do there are many fun hats out there.

Always pay attention to color options and patterns. Some brands even offer hats with fantastic toppers, such as stuffed animal heads or shark fins. Those aren’t for everyone, but they can be a nice change of pace if you want something different.

Comfort

Your ski hat also needs to be comfortable. Look for soft models that you can use for long periods of time, and pay attention to fit. While most hats stretch over your head and ears, smaller options may not always give you proper coverage.

Comfort is especially important to keep in mind when getting a wool hat, as the material can be quite itchy. Look for ones that come with fleece liners that help prevent direct contact with your skin.

Ventilation/Breathability

All hats, regardless of size or style, have to come with a certain degree of ventilation. While it may seem easy to simply pick the largest or thickest model you can find, you often want to choose a hat that lets you breathe.

Skiing is a tough sport, and you will sweat while on the mountain. Getting a stuffy hat traps that sweat in. However, breathable models, even thick ones, help wick it away.

Other Tips and Resources

Picking out new ski items is always fun. However, not only are there a lot of different hat brands on the market, there are a lot of different hats as well. It is important to understand the numerous styles so you can make an informed opinion. This video helps you do that by breaking down all of the popular types.

Ski hats are an incredibly vital accessory for those braving the frozen slopes. However, they are far from the only way you can enhance your skiing experience. If you want some ideas on how to bring a little bit of extra flair to your runs, check out this article on how to layer for skiing for more.

Remember that your clothing says a lot about you, even on the slopes. Though fashion should never be your number one priority, there’s nothing wrong with looking good on the mountain or at the resort.

If you’re curious about different ways to enhance your winter style, or if you simply want more ideas on what to wear on your next ski trip, check out this video.

Final Words

A good ski hat or beanie goes a long way. While braving frozen slopes or hitting tough runs you need gear that keeps your skin safe from the low temperatures and biting wind. A ski hat does that for your head and ears, adding yet another vital layer of protection to your ensemble.

When getting a ski hat, you want to pick something that works for how and where you ski. Some skiers will need thicker hats with a lot of extra features, while some will just want a lighter model that provides a bit of extra insulation. As long as you know what you want from your hat, you’ll be able to find something great in this guide.

The above models all have their own niches and specialties, but they have a range of features that go beyond that as well. If you do your research and understand exactly what you need, you’ll be happy with the results.

Do you have a favorite ski hat? Are there any brands you wished we covered in this guide? Let us know in the comments below!