How to Keep Your Ears Warm While Skiing: 7 Tips
Cold, painful ears can ruin a day on the slopes. Ears have little fat and lots of exposed skin, so they cool down quickly in wind and frost. These tips help you keep them warm all day.
Why ears get cold so fast
Ears stick out, have thin skin and less blood flow than the rest of your head. Add the wind on a chairlift and the airflow on a fast descent, and they cool down within minutes.
7 tips for warm ears
- Wear a headband or hat. A knitted ski headband covers exactly the right spot without making you overheat.
- Choose a helmet with ear pads. Many ski helmets have padded ear covers. Check that they cover your ears fully.
- Protect against the wind. Pull your jacket hood over your helmet on long lift rides, or use a neck warmer.
- Keep your head dry. Sweat and snow make you cool down faster. Choose breathable materials and don't overdress.
- Keep moving. Good blood flow keeps you warm, and a short break inside warms you up faster than standing still outside.
- Eat and drink enough. Your body needs energy to stay warm.
- Watch for frostbite. White, waxy or numb skin is a warning sign. Go inside and warm up slowly, and never rub the skin.
Headband or hat?
A headband is ideal for active skiing because heat can escape from the top of your head. A beanie is warmer for breaks and very cold days. Read more in our article headband or hat on the slopes.
Frequently asked questions
Why do my ears hurt in the cold?
Cold narrows the blood vessels in your ears, which can cause pain. Covering them and protecting them from wind usually solves this.
When should I see a doctor?
If skin stays white, hard or numb after warming up, or blisters appear, seek medical help. This can be frostbite.
Keep your ears warm: discover our knitted ear warmers and après-ski headbands.