Viking Edition Beard Head

There’s nothing worse than being cold on the slopes. Except, maybe, looking like a bank robber. Stay warm this winter with a ski mask that keeps you toasty and doesn’t scare children or banktellers away.

The Viking Edition Beard Head is made from wool and acrylic fibers. The $25 ski mask is machine-washable and available in yellow, gray, brown, and black. Bonus: It comes complete with a faux mustache, which is removable and replaceable for folks who want to add a different color or different style ‘stache later in the season. And before you ask, yes, a Fu Manchu alternative is available for an additional $5.

I wore one of these masks on colder days last winter when I was out and about in Mammoth Lakes. Most people got a kick out of it. But beyond the fun factor, it was also functional. Wearing goggles, there was no fogging. And since there’s a hole for your mouth, there’s no annoying condensation from your breath, which is common with half face masks and bandannas.

Another bonus? Call me crazy, but this balaclava-meets-ski-hat not only kept me warm, but with its faux beard, it felt like my telemark skiing actually improved while wearing it. www. beardhead.com

—Stephen Krcmar lives, works and tries to look like a true teleskier in Mammoth Lakes, Calif.