Headwear
The most important factor when choosing your headwear is to make sure that it is windproof as well as warm. Remember this when you read about equipment selection below. I have included links to outdoor shops selling these items for your convenience.
A hat is ideal for almost all occasions, especially if it comes down over your ears and is nice and warm (and windproof of course!).
You will also want to protect the lower half of your face and there are a few ways you can do this. Remember to make sure your snow goggles fit with your headgear.
Firstly, a balaclava. This will do a good job of protecting you, but you do have to be careful. Be aware that open face designs will give you a cold face. Windproof varieties usually have a ventilation area around the mouth and nose.
Second, a face mask. These are generally made of a neoprene type material with a ventilated area around the nose and mouth, and fastening at the back of the neck with velcro. I used one of these, and whilst it was quite effective it was rather awkward to use.
The third option is something called a Buff. This product started off as a tube of seamless lycra, but the range has quickly expanded to include the 'polar buff' which has a lycra and microfleece tube. Their newest additions are the 'cyclone' and 'typhoon buff' which utilise gore windstopper fabric. Either of these would be a worthwhile investment, the typhoon looks particularily good. The main selling point of the buff is its versatility. You can wear it as a neck warmer, pull it up around the lower half of your face or wear it as a hat. Having looked at these in the shop I think they look excellent and are worth every penny.
