What Type of Beanie Should I Wear for Skiing or Snowboarding?
When you’re gearing up for a day on the slopes, whether skiing or snowboarding, the beanie you pick can make a big difference. The wrong hat can let wind whack your ears, trap sweat under your helmet, or just feel bulky under your goggles. At Fourbital Factory, we knit a range of beanie styles right here in Vermont, and some work way better for winter sports than others. Here’s how to choose your best beanie match for the mountain.
Know What Ski & Snowboard Days Demand
Before we match beanie styles, it helps to think about what you need on a snow day:
Warmth and wind resistance: cold slopes, icy wind, and long lift rides require a knit that traps heat and shields from wind.
Secure fit: helmets, goggles, and movement mean the beanie has to stay put.
Breathability + comfort: skiing and boarding get you warm; you don’t want a beanie that overheats your head under a helmet.
Packability/versatility: good beanies can double for après-ski drinks, lodge hangs, or riding through town.
With that in mind, certain beanie styles in the Fourbital lineup stand out.
Best Fourbital Beanie Styles for the Slopes
Cuffed Beanie
Why it works: The cuff gives you a double layer around the ears, which helps trap heat and shield you from wind when you’re flying down a slope or riding a chairlift. It’s a dependable classic for cold-weather days.
When to wear it: Cold mornings, heavy snow days, lift lines, or anytime you want maximum ear warmth.
Pro tip: If your helmet fits snuggly, use a thinner cuffed beanie to avoid pressure — otherwise you risk a tight fit around your head.
Skully Beanie
Why it works: A snug, low-profile fit makes this style ideal under a snowboard or ski helmet. Because it sits close to your head, you avoid bulk while still keeping warmth. The tight knit helps keep warm air against your scalp without excess material bunching under your helmet.
When to wear it: On-piste runs, backcountry hikes, or any ride where you’re wearing a helmet — especially on chillier days when a cuffed beanie might be too bulky.
Midi Beanie
Why it works: The midi length offers a balance — more coverage than a skully, but lighter than a bulky cuffed beanie. It’s versatile for both on-mountain and off-mountain use. Great for days when you’re heading to the lodge afterward or transitioning from snow to town.
When to wear it: Transitional days (sun–cold–warm cycles), lodge runs, or casual resort days where comfort and flexibility matter.
Jacquard Knit Beanie
Why it works: Beyond offering potential style or branding options, jacquard knits often use slightly thicker yarn or patterning, which can add insulation. A well-knit jacquard beanie can trap warm air while still giving enough stretch and coverage for slopes.
When to wear it: Cold-weather days where you want warmth but prefer a stylish or branded hat — perfect for après-ski or outdoor hangouts post-ride.
Pom Beanie (Cuffed or Jacquard)
Why it works: While poms don’t add to insulation directly, a cuffed or jacquard pom beanie gives you warmth around your ears and top of head—and a bit of style. Great when you want a warm beanie for casual snowboarding days or for time off the lifts (like lodge hangs, parking lot changes, or tubing night).
When to wear it: Après-ski, winter events, casual resort days, or anytime you want a hat that’s warm and carries personality.
Quick Guide: Which Style for What Situation
| Beanie Style | Best For | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Cuffed Beanie | Cold, windy ski and snowboard days | Thick knit provides excellent insulation and cuff protects ears from wind chill. |
| Skully Beanie | Helmet use / tight fit required | Low-profile knit hugs the head, perfect under helmets, and eliminates bulk. |
| Midi Beanie | All-day resort wear / casual use | Balanced coverage with a relaxed fit — warm enough for the slopes, easy to wear to town or lodge. |
| Jacquard Beanie | Team, resort, or branded winter programs | Durable knit, warm construction, and customizable designs for logos or patterns. |
| Faux Fur Pom Beanie | Apres-ski, lodge wear, winter events | Stylish and cozy; not ideal under a helmet but excellent for warmth when you’re off the hill. |
Why Picking Right Matters — and Why Fourbital’s Beanies Work
Because Fourbital knits all beanies in Vermont, our designs are tested against real Northeastern winters: snow, wind, moisture, freeze-thaw cycles. We understand that a beanie worn on a 30°F chairlift should hold up later in town under streetlights or at a lodge fire pit.
Moreover, using high-quality yarns and tried-and-true knitting patterns means each beanie is built to last and stay functional. Whether you’re outfitting a ski team, ordering custom merch, or just picking your next winter hat — these beanie styles are designed with purpose, durability, and warmth in mind.
Final Thoughts: Match Your Beanie to Your Ride
Your beanie is more than just a hat. For skiers and snowboarders, it’s part of your gear — as essential as your goggles or gloves. Choosing the right style depends on how you ride, where you ride, and how cold it gets.
When in doubt: pack a cuffed beanie for warmth, have a skully for under the helmet, and a jib-ready hoodie for après. But whatever you choose, a Vermont-made Fourbital beanie will stay warm, stay comfortable, and stay durable.
Stay warm. Ride safe. See you on the slopes.