Ski gear company Wipeout, known for their multi-functional piste maps / goggle wipes, are now making face masks, including this ‘Born to Ski’ design.
With it looking quite likely that you will have to wear face masks on ski lifts next winter, you will want a design that’s not only supremely functional, but looks the part. And of course, it's a handy way to let the world know you're a snow lover when you're not in the mountains too.
Wipeout founder Julie Slaughter explains that the new range was originally born out of need – both for the masks, and a need for the company to diversify, as Covid-19 bites into the ski economy, like everything else.
“When the lockdowns were introduced my usual work of dealing in Wipeout microfibre piste maps was quickly replaced by home-schooling (in French)," she says. “A few weeks into lockdown, there was a drive by the community to provide a face masks free of charge for everyone and my local area was calling out for volunteers. So, I virtually stuck my hand up, and before I knew it I embarked on a nightly ritual of mask making. (For the record I made 100 in total, a small contribution to the 16,000 which were locally made.)
“I have a lot of Wipeout products at home, including goggle bags and Wipeout microfibre piste maps, so I decided to use these to make my masks. I also played with using sheets, pillow cases and (on request) one of my friend’s favourite t-shirts! It was time consuming, but fun and I soon learnt that the demand was definitely there. I decided that perhaps Wipeout should diversify, and with our strong contacts in materials and manufacturing, we could make some high quality reusable masks.
“As I continued to learn what worked, and what complied with international guidelines, I decided to add a mask which uses microfibre cooling fabric into my main order, as well as requesting all masks included soft ear loops and a nose wire. As a wearer of glasses, I know the problems that come with wearing a mask and glasses together. I leafed through lots of technical documents, looking at the strict fabric and manufacturing guidelines, and after some decisions on design, an order was placed.
“So now the Wipeout masks have arrived and (even if I say so myself), they look great!”
Here at Snow, we agree. You can check out the range at Wipeout.
