by Simon Naylor | Updated:August 16th, 2023 | Recommended Gear
Finding the right ski gloves to keep your hands warm and dry on the slopes is critical. The ideal gloves will shield your hands from snow, insulate you from the cold, and you give you plenty of dexterity to grip your poles. With so many options on the market, choosing the right pair of ski gloves can be a challenge. Until now.
The gloves on our list reflect the ideal balance of protection and performance. We evaluated each pair for warmth, waterproofing, durability, fit, and ease of movement. Whether you're a backcountry skier looking to fly through powder or a resort rider seeking warmth and reliability in a range of conditions - we have a glove for you. In our opinion, the best ski glove is the Guestra Fall Line Gloves.
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Our Lineup of the Best Ski Gloves & Mittens
- Our Top Pick: Hestra Fall Line Gloves
- Best for Warmth: Black Diamond Mercury Mittens
- Best Durable: Black Diamond Guide Gloves
- Best Protection: Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Gloves
- Best Non-Leather: The North Face Montana Ski Glove
- Best Weather Protection: Gordini Storm GORE-TEX Gloves
- Best Premium Pick: Dakine Phoenix Gore-Tex Gloves
- Best Budget Pick: Flylow Ridge Gloves
- Best Insulation: Dakine Excursion Gore-Tex Gloves
1. Hestra Fall Line Gloves
At a Glance
- Category: Waterproof Ski Gloves
- Ability level: Intermediate to Advanced
- Dimensions: Varies by size
- Pros: Excellent warmth, waterproofness, comfortable fit, high dexterity, solid construction
- Cons: Lacks touchscreen compatibility, the premium price tag
Our Review
The Hestra Fall Line Gloves are our top pick for the best ski gloves. After rigorous testing across various conditions, they stood out for their unbeatable combination of waterproofing, warmth, dexterity, and durability. Though pricier than competitors, their premium materials and construction make them well worth the investment for skiers demanding the best protection and performance on the slopes. Simply put, these gloves deliver.
Sporting a waterproof cowhide leather casting, these gloves remain impressively dry, allowing for snow play, hand signal use, or equipment adjustments without moisture seepage. The soft polyester lining not only provides comfort but also effectively wicks away internal moisture, which significantly aids in maintaining warmth.
Sporting a waterproof cowhide leather casting, these gloves remain impressively dry, allowing for snow play, hand signal use, or equipment adjustments without moisture seepage. The soft polyester lining not only provides comfort but also effectively wicks away internal moisture, which significantly aids in maintaining warmth.
Complementing this warmth is the foam insulation, cleverly designed to retain heat even when damp. The Hestra Fall Line Gloves particularly shine when it comes to tailoring a balance of durability and comfort. The buttery quality of the cowhide exterior complements the warm, snug polyester interior, creating a glove that instills confidence while protecting and comforting the hand.
Key Features
- Waterproof exterior with reliable cowhide leather protection.
- Moisture-wicking Bemberg/Polyester lining for dry inner comfort.
- Foam insulation to maximize warmth, even when the gloves are wet.
- The Neoprene cuff with Velcro closure offers a secure fit.
- Out-seam construction enhances comfort and dexterity.
- Handy accessories such as a carabiner for transportation.
Final Verdict
After extensive testing and comparison, our verdict is clear: the Hestra Fall Line Gloves are an exceptional choice for those seeking reliable waterproof gloves for their skiing adventures. They deliver where it counts, offering outstanding warmth, performance, and durability.
2. Black Diamond Mercury Mittens
At a Glance
- Category: Waterproof Ski Mittens
- Ability level: Intermediate to Advanced
- Dimensions: Varies by size
- Pros: Remarkable warmth, reliable waterproofness, strong construction, perfect for severe weather skiing.
- Cons: May run smaller than standard sizing, premature wear of the insert in some cases.
Our Review
When the mercury plummets, the Black Diamond Mercury Mittens will keep your hands toasty warm. As our top pick for extreme cold and deep powder days, these mitts excel at insulation, waterproofing, and rugged durability.
What makes the Mercury Mittens stand out is their incredible warmth, with insulation rated down to -29°F (-34°C). We put them to the test on the coldest days of winter and we were impressed. We particularly liked how the combo of lofty fleece lining and PrimaLoft Gold insulation locked in heat, delivering outstanding thermal performance. Even after hours in frigid temps, our hands stayed warm and comfortable.
But the Mercury Mittens aren’t just about insulation. The waterproof BDry insert kept our hands bone dry, shrugging off snow and wetness during stormy days on the slopes. And the burly exterior is built to last, with a Pertex shell, goatskin leather palm, and Kevlar stitching at wear points, and a durable water-repellent finish.
Other handy features include a long gauntlet cuff to seal out the spindrift, 100% recycled shell fabric, and removable liners for easy drying. The sizing does run small, so we recommend trying them on before buying.
Key Features
- BD.dry™ waterproof inserts ensure maximum protection from moisture.
- Employs a durable water-repellent finish that resists wear and tear.
- Contains 100% recycled shell fabric and long gauntlet cuffs that repel spindrift and moisture.
- Removable liners filled with high-end PrimaLoft® Gold insulation ensure constant warmth.
- Goat leather palms lend robust durability to withstand repeated usage and rough terrains.
- Designed with additional reinforcement layers for enhanced hand protection.
Final Verdict
With unmatched warmth, weather protection, and rugged build quality, the Black Diamond Mercury Mittens are the top choice for battling frigid temps and deep powder.
3. Black Diamond Guide Gloves
At a Glance
- Category: Waterproof Ski Gloves
- Ability level: Advanced
- Dimensions: Varies by size
- Pros: Excellent for extreme conditions, robustness, waterproofness, and exceptional warmth
- Cons: Limited dexterity due to rugged construction
Our Review
When you're scaling icy peaks and shredding deep powder, you need gloves that can take a beating. That's why hardcore mountaineers and backcountry skiers reach for the burly Black Diamond Guide Gloves. As our top pick for mountaineering and extreme skiing, these gloves deliver uncompromising toughness, weather protection, and warmth.
The key to the Guide Gloves' rugged durability lies in the materials. The abrasion-resistant nylon shell stands up to rock scrapes, while the goatskin leather palm provides a sure grip on tools and poles. PrimaLoft insulation and wool lining supply premium warmth, even when wet, while a Gore-Tex insert keeps hands dry inside.
We do notice some initial loss of dexterity from the thick build. But after a break-in, the gloves become more flexible while retaining their protective sturdiness. The gauntlet cuff and EVA foam padding add extra coverage.
For climbing snow-covered peaks and charging down steep chutes, the Guide Gloves deliver heavyweight durability, weather protection, and warmth.
Key Features
- Removable liner gloves featuring waterproof Gore-Tex XCR® inserts for optimal hand dryness.
- Wool liners equipped with PrimaLoft® One insulation offer supreme warmth in cold weather conditions.
- Abrasion-resistant, woven-nylon shells with 4-way stretch facilitate excellent dexterity.
- Hats off to the goat leather palms on the shells which provide an excellent grip for ski equipment.
- The gloves come with molded EVA foam padding on the knuckles for added warmth and protection against impacts.
- Long gauntlet cuffs with shock cord adjustments aid in sealing out cold air and snow.
Final Verdict
Despite their small sacrifice in dexterity at first (breaking in the gloves over time help). For skiers and mountaineers braving harsh conditions, these gloves come as a robust, reliable, and protective piece of equipment.
4. Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Glove
At a Glance
- Category: Waterproof Ski Gloves
- Ability level: Intermediate to Advanced
- Dimensions: Varies by size
- Pros: Stylish design, adjustable gauntlet for protection against snow, removable liner, available in various styles and colors
- Cons: Expensive, not fully waterproof
Our Review
When you’re straight-lining chutes in Jackson Hole or racing GS in the French Alps, having a ski glove you can trust is critical.
The Army Leather Heli leads off with a foundation of durable goat leather for the back of the hand. This leather is thick yet pliable, delivering dexterity and breathability. The palms also utilize leather, but Hestra opts for kangaroo leather here. Kangaroo leather is celebrated for its softness while still being extremely abrasion resistant. This combination of leather helps ensure both flexibility and protection are optimally balanced.
Moving inwards, a Bemberg liner provides crucial warmth thanks to its natural hollow fiber structure. This is augmented by a 3M Thinsulate insulation layer that traps heat without bulking up the glove. The result is a remarkably thin yet warm interior that promotes comfort and feedback while skiing.
The glove's cuff also deserves mention. Many competitors cut costs here, but Hestra uses a two layer design with a wider shape that seals out snow and cold air. An integrated leather wind stopper is sandwiched between the external layer and inner cuff for extra protection. Once you experience the difference, it's hard to go back to any other cuff design.
The external stitching is almost flush to avoid abrasion stress points. And the ergonomic patterning allows your hands to curl and move naturally for hours on end without fatigue. While the Hestra does command a premium price, the adage "you get what you pay for" has never rung more true. From the first time you experience the comfort, warmth, dexterity, and durability of the Army Leather Heli while flying down a ski run, you'll realize it's worth every penny.
Key Features
- Flextron 4-Way Stretch shell material for excellent windproof, water-resistant, and breathable performance.
- GORE-TEX Grip membrane ensures the right blend of warmth and dexterity, making these gloves ideal for handling complex gear.
- The GORE wicking Piqué lining for improved moisture management.
- Impregnated goat leather palm ensures resistance against challenging outdoor conditions.
- Featuring an elastic wrist, and a pull strap with velcro closure for a secure fit.
- Snow lock feature to prevent snow from entering the glove.
Final Verdict
For expert skiers who simply demand the very best in performance and construction, the Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Glove should be the only option. Don't leave the lodge without them on your hands.
5. The North Face Montana Ski Glove
At a Glance
- Category: Waterproof Ski Gloves
- Ability level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Dimensions: Varies by size
- Pros: Cost-effective, warm, water repellent, good dexterity, touchscreen compatible
- Cons: Liner is not removable, faux leather construction
Our Review
The North Face Montana Ski Glove is designed to be a versatile midweight glove for resort skiing. After testing them in cold weather, I found they offer an excellent blend of warmth, dexterity, and weather protection.
While not fully waterproof, Montana’s gauntlet cuff and adjustable wrist leash did a great job keeping snow out and warmth in. The pre-curved shape and mix of materials allowed for natural hand movements with poles.
My main critique would be warmth falls slightly short in sub-15°F temperatures, as a bit of liner seepage occurs. For extremely cold days, moving up to The North Face’s insulated Fremont model could be worthwhile. And over a season of heavy use, Montana showed only minimal fabric wear and retained its grippy palm.
Overall, the feature-packed Montana is an excellent mid-priced glove for skiers looking for light weather protection, dexterity, and grip at mainstream resorts. It’s a versatile glove that handles a wide range of conditions. For colder temps or more waterproofing, The North Face’s higher-end options are recommended.
Key Features
- Water-repellent design with a gauntlet style fashioned from polyester and faux leather.
- Excellent warmth retention with Heatseeker Eco insulation.
- Etip™ functionality enables interaction with touchscreen devices without exposing hands.
- Fitted with a DryVent™ Insert that assists in keeping hands dry.
- Features like a nose wipe and wrist leash enhance the glove's practicality.
- The faux-leather palm provides essential grip while skiing.
Final Verdict
The North Face Montana is a grippy and versatile midweight glove ideal for resort skiing.
6. Gordini Storm GORE-TEX Gloves
At a Glance
- Category: Waterproof Ski Gloves
- Ability level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Dimensions: Varies by size
- Pros: Affordable, practical features like pocket, GORE-TEX insert for waterproofing
- Cons: Liner isn't removable, made of less premium materials
Our Review
The Gordini Storm GORE-TEX Gloves are a budget-friendly option for skiers seeking waterproof hand protection. With a polyester and faux leather shell and GORE-TEX waterproof insert, these gloves offer solid water resistance at an affordable price point.
We've found the synthetic Megaloft insulation provides reliable warmth even in frigid conditions, while the moisture-wicking liner enhances comfort.
Thoughtful extras like a zippered handwarmer pocket, nose wipe, and wrist leash boost the gloves' functionality. While the liner isn't removable and the materials are less premium than high-end gloves, the Storm Gore-Tex warmth, durability, and protection make them a fantastic value pick for learning skiers.
Key Features
- A water-repellent design with a gauntlet style made from polyester and faux leather.
- GORE-TEX membrane for breathable, waterproof, and windproof protection.
- Megaloft® Synthetic Insulation for Reliable Warmth.
- Moisture-wicking lining for enhanced comfort.
- Gauntlet cuff with drawcord closure and wrist cinch for a secure fit.
- Zippered handwarmer pocket and leash add practical elements to the gloves.
Final Verdict
For skiers seeking waterproof performance on a budget, the Gordini Storm GORE-TEX Gloves deliver impressive warmth, durability, and functionality at an affordable price point.
7. Dakine Phoenix Gore-Tex Gloves
At a Glance
- Category: Waterproof Ski Gloves
- Ability level: Advanced
- Dimensions: Varies by size
- Pros: Highly durable, removable liner, temperature regulating technology, top-rated warmth
- Cons: High price point, some users find the thumb area too tight
Our Review
Built with a rugged nylon shell and waterproof Gore-Tex insert, the Dakine Phoenix Gore-Tex Gloves excel at keeping hands dry.
The midweight insulation strikes a nice balance between warmth and dexterity. We appreciate thoughtful touches like the wipe on the thumb and squeeze cuffs around the wrists for a secure fit.
While the Phoenix gloves sit at the higher end of the price spectrum, the durable materials, stellar waterproofing, and removable liner make them a sound investment for regular skiers.
Key Features
- Constructed with 4 Way Stretch Soft Shell and Durable Water Repellent Leather for durability and protection.
- Features GORE-TEX Waterproof/Breathable Membrane + Gore Active Technology for excellent breathability and waterproofing.
- Shell insulation from a 360g Wool Blend ensures excellent warmth.
- Comes with a removable performance liner with PrimaLoft® Gold insulation for exceptional warmth and versatility.
- Goat Leather fingers and palms provide excellent grip and durability.
- Configured with a removable elastic wrist leash and wrist cinch for a secure fit.
Final Verdict
Explore the resort in comfort and warmth. Our top gore-tex pick.
8. Flylow Ridge Glove
At a Glance
- Category: Waterproof Ski Gloves
- Ability level: Intermediate to Advanced
- Dimensions: Varies by size
- Pros: Flexible and comfortable leather design, versatile use, highly affordable
- Cons: Leather requires treatment after prolonged use, and does not include leashes
Our Review
Forget the hassle of constantly waxing and treating your gloves. Flylow takes care of that for you with the Ridge, pre-treating the full-grain leather with two coats of Sno-Seal. This not only saves you time but also boosts the water resistance and durability of the glove.
The Ridge has a glove-like fit thanks to the flexible leather shell, while synthetic insulation keeps your hands toasty without packing out over time. Breathability is also surprisingly good for a leather ski glove.
While not as warm as some premium options, the Flylow Ridge provides impressive quality and performance at a budget-friendly price point. The lack of a waterproof membrane means you'll need to re-treat them if skiing frequently in wet snow. But overall, the Ridge is a great value ski glove that's ready to go right out of the box.
Key Features
- Made from pigskin leather triple baked with waterproofing Sno-Seal to enhance durability and waterproofing.
- Spaceloft™ Synthetic Down Insulation optimizes warmth yet maintains a lightweight profile.
- The polyester lining ensures a comfortable fit.
- Classic cuff style for a snug fit and easy wear.
- Offered with a nylon cuff for extended protection.
Final Verdict
If you want a quality leather glove without the hassle of constant maintenance, the Ridge is an excellent choice for resort and backcountry skiing alike. Its blend of comfort, dexterity, and durability makes it a choice that's hard to beat for the price.
9. Dakine Excursion Gore-Tex Gloves
At a Glance
- Category: Waterproof Ski Gloves
- Ability level: Intermediate to Advanced
- Dimensions: Varies by size
- Pros: Superior warmth, water-repellent treatment, snug fit, 2-year limited warranty
- Cons: Finger holes may run small
Our Review
For casual to moderate winter adventures like day hiking, ski touring, and mountaineering, the Dakine Excursion Gloves offer solid wet weather performance and protection at a reasonable price point.
Just don't expect them to keep your hands toasty on frigid expeditions. Breathability and waterproofing are their strong suits, not insulation.
We particularly liked how the Dakine Excursion Gore-Tex Gloves provide waterproof and breathable protection that stands up to cold weather, yet remains dexterous enough for short backcountry adventures. The combination of a durable nylon shell and supple leather palm also gives a nice blend of abrasion resistance and grip.
Key Features
- A 4 Way Stretch Soft Shell and goat leather with a DWR finish ensure durability and water resistance.
- GORE-TEX membrane with Gore Active Technology provides excellent waterproofing and breathability.
- PrimaLoft® Gold insulation ensures high-grade warmth and water resistance.
- Lined with a 360g Wool Blend, offering comfortable wear and temperature regulation.
- Goat Leather palms with a DWR finish improve grip and durability.
- Cuff Closure with One Hand Cinch Gauntlet ensures a snug fit.
Final Verdict
If you want a versatile 3-season glove, these Dakines are a great choice.
Ski Glove and Mitten Buying Advice
Frigid temperatures, biting wind, heavy snow, and wet conditions can quickly turn a fun day into a miserable experience if your gloves fail to keep up. That makes finding the best pair of ski gloves essential.
Gloves vs. Mittens
Choosing between the two can be a tough decision. In general, skiers tend towards gloves because they offer more dexterity, while snowboarders generally prefer mittens because they provide more warmth.
Gloves
Gloves separate each finger into an individual compartment. This allows for maximum dexterity in using your hands compared to mittens. Some key benefits of gloves include:
- Precise grip and control - Easily grip poles, buckle boots, dig out pass, use a phone, etc.
- Natural feel - Resembles what you're used to wearing daily.
- Breathability - Air can circulate around each finger.
- Versatility - Works well for resort and backcountry use.
- Coverage - Fingertips don't get exposed when reaching.
The main downside of gloves is that even models with heavy insulation can't keep your fingers as warm as mittens. The separated fingers lose heat faster. You can add glove liners for extra warmth, but cold fingers remain an issue for some.
Mittens
Mittens enclose your four fingers together in a single compartment while keeping the thumb separate. This design maximizes warmth by allowing your fingers to share body heat. Some benefits of mittens include:
- Maximum warmth - Fingers stay noticeably warmer.
- Simple operation - Easy to grip bars, poles, etc.
- Sealed design - Harder for snow to get inside.
- Roomier fit - Accommodate more insulation.
- Affordability - Often cheaper than heavily insulated gloves.
The obvious downside is that mittens severely reduce dexterity compared to gloves. You'll need to remove them for any task requiring precision with your fingers. The enclosed fingers also don't allow much ventilation. Mittens are warmer but can lead to sweaty hands.
Three-finger hybrid models provide a compromise but aren't ideal for either dexterity or warmth. For most skiers, gloves are the obvious first choice with mittens reserved for those extra cold days.
Who Should Choose Mittens?
- Riders in very cold climates like the Northeast or Midwest.
- Anyone with poor circulation in hands and fingers.
- Freestyle skiers and snowboarders not needing dexterity.
- Casual resort skiers just need basic protection.
- Kids and elders who get cold hands easily.
Often it comes down to a personal choice. I cover this topic in much more depth: Gloves vs Mittens.
Insulation Types and Warmth
Chilly fingers quickly sap the fun out of your day on the mountain. Choosing a glove with sufficient insulation for your local climate is the single most important factor.
Modern ski gloves and mittens use synthetic insulation measured in grams. More insulation equals more warmth. Lightweight gloves may use 40-80 grams. Heavy-duty winter gloves and mittens go up to 200+ grams. Skiing in extremely cold weather calls for higher insulation levels.
You'll want a pair of gloves that are capable of keeping your hand warm in cold temperatures and harsher conditions. If you're skiing regularly over a range of conditions, it might be worth having two pairs of gloves - one for warmer spring skiing and another for harsher depth of winter conditions.
Otherwise, you may have to compromise and go for over-spec gloves that provide more warmth than necessary for milder conditions. This may result in sweaty hands, which isn't ideal - but in my experience, still better than cold hands! (Breathability is also important - more on that below).
Synthetic Insulation
PrimaLoft is today's leading synthetic insulation for gloves and jackets. It's known for providing excellent warmth while staying compressible and maintaining insulation value even when wet. PrimaLoft is measured in grams just like down insulation. Popular amounts are 60g, 100g, 150g, and 200g. Higher numbers mean more insulation and warmth.
Many gloves combine PrimaLoft in the outer shell with fleece or wool linings inside for additional warmth. This pairing maximizes both insulation and comfort. Microfleece and boiled wool excel at trapping heat while wicking away sweat.
Other synthetic insulations like Thinsulate perform similarly but tend to be a bit less lofty and may compress over time. For mittens, insulation tends to wrap around the back of the hand as the fingers share warmth inside the single compartment.
Down Insulation
Higher-end winter gloves from premium brands like Hestra and Outdoor Research incorporate down insulation for utmost warmth without bulk. Both goose and duck down are used. Down provides the highest warmth-to-weight ratio of any insulated material. But it must be treated and kept dry, as down loses all insulating value when wet.
Synthetic vs. Down:
- Synthetic is better suited for wet snow conditions. Retains some warmth when damp.
- Down needs a waterproof outer layer but provides more warmth per gram.
- PrimaLoft approaching down in terms of compressibility and warmth.
- Down gloves often cost $150+, while PrimaLoft is more affordable.
Insulation Weight Recommendations:
- Above 0°F: 200g+ PrimaLoft or down insulation
- 10 to 20°F: 150 to 200g PrimaLoft or down
- 20° to 30°F: 100 to 150g PrimaLoft
- 30° to 40°F: 60 to 100g PrimaLoft
Those prone to cold hands or in very frigid climates should aim for the highest insulation suitable for your conditions. Warmer gloves and mittens do compromise some dexterity, but you can remove them for tasks requiring precision.
Water and Wind Protection
To retain warmth and comfort, your gloves absolutely must keep out snow, rain, sleet, and wind. Both waterproofing and wind resistance are crucial when choosing the right ski or snowboard gloves.
Waterproof vs. Water Resistant
Cheaper gloves often claim to be "water resistant" but not fully waterproof. What's the difference and when is each suitable?
Water Resistant
Gloves labeled water-resistant rely on a durable water repellent (DWR) coating on the outer fabric to make water beads up and roll off. No membrane is used. These gloves repel light moisture but will wet through in heavy rain or snow (not ideal). Water-resistant works better for resort skiing in drier climates like Utah and Colorado if you don't mind some dampness.
For true waterproofing, look for the word membrane or technology like Gore-Tex or Futurelight by North-Face in the glove's description.
Waterproof
A waterproof glove uses a membrane like Gore-Tex or SympaTex laminated between layers to block liquid water while allowing sweat vapor to escape. This complete protection is recommended unless you ride very dry powder exclusively.
Wind Protection
An outer shell made of a tightly woven, higher denier (thicker) fabric blocks more wind. But wind can still penetrate the exterior fabric. Many gloves add a thin windproof barrier inside as well. For maximum protection, look for both wind-resistant shell fabric and a separate wind liner.
The cuff design also plays a role. Gauntlet-style cuffs extend several inches past your jacket sleeve. The wider opening can be cinched down over your coat to seal out wind and snow. Undercuff styles stop right at the wrist and don't close as tightly around your jacket cuff.
When skiing in deeper powder or during heavy snowfall, gloves with a longer cuff will keep snow from getting up your sleeves or down into your gloves. Gloves with longer cuffs generally feel slightly less nimble than shorter classic-style cuffs. If you're planning to ski backcountry or plow through powder, then a gauntlet-style cuff is recommended for maximum protection.
Breathability and Venting
You want your hands to stay warm and dry but not get sweaty and clammy either. Breathability is crucial to whisk away moisture from sweat vapor building up inside your gloves.
High-end gloves optimize breathability through membrane technology (Gore-Tex, SympaTex, etc.). These membranes are waterproof on the exterior but let humid air escape through microscopic pores that water droplets can't penetrate.
For cheaper gloves lacking a membrane, breathability relies on the shell and liner fabric itself being moisture-wicking. More breathable insulation like PrimaLoft also helps, but it won't be perfect - and expect hands to be sweaty on warmer days.
Venting Features
Some gloves add venting features to help regulate temperature when working hard. These include:
- Mesh panels on the backs of fingers
- Perforated palm and finger fabric
- Pop open vents across knuckles
- Removable fingertips on the shell
Venting does compromise warmth a bit but provides needed relief from getting overheated and sweaty. Just make sure to close the vents again before riding to avoid chilling your fingers.
Fit, Sizing, and Dexterity
Getting the right fit is critical for maximizing comfort, dexterity, and warmth. Gloves and mittens are sized based on your hand circumference in inches. To determine your size:
- Measure the circumference of your dominant hand across the widest part, usually around the knuckles.
- Refer to the specific sizing chart for that brand and model. Sizing varies, so don't rely on generic glove charts.
- Try the gloves on in person if possible prior to purchasing.
Tips for the best fit:
- Measure your dominant hand (the one you ride with forward).
- Repeat the measurement a few times for accuracy.
- Err on the larger side if in between sizes.
- Snug but not tight offers optimal warmth.
- Make sure no fingertips or padding presses painfully.
- The glove shouldn't pinch anywhere when gripping bars.
Gauntlet vs. Undercuff Length
Gauntlet-style gloves extend 6-8 inches past your wrist over your jacket cuff. This provides better weather protection but less wrist mobility.
Undercuff gloves end right at the wrist bone for maximum freedom of movement but may let snow sneak in.
Dexterity decreases from thin gloves to thick insulated gloves to mittens and is also impacted by proper fit. Make sure to factor in tasks requiring dexterity versus pure downhill riding time.
Helpful Extra Features
Today's ski and snowboard gloves offer a number of special features and accents. Here are some to look for:
- Removable Liners - Allow custom warmth and quick drying. Liners can be worn on their own in warmer weather.
- Wrist Leashes/Keepers - Prevent losing gloves if they fall off on the mountain. Some also integrate into gauntlet cinch.
- Cuff Cinches/Drawcords - Tighten the opening around the jacket to keep snow out. Look for an external cord you can operate with gloves on.
- Zippered Pockets - These allow you to warm your fingers or store small items. Just enough for a key or chapstick.
- Snot Wipes - Soft fabric panel on thumb for wiping a runny nose.
- Touchscreen Fabric - Full finger or fingertip pads allow using the phone without removing gloves.
- Clips - Plastic clips connect gloves together when not wearing.
- Low-profile Cuffs - Lycra binding around wrists seals out snow better and fits slimmer under jackets.
Care and Maintenance
Follow these tips to get the longest life from your snowboard and ski gloves:
- Hand wash liner fabrics regularly using gentle detergent to prevent bacterial buildup and odors. Let liners fully air dry.
- Spot clean outer gloves and mittens as needed with a damp cloth, mild soap, and water. Rinse off soap residue. Air dry fully.
- Use Nikwax TX Direct or similar wash-in waterproofing treatments after heavy use to rejuvenate DWR.
- Wash leather palms gently and apply a leather conditioner to prevent cracking.
- Store gloves loosely rather than tightly packed so insulation lofts fully.
- Replace gloves if liner pilling substantially reduces warmth.
- Check wrist leashes, clips, and other features regularly for damage.
Get the Right Fit
Hopefully, this detailed buyer's guide has provided everything you need to shop for the perfect ski or snowboard gloves this winter. Focus on insulation warmth suitable for your climate, quality waterproof and windproof materials, and the right balance of breathability and dexterity. Carefully follow brand sizing guides and consider handy extra features. Proper fit is also key.
With ski glove technology better than ever, you can ride in comfort all season long.
About Us
Hello, I'm Simon & I love skiing. I started skiing in 2007 and I founded this website to help new skiers learn everything there is to know about skiing. NewToSki.com has grown to be a trusted resource for over a million skiers to plan their ski trips each year and learn more about every aspect of skiing. Be sure to join my email list for the best tips and handpicked deals each week.
