Keeping your hands warm and dry is essential to your safety and, more importantly, to your fun. There are also a surprising bit of features and price differences that can muddle the hunt for the best pair.
That’s why we’ve assembled this buyer’s guide to the best gloves and mittens out there.
Between the most ideal gloves for resorts and long-proven, backcountry saviors, we’ve tested and reviewed the best gloves from every category. For more on how to choose the best glove for you, take a look at our below buyer’s guide to help narrow down the selection even more.
Quick Top 7 Ski Gloves and Mittens in 2023
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1
Expedition-Ready Gauntlet: Black Diamond Guide Gloves -
2
Standout Value: Outdoor Research Revolution II -
3
Best 3 Finger Glove: HESTRA Army Leather Heli Ski 3-finger -
4
Affordable, Feature-Filled: Burton Gore Tex Gloves Men’s -
5
Work Gloves that Work: Kinco 1927KW -
6
Premium Resort Mittens: Hestra Army Leather Extreme -
7
Low Cost Resort Gloves: MCTi Waterproof -
8
Premium Toughness and Price: Hestra Fall Line -
9
Spring and Screen Friendly: North Face Apex eTip -
10
Best Heated-Glove: Outdoor Research Prevail Heated
All the Ski Gloves and Mittens We've tested
The Guide Glove is Black Diamond’s professional standard model. After a short break-in period, they step into gold standard territory for guides, instructors and patrollers–balancing extreme warmth with practical dexterity.
The freedom to accomplish fine motor tasks without unnecessary exposure is an absolute necessity for pros, and quite the luxury for recreational skiers looking for the best they can buy.
While there’s some considerable breaking needed to work out the stiffness, the payoff in protection and durability makes these beasts more than worth the price in the long run. Still, some limitations to dexterity are the trade-off you need to accept.
Specs & Features
- Nylon and goat leather shell
- Removable boiled wool and Primaloft liner
- Gauntlet cuff
- Foam knuckle padding
- Soft fabric nose wipe
Our Overall Review
Things we like:
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Built for the coldest temperatures
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One of the toughest gloves on the market
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Available as a finger glove
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Waterproof liner comes in handy on the chairlift
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Extra padding and hand protection
Things we don't like:
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Sizing is tricky and takes some time to break in
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Pretty expensive
This glove excels in making you forget that you even have it on.
Before even putting it on or getting it out in the wet and the cold, the construction of the glove is impressive. Simply holding it in your hand, the glove feels bombproof.
I would have to say that this is one of the best gloves we’ve seen in this price class. With an MSRP of $85 USD, and the ability to find them for cheaper if you browse the internet, it would be a hard glove to beat.
Read on as we dive into an in-depth review of the Outdoor Research Revolution II ski glove!
Specs & Features
- Best Suited For: Skiing and Snowboarding, cold weather camping, hunting
- Materials: 2L 100% polyester shell. Polyurethane stretch-palm with a diamond grip. GORE-TEX Enduraloft insulation. Tricot Microbemberg liner
- Touchscreen compatible
- Zippered-pocket for a heat pack
- Soft-to-the-touch nose wipe
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Affordable
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Massively comfortable
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GORE-TEX quality at a budget price
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Phenomenal dexterity for such a durable glove
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Loaded with high-end features
Things we don't like:
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Could be warmer
The 3 finger Hestra Army Leather Heli ski glove is designed for professionals and serial skiers that get 20+ days a year. Heli-skiing is an obvious application too. This is good for heavy snow days in colder conditions.
It’s an option that delivers quality and an impressive degree of functionality. We found it worked the bindings of a snowboard very well too.
The fleece liner adds both warmth and allows for washing away the ski-glove-sour-smell that we all know and love (at least at the beginning of the year). Combined with good goat skin, the Army Leather costs what they costs, but they will last as long as any glove.
Specs & Features
- Included accessories: Carabiner and leather care cream
- Elastic at wrist
- Hanging loop on finger
- Removable fleece lining with G-Loft fleece
- Gauntlet drawstring
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Reliable quality and comfort
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Super durable for very frequent use
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Clip on features (finger + carabiner)
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Liner gives versatility, warmth and hygiene
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Easily clips snowboard bindings
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Hestra’s unique look
Burton Gore-Tex gloves are going to appeal to spring skiing. The waterproofing and dexterity–along with the brand name–will attract snowboarders.
As far as the price and performance of these–in particular, their durability–they compare well to the North Face Apex. Fewer features and a lower price tag make these stand out.
Specs & Features
- Shell: DRYRIDE 2L/Leather Accents
- Liner: Removable Fleece Liner
- Insulation: Synthetic Fill
- Cuff Style : Gauntlet
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
-
Great affordable resort glove
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Touch screen compatibility
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Available as a glove and a mitten
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Screen Grab Touchfit: Leather on the thumb and forefinger of the shell help grip slippery surfaces of your phone and let your tap away without taking your gloves off
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Screen Grab Liner: Inner liners separate from the rest of the shell- and feature touchscreen compatible fingertips
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Gore-Tex Insert: Gore-Tex membrane inserts aid both waterproofing and breathability- two foundational attributes of the best gloves.
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Ergonomic Fit: The fit is pre-curved for a more natural, ergonomic feel on your hands.
Things we don't like:
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Bulky and not as comfortable as other options
Kinco gloves are the humble solution to keeping the budget down without making too much of a compromise. With a little work, the 1927KW can function as a ski glove for a few seasons without losing its worth (ie. keeping your hands dry and warm).
This is the answer to sometime-skiers and snowboarders struggling to get kitted out with gear designed for serial slope stars weary of withdrawal from the mountain.
Specs & Features
- Shell: Leather/Canvas
- Liner: Polyester
- Insulation: HeatKeep Thermal Lining
- Cuff Style: Undercuff
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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The high quality and the low price
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They’re also pretty cool
Things we don't like:
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Not great for wet weather
Hestra is a workhorse ski glove brand. The Army Leather Extreme is a warm mitt that will survive arctic fallout while providing decent dexterity to the skier.
This is a premium ski mitt, intended for cold conditions and used often. Be prepared to pay for this and be prepared to be satisfied too.
Specs & Features
- Shell: 3L Polyamide and Goat Leather
- Liner: Bemberg/Polyester
- Insulation: G-Loft (Polyester)
- Cuff Style: Gauntlet
Our Overall Review
Things we like:
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Available as a glove, mitten, and three finger glove
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Interchangeable liner options
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One of the best winter gloves for extreme cold
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A ton of colors to choose from
Things we don't like:
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Like most quality gloves, you need to stay on top of the waterproofing
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Can feel a little bulky even without the liners
Not everyone needs a glove that can hold up to daily use in the harshest conditions. Sometimes you just need something that’s good enough to see you through an impromptu weekend at the slopes. MCTi’s fleet of affordable ski gear gets the job done at a reasonable price. While you won’t see the same build quality and lavish features as our premium favorites, they’re enough for a casual weekend on the slopes.
Reasonably waterproof, with poly synthetic fill and breathable inserts- MCTi covers the bones in what you need from a pair of ski gloves. What they lack in build they compensate somewhat for with select features. It’s nice to have touch screen fingertips, hand warmer pockets, and adjustable wrist closures no matter how well they’re executed.
MCTi’s copy dubiously implies that these gloves are good up to -20℉. Temperatures like those are hard to find, but if it were actually that cold I’d definitely opt for something with a better build. It wouldn’t surprise us at all if your fingers got a little chilly on a low temperature day. It would also be unsurprising if they didn’t last for more than a season of consistent skiing.
Still, for most inbounds skiing in most conditions, they’re serviceable enough. A great choice if you’re just dipping your toes (and fingers) into snowsports for the first time.
Specs & Features
- Shell: Polyester
- Liner: Knit Polyester
- Insulation: Thinsulate
- Cuff Style: Gauntlet
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Affordable gloves easily ordered from the world’s biggest online retailer
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Decent amount of features though the quality is questionable
Things we don't like:
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Not durable enough for multi season use
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Not suitable for colder days on the slopes
The Fall Line is a longtime favorite for industry and technical skiers who value durability and dexterity over warmth. I’ve traditionally associated Hestra with the warmest ski gloves on the market. The Fall Line is a departure, but retains adequate warmth in all but the coldest weather while offering compelling compromises in other areas.
These hard-working and durable gloves allow the necessary mobility for complicated tasks over multiple seasons of heavy use. Design considerations like baffled knuckles and palm padding outseams facilitate wiggling fingers and keeping hold of slippery slopeside objects.
Specs & Features
- Shell: Cow Leather
- Insulation: Foam
- Liner: Removable Fleece Liner
- Cuff Style: Undercuff
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Allows enough mobility for tying knots, working your 2-way radio, or grabbing your skis in the air
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Built to handle hard work and sharp edges
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Padding offers even more protection for your hands
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Removable Liner: The liner is fully removable to make cleaning and caring for the gloves easier- while giving you the opportunity to replace your liner if it wears out.
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Leash: Wrist cuffs on a leash allow you to remove your gloves without worrying about dropping them down a slope or off a chairlift
Things we don't like:
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Notably less warm than other models from Hestra
This spring skiing performer, Apex eTip Gloves from the North Face, are softshell options that provide comfort and usability for uphilling too.
With touchscreen finger tips, these reasonably inexpensive gloves will also be favorites for some working their phones on the chairlift as well as scrolling through pictures in the apres scene.
Great in many conditions, wet, slushy weather is not one of them though.
Specs & Features
- Shell: Polyester
- Liner: Fleece
- Insulation: Polyester
- Cuff Style: Undercuff
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
-
Softshell build opens up the possibility for multisport applications
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Breathable and pliable out shell keeps you comfortable spring skiing
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Touchscreen fingertips
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Usefulness off the hills
Things we don't like:
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In wet or particularly cold weather you’ll want something else
Outdoor Research’s Prevail Heated Gloves represent the best of what the industry has to offer in terms of heated equipment.The price of these premium gloves reflects this.
Heated ski gear is tough to get right. But every few years the technology that goes into heated gloves, boots, and more grows by leaps and bounds.
With three settings of heat intensity, OR promises 2.5 hours on high and 8 hours of heat on low. We’ve not yet tested them, but we assume 2 hours and 7 hours to be more reliable. We’ll update as soon as we have more data.
Specs & Features
- Shell: 2L Polyester/Nylon
- Liner: Polyester Fleece
- Insulation: EnduraLoft
- Cuff Style: Gauntlet
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
-
Couples a high quality build with a functional and rechargeable heating element
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Three heat settings so you can crank up the heat on cold days
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Best looking heated gloves out there
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Push button control is a good design
Things we don't like:
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Like all heated gloves, comes at a premium
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Dexterity is limited by the amount of insulation and internal wired components
The newest Gordini gloves are the GTX Storm. This is a value-focused model that aims to appeal to the majority of skiers and snowboarders with a quality-cost nexus that impresses.
On top of the sound quality and reliable waterproofing (torrential rains will seep in), there are also features that make the GTX Storm one of the more versatile mid-level ski gloves.
Specs & Features
- Shell: Polyester/Goat Skin
- Liner: Fleece
- Insulation: Megaloft
- Cuff Style: Gauntlet
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
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Long proven build based on one of our favorite resort gloves
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Decent feature set and Gore-Tex layer for a reasonable price
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Hand warmer pocket
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Decent dexterity
Things we don't like:
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No standout features or aspects to that make it a more compelling choice than premium models
The Mercury Mitten from Black Diamond is a mid-level option for colder days. Skiers that get 10 days a year in will appreciate this when temperatures drop further away from freezing.
At the same time, the liner and the breathability of the material doesn’t make this exclusive to cold days either. Given the reliable waterproofing, this mitt is versatile enough to be an all-season handwear–as long as you won’t miss using your digits.
Specs & Features
- Shell: Polyester/Goat Skin
- Liner: Polyester Fleece
- Insulation: PrimaLoft Gold
- Cuff Style: Polyester
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
-
Warmth comparable to the Guide Gloves but a little more practical for casual skiing
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Bombproof build and premium warmth at a fair price
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Removable liner has several benefits
Things we don't like:
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Your mobility is severely limited by the build and insulation
Budget ski gloves are great for a quick jaunt to the mountain, but have the tendency to fall apart when you need them most. Tough Outdoors Winter gloves are a simple, stout alternative with a nylon shell.
With a name that’s this on the nose, there should be no questions about what these gloves are aiming to do. Tough Outfitter’s “Tough Outdoor” gloves is a budget option that focuses on durability as opposed to keeping up appearances with a premium feature set.
These gloves meet the baseline expectations for warmth, and water resistance while holding up better than your average budget resort glove. They don’t offer much in the way of features or add-ons aside from a nose-wipe and attachment point to hook your gloves together. But they are priced fairly and will be more than warm enough for your average day on the resort.
If you’re a no-frills skier who shudders at the thought of gloves that cost half as much as your skis, Tough Outfitters (branded Tough Outdoors for online retailers) merits your consideration.
Specs & Features
- Shell: Nylon/Synthetic Leather
- Liner: Synthetic Fleece
- Insulation : Summitloft
- Cuff Style: Gauntlet
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
-
Simple and affordable budget gloves
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Focus is on durability rather than extra features
Things we don't like:
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Not as warm as some of our favorites
The Storm Trooper II is a pair of Gordini gloves for backcountry skiers. As such, they do quite alright on the front end of the resort too.
They have a decent balance between warmth and breathability. Combined with good dexterity, durability and a feature or two–that may or may not be useful–the Storm Troopers II are a better value ski glove than most of the serious options out there.
Specs & Features
- Nylon shell with goatskin reinforcements
- Gore-Tex inserts
- Megaloft synthetic fill
- Moisture-wicking liner
- Zippered handwarmer pocket
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
-
Great glove for a great price
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Surprisingly warm and durable
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Feature set close to a premium model
Things we don't like:
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Big limitations where mobility is concerned
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Falls short on warmth in extreme conditions
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Handwarmer pocket leaks in extremely damp conditions
The Alti line is Outdoor Research’s high performance series. Falling in line just behind the Black Diamond Guide Glove in terms of toughness, the Alti glove offers out-of-the-box comfort along with the high degree of warmth and dexterity you’d expect out of a performance glove.
The Alti excels in light-technical applications and is also a top contender for resort skiers with cold hands and big demands.
The Alti is marketed as a high-mobility expedition glove, and while there’s no reason it couldn’t be applied under such circumstances, it does best in a more casual setting. If you’re debating between premium glove models our advice is to look toward the Guide Glove above for toughness and technical suitability, and always the Alti if you want warmth and comfort.
Specs & Features
- Nylon and spandex shell
- Removable synthetic liner
- Gauntlet cuff
- Silicon grip rubber palm
- 3DFit Technology
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
-
Gauntlet allows access to wristwatch, easy to get over jacket cuff
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Solidly priced expedition glove
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Really nice removable liner
Things we don't like:
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The sizing for this glove is very finicky and won’t fit all hands
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Not as much dexterity as other similar options.
The Lucent line from Outdoor Research has a reputation for reliable heated gloves or mitts where others have failed. This line of products, particularly the mittens, are warm by design, but can’t really be judged by the same standard as typical gloves and mittens when you take the heater into consideration.
Though they’re impressively warm, people often have unrealistic expectations for what’s possible when it comes to heated gloves.
The shell is made of weatherproofed nylon and polyester with goat leather overlays capable of using touchscreens.
The Lucent gloves and mittens offer unparalleled comfort for a steep price. But if you’ve exhausted your other options and never want to worry about your hands while you’re out skiing again, they’ll do the trick.
Specs & Features
- Nylon shell with goat leather overlay, filled with synthetic insulation
- Removable fleece liner
- Gauntlet cuff
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
-
The frontrunning option in heated glove technology
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Removable and rechargeable batteries
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Includes adapters that charge all over the world
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Never have cold hands again
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Smartphone friendly
Things we don't like:
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They have a really big price tag
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Heated gloves as a whole often leave people disappointed
The Black Diamond Spark offers the additional warmth of a mitten, with all the benefits of a free finger. In keeping with all of other freeride gloves on this list, the Spark series is a no punches pulled, tough-as-nails, full-leather cuff glove.
The Spark series features a range of options from traditional gloves to mittens, but their finger glove is our favorite for snowboarding. The high degree of water resistance and extra dexterity makes fiddling with your binding much less of an inconvenience.
The biggest appeal of the Spark series is the price. It falls right in the Black Diamond target zone of professional standards and affordability, it’s a fully functional freeride glove appropriate for extreme weather conditions.
The flexible seamwork is fully sealed so you can get the maximum amount of movement without worrying about dampness leaking in, and is available in an alternative model with a gauntlet if you’re worried about snow leakage.
Specs & Features
- Full goat leather shell
- Non removable fleece liner
- EVA foam impact protection on the back of the hand
- Undercuff/ Glove has a gauntlet variation
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
-
Full leather shell looks great, adds toughness, and is effectively waterproof
-
Available in as a glove, mitten, and finger glove
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Comes in a range of colors
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Great price
Things we don't like:
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Not as warm as other freeride gloves
-
There are complaints about the sizing being tricky
Hestra makes somewhere in the ballpark of 400 different styles of gloves, and this is the one that they make for ski pros. It could be the best ski glove you can find. The durability and versatility they offer is hard to match. If you expect to find yourself at the resort every morning, stamping your ski boots and anxiously squinting at the predawn horizon, you can take comfort in the fact that your hands aren’t cold.
The first Hestra gloves were built for lumberjacks using rivet-reinforced leather. In their “Heli” professional-grade model, they’ve kept the leather and added the better part of a century’s worth of ski industry experience. Hestra has a reputation for quality winter gloves, and though some may groan about the price and the “hype”, my hands have never gotten cold in mine.
Heli series products are available as gloves, mittens, and three finger “gloves”. All are compatible with a series of interchangeable liners. The mittens are definitely the warmest by design, but all are insulated with Hestra house “G-Loft” polyester fill with a breathable fabric and goat leather shell. The gauntlet cuff makes them pow-proof, and the cinching “snowlock” keeps out the sluff. They’re also ergonomically designed, with a velcro strap and curved hand shape.
Specs & Features
- Made of polyamide and goat leathe
- Removable liners
- Gauntlet cuff
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
-
Available as a glove, mitten, and three finger glove
-
Interchangeable liner options
-
One of the best winter gloves for extreme cold
-
A ton of colors to choose from
Things we don't like:
-
Like most quality gloves, you need to stay on top of the waterproofing
-
Can feel a little bulky even without the liners
The Burton Oven Mitt is about the warmest thing that you can put on your hands outside of a battery-heated mitten. They’re comically overbuilt and are the waterproof equivalent of down booties for your hands. It’s probably the warmest mitten on this list that doesn’t have a full gauntlet cuff. But unlike some down products, the Burton Oven Mitt won’t get torn up the first time you hit the snow or snag a branch.
The shell of the mitten is made of the waterproof Gore Windstopper fabric. Burton combines synthetic insulation with triple goose down. The palm and thumb are reinforced with touch-screen ready leather.
The Oven Mtt are perfect if you’re constantly troubled by cold fingers, or want a pair of emergency cold-weather gloves that you can ski in
Specs & Features
- Windstopper shell with leather palm and thumb
- Fleece liner
- Undercuff
- Priced around $150 USD
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
-
One of the warmest options out there
-
Sleek undercuff
-
Down fill is really unique in a functional glove
Things we don't like:
-
Down isn’t warm if it gets wet
The Gordini Voyager Mitten occupies a similar space to Black Diamond’s Mercury. Gordini’s model is more versatile, and it offers a similar degree of protection without the bulk. They’re a classic take on the mitten constructed from top quality materials, an all-around great product that runs somewhere in the middle of the price pack.
They have everything you’d want out of a cold weather garment of this quality- a totally waterproof shell with sheepskin leather trip, a removable sheepskin merino wool glove liner, a full cuff cinching gauntlet. The liners can be worn without the shell as a lightweight option, but as far as features go the Voyager is relatively simple. A solid mitten with an elegant look and the promise of warm fingers.
The Voyager is a beautiful mitten, that much can’t be argued. But it backs up aesthetic appeal with quality performance, and does all this without being outrageously expensive. Overall it’s a high-performance mitten with more than a little flair, with a very reasonable price tag.
Specs & Features
- Waterproof synthetic and sheepskin leather shell, synthetic insulation
- Removable merino sheepskin liner
- Gauntlet cuff
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
-
Looks great, and performs just as well as anything similar on the market
-
The merino liners are awesome, reduce ski glove stink
Things we don't like:
-
Though they often work longer, batteries only have a one year shelf life
The North Face Montana glove and mitten line is yet another excellent contender in the running for the best budget resort glove. It’s a low profile option that keeps you dry while giving you enough freedom to adjust your equipment without taking your gloves off. They offer all the protection you could want for your average season of resort skiing. With additional features such as touchscreen functionality, heat warmer pockets, and dexterity-boosting finger sleeves in the mittens, they’re perfect daily drivers for getting your laps in at your local mountain.
The North Face Montana line shell is made of Gore-Tex with synthetic leather overlay. It’s completely waterproof and features a full gauntlet cuff to keep slush from sliding down your hands. They’re ergonomically shaped and built for getting the best grip you can on your ski pole, binding strap, or boot buckle. Using an appropriate amount of synthetic fill for the resort environment, with a polyester fleece lining.
While there are warmer gloves out there, the Montana shouldn’t be overlooked as an option for any serious alpine skier testing their options. They’re a tough, no-nonsense option for a reasonable price.
Specs & Features
- Gore-Tex shell with synthetic leather overlay and synthetic insulation
- Nonremovable synthetic lining
- Gauntlet cuff
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
-
Totally waterproof gauntlet style
-
Available as glove and mitten
-
High performance and good dexterity
-
Touchscreen access
-
Great price
Things we don't like:
-
Not as warm as other options
We’ve spent quite a bit of time getting to know Wildhorn Outfitters and their array of affordable winter outerwear. From helmets to snow pants, we’ve found their lineup to be serviceable across the board and a sensible investment for 5-10 ski day seasons.
Here we’ll be taking a closer look at their Tolcat gloves, which keep in running with the rest of Wildhorn’s selection of affordable gear. Probably more resorted-oriented, they have touchscreen fingertips and a mixture of synthetics and goat leather.
I tested them in harsher backcountry and found them to be just enough glove to sneak by for a few laps on chilly days and a pretty nice low-profile option on the shoulder ends of the season.
Below we’ll dig into the Tolcat layer by layer and see how they stack up against other gloves we’ve tested over the years.
Specs & Features
- Triple Layer Protection and Insulation
- Thinsulate Insulation
- Lightweight and Ergonomic Pre-curved Build
- Goat Leather Palm
- Removable Wrist Cuff
Our Overall Review
Things we like:
-
An affordable glove that keeps your hands protected in mild weather
-
Touchscreen compatibility lets you stay in contact without cold hands
-
Lightweight and low profile enough for performing essential tasks
Things we don't like:
-
Certainly not warm enough for colder days or extended skiing
-
Certainly not warm enough for colder days or extended skiing Doesn't hold up to more expensive gloves in terms of waterproofing
-
Durability may become a concern after a few seasons of use or abuse
In high-output or during demanding winter sports, you’ll need a glove that can juggle breathability, mobility, and warmth without compromise. Arc’teryx claims the Fission SV is their warmest “multi-sport” glove, meaning if you see yourself spending a lot of time off the resort you likely won’t find a better option.
The range of motion of this model is unmatched, ensuring hassle free backcountry transitions and saving you the frustration of taking off your glove for specific tasks.
The Fission SV shell is made of lightweight, windproof polymer overlain with goat leather, with an additional waterproof Gore-Tex insert. They’re filled with Primaloft insulation suitable for subfreezing temperatures, but not necessarily for extreme cold. That being said, you may find the Fission SV a little too warm for uphill travel in the springtime.
Specs & Features
- Waterproofed synthetic shell with goat skin trim
- Gore-Tex insert liner with synthetic fill
- Carabiner clip loop
- Gauntlet cuff
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
-
High dexterity glove that offers adequate warmth
-
Low-profile and slim fitting
-
One of the toughest gloves on the market
Things we don't like:
-
Definitely not the warmest glove
-
High price point for something that doesn’t work at very cold temperatures
Buyer’s Guide
Factors to Consider
Warmth
Staying warm on the slopes is obviously one of the main components in a great pair of ski gloves. Regardless of your skill as a skier or how often you go out, keeping your hands and fingers protected from frostbite and general exposure is going to make your experience much more pleasant.
Factors that influence warmth include the type and amount of insulation used, glove liners, and accessory features like hand warmer pockets.
Heated Gloves
Some people with circulation issues, or those who live in particularly cold climates, or work outside in an industry that involves a lot of standing around in the chill might be interested in a pair of heated gloves.
While heated models like the Outdoor Research Prevail provide an excellent external source of heat for hands in need, they come with their own set of logistical issues and offer way less mobility than the alternatives. The most effective models tend to be outrageously expensive. For shorter ski trips, you may be better served by grabbing a more reasonably priced pair of gloves paired with a healthy stock of chemical hand warmers.
Water Resistance
Wet hands are cold hands, and gloves that don’t keep out water won’t do you much good in freezing temperatures. The water resistance of your gloves is influenced by their shell materials, and in high quality gloves the inclusion of a Gore Tex (or equivalent) waterproof membrane.
Generally speaking, synthetic gloves are more water resistant than leather gloves, though this isn’t always the case when dealing with budget models.
Breathability
Skiing is hard work, and your body will respond accordingly as you build up internal heat while charging down the slopes. Often ski gloves will either be waterproof, or they’ll be breathable. You’re less likely to run into this issue with high-end gloves, but ultimately one must reckon with the unappealing choice between wetness and “sweat”-ness.
Breathability is particularly important for the purposes of spring skiing or touring, but wet hands ultimately lead to cold hands regardless of the kind of skiing you do. Technical inserts found in models like Burton’s Gore-Tex Gloves strike a reasonable balance for a fiscal premium. The most breathable gloves are fleece glove liners that you can wear separately from a shell, or softshell gloves made specifically for touring or cold weather endurance sports.
Durability
Skiing is a sport filled with sharp edges, abrasive surfaces, and high impact forces. Naturally these factors take a toll on your gear, with soft goods like gloves being particularly vulnerable. With a few notable exceptions, there’s a strong correlation between price tag and durability in ski gloves.
Budget gloves might get you out on the slope for a week long ski trip- but don’t count on them for repeat seasons. As a final note, leather gloves tend to hold up a bit better than synthetic gloves, especially on the lower end of the price spectrum.
Dexterity
Working zippers, snapping buckles, and other fine motor talks are much more difficult through the bulk of ski gloves. Your dexterity needs are influenced both by the kind of skiing you do and the people you ski with. Those anticipating frequently needing to do things like adjust boot buckles, open vents on your jacket, tie knots, or wrangle children might be better served by a thinner, more flexible option.
If you’re worried about being cold on the slopes, you might want to opt for a thicker, more insulated pair of mittens. Relative dexterity is one of the major differences between gloves and mittens. A pair of gloves will always be easier to move around in than mittens with a similar amount of insulation.
Sizing
As is the case with most insulative outdoor goods, gloves work better if they’re properly sized for your hands. Too big, and warm air can escape through gaps in the cuff, and the dead air space around your hands takes longer to warm up. If they’re too small, you’ll compress the insulation and your gloves won’t be as effective.
Unfortunately there’s no standardized sizing guide for ski gloves. For example, I wear a large in the Army Leather Extreme Mitt, but know I’d be more comfortable in an XL of the Black Diamond Guide Glove. The good news is you have a pretty wide window in which your gloves will be effective. If you’re set on ordering gloves online, chances are you can dependably guess what size works best for you.
Gloves vs. Mittens
We get it, decisions are hard. Particularly when you’re potentially dropping a couple hundred dollars on gear that seems like an afterthought after big ticket items like skis. The good news is there’s no right answer and you can easily make a decision by asking yourself one question- “How much do I need to use my hands?”
If you anticipate fiddling with zippers, wiping your kid’s nose, or doing any of the requisite dexterity-related tasks necessary for skiing out of bounds; gloves are probably the way to go. It’s a little difficult to efficiently root around in pockets while wearing insulated gloves. Imagine trying to fish a cough drop out of your snow pants with your hands encased in clunky nylon lobster claws.
With this said, mittens are considerably warmer than gloves. If you’re consistently struggling with cold fingers there’s a compelling case for investing in a burly, heavily insulated mitten. Though you may be working with the relative dexterity of an oven mitt, a good pair of mittens effectively function like a sleeping bag for your hands- keeping everything tucked together for the most warmth for the insulation.
Three finger gloves represent a tenuous middle ground between our two extremes. They’re mittens with a separated index finger so you have a little more pinch and fiddle ability, with more warmth than your garden variety glove. While your lone finger might get a little chilly, it’s useful for tasks you’ll do frequently like unstrapping your snowboard bindings or pointing at the guy backflipping off the cattrack.
Many other factors influence how warm and adroit your hands might be during a day of skiing. If you love gloves or are smitten by mittens, there’s plenty of ways to get a warmer glove and a more flexible mitten. This is influenced by the materials of the shell as well as the amount and type of insulation used.
Ski Glove Anatomy
Shell Materials
The foundation of every good pair of gloves is the shell. Without a solid barrier protecting your hands from wind, wetness, and the many pointy things on a ski hill; insulation isn’t going to do much good. Manufacturers either use leather, synthetic components, or a combination of the two.
Leather
Everyone looks better in leather. But style points aside, leather gloves are more flexible, more durable, and have better traction than their synthetic counterparts. I’ve tried dozens of different kinds of ski gloves but still head out to the ski hill in a cheap pair of leather Kincos on all but the wettest days.
Most pairs of leather gloves are pretty tough with comparably good grip. This is quite the desirable set of circumstances in a sport with as many sharp edges and slippery surfaces as skiing. I’ve seen many pairs of gloves mangled by tow-ropes, and falls on stairs that could have been prevented by a firmer grip on a handrail.
The biggest downside of leather gloves is requisite maintenance. Leather gloves need semi-regular treatment with a conditioner to stay flexible and water resistant. I say water resistant because wet snowfall or rain will almost certainly soak through even the fanciest pair after a full day of skiing.
Synthetic
Synthetic shells are better represented on ski slopes for a few reasons. First and foremost, they’re typically more weather proof, providing skiers with more protection against wind and especially water when the weather turns nasty. They also tend to be more affordable and with more entry level options available with some notable exceptions.
Synthetic gloves, particularly budget models made from polyester, are prone to wear and tear. This can be a bummer for newer skiers who realize their new gloves were mulched by the bunny hill rope tow in a single day of skiing. In many cases it’s worth investing a little more in a nylon model that can hold up to the hazards of the hill a little bit better.
High end synthetic ski gloves often incorporate some leather around the palms and fingers. This helps mitigate some of the issues with dexterity, grip, and durability you’d run into with budget models.
There’s a compelling case for every kind of shell, be the reasons based around budget, durability, or warmth. But the shellis just one of the ingredients of a pair of gloves. Insulation and inserts work together with the outer material to keep you warm and dry while you’re ripping turns.
Fills and Liners
A roof might keep your house dry, but effective insulation is key to keeping you warm through winter months. Ski gloves are packed with insulation similar to an attic crawlspace, and it’s the fill that keeps your hands safe from encroaching cold through the course of a ski day.
There many proprietary fills used by different manufacturers to trap the heat your hands naturally generate; largely speaking their degree of warmth has more to do with the amount of fill used than the specific house blend (note that there is an industry bias towards Primaloft in the same way there would be towards Advil versus generic aspirin). There are also some outliers like the Burton Oven Mitt which uses a combination of synthetic fill and down.
In addition to whatever insulation is employed, most gloves have a built in liner for additional warmth and comfort. Fleece is usually the material of choice here.
Removable Liners
High-end gloves sometimes feature a removable liner. This allows you to remove the shell of your gloves and wash them without worrying about damaging more heat sensitive components. In some cases these liners are more of a second, super lightweight pair of gloves worn under your shell. These liners often include touchscreen compatible finger tips, and can alternatively be worn alone in warm weather.
Inserts
High-end ski gloves often employ the tried and true hero of the outdoor industry, Gore-Tex (or one of its many brand-specific cousins), in order to aid in waterproofing and breathability. Breathable, waterproof membranes are the standard for technical outdoor equipment- and it’s great to have a layer that not only reinforces the waterproof aspects of your glove’s shell, but allows built up moisture to escape when your mitts inevitably get a little sweaty.
You don’t necessarily need a pair of gloves with a technical membrane, but it certainly helps if you’re skiing in particularly cold or wet conditions. I mentioned above that I normally take my cheap leather gloves out most days. When I’m not wearing those, I have a pair of trusted Hestra mittens that have kept me warm and dry in the most heinous of weather conditions.
Cuffs
Ski glove cuffs prevent snow from slipping into your hands or up your sleeves. I can’t count the times I’ve forlornly shaken snow out of my gloves after taking a good sliding fall, or after pulling myself out of a bomb crater on a powder day. Like with all the other factors we’ve discussed, the best style of cuff for you is informed by the kind of skiing you do and your warmth preferences.
Cuffs come in one of two styles: a gauntlet that fits over the sleeve of your jacket, or a more subdued undercuff worn under your sleeves. Gauntlets are certainly the warmer your options, and they have the obvious appearance of more heavy duty hand protection- more akin to something you’d wear in space or into medieval battlefields than the ski slope. It’s much more difficult for snow to worm its way into the inner sanctum of your gloves.
With these appreciable benefits in mind, why would you choose an undercuff? Typically undercuff style gloves are more compact, are easier to take off, and offer much more dexterity than beefed up gauntlet gloves. In my case, I like to rely on moving in order to keep warm, so I value the ability to make adjustments on the fly without the bulk of a big glove bogging me down.
As a final consideration, undercuff style gloves tend to be lighter on features and accessories by necessity of their trimmed-down build.
Features
Feature-bloat is a very real phenomena in the outdoor industry, and ski gloves are no exception. It’s easy to conflate products with lots of cheap, tacked-on features with actual quality. While I have a clear bias towards simplicity and utility, there are a few crucial quality of life features for gloves like leashes and goggle wipes.
Hand Warmer Pockets
For those with perennially chilly fingers, hand warmer pockets can be a quick fix. I see a lot of these pockets on mid-tier gloves like the Burton Gore-Tex models above. Hand warmers are a great way to stay warm if you’re worried about ruining your ski trip. If you anticipate spending more than 10 days a season on the slopes, it’s probably worth investing in a nicer pair of gloves rather than burning through dozens of disposable warmers.
The other issues that I see with these zippered pockets is they leak. If moisture is going to seep into your gloves, it’s going to happen first through your zippered hand warmer pockets.
Leash
As someone who’s watched their glove rocket down a steep, springtime slope that I just spent a few hours climbing up, I can attest to the benefits of leashes. At the risk of sounding pedantic, these “leashes” keep you from dropping your gloves if you need to take them off.
When I taught ski lessons, leashes were a godsend that allowed me to wipe away tears, distribute snacks, and deal with countless zipper fiascos with the benefit of bare hands. They’re particularly useful for gauntleted gloves, where limits of your dexterity are exaggerated by bulk.
Wrist Cinch
A wrist cinch works in tandem with your cuff to keep snow out of your gloves.They’re a near ubiquitous feature in gloves nowadays, and function in the same way and for the same purpose as any other cinch in any other piece of outdoor gear. It’s just another way to batten down the hatches and keep dry when the snow rolls in.
Nose Wipes
The bottom line is your nose will run while you’re skiing. If you’re hopelessly congested like me, your nose will run quite a bit. Though this problem can be remedied by carrying a pack of tissues with you on the slopes, that requires you getting into your pockets and storing the snotty tissues with your all day
Soft felt nose wipes on the back of your gloves offer a compelling alternative to chafing your septum on the rough and slick outer shell.. Better to let the mucus freeze to a semi-absorbent surface and give yourself permission to forget about it. I wouldn’t consider this a dealbreaker feature by any means, but it’s a nice addition and might make you much more comfortable in the long run.
Touch Screen Compatibility
Walkie talkies and two way radios are by far the best for outdoor adventures and communicating on complicated and often signal-sparse ski slopes. For most of us skiing inbounds, a cell phone is the primary way we communicate with our ski partners. My experience with touch screen compatible gloves is mixed- some require an unreasonable degree of finesse to coax into working, and some work reasonably well even when my gloves are soaked.
The North Face Apex eTips demonstrate a competent glove that can also work a touchscreen.
I’ve typically had more success with thinner fleece gloves and glove liners than anything with a proper shell and insulation. Even with the best working gloves, I haven’t had anything that came close to trying to work a touch screen with bare hands.
Frequently asked questions
The best possible pair of gloves for you depends on where, how, and how much you ski. With so many models, it can be hard to thin the pack down to a few workable options. That’s why we’ve narrowed down the pack to a few of our favorites- and if you still need help choosing, check out our buyer’s guide.
Best Ski Gloves
Whether you’re taking a trip to a frigid valley in the dead of winter, or suffer from chronically chilly fingers, finding the warmest pair of gloves is tough. When everyone advertises themselves as “warm”, it’s hard to develop a sense of scale- that’s why we’ve assembled a list of our favorites, and a buyer’s guide to help you parse out the best from the rest.
Warmest Ski Gloves
Ski gloves, like most cold weather equipment, ideally fit snugly but not so tight as to cut off blood flow. It should be noted in the case of gloves that sizing up is a little bit easier to get away with than other soft goods, while sizing down will likely make you colder, faster. If you have questions about gloves and how to choose the right pair for your specific needs, take a look at our buyer’s guide.
Investing in a solid set of ski gear is expensive. With a lot of the top-rated options easily exceeding $100 dollars, you’re going to want to properly care for your new pair of gloves so they function to their fullest potential. As an across the board rule, make sure that you properly dry gear after each time you use it. Keeping things dry is 90% of keeping them clean and functioning well.
For leather gloves, keep an eye out for places on the shell where the shell looks dry and flakey. You should be prepared with some leather conditioner and expect to apply it around three times a season. For more answers on gloves and how to choose the right pair for your purposes, take a look at our best of list and buyer’s guide.
Comments
Having a removable liner makes maintenance of your glove much easier, because the liners can be washed separately from the shell. It also adds to their versatility, some models allow for multiple liners to be swapped out, or worn separately as a lightweight option for warmer days. However, a common criticism of them is comfort based. Removable liners have the tendency to bunch up awkwardly, or get partially pulled out when you take your gloves off.
Thanks for your article. Pretty helpful. I’m gonna learn snowboarding this winter. Can I get away with using mittens? Is it really too difficult to open or close bindings?