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There’s nothing quite like realizing your hands are getting too cold to grip your poles half-way down a hill. A bad pair of ski gloves–one that lets air in or leaves skin exposed–can cut your precious ski days short. The best ski gloves provide warmth with minimal impact on your manual dexterity. Keeping your hands warm is crucial to staying sharp, and at the bare minimum, prevent frostbite. The best of them also help keep your hands dry, preventing snowmelt from getting in while helping sweat and water vapor escape. There are a ton of options out there, but these are the best ski gloves that we’ve found.
The Best Ski Gloves
- Best Overall: Ortovox Merino Freeride 3 Finger Gloves
- Best Budget: The SCOTT Ultimate Hybrid Glove
- Best Mitten: Icebreaker Unisex MerinoLoft Mittens
- Best for Cross Country Skiing: Dakine Excursion Gore-Tex Gloves
- Best Heated Gloves: Black Diamond Solano Heated Mitten
- Most Durable: Black Diamond Guide Gloves
- Best for Bluebird Days: Hand Out Gloves Lightweight Ski Mitten
The Expert: I’m a freelance journalist and winter sports gear tester based in Alberta, Canada. I started skiing late by some standards—around 16 years old—but I’ve racked up tons of days snowboarding, cross country skiing, and most recently exploring the backcountry on my splitboard. I’m also a perpetually chilly person, so I put a lot of care into picking warm gloves every season.
What to Consider in a Pair of Ski Gloves
Picking the perfect ski glove will vary trip to trip, depending on the temperature outside and how you plan to use them. Of course, fit and personal preference play a role, too. To help you find the perfect glove, keep these elements in mind.
Gloves or Mittens?
Before digging into the details, there’s a simple, but surprisingly nuanced question you need to answer: Would you like to wear gloves or would you prefer mittens? (There’s also a third, in-between option.) Each of these glove shapes offers a distinct balance between pure warmth and manual dexterity. Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of each will help you to make an informed choice.
Finger Gloves feature your standard four-finger-and-a-thumb shape. Keeping your fingers separate gives you the most flexibility and dexterity possible. I recommend that skiers use finger gloves, since they make it easier to keep a solid grip on your poles. I’d say the same for any winter activity where you use your hands often.
Mittens give you a large pocket for all four of your fingers, which lets them share body heat. They will keep your hands warmer than a standard glove, but severely limit your manual dexterity. It can be trickier to pick up items or unzip layers mid-adventure while wearing mittens. I recommend snowboarders go with mittens: You can still strap on your bindings easily, and they’ll keep your fingers extra toasty.
Lobster Claws, also known as “trigger mittens,” are a hybrid glove-mitten that gives you some dexterity while keeping most of your fingers warm. The thumb and index finger have individual pockets, and your other three fingers are grouped together like a mitten. That flexibility makes them great for activities like cross-country skiing and winter fat biking. However, they aren’t as common as standard gloves and mittens, and may be more expensive.
Insulation
The material used to insulate your ski gloves is essential. I like gloves filled with natural down, which offers an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, or synthetic materials like Thinsulate and PrimaLoft, which offer excellent warmth and durability. Some gloves may combine these materials for optimized thermal efficiency.
Waterproofing
Soaked gloves can quickly lead to cold, uncomfortable, and even frostbitten hands. You should make sure your ski gloves are waterproof if you plan to stay out all day, especially in the backcountry where you may trek through deep snow.
That said, a fully waterproof design can make your gloves less breathable, which will cause your hands to sweat with nowhere for that moisture to dissipate. So in addition to a waterproof or water-resistant label, look for breathable materials and proper seam stitching to ensure you get a balance between the two.
If you’re going out in the backcountry or otherwise need extra waterproofing, we recommend looking for gloves with a waterproof insert, which will allow you to maximize water resistance on the way up, and a more breathable glove on the way down.
Cuffs
Most ski gloves have one of two types of cuffs, which warm your wrists and help keep snow from getting inside. Undercuff gloves are more streamlined, fitting snugly under the sleeves of your jacket to offer greater dexterity and ease of movement. Gauntlet gloves, on the other hand, provide more extensive coverage with a longer cuff that goes over the jacket sleeve, offering better protection against snow entry and cold air. Undercuff gloves will work well for resort and park riding, while gauntlet style is better suited to backcountry adventures.
Fit
It's important to buy gloves that fit well to ensure your hands stay warm while maintaining dexterity. Your ski gloves should fit snug but not overly tight, allowing full finger mobility without restrictions. Ideally, you want to leave a little space at the fingertips for air circulation, which will maximize warmth within your gloves. When it comes to sizing, generally, the more sizes offered the better because you will be able to find a more precise fit.
How We Selected The Best Ski Gloves
I selected the best ski gloves based on years of experience testing gloves while snowboarding and cross-country skiing, both as a reviewer and just for fun. I also worked at a local ski hill in Alberta, Canada, where I recommended all kinds of ski gear. Lastly, to make sure my picks are completely up-to-date, I surveyed thousands of reviews on Reddit and retailers like Amazon and Walmart. I selected each glove based on its materials and insulation, waterproofing, cuff style and cost, among other factors. Ultimately, the important thing is that all of these gloves will keep you warm while you’re out on the slopes, from sunrise to sunset.
1
Best Overall
Ortovox Merino Freeride 3 Finger Gloves
1
Best Overall
Ortovox Merino Freeride 3 Finger Gloves
Pros
Increased dexterity with separate index finger- Adjustable at wrist and cuff
- Large size run, including men’s and women’s sizes
Cons
- Not ideal for high alpine touring
The Ortovox Merino Freeride 3 Glove provides robust protection on cold freeriding days. Crafted to withstand challenging alpine conditions, they feature a two-layer upper material lined with a Sympatex functional membrane, which make them wind- and waterproof.
The merino wool lining keeps your hands consistently warm and comfortable inside the glove. Adjustable wrists and cuffs ensure a snug fit that doesn’t let any cold air in. I also love the goat leather material used on the palms, which ensures a strong and reliable grip on ski poles, even in wet conditions.
Key Specs
| Type | Finger gloves |
|---|---|
| Shell material | Goat leather, polyester |
| Insulation | Wool, polyester |
| Cuff style | Over the cuff |
| Sizes | XS-XXL (XL-XXL are Men’s only) |
Pros
- Waterproof insert for varied conditions
- Convenient wrist leashes
Cons
- Short cuff may not keep out snow
Scott’s Ultimate Hybrid Glove is a great budget-friendly option for skiers. Its softshell, micro-ripstop outer materials provide durability and flexibility, making them ideal for a variety of winter sports.
These gloves feature a waterproof insert and a wicking fleece liner, so you have the flexibility of a more breathable glove. They also have a few useful ski-forward features like wrist leashes, adjustable straps, and nosewipe thumbs. It’s a perfect mix of functional and affordable.
Key Specs
| Type | Finger gloves |
|---|---|
| Shell material | Synthetic leather, polyester |
| Insulation | Polyester |
| Cuff style | Under the cuff |
| Sizes | S-XXL |
3
Best Mitten
Icebreaker Unisex MerinoLoft Mittens
3
Best Mitten
Icebreaker Unisex MerinoLoft Mittens
Pros
- Clips to keep gloves together
- Adjustable skirt keeps out snow
Cons
- Not fully waterproof
These snowsport mittens have a high warmth-to-weight ratio, meaning they're light and cozy at the same time. The paneling on the fingers and pre-curved shape make it easy to grip ski poles or to grab your board when you send it off a jump. These gloves are not fully waterproof, but the water-repellant finish paired with the cinch-cord cuffs should keep you mostly dry and warm in deep powder.
Key Specs
| Type | Mitten |
|---|---|
| Shell material | Merino wool |
| Insulation | Merino wool, polyester |
| Cuff style | Over the cuff |
| Sizes | S-XL |
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4
Best for Cross-Country Skiing
Dakine Excursion Gore-Tex Gloves
4
Best for Cross-Country Skiing
Dakine Excursion Gore-Tex Gloves
Pros
- Clips to keep gloves together
- Durable palms for pole grip
Cons
- Sizing can run small
Perfect for hitting the trails, this ski glove option offers both warmth and breathability for active winter adventures. The palm is made of durable leather, so it's easy to grip poles while protecting your palms from wear and tear. When you're done for the day, use the clip to keep your gloves together until you're ready for another go.
Key Specs
| Type | Finger gloves |
|---|---|
| Shell material | Goat leather, polyester |
| Insulation | Wool blend |
| Cuff style | Over the cuff |
| Sizes | XS-XXL (XS is women’s only, XL-XXL is Men’s only) |
5
Best Heated Gloves
Seirus HeatTouch Hellfire Mittens
5
Best Heated Gloves
Seirus HeatTouch Hellfire Mittens
Pros
- Very warm
- Long battery life, especially on low heat
Cons
The Seirus HeatTouch Hellfire insulated mittens offer incredible warmth for skiers braving the coldest conditions. These mitts have 280g of insulation and flexible heat panels that extend warmth to the back of your hands, fingertips, and thumbs.
The heating system features three settings, and lasts for up to 12 hours on low heat to keep you warm all day. Meanwhile, waterproof inserts and a leather outer shell offer excellent weather protection. They are perfect for extra, on-demand warmth when you need it. Certainly not a low-cost option, but for anyone who spends a lot of time in extremely cold conditions, they're likely a worthy investment.
Key Specs
| Type | Mitten |
|---|---|
| Shell material | Leather, polyurethane |
| Insulation | Polyester |
| Cuff style | Under the cuff |
| Sizes | S-XL |
Pros
- Removable liners for temperature control
- Weatherproof outer shell
Cons
- Bulkier than other typical ski gloves
The Black Diamond Guide Glove is engineered to master rough, cold and wet environments, making them an ideal choice for the dedicated skier. The outer shell is crafted from strong 4-way stretch nylon and reinforced with padded knuckles and a durable goat leather palm for both flexibility and resilience.
These gloves also features a removable Gore-Tex liner, allowing you to opt for maximum waterproofing in deep powder or a more breathable glove off the slope.
Key Specs
| Type | Finger gloves |
|---|---|
| Shell material | Goat leather, nylon |
| Insulation | Polyester |
| Cuff style | Over the cuff |
| Sizes | XS-XXL (XL-XXL are Men’s only) |
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7
Best for Bluebird Days
Hand Out Gloves Lightweight Ski Mitten
7
Best for Bluebird Days
Hand Out Gloves Lightweight Ski Mitten
Pros
- Zippered base lets you free your fingers quickly
- Waterproof membrane
Cons
- Limited breathability
Shark Tank-backed brand Hand Out Gloves makes a light and extremely convenient ski mitten. These are made from neoprene, which helps contain warmth and repel moisture from snow.
The signature feature, though, is a unique zipper at the back of the hand, which allows you to open the entire mitten pocket so you can use your fingers without taking off the whole glove. It’s exceptionally convenient for the occasional phone check or activities like skinning, where your hands might fluctuate between cold and warm.
Key Specs
| Type | Mitten |
|---|---|
| Shell material | Neoprene, micro-suede |
| Insulation | Neoprene |
| Cuff style | Under the cuff |
| Sizes | XS-XL |
Pros
- Can be used across snowsports
- Many available sizes
Cons
- Limited insulation for very cold days
The C.A.M.P. Geko Alpine Gloves are meticulously engineered for technical climbs and challenging cold weather conditions. These gloves strike an ideal balance between protection, warmth, performance, and durability, making them a reliable choice for any outdoors lover.
Designed with elongated wrists, these gloves can be secured over your jacket, ensuring weather stays out and warmth stays in. Additional features include hook-and-loop straps, an easy-to-operate open-close system, hanging loops with clips, and low-profile buckles to join the gloves together.
Key Specs
| Type | Finger gloves |
|---|---|
| Shell material | Goat leather, polyester |
| Insulation | Polyester |
| Cuff style | Over the cuff |
| Sizes | XS-XXXL |
9
Best Lobster Claw
Dakine Fillmore Gore-Tex Short Trigger Mittens
9
Best Lobster Claw
Dakine Fillmore Gore-Tex Short Trigger Mittens
Pros
- 300g fleece liner for extra warmth
- Great dexterity
Cons
- Too warm for mild days
Dakine’s Fillmore Short Trigger Mittens combine the warmth of a mitt with glove-like dexterity, making it a great fit for skiers that want some extra grip on their poles, or a finger available to snap some photos on the fly.
The mitt iswarm thanks to a hefty 300g fleece lining. That, combined with the waterproof Gore-Tex liners, ensures you stay as warm and dry as possible… But they make your palms sweat on a less-than-frigid day.
Key Specs
| Type | Lobster Claw |
|---|---|
| Shell material | Goat leather, polyester |
| Insulation | Polyester |
| Cuff style | Under the cuff |
| Sizes | S-XXL |
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Q+A With Ski Gear Expert Déjà Leonard
Can I use my ski gloves for snowboarding too?
Absolutely! Ski gloves also work well for snowboarding. They offer the necessary insulation, waterproofing, and protection required for cold and snowy conditions. Snowboarding may have a small feature or two that’s specific to the sport, but most of the differences are style-related.
What about pockets—worth it or no?
The pockets are typically designed to hold hand warmers, which can be a great feature for those prone to cold hands or for extremely low temperatures. That said, putting anything in those pockets makes your gloves more bulky, which may not feel comfortable.
If you plan to ski or snowboard in extremely frigid temperatures, hand-warmer pockets can be great, but you should probably put most gear and important items in your jacket pockets.
What’s the best way to clean my ski gloves?
Many gloves come with specific instructions on how to clean them. Make sure to check the care instructions on the gloves for specific guidance.
If you don’t have them on hand, I’d recommend gently hand washing them using mild soap in lukewarm water. Rinse thoroughly and air dry, keeping them away from direct heat sources. Avoid wringing them out to prevent damage.
Déjà Leonard
Based in Alberta, Canada, writer and journalist Déjà Leonard has been exploring the outdoors for nearly 15 years, enjoying snowboarding, cross-country skiing, skating, splitboarding, and mountain biking—through these pursuits and others she reguarly tests outdoor gear for various publications. Leonard has a bachelor of communication, majoring in journalism, and when she’s not writing or enjoying the outdoors, she’s trying a new recipe.
