Best Ski Gloves for this Winter

The last thing you want is frigid fingers interrupting your idyllic day on the slopes. The type of ski gloves you need primarily depends on the kind of skiing you’ll be doing. 

For downhill skiing, look for gloves with synthetic material like nylon combined with a waterproof, breathable barrier such as Gore-Tex. Downhill ski gloves should also have insulation to keep fingers warm in cold and wet weather. 

Since cross-country skiing is more consistently dynamic, you will work up a sweat. For that reason, you’ll need gloves with more breathable fabric that lets moisture escape. 

1. Warmth & Insulation

• Down 

Down is crowned as the champion of insulators. The natural duck or geese feathers retain heat exceptionally well. However, down gets damaged if it gets wet, so it’s best for skiing in cold, dry climates. 

• Synthetic

Synthetic is more affordable than down. It also dries faster and still insulates heat when wet. On the flip side, it’s a bit bulkier than down and has less insulating power after it’s compressed. Skiing in a damp climate makes synthetic the better option. 

2. Outer Materials

• Leather

Leather is naturally water-resistant, more flexible than nylon and can last longer. When it has a non-porous membrane and is treated properly, it can be waterproof, windproof and last for years. Most of the gloves in this round-up have a leather palm for durability and grip. 

• Synthetic

The majority of ski gloves Altitude Sports sells are made from synthetic material, usually nylon. The nylon shell is then integrated with a breathable and waterproof outer shell, such as Gore-Tex, for more weather protection. 

Note: Look for reinforced grip on the palm. Soft leather offers the best grip for holding onto ski poles.

3. Waterproofness

Most gloves made for downhill or cross-country skiing have a waterproof, breathable barrier. A waterproof membrane prevents cold rain and snow from entering the gloves and allows sweat and water vapour to pass through. 

Gore-Tex is commonly used because it’s so waterproof and breathable. Many companies have their own version of Gore-Tex, like Dermizax™, The North Face’s FUTURELIGHT, HESTRA’s Triton three-layer polyamide fabric, and more. Dry hands make for warm hands, so take care to find gloves that have a waterproofing layer. 

4. Dexterity & Mobility

Gloves are very dexterous, which makes them better for handling a lot of gear and adjusting bootstraps. 

Mittens don’t provide as much mobility since the fingers are together. They can still serve you well to handle ski poles or go out for a brisk hike.  

5. Over Cuff vs Under Cuff

• Over Cuff

‘Over Cuff’ means the gloves go over the sleeve cuff of the jacket to keep snow out. You will need long cuff or gauntlet style gloves for this. Long gloves are a bit bulkier and heavier, but they offer more protection from the elements. 

• Under

‘Under Cuff’ gloves go under the sleeve cuff of the jacket to prevent snow from entering. If you prefer to wear cuffs under, you’ll need short length ski gloves. They are usually lighter and smaller but may provide less warmth. 

6. Useful Features

• Leashes

If you’ve skied a few times, odds are you’ve experienced losing a glove. Leashes secure the ski gloves or mittens to your wrist, so you don’t drop them on the chair lift. 

• Wrist Cinch

A wrist cinch makes the mittens or gloves fit snugly around the wrist for a more comfortable fit. The cuff can consist of neoprene, velcro, or drawstrings. 

• Heated Gloves

Battery-powered heating systems have become extremely popular with the best ski gloves. They’re perfect for those days when the temperature drops or for people with cold hands. 

Keep in mind that the battery system does make the gloves slightly heavier and bulkier and usually comes at a steep price point.