9 Best Ski Gloves & Mittens in 2023

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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.

Constructed with a supple cowhide exterior and a warm polyester lining, the Fall Line Gloves give you the durability you need with the level of comfort you want.

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.

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.

Soft, recycled fleece linings in the liner mitts maximize warmth and dexterity.

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.

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.

Removable liner gloves have waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex XCR® inserts to keep hands dry.

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.

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.

The best-selling Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Gloves combine a tough and weather-proof Triton polyamide back with supple Army goat-leather palms and thumbs to create a durable and warm glove with great feel.

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.

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.

Ideal for icy, windy days on the slopes, the men’s The North Face Montana ski gloves offer the warmth and protection you need to keep your fingers warm while you’re lapping the mountain..

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.

The North Face Montana is a grippy and versatile midweight glove ideal for resort skiing.

A go-to choice for warmer, wetter climates where wet snow comes with the territory, the GORE-TEX® insert and MegaLoft® Synthetic Insulation give you an edge on long days.

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.

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.

GORE-TEX active garments are designed for fast-paced, high-aerobic, done-in-a-day activities even in bad weather.

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.

Explore the resort in comfort and warmth. Our top gore-tex pick.

These gloves have a classic look, are super warm and waterproof, and can serve double duty doing some light midwinter gardening or carpentry.

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.

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.

With 230g PrimaLoft Gold insulation, a soft wool blend liner, and the water stopping power of GORE-TEX, the Excursion Gloves sit at the warmest end of the Dakine spectrum.

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.

If you want a versatile 3-season glove, these Dakines are a great choice.

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.

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 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:

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 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:

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?

Often it comes down to a personal choice. I cover this topic in much more depth: Gloves vs Mittens.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cheaper gloves often claim to be “water resistant” but not fully waterproof. What’s the difference and when is each suitable?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Some gloves add venting features to help regulate temperature when working hard. These include:

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.

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:

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.

Today’s ski and snowboard gloves offer a number of special features and accents. Here are some to look for:

Follow these tips to get the longest life from your snowboard and ski gloves:

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.

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