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While it might seem that a glove is a glove a glove, there's actually a lot to consider when deciding what to wrap your hands to protect them from the mountain elements. Do you like gloves or do you wear gloves? Leather or soft shell? Need Gore-Tex level protection? If your hands tend to get cold, you might want something with a liner or a glove. When it's hot, you need something that wicks moisture and is breathable...
Finally, ski gloves can be technical. But don't worry, to help you find a glove that's right for you, we've shortlisted the best options for this season and broken down their tech specs in plain language.
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Gordini Cirque Luva with 3 Fingers
MSRP: $150
If you're a glove wearer at heart but prefer a little more dexterity, consider the Cirque 3 Finger Glove. Designed with input from freeskier Julian Carr, this durable leather trim (short for glove) is made to withstand the elements and years of abuse. A goatskin leather shell and palm combine with ribbed knuckle padding for durability, while the neoprene cuff and moisture-wicking lining keep you dry. And since even professionals are not immune to the cold, Gordini has launched the Bluesign-approved PrimaLoft Gold insulation.
Shop the Gordini Cirque 3 Finger Glove:Evolution
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Luva/luva Swany X-Plorer
Buy it now: $135
Swany has been designing high performance gloves for almost a century and as technology continues to improve, so do Swany gloves. The new X-Plorer (available as a glove or mitten) features Swany's innovative Triplex Alpha insulation, which combines various weights of PrimaLoft Gold insulation with Airgel, increasing warmth without adding bulk. Add to that a soft exterior with a soft leather palm for durability, the brand's waterproof Dryfinger II insert to wick away moisture, and a handy heat pocket on the backhand, and you've got a ski glove that'll weather any storm.
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Seirus Atlas Thermohandschuh
MSRP: $199
Heated ski gloves are the best thing since sliced bread and we think every skier should have a pair, but prices vary. Meet the heated Atlas glove. While not exactly a bargain, it's one of the cheapest heated ski gloves out there and can definitely cut it on sub-zero ski days. Waterproof and breathable nylon softshell outer layerswould goFlexible Fusion heating system that transfers heat from the back of the hand to the fingers. Simply choose from three heat levels and enjoy delicious warmth for up to six hours.
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Black Diamond Solano Thermohandschuh
MSRP: $400
Don't let die-hard skiers tell you your hands never get cold. They lie there with chattering teeth. The truth is that some winter days demand all the heat you can muster, and for those of us with poor circulation, those days are over. Then it's time to use the Solano glove, heated with BD's updated rechargeable heating system. It's made from durable materials like waterproof goatskin and 200 grams of PrimaLoft Gold insulation to protect you from wind and moisture, and three adjustable warmth settings let you decide how much more you need to fight the cold.
Shop BD's Solano Thermal Glove:campo
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Flylow JM Ofenhandschuh
MSRP: $55
Over the years, Flylow have made slightly updated versions of their O.G. Workhorse and adapts style to keep it fresh without changing what skiers love about these minimalist yet durable gloves. Enter the Oven Mitt JM, a modern take on a classic with a DWR treated pigskin exterior and ultra-soft insulation. Inspired by Japanese motorcycle culture, this glove feels great without trying and doesn't sacrifice any of the performance you expect.
Shop the Flylow JM Oven Mitt:Evolution
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Hestra Sastrugi
MSRP: $180
You can never go wrong with a pairhorse race, and that's especially true this season with several new styles in the range. But the Sastrugi is our new favorite for its blend of powerful functionality and retro styling. It has everything we expect from a real ski glove: a durable, weather-resistant outer made of impregnated leather, temperature-regulating insulation and a cozy lining made of brushed polyester. With a short grip and a slimmer profile, the Sastrugi is made for skiers who work in turns and demand a high level of fit and dexterity. Also available as a glove.
The best ski gloves and gloves of 2021
Black diamond spark fingers
Fans of Black Diamond's Spark gloves now have a warmer option without having to wear gloves and sacrifice dexterity. Made from durable goatskin and 60 grams of PrimaLoft Gold, the best synthetic insulation around, the Spark Finger keeps your hands warm and dry at the same time thanks to Black Diamond's 100% waterproof BD.dry insert.[$80,diamantenegro.com]
Buy online:Black diamond spark finger
Dakine Damen Excursion Gore-Tex Short
Dakine turns up the heat with this new women's Gore-Tex glove. The warm Excursion features PrimaLoft Gold insulation, a wool blend lining and Gore Active technology to improve breathability, making it ideal for discerning women who still find it difficult to keep their toes warm. Also available as a glove.[$ 150,dakine.com]
Find it on evo:Dakine Damen Excursion Gore-Tex Short
Flylow over the hood
Flylow is known for making practical gloves designed for the most dedicated skier and the new Super Mitten continues that legacy. A durable DWR-treated pigskin and nylon canvas outer shell wraps PrimaLoft insulation in Flylow's toughest, warmest glove, ideal for those used to hanging up ropes on snowy days. Also available as a glove.[$ 90,flylowgear.com]
Buy online:Flylow over the hood
(Video) ⭕ Top 5 Best Ice Fishing Gloves 2022 [Review and Guide]
Super couloir sensor glove for outdoor research
Need an expedition quality ski glove to keep the cold at bay? The new Super Couloir Sensor Glove is OR's warmest ski glove option and comes fully featured with the brand's breathable VerticalX insulation and polyester fleece lining. A waterproof Gore-Tex shell, Pittard's Oiltac goatskin palm, and touchscreen-compatible index finger and thumb complete the package.[$ 160,outdoorresearch.com]
Online-Meeting:Super couloir sensor glove for outdoor research
Cimeira Seirus Magne Mitt
A leather glove with all the extras we've come to expect from Seirus: integrated, touchscreen-compatible Heatwave glove liner, cozy fleece insulation, and a waterproof-yet-breathable liner, but with a twist. A new magnetic seam system on the back of the glove allows you to remove the outer portion of the glove to use your fingers and then simply snap it back on. As comfortable as the Velcro.[$ 160,seirus.com]
Luva Swany X-Cell
Swany's proven Triplex insulation is combined with Airgel to create Triplex Alpha, the brand's most advanced insulation technology that traps 50% more heat. The full leather X-Cell glove also features Swany's Dryfinger technology to wick away moisture and a breathable heat shield to promote circulation even in cold temperatures.[$ 170,swany.com]
Frequently asked questions about ski gloves
Mittens or gloves are better for skiing?
It's mostly a matter of personal preference, but generally a well-fitting pair of gloves made from the same materials is warmer than a well-fitting pair. The gloves hold the fingers together, which generates more heat than when the fingers are separated in the gloves. But gloves generally offer better dexterity.
Are leather gloves better than other gloves?
Leather is a durable material that has been treated to withstand wear and weather. A pair of leather gloves or gloves will almost always outlast gloves or gloves made from synthetic materials.
How should a ski glove fit?
A ski glove should fit snugly on the hand with just a small gap at the fingertips to prevent fingertips from catching in the glove tip. The glove cuff should also cover the entire wrist.
Do ski gloves have to be waterproof?
Contact with snow is inevitable when skiing, so ski gloves must be waterproof. Most snowsports gloves and mittens come with a waterproof and breathable barrier that keeps moisture out and allows perspiration to escape. Gloves that are waterproof are also windproof.