Heated Gloves for Skiing: Are They Worth It and How to Choose
By Justin McKelvey · Updated
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Short answer: heated gloves and mittens are worth it if your hands get cold even in good insulated gloves, or if you ski in very cold places. Choose a pair that's warm and waterproof without power, with several heat settings, batteries that fit comfortably at the cuff, and run time that covers your ski day on the settings you'll actually use. Heated mittens stay warmer than heated gloves.
Who heated gloves are for
Most skiers stay comfortable in a good pair of insulated, waterproof gloves or mittens. Heated gloves make the biggest difference for:
- People whose hands get cold quickly, including those with poor circulation or conditions like Raynaud's.
- Skiers in very cold regions, or anyone riding long, windy chairlifts.
- People who stop often, such as parents skiing with kids, instructors, and photographers.
If your hands are only cold now and then, start with warmer mittens, glove liners, and hand warmers. See how to choose ski gloves first.
How heated gloves work
Thin heating elements are built into the glove, usually across the back of the hand and along the fingers. A rechargeable battery, typically in a pocket at the cuff, powers them. A button lets you pick a heat level, often low, medium, and high.
What to look for
Warm and waterproof without power
This is the most important feature. Batteries run out, and you'll ski plenty of runs with the heat off or low. A heated glove should still be a good insulated, waterproof ski glove on its own, with a membrane, a durable shell, and a gauntlet or cuff that seals over your jacket.
Where the heat goes
Fingertips get cold first. Check whether the heating elements run along the fingers and over the fingertips, not just the back of the hand.
Heat settings and battery life
Battery life depends heavily on the heat setting and the temperature outside. High heat drains batteries fastest. Look at the run time the maker lists for each setting, and plan on using low or medium for most of the day and high for cold lift rides. A spare battery pair can cover a long day.
Battery size and placement
Batteries add weight and bulk at the cuff. Try the gloves with batteries installed and make sure they fit under or over your jacket sleeve comfortably.
Charging
Check how batteries charge (a dedicated charger or a USB cable) and how long a full charge takes. Charging overnight is the norm. If you travel, confirm you can charge them where you're staying, and follow your airline's rules for lithium batteries in carry-on luggage.
Fit and dexterity
Heated gloves are bulkier than regular gloves. Make sure you can still work zippers, buckles, and your phone, and that the fingertips aren't so tight they restrict circulation.
Heated gloves vs heated mittens
Mittens keep your fingers together, so they share warmth and stay warmer than gloves, heated or not. Gloves give more dexterity for buckles, poles, and phones. If cold hands are your main problem, heated mittens are usually the better choice. Read ski gloves vs mittens for the full comparison.
Alternatives to try first
- Warmer mittens with a liner glove inside.
- Disposable or rechargeable hand warmers tucked into a glove pocket.
- Keeping your core warm: your body sends less blood to your hands when your core is cold, so a better mid layer can mean warmer fingers.
- Drying gloves overnight: damp insulation feels cold.
Caring for heated gloves
- Remove the batteries before drying gloves, and never put them on high heat or a hot radiator.
- Charge batteries fully before storage, and store them in a cool, dry place over summer.
- Follow the maker's washing instructions; most heated gloves shouldn't go in a washing machine.
Shop heated gloves
Browse heated ski gloves, heated mittens, and hand warmers. For the rest of your layers, see what to wear skiing.
FAQ
Are heated ski gloves worth it?
They're worth it if your hands stay cold in good insulated gloves, you have poor circulation, or you ski in very cold places. Most other skiers are fine with warm mittens, liners, and hand warmers.
How long do heated glove batteries last?
It depends on the heat setting and the temperature. High heat drains batteries much faster than low. Check the run time the maker lists for each setting, and carry a spare battery pair for long days.
Are heated mittens warmer than heated gloves?
Yes. Mittens keep your fingers together so they share warmth, which makes them warmer than gloves whether heated or not. Gloves give better dexterity.
Can I fly with heated gloves?
Usually yes, but heated gloves use lithium batteries, which airlines generally require in carry-on rather than checked bags. Check your airline's rules before you fly.