Best Ski Gloves: How to Pick a Warm, Waterproof Pair
By Justin McKelvey · Updated
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Short answer: the best ski gloves for most people are waterproof, insulated, and long enough to seal over your jacket cuff. Pick mittens if your hands run cold, gloves if you need dexterity, and a lighter pair for spring. Fit matters as much as warmth: your fingertips should just touch the end without being cramped.
Gloves vs mittens
- Mittens keep fingers together, which shares warmth. They're the warmest choice for cold days and for people whose hands get cold easily. See insulated ski mittens.
- Gloves give more dexterity for buckles, zippers, and phones. See insulated ski gloves.
- Three-finger or "lobster" styles sit in between: warmer than gloves, more grip than mittens.
What to look for
Waterproofing
Snow melts on your gloves from body heat, the lift, and grabbing the snow after a fall. Look for a waterproof, breathable membrane insert. Leather gloves can be very durable and warm, but need occasional waterproofing treatment.
Insulation
Synthetic insulation keeps some warmth when damp. Down is very warm for its weight but loses warmth if it gets wet. Heavier insulation is warmer but less nimble.
Cuff style
- Gauntlet cuffs go over your jacket sleeve and seal out snow, which is best for deep snow and storms.
- Under-cuff designs tuck inside your sleeve and feel less bulky, which suits spring and resort skiing.
Liners
Removable liners dry faster overnight and can be worn alone for phone use. A thin pair of glove liners also adds warmth under a shell.
Small features that help
- Wrist leashes so you can take gloves off on the lift without dropping them.
- A soft nose wipe on the thumb.
- Touchscreen-compatible fingertips (helpful on liners).
- Hand-warmer pockets for very cold days.
How to get the right fit
- Your fingertips should just reach the end with a little room. Tight gloves restrict circulation and feel colder.
- Make a fist: the glove shouldn't pull tight across the knuckles.
- Check that you can work a zipper and jacket buckle.
Picks by situation
- Cold days or cold hands: insulated mittens with liners, plus hand warmers.
- Storm days: waterproof gloves or mittens with gauntlet cuffs.
- Spring skiing: lighter, less-insulated gloves; warm hands sweat and then chill.
- Kids: mittens with long cuffs and leashes; they're easier to put on and warmer.
Gloves are one piece of the layering system in what to wear skiing, and they're on the ski trip packing list.
Common mistakes
- Buying too small. Tight gloves cut circulation, and your fingers get cold faster. If you're between sizes, try both with liners.
- Wearing cotton liners. Cotton holds sweat. Use synthetic or wool liners instead.
- Overheating in spring. Heavy insulation on a warm day makes hands sweat, then chill on the lift. Keep a lighter pair for spring.
- Leaving gloves wet overnight. Damp insulation feels colder the next morning. Pull liners out and dry everything fully.
- Skipping leashes. Gloves dropped from a chairlift are hard to get back.
Caring for ski gloves
Dry them overnight away from direct high heat, with liners pulled out if they're removable. Store them dry to prevent odor and stiff leather.
FAQ
Are mittens warmer than gloves for skiing?
Yes. Mittens keep your fingers together so they share warmth, which makes them warmer than gloves with similar insulation.
How should ski gloves fit?
Snug but not tight: fingertips just reach the end with a little room, and the glove does not pull across your knuckles when you make a fist.
Do ski gloves need to be waterproof?
Yes. Snow melts on your gloves throughout the day, and wet gloves lose warmth quickly. Look for a waterproof membrane or treated leather.
Are glove liners worth it?
Liners add warmth, dry quickly, and let you use your phone without exposing bare skin, so they're a useful addition for cold days.