The Best Ski Gloves and Mittens

I've been reviewing winter sports gear for more than 15 years, and in that time, have worn an untold number of gloves and mittens. To test the latest gloves I've worn countless pairs at trade shows and in meetings with ski brands. I've researched what's available, called on the experts, grilled professional skiers, and sorted the opinions from fellow winter sport enthusiasts on the WIRED team. Obviously, wearing gloves in the office is great for checking fit and features, but nothing replaces on-mountain testing in freezing conditions. With the help of WIRED's senior innovation editor, Jeremy White, I've tested all the gloves recommended here on various trips to the French and Austrian Alps as well as Killington, Vermont, and Vail, Colorado. We'll be testing more gloves as the ski season starts anew.

In most cases, ski mittens are warmer than gloves, as your fingers share one large space, helping to generate more heat than individual fingers can. The drawback to mittens is the fact your fingers are virtually useless while wearing them. Gloves offer a greater level of dexterity, and while we’d not have much success tying laces in any of our best buys, we were able to adjust buckles, reposition goggles, and check and answer our phones without getting frozen digits. Look for models with touchscreen-ready fingertip coatings for better phone use, but don’t expect them to be brilliant.

The less common lobster or “split” mitt offers a hybrid solution, with your index and/or ring finger separated from a mitten-style palm design. These are popular with those who ski in very cold conditions but still want to be able to tinker with their gear.

Very thin merino wool glove liners can add an extra layer of warmth, and make using your phone in the snow much more comfortable. Be warned though, you might need to size up your gloves to make room.

Outer Material

Most ski gloves are made using thick polyester treated with a waterproof DWR coating. These offer durable protection against the weather, although it is almost always worth spending a little more for Gore-Tex, or the equivalent waterproof membrane, to guarantee waterproof performance even in the wettest spring slush.

Leather is a premium option for the very best ski gloves and mittens. It is soft, durable, and incredibly comfortable. But, unlike a polyester glove, leather requires a little more care, and you will need to use a specific leather cream to maintain softness, and also avoid drying them on the radiator, as it will dry out and potentially crack the leather. But, if looked after, a pair of premium leather gloves with a Gore-Tex liner will last for years. Check carefully as some leather gloves won’t be fully waterproof. Leather is naturally water resistant, which is great if you’re not planning on skiing in extreme conditions, but as always, look for a Gore-Tex membrane to ensure proper waterproofing.

Skis and snowboards should be sharp, and as such, can scuff and damage gloves over the course of a season. Polyester gloves with leather palms offer a balance of value and durability.

Warmth

How warm a glove will be is extremely subjective, and in truth, if you ski regularly, it is worth buying two pairs of gloves: one for spring conditions, and one for the worst mother nature can throw at you. Most quality brands will give a temperature rating on their gloves showing the range of conditions they are suitable for, such as –31/–12 degrees Celsius (–25/10 degrees Fahrenheit) and they might also include details of the amount of insulation used. The Black Diamond Mission MX Mittens has 340 grams of Primaloft Gold insulation on the back of hand and 170 grams on the palm. As a rule, the bigger the number, the warmer the glove.

But the secret to warm fingers isn't just the job of your gloves. Layering is essential; if your body isn't warm, your fingers (and toes) will suffer as heat is pulled away from them. Before you invest in Everest-ready mittens, try putting another base layer on first.

Glove Length

Longer over-the-cuff gloves have generous gauntlets with elasticated draw-pulls designed to be worn over your jacket cuff. They’re generally warmer and great at keeping out water and snow, even if you do take a tumble in the powder. Longer gloves are ideal for kids and those who get cold easily, as they eliminate any cold spots.

Gloves and mittens with shorter, more traditional cuffs can be worn under your jacket sleeves. They aren’t as warm as longer designs, but are popular with ski tourers or spring skiers who prefer warmer conditions, plus they’re easier to take off and put back on.

The style of your ski jacket can also determine the length of the glove. Many designs now feature stretchy inner sleeves with thumb loops that you wear inside your gloves, which also help keep out any cold air, while some have oversize cuffs that make it easy to pull over your gloves and secure using Velcro tabs.

Leash: A simple glove leash with an elasticated wrist strap can avoid expensive accidents on chairlifts. Being able to whip off gloves safe in the knowledge you can’t lose them is essential, especially for younger skiers and clumsy adults.

Removable Liners: Sewn-in fixed liners are the most common option, but you can also find options, such as the Hestra (below) that have removable liners. These are more expensive, but by being able to remove the liner the gloves will dry much quicker when wet. They’re also good for added warmth and breathability as there’s a layer of air between the outer shell and the hand.

Pockets: Some glove options, especially for children, have a small zip-up pocket on the back of each hand designed to hold a small disposable hand warmer. If you suffer from circulatory issues, these can be a game changer. You can obviously just pop one inside your glove, but in my experience, they can be hot next to the skin, and annoying when they move about.