The Best Ski Gloves of 2021-2022

Our team of experts found the best ski gloves of 2021-2022. Whether heading to the resort or into the backcountry, we’ve got you covered.

Cold fingers can quickly ruin a day on the slopes, and a reliable pair of gloves can be a game-changer. It is important to choose a high-quality pair of gloves that fits well and properly suits your skiing style.

Our team has combed the ski glove market over many years and put hundreds of pairs to the test. From the frigid and icy Midwest to the deep powder of the Cascades, the gloves on this list have proved themselves against all sorts of conditions.

Scroll through the list to view our recommended buys or jump ahead to the category you’re looking for. If you are unsure of what to look for, be sure to check out our comprehensive how-to-choose buyer’s guide at the end of the product list.

The Best Ski Gloves of 2021-2022

Once you’ve picked out a pair of gloves, round out your winter outerwear setup with ski pants and a jacket.

Best Overall Ski Glove — Black Diamond Guide Gloves

The Guide Gloves ($180) from Black Diamond are the ultimate purpose-built hand protection for skiers. With a tough exterior, impressive warmth, and quality materials, this glove has very few flaws. For good reason, the Guide is among the most popular skiing handwear options on the market.

Though this is a great glove by any standards, the Guide’s standout trait is its warmth. During testing, we found that this glove felt at least as warm as several top-notch mittens.

Thanks to a combination of PrimaLoft synthetic insulation and wool, the Guide is an ideal choice for frigid conditions. If you are looking for high-end warmth but don’t like the added complexity of battery-heated gloves, we strongly recommend the Guide.

As with any piece of cold-weather gear, extra insulation and durability tend to decrease freedom of movement. The Guide gloves are not the most dexterous option on this list, which is not surprising given their warmth and burly leather and nylon shell.

Still, the main job of ski gloves is warmth and protection, and the Guide delivers. At the resort or in the backcountry, these gloves are fully capable in any weather conditions.

Specs:

• Shell/Material: Nylon shell with goat leather palm
• Cuff Type: Gauntlet

Pros:

• Very warm
• Durable
• Long, comfortable cuffs

Cons:

• Limited dexterity

Check Price at REICheck Price at evo

Best Budget Ski Glove: Jeniulet Winter Gloves

For less than a bowl of chili and a hot chocolate at the ski resort, these ski gloves ($20) from Jeniulet provide exceptional warmth, quality materials, and touchscreen compatibility.

Made from six layers of wind-resistant and high-density fabrics, these gloves kept many users’ fingers warm and comfortable in temperatures down to -30 degrees. The surface of the palm area is leather, which improves grip and dexterity whether you’re skiing, riding a bike, or working with a snow shovel.

Though they do run quite large, the Jeniulet Winter Gloves simply don’t have many flaws, especially considering they cost less than half of most of their competitors. Of course, you shouldn’t expect these gloves to offer quite as much warmth or durability as the premium options on this list. Still, you simply cannot beat the price.

Specs:

• Shell/Material: Cotton and waterproof nylon shell with fleece lining
• Cuff Type: Undercuff

Pros:

• Affordable
• Touchscreen-compatible
• Versatile

Cons:

• Sizing is tricky
• Run very large
• Not as warm as other options

Check Price at Amazon

Best Ski Mitten: Black Diamond Mercury Mitt — Men’s & Women’s

We think of these mitts as cocoons for the hands. They’re indeed stuffed full of PrimaLoft insulation, the same fill used in cold-weather sleeping bags. This was one of our favorite ski mittens all the way back in 2007, and it’s still a strong contender.

The Mercury Mitts are now $120, but still a good buy in our opinion. They’ll last for several years, and, with a removable liner, they can be used in frigid or kinda-cold weather.

With the newest rendition of the Mercury Mitts, Black Diamond added a “trigger finger” that separates your index finger from the rest, increasing dexterity without surrendering too much warmth.

Specs:

• Shell/Material: Nylon and spandex shell with goat leather palm and polyester liner
• Cuff Type: Gauntlet

Pros:

• Very warm
• Removable liner adds versatility

Cons:

• Tends to run small

Check Men’s Price at REICheck Women’s Price at Backcountry

Best Heated Ski Glove: Outdoor Research Lucent Heated Sensor Gloves

The Lucent Heated Gloves ($359) have been the gold standard for battery-powered handwear since their release in 2014. Now, after a recent design update, Outdoor Research has succeeded in making them even better. If you have trouble keeping your hands warm while skiing, look no further than the Lucent gloves.

Outdoor Research has outfitted the Lucent with a combination of GORE-TEX waterproofing and EnduraLoft insulation. Even without the heating element turned on, the Lucent gloves are comfortably toasty in most conditions.

When the temps dip into frigid territory, a bright and easy-to-see power button unleashes almost immediate heat. Three heating settings are available, and the 7.4V Li-ion batteries can function for up to 8 hours on low.

We really like that these gloves manage to incorporate powerful batteries without feeling heavy or bulky. Electric heating system aside, the Lucent Gloves come with all the bells and whistles of top-notch skiing handwear. Touch screen compatibility and easy-to-cinch cuffs are an added bonus.

Specs:

• Shell/Material: Polyester ripstop outer material with goat leather palm and EnduraLoft insulation
• Cuff Type: Gauntlet

Pros:

• User-friendly
• Three unique warmth settings
• Long-lasting battery

Cons:

• A little heavy due to the dual batteries

Check Price at REICheck Price at Backcountry

Best Heated Ski Mitten: Volt Heat 7V Battery Heated Mitts — Men’s & Women’s

Heated gloves or mittens can cost upward of $300 — but not these. Volt’s 7-Volt Battery Heated Mittens ($120) are fully decked out like many other mitts on this list: with a nylon shell, leather palm, and waterproof breathable membrane. In terms of the heating element, the Volt mitts have ultrathin stainless steel heating wires bonded into the fabric to heat across the back and palm of your hand.

The system, which heats up to 150 degrees, has a built-in microprocessor for heat control and is powered by a 7-volt portable battery. Volt says it lasts for 2 hours on the highest setting and up to at least 8 hours on low.

Specs:

• Shell/Material: Goat leather palm with polyester ripstop, synthetic insulation, and GORE-TEX insert
• Shell/Material: Nylon shell and leather palm
• Cuff Type: Gauntlet

Pros:

• Warm and comfortable — with or without heating element engaged
• Excellent wind protection

Cons:

• Expensive compared to similar options

Check Men’s Price at Volt HeatCheck Women’s Price at Volt Heat

Best 3-Finger Ski Glove: Hestra Heli Three-Finger Gloves

Three-finger gloves combine the warmth of mittens with the dexterity of gloves. For skiers with chronically cold hands, 3-finger gloves offer a great solution without the added complexity of a built-in battery. The Hestra Heli gloves ($155) easily rise to the top of this niche handwear category.

Hestra consistently crafts handwear from quality, long-lasting materials. The Heli Three-Finger gloves feature supple goatskin palms, removable insulated liners, and waterproof yet breathable outer fabric. As yet another mark of Hestra’s attention to detail, the Heli’s finger design is precurved, resulting in a wonderfully anatomical fit.

Though every skier has a different comfort zone, users of these gloves report feeling warm down to -20F. The standalone index finger does have a tendency to become colder than the other fingers when wearing the Helis, which should be expected given the 3-finger design.

Specs:

• Shell/Materials: Goat leather palm with synthetic insulation and a polyester removable liner
• Cuff Type: Gauntlet

Pros:

• A nice balance of warmth and dexterity
• Comfortable and anatomical design

Cons:

• Sizing tends to run large

Check Price at REICheck Price at Backcountry

Best for Backcountry Skiing: Oyuki Haika 3-in-1 Mitts

Along with reliable warmth and waterproofing, the most essential quality of backcountry skiing gloves is versatility. Unlike resort skiing, touring in the backcountry requires lots of uphill travel, which generates heat and creates the need for adaptable outerwear. The Haika 3-in-1 Mitts ($160) from Oyuki are the perfect tool for the job.

The inner layer of the Haika is more than just a glove liner. With GORE-TEX waterproofing, goatskin leather, and touchscreen fingerprints, the Haika’s inner components are a fully capable pair of gloves on their own.

At any point in your skiing session, the mitten outer shells easily slide off to expose the nimble and dexterous “liner.” When skinning uphill in balmy spring conditions, these liners will be more than sufficient handwear. If the weather suddenly turns, pop on the shell for durable protection.

In our opinion, the lone drawback of the Haika 3-in-1 mitts is their relatively short cuff. Though we like the zipper closure system, we found that the cuff simply isn’t long enough to keep out snow and moisture, especially when skiing deep powder.

Specs:

• Shell/Material: Goatskin leather shell with removable waterproof touchscreen-compatible liner
• Cuff Type: Undercuff

Pros:

• Highly adaptable
• Very warm when wearing both layers

Cons:

• Short cuff length

Check Price at evo

Best for Nordic Skiing: Hestra Windstopper Fleece Gloves

For nordic skiing, less is more. We picked the Hestra Windstopper Tour Gloves ($75) for their lightweight profile, grippy goat leather palm (that never got saturated with snowmelt or sweat), and stylish look.

The Windstopper Tour Gloves are internally lined with GORE-TEX Infinium micro-check material, which keeps the windchill out without sacrificing breathability. Though these gloves include minimal insulation, a layer of fleece on the backhand provides just enough warmth for cross-country touring and other active outdoor activities.

Like all Hestra products, these gloves are well-made and plenty durable for regular use. From a versatility standpoint, we love that these gloves also work well for jogging, running errands, and simply getting your hands warm throughout the winter.

Specs:

• Shell/Material: Melange fleece with a goat leather palm
• Cuff Type: Short gauntlet

Pros:

• Well-made
• Durable
• Great dexterity

Cons:

• Relatively expensive for lightweight gloves

Check Price at BackcountryCheck Price at Amazon

Best of the Rest

The North Face Insulated eTip Gloves — Men’s & Women’s

Though they aren’t ideal for the coldest of winter days, the Etip Recycled Gloves ($45) from The North Face are perfect for wintertime active use. From trail running to skiing, these lightweight yet warm gloves are highly versatile and can serve as a glove liner when you need a little extra insulation.

It’s difficult to strike a balance between insulation and breathability, but the Etip Recycled Gloves are up to the challenge. During high-intensity winter activity, these gloves allow ample airflow and prevent sweating. Silicone texture added to the palms provides solid holding power on ski and trekking poles.

Of all the touchscreen-compatible gloves on the market, The North Face’s Etip technology is among the most consistent and reliable. Wearers of these gloves will appreciate frustration-free smartphone operation.

Specs:

• Shell/Material: Polyester and elastane softshell
• Cuff Type: Undercuff

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Versatile

Cons:

• Not ideal for sub-freezing conditions

Check Men’s Price at BackcountryCheck Women’s Price at REI

Hestra Army Leather Patrol Gauntlet Gloves

Slipping your hand into Hestra’s Army Leather Patrol Gauntlet Gloves($160) is like putting on your favorite sweater. The 3-layer dobby polyester melange is soft and molds to your hand over time. The proofed goat leather outer material is durable and water-resistant. Overall, this is a reliable glove that is fully equipped for harsh conditions.

Inside, the removable 5-finger liner is deliciously cozy and warm but not bulky. We like the extended wrist cuffs and integrated velcro cinch. Even on the deepest of days, these gloves keep bits of snow from entering at the opening.

We recommend these gloves to skiers who spend lots of time in cold conditions with lots of snowfall. They are certainly on the more expensive end of the glove spectrum, but if you’re looking for high performance and durability, the Patrol Gauntlet is a solid value.

Specs:

• Shell/Material: Water-repellent leather with a removable polyester liner
• Cuff Type: Guantlet

Pros:

• Very warm
• Leather repels water but is fully breathable so hands don’t get sweaty
• Extended wrist cuff

Cons:

• Not touchscreen-compatible

Check Price at evoCheck Price at Backcountry

Black Diamond Solano

Cold hands and feet can interfere with winter fun. When you’re wearing the battery-powered Solanos ($400), even arctic temperatures won’t keep you off the ski hill. For an electric glove, the Solano is relatively low-profile, with a rechargeable battery pack in the cuff and heating elements that wrap around the inside of your wrist, where blood is close to the surface and can best absorb the heat.

The new Solano has more synthetic insulation in the back of the hand and the palm than previous versions, but not so much it’s hard to grip a ski pole. And you get to pick how warm you want your hands to be.

A switch on the back of this GORE-TEX-lined goat leather glove lets you choose from three settings. We wore these gloves in the deepest freeze Vermont could muster, alpine skiing, and fat biking down to -20 degrees. And our hands were toasty warm.

Specs:

• Shell/Material: Full goat leather with two-layer Pertex Shield Nylon gauntlet cuff and GORE-TEX liner
• Cuff Type: Gauntlet

Pros:

• Warm hands in any weather
• Excellent battery life

Cons:

• Expensive
• Batteries in the cuff can feel bulky
• They’re a little stiff

Check Price at BackcountryCheck Price at Amazon

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose Ski Gloves

When selecting the best ski gloves for you, there are many important factors to consider. Not all gloves are created equal, and we want to help you make a well-informed decision.

Though we thoroughly recommend all of the gloves on this list, certain styles are better suited for certain skiers. In this handy how-to-choose guide, our goal is to match your personal needs with the perfect pair of gloves.

Warmth and Insulation

Keeping your hands warm on the mountain is a ski glove’s primary job. Almost all ski gloves will be advertised as “warm,” but the proof is in the pudding. Some gloves are much warmer than others.

If you tend to have uncomfortably cold fingers while skiing, a warm pair of gloves is an invaluable investment. When the temps dip into the teens and single digits, there is no substitute for ultra-warm hand protection.

If you’re seeking top-notch warmth, expect to pay at least $100 or so. Though cheaper gloves can be well-made, they generally don’t possess the ability to insulate your hands in the coldest conditions.

All of the gloves on this list are built with some form of insulation. Most modern ski gloves have synthetic fill. While some gloves specify the exact weight of their insulation, fill wight isn’t always the best way to measure true warmth.

Though many brands create great results with their own synthetic insulation, PrimaLoft remains the gold standard of synthetic insulation. As always, trying on gloves is the best way to assess warmth and overall comfort.

If top-notch gloves still aren’t enough to keep your extremities happy, mittens and heated gloves may be the best choice for you. Mittens heat more effectively by keeping your fingers close to one another. Heated gloves have a built-in battery and heating element that produces electric heat from within.

Waterproofing

After warmth, waterproofness is the most important quality of ski gloves. In most mountain conditions, wet hands are cold hands. In snowy and stormy environments, reliable waterproofing is absolutely essential.

Gloves that are truly waterproof will come with a built-in membrane that sits between the shell and the liner. Though many brands produce their own membranes, GORE-TEX is the most widely recognized name in the entire waterproof outerwear universe. If you plan to regularly wander into wet territory, we think it’s worthwhile to go with GORE-TEX gloves.

As always, truly waterproof gear tends to come with a decrease in breathability. This isn’t usually a huge issue with gloves, since hands don’t tend to overheat as readily as the torso and core. However, when skiing in warm weather or skinning uphill, hot and sweaty hands can become wildly uncomfortable.

The best solution to this problem is removable glove/mitten shells. When the going gets warm, pop off the outer shell for increased breathability and dexterity. When the storm rolls in again, put the shells back on for full-strength waterproofing.

On this list, we have included several pairs of gloves and mittens with removable liners.

Dexterity and Phone Compatibility

Trying to manipulate your fingers while wearing ski gloves or mittens can be frustrating. Unfortunately, warm insulation and burly outer shells seriously reduce the dexterity of the human hand. However, some ski gloves are certainly more dexterous than others. As a general rule, gloves with less insulation tend to be more dexterous.

Removable glove shells offer a simple solution to the dexterity problem. Standalone liners provide improved dexterity without having to fully expose your bare skin to the cold air.

Removing your gloves to operate your phone can be both annoying and potentially dangerous. To avoid this, look for a pair of gloves with touchscreen compatibility. In touchscreen-capable gloves, the tips of the fingers are outfitted with a special material that your phone screen will respond to.

Gloves vs. Mittens

Choosing between gloves and mittens is a matter of personal preference. Each option has pros and cons, and it is important to understand these before choosing.

Gloves offer improved dexterity but reduced warmth. Because every finger can move independently while wearing gloves, this option is better for gripping ski poles, swinging ice axes, or performing manual labor.

Mittens are very warm, but they seriously reduce dexterity. We don’t recommend mittens for activities that require you to use your hands to grip or squeeze.

Cuffs

There are two primary styles of ski glove cuffs. Gauntlet-style cuffs extend beyond your wrist and sit on the outside of your ski jacket. Generally, gauntlet cuffs are ideal for cold conditions, as they are often insulated and can seal out cold air with a drawcord. If you regularly ski in deep powder or wet conditions, we recommend a pair of gloves with long gauntlet-style cuffs.

Undercuffs are shorter cuffs that tuck underneath your ski jacket. This style of cuff is less bulky than gauntlets, which results in better wrist dexterity but slightly reduced warmth.

Durability and Materials

Durability is an important consideration when choosing ski gloves. Ultimately, a glove’s durability comes down to its construction and materials. The longest-lasting gloves tend to feature polyester or nylon outer shells with high-quality leather palms.

The downside of gloves made with leather is that they require regular maintenance. A waterproofing treatment such as Sno-Seal or Nikwax can significantly help maintain the waterproofing ability and general quality of a pair of leather ski gloves.

Aside from nylon and leather, many thin and lightweight ski gloves are made from wool, fleece, and cotton. Though fleece and wool gloves can be plenty sufficient for warm conditions and nordic skiing, we recommend gloves with waterproof membranes and durable outer shells for most skiing purposes.

Types of Skiing: Resort, Backcountry, and Nordic

For downhill skiing at the resort, most people prefer durable, warm, and waterproof gloves. Though all of the styles on this list could be used at a resort, some are better used for nordic or backcountry skiing.

Backcountry skiing involves uphill travel and prolonged exposure to the elements. Generally, gloves with removable outer shells are ideal for the backcountry thanks to their premium versatility. When skinning uphill, shedding a few layers is common.

By removing your glove’s outer shell, you can prevent your hands from overheating and sweating. When the temps drop and the snow begins falling, put the outer shell back on for maximum warmth and protection.

Backcountry skiing gloves should also have reasonably long cuffs that can successfully prevent snow from entering at the cuff.

Nordic skiers commonly wear relatively lightweight and nimble gloves. Because nordic skiing involves lots of uphill travel and tends to take place at lower elevations, burly shells and thick insulation are often unnecessary. As always, we recommend that you wear whatever gloves make you feel warm and comfortable.

Sizing

Ski glove sizing is inconsistent. In other words, a small in one brand may be a medium in another. Though many brands offer a sizing chart that can help you decide which size to buy, there is no substitute for trying on a glove in person.

Ideally, your ski gloves should feel snug — not tight or restrictive. You should have less than a centimeter of open space at the tip of each finger, and there should be minimal resistance from the material when you make a fist.

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