7 Best Ski Gloves of 2024-25: With Ultimate Guide
When hitting the slopes, having the right gear can make all the difference between an exhilarating day on the mountain and a miserable, cold experience. Among the most crucial pieces of equipment are your ski gloves. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about selecting the best ski gloves for your needs, from materials and waterproofing to dexterity and cuff styles.
How We Test Ski Gloves
Before diving into our recommendations for the best ski gloves, it’s important to understand our testing process. We put each pair of gloves through rigorous real-world testing in various skiing conditions. Our team of experienced skiers evaluates factors such as warmth, waterproofing, breathability, dexterity, and durability. We also consider comfort during long days on the slopes and how well the gloves perform in different weather conditions.
Best Budget Ski Gloves: Ranked and Reviewed
1. Best Overall
Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Gloves
- Excellent warmth retention
- Durable leather construction
- Good dexterity
2. Best for Men
BLACK DIAMOND Mens Ski Gloves
- Durable goat-leather palm
- Comfortable fleece lining
- Impact protection with knuckle padding
3. Best for Unisex
rivmount Unisex Gloves
- The outer coating is waterproof
- Windproof
- An adjustable wrist strap
- PU leather palms
- Keep your hands warm
4. Best for Touch
Burton ski gloves with touch feature
- Lightweight and breathable
- Ensures durability
- 3M thermal Thinsulate insulations
- Tear-resistant TU leather palm
- PU leather to protect
5. Best for Kids
N’Ice Caps Kids Ski Gloves
- Comfortable ergonomic fit
- Easy to put on and adjust
- Variour color available
7 Best Skiing Gloves Reviews After Testing
After extensive testing, we’ve identified seven of the best ski gloves on the market. Each excels in different areas, catering to various needs and preferences.
1. Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Gloves
The Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Gloves are designed for serious skiers who demand top-notch performance in extreme conditions. Featuring a durable combination of windproof, water-resistant HESTRA Triton fabric and Army Goat Leather, these gloves are built to withstand harsh environments while maintaining breathability.
The 3-finger design offers a perfect balance between warmth and dexterity, making it easier to handle gear without sacrificing heat. The gloves also come with a cozy polyester lining that retains warmth even in wet conditions and can be paired with other liners for added versatility.
What We Liked:
- Excellent warmth retention
- Durable leather construction
- Good dexterity
- Breathable yet water-resistant
- Comfortable fit with ergonomic design.
What We Don’t Like:
- Price may be high for some
- But some users found worth it.
2. BLACK DIAMOND Mens Ski Gloves
The BLACK DIAMOND Men’s Ski Gloves are designed for those facing extreme cold conditions, combining 100% waterproof GORE-TEX with Plus Warm Technology to keep your hands dry and warm. The gloves feature a durable nylon shell with 4-way stretch for flexibility, and the removable liner is packed with 170 g PrimaLoft.
Gold insulation and a 100 g boiled wool fleece palm lining for added comfort and warmth. The goat-leather palm provides a strong grip, while the foam padding on the knuckles offers impact protection.
What We Liked:
- Exceptional warmth in extreme cold
- Waterproof GORE-TEX insert
- Durable goat-leather palm
- Comfortable fleece lining
- Impact protection with knuckle padding
What We Don’t Like:
- Reduced finger dexterity
- Gloves can feel stiff
3. rivmount Unisex Ski Snow Gloves
These gloves are made to measure to ensure a perfect fit by hand so that it improves comfort, fit, and flexibility. Gloves imported with the premium manufacturer are touch screen compatible, lightweight and versatile, snug fit. This is one the finest unisex gloves which can be good fit for men and women.
Made with very good conductive material it’s thumb and index fingertip. And if you want something a little fashionable high design, then this glove is perfect for you. Sweating during skiing is a big problem and so these gloves are made using high-quality fabric which absorbs sweat easily and does not obstruct air circulation.
What We Liked:
- Adjustable fit system
- Well-Ventilation
- Compatible with all giro goggles
- Compatible with GoPro mount
- Lots of color collection
What We Don’t Like:
- Poor adjustable mechanism
4. Burton ski gloves with touch feature
The Burton Ski Gloves with Touch Feature are an excellent choice for skiers who need reliable warmth and the convenience of touchscreen compatibility. Designed with DRYRIDE two-layer fabric, these gloves are both waterproof and breathable, offering great protection against the elements.
The Screen Grab Toughgrip PU palm allows for seamless touchscreen control without having to remove the gloves, making it easy to use your devices on the go. The Thermacore insulation ensures your hands stay warm without adding bulk, and the ergonomic, pre-curved fit adds to the overall comfort and functionality.
What We Liked:
- Effective touchscreen control
- Good warmth with Thermacore insulation
- Waterproof and breathable fabric
- Comfortable ergonomic fit
- Value for money
What We Don’t Like:
- Waterproofing could be better
- Not as durable in extreme conditions
5. Hestra Leather Fall Line
Hestra is another name on the list of best ski gloves. It provides great protection from snow and cold weather. These gloves are lined with Bamberg, which is made of an incredibly soft and comfortable polyester fiber that makes your hands feel like it’s a mist.
Heated with fiberfill and polyester fiber is an insulating material that protects your hands from cold weather. It is made with outside sewing technology to ensure the comfort of your fingers. The gloves have a neoprene cuff as well as a Velcro closure to prevent any cold from entering. Even if it is a little expensive, it will make your expenses worthwhile.
What We Liked:
- Exceptionally made with high quality
- Synthetic insulation
- Very comfortable
What We Don’t Like:
- Not warm like others
6. MCTi Best Ski Gloves for Women
MCTI ski gloves are one of the most popular gloves on the market. Its 3-layer outer shell has air resistance, which adds to its cold resistance. Beneficial TPU waterproof inserts on hot and humid days help to remove moisture.
These gloves are practical and have a tear-resistant TU leather palm with touch screen adjustment. These are great features, durable, and designed to keep your hands warm in cold weather. These MCTI best ski gloves use a combination of 3M thick and thick cotton for insulation. It is designed with the quality needed to keep your hands warm in the mountains while skiing.
What We Liked:
- Lightweight and breathable
- Ensures durability
- Multiple colors are available
What We Don’t Like:
- Poor adjustable mechanism
7. N’Ice Caps Kids Ski Gloves
The N’Ice Caps Kids Ski Gloves are an excellent choice for keeping children’s hands warm, dry, and comfortable during winter activities. Insulated with 3M Thinsulate, these gloves provide exceptional warmth, even in icy conditions. The gloves are fully waterproof and feature a 2.5-inch knitted cuff that can be tucked under jackets to keep snow out, making them perfect for snow play.
With a grippy palm area and ergonomic design, they offer great functionality for active kids. The elastic wrist and hook-and-loop closure make them easy to put on and adjust, ensuring a secure fit for hours of outdoor fun.
What We Liked:
- Waterproof and snow-proof design
- Comfortable ergonomic fit
- Easy to put on and adjust
- Grippy palms for better handling
What We Don’t Like:
- Limited durability in extreme conditions
How to Choose the Best Ski Gloves
Selecting the best ski gloves depends on your specific needs, whether it’s skiing in extreme cold, requiring high dexterity for handling gear, or ensuring waterproof protection in wet conditions. Skiing gloves can be purchased at affordable prices. Just because gloves are affordable doesn’t mean they won’t serve you well. There are other things to keep in mind when purchasing a gloves pair.
1. Insulation
Insulation is key to keeping your hands warm. Ski gloves typically feature synthetic insulation like PrimaLoft or down insulation. The level of insulation you need depends on the temperatures you’ll be skiing in.
2. Waterproofing
A critical feature of the best ski gloves is waterproofing. Look for gloves made with materials like Gore-Tex, which offer excellent waterproofing while maintaining breathability. This ensures your hands stay dry in snowy or wet conditions.
3. Dexterity
Dexterity is essential for tasks like adjusting gear or using zippers. These ski gloves provide a balance between insulation and dexterity, allowing you to perform tasks without removing your gloves.
4. Durability
Ski gloves are exposed to harsh conditions, so durability is crucial. Reinforced palms and quality stitching are indicators of durable gloves that can withstand regular use on the slopes.
5. Cuff Style
Cuff style affects how well the gloves integrate with your ski jacket. Longer cuffs offer more protection from snow, while shorter cuffs provide more freedom of movement. Choosing the best ski gloves involves finding the right cuff style for your skiing preference.
What Materials Should You Choose?
The materials used in ski gloves significantly impact their performance. Here are some common options:
- Leather: Durable and naturally water-resistant, leather is a popular choice for the best ski gloves. It offers excellent dexterity and ages well with proper care.
- Synthetic materials: Such as nylon or polyester, these are often more affordable and dry quickly.
- Gore-Tex: A waterproof, breathable membrane that’s frequently used in high-performance ski gloves.
- Insulation: Materials like PrimaLoft, Thinsulate, or down provide warmth without bulk.
Does Cuff Style Matter?
The cuff style of your ski gloves can affect both warmth and ease of use:
- Gauntlet cuffs: These extend over your jacket sleeve, providing excellent protection against snow entry. They’re ideal for powder skiing or very cold conditions.
- Under-cuff designs: These fit under your jacket sleeve, offering better dexterity and a sleeker look. They’re great for spring skiing or for those who frequently remove their gloves.
Choose the style that best suits your skiing habits and local weather conditions.
How Important is Waterproofing?
Waterproofing is crucial when choosing the best ski gloves. Wet hands can quickly lead to cold hands, which can ruin your day on the slopes. Look for gloves with waterproof outer shells and sealed seams. Some of the best ski gloves use membranes like Gore-Tex or proprietary technologies to keep water out while allowing sweat to escape.
How Much Dexterity Do You Need?
The level of dexterity you require depends on your skiing style and additional activities:
- For general resort skiing, moderate dexterity is usually sufficient.
- If you frequently adjust equipment, take photos, or need to handle small items, look for gloves with pre-curved fingers and articulated knuckles.
- For maximum dexterity, consider glove liners or “lobster-claw” designs that offer a balance between warmth and finger mobility.
Which is the best ski gloves overall?
After comparing all the options, the Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Gloves stand out as the best overall choice. They offer a perfect blend of warmth, durability, and dexterity, making them ideal for both recreational and professional skiers.
The 3-finger design is particularly noteworthy for those who need a balance between finger mobility and insulation. Hestra’s reputation for quality and the positive feedback from skiers only reinforce that these are the best ski gloves for most people.
FAQs about Ski Gloves:
Choosing the right size for ski gloves is essential for comfort and performance. Measure your hand circumference at the widest part (excluding the thumb) and refer to the manufacturer’s sizing chart.
Yes, mittens are generally warmer than gloves because they keep your fingers together, which conserves heat. However, gloves provide better dexterity, making it easier to handle ski poles, zippers, and other gear. Some skiers opt for a 3-finger design to balance warmth and dexterity.
To extend the life of your ski gloves, clean them according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically involving spot cleaning with mild soap and water. Avoid machine washing or drying, as it can damage the materials. Store your gloves in a cool, dry place, and consider using a waterproofing spray to maintain their resistance.
For extreme cold, look for ski gloves with high-quality insulation, such as down or PrimaLoft, and a waterproof and windproof outer shell. A longer cuff style, wrist cinches, and a snug fit around the wrist can also help retain heat.
