The number one thing every skier – you included – wants to avoid is icy fingers on the mountain. To keep your fingers warm and dry, you’ll need waterproof hand protection. Though all ski gloves may seem relatively similar, there are significant differences in comfort, features, and design. There are also considerations such as your preference for gloves or mitts, leather or softshell, and heavy-duty or ultrathin builds. 

We’ll admit it: there are technical challenges in choosing the best ski gloves. But Altitude Sports has you covered with this round-up of the best ski gloves for 2022. After extensive review, we found the top-notch gloves to be the Black Diamond Guide GTX Gloves. They’re superior in terms of waterproofing, warmth, and durability. We’ve also included other favourites for different types of skiers below.

  1. Best overall ski gloves
  2. Best affordable ski gloves
  3. Best women-specific ski gloves
  4. Best leather ski gloves
  5. Best heated ski mittens
  6. Best three-finger ski gloves
  7. Best ultralight ski gloves
  8. Best gloves for cross-country skiing
  9. Best gloves for ski touring
  10. Best freeride ski gloves
  11. Other favourites

The Best Ski Gloves, Reviewed

1. Best Overall Ski Gloves

With rugged outer shells made of 4-way stretch nylon and goat leather, the Black Diamond Guide GTX Gloves are built for intensity. The removable liners (with PrimaLoft Gold synthetic insulation) are easy to take out for quick drying. Waterproof Gore-Tex inserts are ideal for damp, wet conditions. The well-made wrist strap system also ensures they stay put when conditions get extreme.

Price: 0.00$

Pros

  • Durable materials and stitching
  • Extremely warm 
  • Excellent waterproofing

Cons

  • Need break-in time
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2. Best Affordable Ski Gloves

If you’re looking for a perfect introductory ski glove, the Frost Gloves by Auclair cover all the basics. Described as an alpine softshell glove, the nylon and leather outer is buffeted by a waterproof, breathable membrane. There is synthetic insulation, and I'm always down with a brushed, soft, warm lining that just feels right. 

Price: 0.00$

Pros

  • Very affordable
  • Wrist cinch for a snug fit 
  • Waterproof, breathable

Cons

  • Fairly basic gloves
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3. Best Women-specific Ski Gloves

A women’s version of the classic Army Leather Heli Ski Gloves by Hestra is a smart investment for serious skiers. The palm is made of soft goat leather for maximum grip when you’re adjusting your boots or skis. The upper HESTRA Triton 3-layer polyamide fabric is fully waterproof and breathable. There’s a removable polyester lining for easy cleaning and drying, making the gloves last season after season. Fiberfill insulation has you covered for extra warmth.

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Pros

  • Removable inner lining 
  • Fantastic dexterity 
  • Snow closure with velcro lock

Cons

  • May be slightly bulky
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4. Best Leather Ski Gloves

Beautifully crafted and designed, the Hestra Sport Leather Fall Line Gloves are great short-length freeride gloves. The gloves are made from soft, supple cowhide aniline, the highest quality leather on the market. 

Not only are they aesthetically appealing, but they also have a host of practical features. The Bemberg polyester lining helps you get a firm grip on skis. They also have foam insulation and a neoprene cuff to keep out deep powder for maximum warmth.

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Pros

  • Well-insulated with foam 
  • Fully leather material 
  • Reinforced lining

Cons

  • Run slightly small
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5. Best Heated Ski Mitts

If you’re prone to cold hands, the Black Diamond Heated Solano Mitts will change your winters! A battery system keeps your hands warm all day, with three levels of heat controlled by an LED switch. There’s also a premium goat leather shell with Gore-Tex reinforcements for waterproofing. For an extra bit of warmth, the back of the gloves have Primaloft Gold insulation.

Price: 0.00$

Pros

  • Heating can last for hours 
  • Soft, supple leather upper material 
  • Low profile battery not bulky

Cons

  • Mittens not as dexterous as gloves
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6. Best Three-Finger Ski Gloves

Ideal for the backcountry or ski resort, the Eigerjoch Pro gloves by Mammut are built for adventure. In the palm and fingers, you’ll find Gore-Tex grip technology and abrasion-resistant goat leather. The PrimaLoft Gold Luxe insulation protects fingers from the frigid elements, helped by bunching three fingers together and leaving the index free for adjustments. There are also many technical features, including an adjustable cuff cord, one-hand closure system, and a safety storm line. What more could you need?

Price: 0.00$

Pros

  • Outstanding waterproof grip 
  • Heavy-duty, durable fabric 
  • PrimaLoft Gold Luxe insulation

Cons

  • Pricey
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7. Best Ultralight Ski Gloves

The versatile Mountain Hardwear Rotor Gore-Tex Infinium Glove is suitable for hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Customers loved that they’re incredibly lightweight and thin. Even so, the Primaloft insulation will keep your fingers warm.

Price: 0.00$

Pros

  • Excellent versatility for different outdoor activities
  • Durable material 
  • Lightweight fabric and composition

Cons

  • Not as ergonomic as other gloves
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8. Best For Cross-Country Skiing

Skiers looking for a light glove that provides full mobility will love the Norrona Gore-Tex Infinium Short Gloves. Perfect for cross-country skiing or wet weather, they’re pre-bent at the fingers, stretchy, and transport moisture away from the skin. Customers love the goat leather palms, which is warm, nimble, and comfortable.

Price: 0.00$

Pros

  • Outer material repels rain 
  • Extremely comfortable and thin 
  • Provides excellent grip for cross-country skiing

Cons

  • Not insulated
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9. Best Ski Gloves For Touring

Made for icy environments, the Outdoor Research Extravert Gloves are the best for long days out on the skis while touring. They fit ergonomically thanks to the pre-curved construction and soft leather palm. The wool blend lining keeps your hands warm even in damp weather.

Price: 0.00$

Pros

  • Anatomical fit 
  • Textured fingertips
  • Provide great heat retention

Cons

  • Not as flexible as other gloves
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10. Best Freeride Ski Gloves

Equipped to protect your hands from all the elements, the Hestra Vertical Cut Czone Gloves block out hard snow, debris, branches, and rocks. Shock-absorbing foam wards off obstacles; windproof, waterproof construction protects from the elements. You might just end up wearing these all the time. 

Price: 0.00$

Pros

  • Insulated
  • Windproof, water-resistant
  • Padded

Cons

  • Slightly heavy
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11. Other Favourites

The practical Burton Under Gloves come with a zipped pocket on the back of the hand to hold your heat pack, and are so loaded with Gore-Tex tech, you'll never get cold, wet hands wearing these. Removable liner, touchscreen compatibility - heck, these are even storm proofed and not to be missed. 

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The practical Burton Under Gloves come with a zipped pocket on the back of the hand to hold your heat pack, and are so loaded with Gore-Tex tech, you'll never get cold, wet hands wearing these. Removable liner, touchscreen compatibility - heck, these are even storm proofed and not to be missed. 

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With pre-curved palms and fingers, the Auclair Alpine Leather Gloves are extra-comfortable. Seams on the outside and neoprene cuffs guarantee a comfort fit, and the leather is a rugged as they come.

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With pre-curved palms and fingers, the Auclair Alpine Leather Gloves are extra-comfortable. Seams on the outside and neoprene cuffs guarantee a comfort fit, and the leather is a rugged as they come.

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With sleek black leather and faux fur trim, the Rossignol Urban Gloves are a perfect choice for the stylish. The cozy fleece-lined cuff and lightweight insulation also ensure hands stay warm.

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With sleek black leather and faux fur trim, the Rossignol Urban Gloves are a perfect choice for the stylish. The cozy fleece-lined cuff and lightweight insulation also ensure hands stay warm.

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Waterproof and warm, the Softee 3 from Auclair have everything you need in ski gloves. The sleek design, mid-seam adjustment drawstring and wrist strap make these gloves an ideal companion when you hit the mountain.

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Waterproof and warm, the Softee 3 from Auclair have everything you need in ski gloves. The sleek design, mid-seam adjustment drawstring and wrist strap make these gloves an ideal companion when you hit the mountain.

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Made for training and competition, the Dæhlie Race Warm Mittens are heavy-duty mitts with Thindown Flex down insulation and 3-layer weather protection. They come with practical features like an elastic ribbed cuff so they're easy to put on, and a very practical nose wipe for those frigid runs. 

Price: 0.00$

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Made for training and competition, the Dæhlie Race Warm Mittens are heavy-duty mitts with Thindown Flex down insulation and 3-layer weather protection. They come with practical features like an elastic ribbed cuff so they're easy to put on, and a very practical nose wipe for those frigid runs. 

Price: 0.00$

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN SKI GLOVES

The last thing you want is frigid fingers interrupting your idyllic day on the slopes. The type of ski gloves you need primarily depends on the kind of skiing you’ll be doing. 

For downhill skiing, look for gloves with synthetic material like nylon combined with a waterproof, breathable barrier such as Gore-Tex. Downhill ski gloves should also have insulation to keep fingers warm in cold and wet weather. 

Since cross-country skiing is more consistently dynamic, you will work up a sweat. For that reason, you’ll need gloves with more breathable fabric that lets moisture escape. 

1. Warmth & Insulation

  • Down 

Down is crowned as the champion of insulators. The natural duck or geese feathers retain heat exceptionally well. However, down gets damaged if it gets wet, so it’s best for skiing in cold, dry climates. 

  • Synthetic

Synthetic is more affordable than down. It also dries faster and still insulates heat when wet. On the flip side, it’s a bit bulkier than down and has less insulating power after it’s compressed. Skiing in a damp climate makes synthetic the better option. 

2. Outer Materials

  • Leather

Leather is naturally water-resistant, more flexible than nylon and can last longer. When it has a non-porous membrane and is treated properly, it can be waterproof, windproof and last for years. Most of the gloves in this round-up have a leather palm for durability and grip. 

  • Synthetic

The majority of ski gloves Altitude Sports sells are made from synthetic material, usually nylon. The nylon shell is then integrated with a breathable and waterproof outer shell, such as Gore-Tex, for more weather protection. 

Note: Look for reinforced grip on the palm. Soft leather offers the best grip for holding onto ski poles.

3. Waterproofness

Most gloves made for downhill or cross-country skiing have a waterproof, breathable barrier. A waterproof membrane prevents cold rain and snow from entering the gloves and allows sweat and water vapour to pass through. 

Gore-Tex is commonly used because it’s so waterproof and breathable. Many companies have their own version of Gore-Tex, like Dermizax™, The North Face’s FUTURELIGHT, HESTRA’s Triton three-layer polyamide fabric, and more. Dry hands make for warm hands, so take care to find gloves that have a waterproofing layer. 

4. Dexterity & Mobility

Gloves are very dexterous, which makes them better for handling a lot of gear and adjusting bootstraps. 

Mittens don’t provide as much mobility since the fingers are together. They can still serve you well to handle ski poles or go out for a brisk hike.  

5. Over Cuff vs Under Cuff

  • Over Cuff

‘Over Cuff’ means the gloves go over the sleeve cuff of the jacket to keep snow out. You will need long cuff or gauntlet style gloves for this. Long gloves are a bit bulkier and heavier, but they offer more protection from the elements. 

  • Under

‘Under Cuff’ gloves go under the sleeve cuff of the jacket to prevent snow from entering. If you prefer to wear cuffs under, you’ll need short length ski gloves. They are usually lighter and smaller but may provide less warmth. 

6. Useful Features

  • Leashes

If you’ve skied a few times, odds are you’ve experienced losing a glove. Leashes secure the ski gloves or mittens to your wrist, so you don’t drop them on the chair lift. 

  • Wrist Cinch

A wrist cinch makes the mittens or gloves fit snugly around the wrist for a more comfortable fit. The cuff can consist of neoprene, velcro, or drawstrings. 

  • Heated Gloves

Battery-powered heating systems have become extremely popular with the best ski gloves. They’re perfect for those days when the temperature drops or for people with cold hands. 

Keep in mind that the battery system does make the gloves slightly heavier and bulkier and usually comes at a steep price point.

FAQs for Ski Gloves

Q: Are ski gloves or mittens better?

A: This depends on the activity. The individual fingers of gloves mean more dexterity, so they’re better for cross-country skiing. Mittens keep hands warmer since fingers stay together, and they’re better for activities where you don’t have to handle much gear.

Q: How long do ski gloves last?

A: Both leather and synthetic ski gloves can last several years. Using ski glove liners can help extend the lifespan of your gloves.

We hope this article helps you find the perfect ski gloves to keep your fingers warm this winter. Our choice for the best ski glove goes to the Black Diamond Guide GTX Gloves for superior insulation, material, waterproofing, and design!