Ski gloves

Table of Contents

Keep your hands warm on the slopes

Gloves are the most important accessory for skiing. And even though choosing the right pair of gloves may seem straightforward, you should look out for some important features: the gloves must offer maximum warmth, comfort and flexibility. The last thing you want on a ski trip is to have cold hands and numb fingers.

Key features:

The right pair of ski gloves must have adjustable cuffs and wrist loops that will allow you to secure them so snow doesn’t enter from beneath the cuff.
The fabric used in the palm area can be reinforced to give extra grip for holding poles or ski lifts.
A good pair of gloves must have a “nose wipe” – an ultra-absorbant, softer fabric on the outer surface of the thumb that will allow you to wipe your nose in case it gets a bit runny.
Mini squeegee – to help wipe your goggles clear.
Padding – your gloves should have pads on the back of the hand to protect you against rocks and trees.
Fleece lining is best for added warmth.
Heat vent is designed to improve breathability and also to breathe hot air into your gloves for the times when your hands need an instant hit of warmth.

Also, it is really important to find the right fit for you. Be very careful because even different models from the same manufacturer won’t necessarily be sized the same, they have the same fit or even the same shape.

What to look for when fitting your glove:

Your finger tips should barely touch the end of the glove
The fit shouldn’t be so tight, because it will obstruct you from fully curving your fingers.
Make sure that your palm is completely inside the cuff so your wrist remains covered

There are 2 main styles of ski gloves to choose from:

Regular fingered ski gloves – are ideal for skiers who need to use their fingers to adjust things like boots or clothing, or if they need dexterity
Mittens – are perfect for those that use to lose heat through the extremities. Because there are no fingers, you can clench your fist together inside the gloves in order to increase hand heat.

Insulation type

It’s freezing cold outside, and because you don’t want to have your day on the slopes ruined, insulation is really important to maintain the right temperature. You’ll need a pair of gloves with a synthetic fill insulation, gloves with a traditional fleece or wool insulation or some combination of the any of these. Choose carefully a pair of gloves with insulation – just because a pair of ski gloves is thicker that does not necessarily mean that they will keep you more warm.

Palm materials

Most ski gloves have grips and reinforcements located on the areas that get the most use: palms, thumbs and fingertips. Leather is more durable than synthetic materials. Even though leather is more expensive, it has proved durable and supple.