All the ski gloves available at Glisshop have a warmth rating that reflects its ability to keep your hands protected from the cold. This applies to both gloves and mitts. Manufacturers have considered everything and everyone by designing models with varying levels of warmth. There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, not everyone is equally resistant to the cold, and secondly, we all experience the mountains differently. Whether you are looking for an extremely warm pair of gloves because you feel the cold intensely, you enjoy freeride skiing, high-altitude ski touring or splitboarding, here are our tips to help you make the right choice.
Glove or mitten, which is warmer?
Alpinists, as well as those who venture to the farthest northern parts of the globe, all agree that mittens are the best defence against the cold. Since the fingers are not separated from each other, they keep each other warm within a larger air volume compared to gloves. The only finger that remains apart is the thumb, to allow for gripping objects, provided that high precision is not required. When using ski poles, holding the grips does not demand great dexterity, making mittens an excellent choice.
While not warmer than mittens, gloves do make handling small accessories easier, such as ski boot buckles, especially those with micrometric adjustments. They also simplify the operation of the ski/walk mode on ski boots and the frequent tightening and loosening of snowboard bindings. Adjusting snowboard boots or snowshoes seems easier with gloves than with mittens. However, it’s all a matter of habit and personal preference. There are also three-finger mittens, known as lobsters. Besides the thumbs, the index fingers are also separated from the rest of the fingers, providing better grip on small objects and making them easier to handle compared to traditional mittens.
What are the warmest ski gloves or mittens?
The warmest ski gloves, like mittens, stand out for their design, which often combines synthetic and natural materials. This is the case with the Crew and Patrol gloves by Black Diamond, made from nylon and leather, making them both flexible and highly abrasion-resistant. Another pair of Black Diamond gloves featuring a dual-material construction is the Impulse, made from goatskin leather, with EVA padding on the back of the hand and neoprene cuffs.
The warmest ski mittens also combine synthetic and natural materials for optimal insulation. This is the case with the Reusch Down Spirit mittens, made with SoftShell, a Gore-Tex membrane, and goatskin leather for lasting waterproofness and reliable grip. The Picture Grabey Gtx Mitts also feature a Gore-Tex membrane and are made from recycled Mini Reps Solid fabric, ensuring breathability and warmth. Finally, the Hestra Heli Ski mittens, designed for female skiers, come with a removable liner and a goatskin leather palm, making them perfect for long powder sessions.
Waterproofness
The vast majority of the warmest gloves have a waterproof membrane that ensures your hands stay dry. The aim is to offer you an effective protection against moisture which is inevitably a vector of cold. The most common membrane is probably the Gore-Tex membrane, which is able to keep water out even in extreme rain or snow conditions. In addition to this formidable water resistance, it is also known to be breathable and windproof.
The Gore-Tex membranes used in some ski gloves, as well as certain mittens that the brand 686 specialises in, come in several categories:
- Gore-Tex Active: highly valued for its ultra-lightweight feel and exceptional breathability
- Gore-Tex Gore Grip: ensures excellent grip
- Gore-Tex + Gore Warm Technology: provides extra warmth, which is precisely what is needed for off-piste skiing and ski touring.
Insulation
Insulation and lining are other essential elements in the construction of the warmest ski gloves and mittens. Among the materials that provide excellent protection against the cold are PrimaLoft and Thinsulate, both made from synthetic materials.
There are other types of insulation, specific to certain brands. For example, Burton Snowboards offers Thermacore insulation. Meanwhile, Dakine uses High Loft Synthetic insulation, combined with a Gore-Tex + Gore Warm technology membrane, making the setup extremely cold-resistant.
The brand Reusch uses an insulation called Real Down in several of its gloves. This natural down, from either goose or duck, provides exceptional thermal performance and promotes excellent breathability. The models below also feature small zippered pockets on the back of the hands, where you can insert a hand warmer for additional heat lasting several hours. These ski gloves are therefore perfectly suited to protecting your hands and fingers in extreme cold conditions, such as when a blizzard causes temperatures to drop.
Lining
Lining is another crucial component of the warmest ski gloves and mittens. There are various types, most often made from synthetic materials, and sometimes from natural materials, such as wool.
Gloves with removable under gloves
In addition to having a lining, some gloves and mittens come with removable under gloves. These offer multiple benefits. Worn inside the gloves or mittens, the liners serve as an additional layer that significantly enhances cold protection. They also allow you to take your hands out of the gloves or mittens without exposing them directly to the cold. Under gloves provide greater dexterity for handling objects, whether it’s adjusting the straps on your poles or taking a photo with your phone. They can be worn on their own for spring skiing or during other outdoor activities. The gloves and mittens can also be worn without the liners when the weather is cooler.
Heated gloves
Some brands, in addition to designing gloves and mittens with a waterproof and breathable membrane, insulation, and lining, choose to incorporate heating systems. These systems are designed with carefully integrated components that are nearly imperceptible to the touch, gently warming the back of the hands and fingers. When activated, powered by small, rechargeable portable batteries, they provide adjustable heat intensity with a simple click of a button. Brands like Therm-Ic, Racer, and Lenz are among the best for heated ski gloves and mittens, offering exceptional protection not only from the cold but also from moisture.
