At Glisshop, each ski glove comes with a warmth rating that indicates its ability to shield your hands from the cold. What applies to gloves is equally true for mitts. Manufacturers have thought of everything and everyone, designing models with varying levels of insulation. There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, we are not all equally sensitive to low temperatures, and secondly, we do not all enjoy the mountains in the same way. Whether you are looking for an exceptionally warm pair of gloves because you really feel the cold, because you are into freeride, or because you go ski touring or splitboarding at high altitude, here are our tips to help you make the right choice. Throughout this article, we also present our selection of women’s ski gloves, men’s models, as well as kids’ gloves.
Our selection of models
- Black Diamond Crew
- Black Diamond Patrol
- Black Diamond Impulse
- Hestra Heli Ski
- Reusch Down Spirit Gore-Tex Mitten
- Picture Grabey Gtx Mitts
- 686 Gore-Tex Linear
- Millet Trilogy Icon Gtx
- Black Diamond Legend
- Racer Guide Pro 2 Trigger
- Reusch Down Spirit Gore-Tex
- Reusch Lando R-Tex Xt Junior
- Dakine Womens Sequoia Gore-Tex Mitt
- Therm-Ic Ultra Heat Boost
- Lenz Heat Glove 6.0 Finger
- Racer Connectic
For chilly winter days, glove or mitten – which keeps you warmer?
Those who alpinists, as well as those venturing into the far northern regions of the globe, all agree that mittens are the most effective protection against the cold. Since the fingers are not separated, they keep each other warm within a larger pocket of air than in a glove. The only finger that remains apart is the thumb, allowing you to grip objects, provided that great precision is not required. When using ski poles, holding the grips does not demand much dexterity. Mitts are therefore an excellent choice.
For dexterity: gloves, mittens or lobster gloves (3-finger)
Although not as warm as mittens, gloves make it easier to handle small items, such as the hooks on ski boots, especially those with a micrometric adjustment system. They also allow you to operate the ski/walk mechanism on ski boots, as well as snowboard bindings that often need tightening and loosening. Adjusting snowboard boots or snowshoes generally feels simpler with gloves than with mittens. However, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what one is used to. There are also 3-finger gloves, known as lobsters or trigger mitts. Apart from the thumbs, the index fingers are also separated from the rest, enabling a good grip on small objects, which are therefore easier to grasp than with traditional mittens.
Although ski gloves may not appear to win the contest against mitts at first glance, there is no doubt that they are equally effective at keeping out the cold, with their material playing a crucial role.
Which ski and snowboard gloves and mitts are the warmest?
Blends of natural (leather) and synthetic materials
The warmest ski gloves, just like mitts, stand out thanks to a design that often combines man-made fabrics with natural ones. This is the case with the Crew and Patrol gloves from Black Diamond, crafted from nylon and leather, making them both flexible and highly resistant to wear. Another pair from Black Diamond featuring a dual-material construction are the Impulse, made from goatskin leather, with EVA padding on the back of the hand and neoprene cuffs.
The warmest ski mitts combine synthetic fibres with natural materials for optimum insulation. This is the case with the Reusch Down Spirit mitts, crafted from SoftShell with a Gore-Tex membrane and goatskin leather for lasting waterproofing and a secure grip. The Picture Grabey Gtx Mitts also feature a Gore-Tex lining and are made from recycled Mini Reps Solid fabric, ensuring breathability and warmth. Finally, the Hestra Heli Ski mittens, designed specifically for female skiers, come with a removable liner and a goatskin palm, ideal for long days in deep powder.
Waterproofing: Gore-Tex Membranes and Alternatives
The vast majority of the warmest gloves feature a waterproof membrane that ensures your hands stay dry and shielded from the wind. The aim is to provide effective protection against moisture, which inevitably brings cold. The most widely used membrane is the Gore-Tex membrane, designed to keep water out even during heavy rain or substantial snowfall. In addition to this impressive waterproofness, it is also renowned for being 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.
Insulation to make the most of your outings in the snow
Insulation and lining are other key components in the design of the warmest ski gloves and mittens. Among the insulating materials that provide excellent protection against the cold are PrimaLoft and Thinsulate, both made from synthetic fibres.
There are other types of insulation available, particularly with certain brands. This is the case with Burton Snowboards, which offers Thermacore insulation. The brand Dakine, on the other hand, uses High Loft Synthetic insulation, combined with a Gore-Tex + Gore Warm membrane, making the whole system highly resistant to the cold.
The brand Reusch crafts several of its gloves with an insulation known as Real Down. This is natural down, from goose or duck, renowned for its outstanding thermal efficiency while also ensuring excellent breathability. The models below are additionally equipped with small zipped pockets on the back of the hands, designed to hold a hand warmer that provides extra heat for several hours. These ski gloves are therefore able to shield your hands and fingers effectively in cases of extreme cold, when blizzard conditions cause temperatures to plummet.
A warm lining to keep you protected from the cold
The lining is another key element of the warmest ski gloves and mittens. There are various types, most commonly made from synthetic materials, and occasionally from natural fibres, particularly 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: ideal if you really feel the cold
Some brands, in addition to designing gloves and mitts with a waterproof and breathable membrane, insulation and lining, also choose to incorporate heating systems. Made up of components that are seamlessly integrated to be almost unnoticeable to the touch, they gently warm the back of the hands as well as the fingers. Once switched on, powered by small portable rechargeable batteries, they release heat with adjustable intensity at the press of a button. Brands such as Therm-Ic, Racer and Lenz are among those offering the best heated ski gloves and mittens, which provide outstanding protection not only against the cold but also against dampness.
The best glove brands for alpine, cross-country skiing, ski touring and snowboarding
Get your hands ready to face the snow in the best possible conditions! Whether you’re into skiing or snowboarding, passionate about ski touring or a fan of cross-country skiing, choosing the right pair of gloves is crucial to fully enjoy your favourite winter sport. Explore our buying guide and browse through our wide range of models designed for every discipline: maximum warmth, comfort and reliable protection guaranteed. Don’t let the cold spoil your outings – discover our collection now and gear up for unforgettable moments.