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Guide
Cross-Country Ski Gloves
Cross-country skiing means gripping the pole and working hard with your arms. You need a snug glove with a grippy palm and a windproof back. For cold days and breaks, there are mittens.
Key points
- Fairly thin: your hands warm up as you ski.
- A grippy palm for a secure hold on the pole.
- Pack mittens for frost and breaks.
Which glove for which session?
| Use | Choice | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Racing, skating, intervals | ChoiceLight cross-country glove | LimitToo cold in frost |
| Classic, tours, cold days | ChoiceWarm cross-country glove | LimitToo warm at high speed |
| Frost, breaks, kids | ChoiceCross-country mitten | LimitLess feel for the pole |
| Under a mitten on very cold days | ChoiceLiner glove | LimitToo thin on its own |
Types compared
Light cross-country glove
Thin and snug, for racing and training.
- Advantage: Precise grip
- Drawback: Too cold in frost
Warm cross-country glove
Lined, for most winter days.
- Advantage: Warm and grippy
- Drawback: Too warm for racing
What to check before you buy
| Question | In short | Why |
|---|---|---|
| How warm should it be? | In shortFairly thin | WhyYour hands warm up fast when you ski cross-country. For training and skating, a thin, windproof glove is enough. Only in hard frost or at an easy pace do you need a warm one. |
| What matters on the palm? | In shortGrip on the pole | WhyA palm in leather or grippy synthetic leather holds the pole even when your hand sweats. Reinforcement between thumb and index finger takes the pressure of the strap. |
| What do the warmth levels mean? | In shortLight, Warm, Extra Warm | WhyThe warmth levels show how thick the glove is. Light for racing and training, Warm for most days, Extra Warm for frost and an easy pace. |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use downhill ski gloves?
For easy sessions, perhaps. Thick insulation can soon feel too warm at a fast pace.
How do I find my size?
Measure round your knuckles without the thumb, then use the brand’s size chart.
How should I wash them?
Follow the care label. Dry leather slowly in the air, away from radiators and direct heat.
What should I carry as a spare?
A dry pair. Mittens can provide more warmth than thin gloves during cold weather and stops.
Last updated: October 2026
What will you use them for?
Skating
For skating and training, choose a light, snug glove with a grippy palm. It holds the pole securely without making you sweat.
- Warmth level Light
- Grippy palm
- Snug fit
Classic
For easy loops in classic style, choose a warm cross-country glove with a windproof back. It keeps your hands warm when you stop, too.
- Warmth level Warm
- Windproof
- Grippy palm
Frost
In frost, cross-country mittens are warmest because your fingers warm each other. The palm stays grippy for the pole.
- Mitten
- Grippy palm
- Liner glove
Pole system
Check that the glove loop and pole grip use the same system. A Shark glove does not automatically fit every LEKI grip.
- Match the system
- Bring your poles
- Measure your hand
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