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Ski Gloves

Mittens are warmer, gloves give a more precise grip. Both should be waterproof.

Guide

Ski Gloves

For resort skiing you need a waterproof ski glove at warmth level Warm. If your fingers go cold quickly, choose a mitten or step up to Extra Warm.

Key points

Piste: waterproof with a membrane at warmth level Warm, Extra Warm for hard frost.
Mittens are warmer; gloves give a more precise grip.
Size by hand circumference, thumb out: size 8 is about 20 cm. Size up if unsure.
Ski touring: two pairs, a light one for the climb and a warm one for the descent.

Which ski glove for what?

The Swiss and Austrian alpine clubs list two pairs of gloves for ski touring.

Use	What matters	Your glove
Piste	What mattersLift rides, wet chairlift seats	Your gloveWaterproof with a membrane, warmth level Warm
Freeride	What mattersHands often in deep snow	Your gloveLong cuff over the sleeve, membrane
Ski touring	What mattersSweating on the climb, cold at the top	Your gloveTwo pairs: thin and windproof, plus a warm one
Kids	What mattersSki school, always in the snow	Your gloveMittens with a membrane, long cuff and wrist leash
Snowboard	What mattersFalls onto the wrist	Your gloveWrist protection certified to EN ISO 20320

Person pulling the long gauntlet cuff of a black three-finger glove over the sleeve of a blue jacket — The long gauntlet cuff goes over the jacket sleeve and cinches shut.

Person in a red jacket kneeling in the snow and pulling on black heated gloves, a red light showing the heating is on — Heated ski gloves stay warm for roughly three to ten hours, depending on setting and battery.

What types of ski gloves are there?

Mittens
For cold lift days, kids and fingers that chill fast.
- Advantage: The fingers warm each other
- Drawback: Less feel on buckles and zips
View ski mittens ›
Freeride and Ski Touring Gloves
For powder, climbs and descents.
- Advantage: Long cuffs for deep snow
- Advantage: Thin models for the climb
- Drawback: Thin models are too cold for a chairlift
View freeride & touring gloves ›
Heated Gloves
For very cold days, cold fingers even in mittens.
- Advantage: Three heat settings
- Advantage: Up to 10 hours on setting 1, by battery
- Drawback: About 3 hours on the highest setting
- Drawback: Batteries need charging
View heated ski gloves ›
Race Ski Gloves
For gate training and racing.
- Advantage: Padded knuckles and fingers
- Advantage: Outside seams for pole feel
- Drawback: Padding only pays off in the gates
View race ski gloves ›

What to check before you buy

Question	In short	Why
Which warmth level do I need?	In shortWarm for the piste	WhyWarm suits ordinary piste days. Extra Warm is for hard frost and long chairlifts.
Do I need a membrane?	In shortYes, in wet snow	WhyA membrane such as Gore-Tex keeps meltwater and sleet out, at the cost of a little breathability.
Leather or fabric?	In shortLeather needs care	WhyA leather palm gives more feel on the pole. Water can dry leather out, so treat it with leather balm once it has dried.
Long or short cuff?	In shortLong for deep snow	WhyA long gauntlet cuff goes over the jacket sleeve and cinches shut, so powder stays out.
Which size?	In shortMeasure your hand	WhyWrap a tape just below the knuckles, thumb out. Size 8 is about 20 cm; charts vary by brand. Size up if unsure: air insulates.

Frequently asked questions

How do I dry wet ski gloves?

Air-dry them with the fingertips pointing up. Keep them off radiators and out of direct sun: that is Gore's advice for Gore-Tex gloves. A removable liner dries faster on its own.

How long do heated ski gloves stay warm?

Roughly three to ten hours, depending on setting and battery. For its 5,200 mAh batteries Therm-ic quotes up to 10 hours on setting 1, 5 on setting 2 and 3 on the highest.

Can I fly with heated ski gloves?

Yes, with the batteries in your hand luggage.

Do liner gloves help with cold fingers?

Yes. A thin liner, in merino for example, moves moisture away and can add about 20 per cent more warmth, according to Hestra. It also protects your skin when you take the ski glove off for a moment.