12 Ski Gloves That Will Actually Keep Your Hands Warm (2024)

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

12 Ski Gloves That Will Actually Keep Your Hands Warm (1)

Having a great pair of gloves or mittens is imperative to prevent you from shivering your way down the ski slopes. Your hands and fingers are one of the first parts of your body to start feeling the sting of the cold, and the wrong pair of gloves will impair the dexterity you need to adjust zippers and grip poles. Moisture management is another consideration — the best ski gloves have fully waterproof exteriors to keep your hands dry as well as sweat-wicking interiors for comfort after those heart-pounding runs.

We headed into the mountains to test 19 pairs of ski gloves, mittens, and three-finger designs to find the best on the market. After all the testing, we found 12 pairs that checked all the boxes in what we look for in a pair of warm, waterproof, and comfortable ski gloves. We also found picks for those spring days when you need less insulation, the easiest gloves to use with touchscreens, and hand protection you’ll find highly useful both on and off the slopes.

Our Top Picks

Jump to Review
Jump to Review
Jump to Review
Jump to Review

Best Overall for Men

Swany X-cell Men's Gloves

12 Ski Gloves That Will Actually Keep Your Hands Warm (2)

Our Ratings

  • Comfort

    5/5

  • Warmth

    4.5/5

  • Design

    5/5

  • Value

    5/5

  • Weatherproofing

    5/5

Why We Love It

  • These incredibly comfortable gloves are warm with flawless weatherproofing.

What to Consider

  • They have some of the best insulation available, which may be overkill if you primarily ski in warmer environments.

Preferring ski gloves to mittens can be controversial, but the best-selling Swany X-cell Gloves lived up to the hype during our test. Also available for women, these incredibly comfortable, warm, and waterproof gloves feature a Dynatherm lining, LeatherShield, and Nubuck leather. We held them under a water faucet multiple times, and not a single drop made it past the X-cell’s seals. Swany’s waterproofing has been known to last for years on end, and if snow does find its way into your gloves or your hands get sweaty, the moisture-wicking, quick-drying lining will stave off any discomfort. We also love that each glove features a utility heat zipper pocket on the back of the hand that can be used to insert a hand warmer, store small items, or create ventilation when left open.

The Details: S to XXL (men’s), S to L (women’s) | LeatherShield, Nubuck leather | PrimaLoft Gold | Waterproof | Gauntlet

Best Overall for Women

Outdoor Research Women's Carbide Sensor Gloves

12 Ski Gloves That Will Actually Keep Your Hands Warm (3)

Why We Love It

  • The gloves are lined with Gore-tex waterproofing to ward off the elements.

What to Consider

  • They run slightly small.

Outdoor Research knows what they're doing when it comes to ski gear, so it's no surprise to us that these gloves impressed us on the mountains. Made with a mix of fabric and leather materials, the gloves both look and feel premium with high-quality construction. On the mountain, the gloves proved to be a lifesaver in a white-out snowstorm with wet, heavy flakes. Thanks to the Gore-Tex waterproof lining, not even a drop of moisture made its way into the gloves. We also love the adjustable straps at the wrist of the gloves to tighten the fit on extra cold or wet days on the ski hill. One thing to note is that we recommend going up one size to get the most comfortable fit since hands are more likely to get cold if the glove is too tight.

The Details: S to L (women's) | Nylon, leather, polyester | Gore-tex waterproofing

Why We Love It

  • The design offers both dexterity and warmth.

What to Consider

  • The sizes only go up to a medium.

If Japanese-based outdoor gear brand Oyuki isn't on your radar yet, then let us introduce you to your next favorite pair of ski gloves. The three-finger-style gloves combine the dexterity of a regular glove with the warmth of a mitten, which means you get the best of both worlds with this slim and sleek Oyuki ski glove. In testing, it kept our hands perfectly warm and dry during the first big snowstorms of the year while skiing in Utah. The design allows you to zip pockets, adjust straps, and grip a ski pole thanks to the excellent dexterity of the three-finger shape. Plus, the cozy, insulated gloves have Gore-tex waterproofing so melted snow stood no chance against the superior construction and materials used to make the gloves. One thing to note is that the sizing only goes up to a women's medium, which is very limiting.

The Details: S to M | Leather, PrimaLoft | Gore-tex waterproofing

Best Style

Hestra Gloves Fall Line Gloves

12 Ski Gloves That Will Actually Keep Your Hands Warm (5)

Our Ratings

  • Comfort

    4.5/5

  • Warmth

    5/5

  • Design

    5/5

  • Value

    5/5

  • Weatherproofing

    4.8/5

Why We Love It

  • They’re made from buttery soft leather.

What to Consider

  • They run small, so we recommend sizing up.

Whether you enjoy backcountry skiing or hitting the slopes at your favorite lodge, these Hestra Fall Line gloves are sure to keep you protected and looking your best. Not only do they come in six sleek colors, but they’re also made from high-quality leather and fleece with a neoprene cuff to lock in warmth and secure the fit. While some leather gloves can feel stiff and awkward, these gloves will mold right to your hands for increased flexibility. They also proved to be completely waterproof during our testing and, clearly made with skiers in mind, they come with a carabiner clip and leather balm to keep them in perfect shape. It’s easy to see why they’re trendy among professionals in the ski industries, especially given that they come at a steal of a price point.

The Details: 6 to 11 (men’s), 6 to 9 (women’s) | Leather, fleece, neoprene, foam | Waterproof | Undercuffs

  • 12 Ski Gloves That Will Actually Keep Your Hands Warm (6)

  • 12 Ski Gloves That Will Actually Keep Your Hands Warm (7)

Best Mittens

Gordini Men's Polar II Mitten

12 Ski Gloves That Will Actually Keep Your Hands Warm (8)

Our Ratings

  • Comfort

    5/5

  • Warmth

    5/5

  • Design

    4.8/5

  • Value

    5/5

  • Weatherproofing

    5/5

Why We Love It

  • They have an ultra-soft lining that feels plush without being bulky.

What to Consider

  • They’re meant for very cold temperatures, so they might leave your fingers sweaty on warmer days.

If you prefer wearing mittens while skiing, look no further than Gordini’s Polar Mitt II for a comfortable and warm style. These mittens provide the perfect snug fit while still leaving your fingers a bit of wiggle room to increase mobility, and we had no problem zipping and unzipping our ski jackets with them on. They also feature a drawcord at the bottom and a strap around the wrist so you can seal them against your skin to keep snow and wind out.We love that they include a clip to attach the gloves together for storage and feature a super convenient wrist leash so you can make adjustments on slopes and chairlifts without the risk of losing one. A patch of leather on the palms ensures a perfect grip on poles and other equipment.

The Details: S to XL (men’s), S to L (women’s) | Nylon | Downtek | Waterproof | Mitten

  • 12 Ski Gloves That Will Actually Keep Your Hands Warm (9)

  • 12 Ski Gloves That Will Actually Keep Your Hands Warm (10)

The 6 Best Heated Gloves of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Best Mittens with Liners

Black Diamond Men's Mercury Mitten

12 Ski Gloves That Will Actually Keep Your Hands Warm (11)

Our Ratings

  • Comfort

    4.5/5

  • Warmth

    5/5

  • Design

    4.5/5

  • Value

    5/5

  • Weatherproofing

    5/5

Why We Love It

  • They’re a great two-in-one option.

What to Consider

  • They run large.

The Black Diamond Mercury Mitt’s shearling interior and perfect waterproofness impressed us. They’re a comfortable and roomy mitten with a fuzzy and removable lining that will keep you cozy all day — you can even wear the mitten lining all on its own for a lighter option when walking around town. These mittens cinch at the wrist and feature a sleeve that goes high up on the forearm to prevent any snow from getting to your skin. We found that they run a tad large but the extra cozy lining helps with keeping the fingers warm on cold ski days.

The Details: S-XL (men’s), XXS-L (women’s) | Pertex shield, PrimaLoft Gold | Waterproof | Gauntlet mitten

  • 12 Ski Gloves That Will Actually Keep Your Hands Warm (12)

  • 12 Ski Gloves That Will Actually Keep Your Hands Warm (13)

Best Budget

The North Face Montana Gloves

12 Ski Gloves That Will Actually Keep Your Hands Warm (14)

Our Ratings

  • Comfort

    4/5

  • Warmth

    5/5

  • Design

    5/5

  • Value

    4/5

  • Weatherproofing

    5/5

Why We Love It

  • They include a double cinch to keep snow out.

What to Consider

  • They aren’t very breathable.

Yes, skiing can be affordable.If you’re new to the sport or just looking for a multifunctional glove, you may not want to invest a ton of money into a pair. This warm and durable option from The North Face is the perfect low-budget, high-quality option. They have long sleeves that fit well over coats and cinch both at the wrist and forearm for extra protection from the elements. Although they won’t break the bank, they have excellent waterproofing: We found that all the water beaded right off when they held them under a faucet. A buckle to attach them together and wrist leashes help prevent you from losing the gloves in storage or while skiing.

The Details: S to XXL (men’s), XS to L (women’s) | Polyester | Waterproof | Gauntlet

  • 12 Ski Gloves That Will Actually Keep Your Hands Warm (15)

  • 12 Ski Gloves That Will Actually Keep Your Hands Warm (16)

  • 12 Ski Gloves That Will Actually Keep Your Hands Warm (17)

  • 12 Ski Gloves That Will Actually Keep Your Hands Warm (18)

The 5 Best Ski Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Best Multi-use

Kinco Premium Leather Work and Ski Mitt with Nikwax Waterproof Wax

12 Ski Gloves That Will Actually Keep Your Hands Warm (19)

Our Ratings

  • Comfort

    5/5

  • Warmth

    4/5

  • Design

    5/5

  • Value

    5/5

  • Quality

    5/5

Why We Love It

  • They come with a pack of Nikwax Waterproofing Wax for added protection from water and snow.

What to Consider

  • We aren't 100 percent confident about the overall durability and note the color may start to fade with frequent exposure to the elements.

For a fun take on traditional ski gear, these work and ski gloves are a versatile option that will keep you warm and comfortable. The Omni-cuff knit wrist design of these provides a snug fit that easily slides under your jacket sleeves to keep snow and debris out. Their hydro-flector materials are great at wicking away moisture and repelling wind to keep you comfortable for a full day of skiing, and the extra padding can help protect your hands during a range of activities, such as pulling a sled up a snowy hill. We did notice during testing that those who normally like to wear additional liners or hand warmers may want to consider sizing up to give themselves more mobility.

The Details: S to XL Men’s | Leather, polyester | Waterproof | Undercuff

  • 12 Ski Gloves That Will Actually Keep Your Hands Warm (20)

  • 12 Ski Gloves That Will Actually Keep Your Hands Warm (21)

  • 12 Ski Gloves That Will Actually Keep Your Hands Warm (22)

  • 12 Ski Gloves That Will Actually Keep Your Hands Warm (23)

Best Touchscreen Ability

Burton Gore-Tex Men's Gloves

12 Ski Gloves That Will Actually Keep Your Hands Warm (24)

Our Ratings

  • Comfort

    3/5

  • Warmth

    4/5

  • Design

    5/5

  • Value

    5/5

  • Weatherproofing

    5/5

Why We Love It

  • They’re a great value packed with features.

What to Consider

  • They’re drafty without the added interior liner.

For ski influencers, socialites, or just those who want to keep in touch with their friends back at the lodge, a good pair of ski gloves with touchscreen capabilities are a must have when heading out for the day. According to our tests, these Burton Gore-tex gloves are not only made of soft synthetic leather to keep you warm, but also allow you to control your device with any finger. They include removable liners for extra warmth and to as an added pair of light gloves you can wear off the slopes. With nose wipes on the thumbs and sticky grip palms to prevent losing any other gear, these gloves are perfect for snow-sport enthusiasts.

The Details: S to XXL (men’s), XS to XL (women’s) | Nylon, polyester | Thermacore | Waterproof | Undercuff

  • 12 Ski Gloves That Will Actually Keep Your Hands Warm (25)

  • 12 Ski Gloves That Will Actually Keep Your Hands Warm (26)

The 14 Best Winter Gloves of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Best Gloves with Liners

Dakine Men's Titan Gore-Tex Gloves

12 Ski Gloves That Will Actually Keep Your Hands Warm (27)

Our Ratings

  • Comfort

    5/5

  • Warmth

    5/5

  • Design

    5/5

  • Value

    4/5

  • Weatherproofing

    5/5

Why We Love It

  • The removable liners are soft and comfortable enough to be worn on their own.

What to Consider

  • The inner liners are touchscreen capable, but the outer shells are not.

These multi-use gloves seem to have every feature a skier would look for in a two-in-one glove. This waterproof gear has an inner liner to keep you extra warm and features water-resistant zippered pockets on the backs of the gloves so you can add a hand warmer or safely store tickets or keys. With nose wipes, a glove leash, and Rubbertec palms for grip, these gloves are a great choice for all-day wear. We love that the gloves are made with high-quality materials like recycled polyester with four-way stretch, so we're confident that these Dakine gloves will last plenty of ski seasons down the road.

The Details: S to XXL (men’s) | Polyester | Waterproof | Gauntlet

12 Ski Gloves That Will Actually Keep Your Hands Warm (28)

Best Budget Leather

Flylow Ridge Synthetic Insulated Waterproof Ski and Snowboard 5-Finger Glove

12 Ski Gloves That Will Actually Keep Your Hands Warm (29)

Our Ratings

  • Comfort

    4/5

  • Warmth

    5/5

  • Design

    4/5

  • Value

    5/5

  • Weatherproofing

    5/5

Why We Love It

  • They’re waterproof and windproof — perfect for any winter sport.

What to Consider

  • The thin leather can feel stiff while you break them in.

If you’re looking for a durable and versatile pair of gloves that will keep you warm throughout all of your winter sporting needs, consider this leather pair from Flylow. The additional wax also helps soften the leather as you use them. These gloves are windproof with an elastic wrist cuff to keep all of the elements away from your hands whether you’re cycling, skiing, or snowboarding this winter. Something to keep in mind is that these are a thinner-style of glove so they might not be as warm for mid-winter ski trips where the weather is peak chilly. However, they are excellent for spring skiing when the temperatures are more on the moderate end.

The Details: S to XXL | Leather, Spaceloft micropuff | Waterproof | Undercuff

  • 12 Ski Gloves That Will Actually Keep Your Hands Warm (30)

  • 12 Ski Gloves That Will Actually Keep Your Hands Warm (31)

Other Ski Gloves We Liked

There were several gloves we tested that almost made our list but ultimately fell short. Still, you may find some of their unique features worth consideration.

Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Glove: We're big fans of the three-finger glove style but these are a tad bulkier in the wrist and stuffer than the slimmer, softer Oyuki three-finger gloves we tried.

Black Diamond Guide Glove: While these gloves are impressively soft on the inside, they felt tight and bulky around our fingers, which made movement awkward.

Marmot Ultimate Unisex Gloves: We felt wearing these gloves was like having paws — not a sleek and mobile feeling you want to have on the slopes. We think they’re warm and comfortable but a bit too big and puffy to rely on when skiing unless you love a plush feel.

Our Testing Process


We tested 19 different pairs of ski gloves from popular brands like Burton, The North Face, and Marmot, evaluating products based on warmth, waterproofing, comfort, design, and value.

To test comfort and hand dexterity, we wore the gloves along with our ski jackets and tried to zip the jacket, put on and fasten our ski boots, and hold ski poles. The gloves that didn’t limit mobility earned the highest scores. Most of the gloves were tested on ski trips in various weather conditions to gauge breathability and warmth, and whether the gloves were easy to get on and off were assessed after skiing with the gloves or doing other rigorous activities in the cold.

At home, we wore the gloves and ran them under cold water to test the fabric’s level of water resistance. Once the gloves were noticeably moist, we hung them and any inserts for one hour to evaluate how quickly they dried. Our highest-rated gloves were those testers considered to be weatherproof based on how they protected their hands from the cold and moisture.

After the rest of the testing was completed, we took price into consideration. For the most expensive gloves and mittens to receive a high-value score, we had to be able to defend the price and even be willing to pay more given their quality. More affordable products received high-value scores when we were surprised by their retail price given their top-tier quality. We continued to use the gloves and mittens throughout the ski season, periodically providing feedback on each pair's long-term performance.

Tips for Buying Ski Gloves

Choose the best style for you

The merits of gloves versus mittens is a hotly debated topic in the skier community, and which one is best for you will ultimately be a matter of personal preference. Generally speaking, mittens are going to be warmer than gloves but come at the expense of dexterity. The heat of your fingers being together is going to provide more warmth than any fabric separating them ever could, however, some skiers — some of us among them — find the best gloves have perfectly adequate insulation to keep them warm while enjoying the mobility of separation. Three-fingered gloves (also known as trigger mitts) allow you to have a bit of the best of both worlds by separating your index finger from the main mitt.

After deciding on gloves versus mittens, there are two other main styles to choose between: undercuffs and gauntlets. Undercuffs tend to look slimmer as they cinch at the wrist and tuck underneath the sleeve of your ski jacket. Gauntlet style gloves often still include a wrist cinch, but may also have a forearm cinch to tighten the exterior of the gloves around the outside of your jacket sleeve. Both styles of gloves are generally very warm and successful at keeping out snow, so the style you choose will mainly depend on the type of ski jacket you have and what makes you most comfortable.

Prioritize warmth, waterproofness, and fit

Mobility and style are important, but nothing is going to make up for a glove that’s lacking in its two main jobs: keeping you warm and dry. When selecting a new pair of ski gloves or mittens, you want to be certain that they’re waterproof, windproof, and lined for extra warmth. Even on a cloudless day, you should expect to contend with some wetness whether through falling or by touching damp surfaces. The best ski gloves not only keep snow out, but also manage inner moisture with sweat-wicking material. You should also head to the mountains with a pair of gloves you know fits you well. Gloves that are two small can make you colder by cutting off circulation and compromising airflow, while too big gloves add bulk and mess with insulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much should I spend on ski gloves?

    Like most outdoor gear, ski gloves can come in a wide range of prices with higher-cost gloves usually including more features or better snow protection. When considering which pair of ski gloves to buy, you should think about how often you ski and how often you plan to use the gloves. If you’re an avid skier, investing in a pricier pair of gloves may be a good choice. If you’re new to skiing or trying it out for the first time, you may want to buy a budget pair.

  • Are three-finger gloves good for skiing?

    Three-finger gloves can be a great option for skiers because they give you the dexterity of finger gloves plus the warmth of mittens.

  • Do ski gloves go over or under the jacket?

    There’s no right or wrong way to wear your ski gloves — it comes down to what makes you most comfortable. While many prefer to wear their ski gloves under their jacket sleeves for extra security against snow, many find wearing their ski gloves on the outside of their sleeves is the best way to keep things dry.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Taylor Fox is a writer at Travel + Leisure, where she writes about and reviews travel products. She is an avid traveler and has been writing about travel and lifestyle for over five years. Taylor worked with travel editors to determine the results for ski gloves based on a series of tests completed by our team. She also consulted with T+L outdoor gear editor Lydia Price and drew from insights shared by Charlie Berg, Senior Product Manager of Outerwear at Outdoor Research, to curate this list of the best ski gloves.

The 8 Best Ski Jackets for Men of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.

12 Ski Gloves That Will Actually Keep Your Hands Warm (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Clemencia Bogisich Ret

Last Updated:

Views: 5982

Rating: 5 / 5 (80 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Clemencia Bogisich Ret

Birthday: 2001-07-17

Address: Suite 794 53887 Geri Spring, West Cristentown, KY 54855

Phone: +5934435460663

Job: Central Hospitality Director

Hobby: Yoga, Electronics, Rafting, Lockpicking, Inline skating, Puzzles, scrapbook

Introduction: My name is Clemencia Bogisich Ret, I am a super, outstanding, graceful, friendly, vast, comfortable, agreeable person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.