We tested the warmest ski gloves we carry.
On the coldest storm days, all you want to do is keep skiing powder. There’s no bigger bummer than feeling distracted when it’s one of the best days of the year. Upgrading to a pair of warm ski gloves or mittens is well worth the extra pennies to be more comfortable on the slopes. With everything from extra insulation to electronic heating elements, there are plenty of options out there to make sub-zero temps a day at the beach. With our fair share of skiers on staff that run cold here at the shop, we’ve gotten to test all the warm gloves on the market. We’ve asked our staff what they’ve found to be the warmest and best selections for cold days, so we can share with you the warmest ski gloves and mittens around.
Are gloves or mittens warmer?
Mittens generally feel warmer than gloves, with your fingers grouped together in the same heat pocket. On the other hand, gloves offer more dexterity. They’re easier to handle zippers, pockets, and poles with. You may find you’re taking gloves off less often since you can get snacks or other things you need in and out of pockets without taking your gloves off.
For an inbetween, check out “3-finger” styles for a blend of both. These are also known as “claw” types, with your index finger in a single pocket, and the rest of your fingers in a mitten type pocket. That gives you a balance of dexterity and warmth. We recommend the Hestra Fall Line 3-Finger, or the Gordini GTX Storm 3 Finger.
Are heated gloves worth it?
Heated gloves and mittens definitely make a difference on cold days while skiing. Heated products use electronic heating elements to help keep you warm. If you have circulation issues like Raynaud’s disease, or run extremely cold, these are solid options for feeling more comfortable on the mountain.
Some cons of heated gloves include needing to keep the batteries charged (usually via a standard USB charger) and occasionally electronic issues with wiring. But, we’ve selected the gloves and mittens we’ve had the best luck with.
Warmest Ski Gloves
Hestra Power Heater Gauntlet Glove
Hands down our most popular warm glove for years, the Hestra Power Heater Gauntlet Glove is a powerhouse for warmth. The external battery heating system provides extra heat for the skiers who need it the most, or just anyone who likes feeling comfortable on the hill. Compared to the mitt version below, the glove offers great dexterity for handling zippers and pockets. Hestra is a glove maker through and through, and you can feel the attention to detail every time you pick up a Hestra piece.
The North Face Heated Montana Inferno Etip Gloves
The North Face is one of the biggest players in the outdoor equipment space for their attention to design and technical specifications. Their heated glove is no different. The TNF Heated Montana Inferno Etip Glove is chock full of insulation, high-quality leather, and an external heating element. The external padding on the backhand serves as extra protection from impacts and additional insulation from the elements. The Etip function on the forefinger and thumb lets you navigate your phone without having to take your gloves off in the bitter cold. If you’re someone who deals with extra cold hands and needs a technical product with additional heat than what all the insulation in the world can give you, this is an excellent choice.
Arc’teryx Fission SV
Arc’teryx is known for their premium performance outerwear and climbing equipment. But, their gloves and mitts are some of our favorites in our inventory. With a whopping 200 grams of Primaloft insulation, this glove is stuffed with warm insulation to protect you from the elements. The reinforced palm increases durability for big days on the hill. The slight gauntlet at the wrist gives you some of that extra insulation, without the extra bulk. If dexterity is important to you, but you still need a glove that is a cut above the rest for cold or wet conditions, we like to recommend the Arc’teryx Fission SV. Arc’teryx designs and tests these for the rigors of British Columbia, after all.
Check out the mitt version of this glove.
Black Diamond Guide Glove
The Black Diamond Guide Glove says it in the name— if you’re a recreator or someone who spends very long days in the mountains, subject to any elements, the BD Guide Glove should be on your wish list. The additional padding on the backhand delivers extra protection from impacts. Four-way stretch nylon keeps this glove (that should be bulky on paper) extremely comfortable to move around in. We love this glove for people who need something warm for long days outside, and when your weather-controlling powers seem to be a little off.
Warmest Ski Mittens
Hestra Power Heater Gauntlet Mitt
So nice, we had to list it twice. The Hestra Power Heater Gauntlet Mitt is the single warmest product we sell. The mitt style is the warmest way to go as it keeps your fingers in one consolidated pocket of heat. Of course, the heated element of this mitt provides an external source of heat that gives you extra insulation on the coldest days and long chair lift rides. If cold fingers ruin your day and you’re not afraid to spend a little extra for this comfort, we highly recommend upgrading to the Hestra Power Heater Gauntlet Mitt. It works well and is money well spent.
Swany X Calibur Mitt
Swany has been in the glove and mitt business for decades, designing new tech for the army and NASA back in the day so they could have a warm shell around their hands, with extra dexterity when they needed it: the Toaster. You can still buy the Toaster today (and we love it for parents or other folks who are constantly fiddling with items on the hill), but if you’re looking for one of the warmest pieces on the market, the Swany X Calibur Mitt is the one. A great bang for the buck, the X Calibur uses all of Swany’s high-end materials and insulation pieces to keep you warm on the hill. It feels more luxurious than it costs. Our favorite feature? The little pocket on the backhand, perfect for a hand warmer.
Hestra Heli Mitt
If you’re looking for a non-heated mitt from Hestra, this will be your best bet. The full leather palm and trimming is soft to the touch and simultaneously very durable and weatherproof. The Hestra triton fabric on the backhand is durable and won’t tear. The gauntlet style of an extended cuff goes over your ski jacket sleeve for even further insulation and protection from the elements.
Gordini Radiator Mitt
The Gordini Radiator Mitt is optimized for protection in the coldest and wettest of conditions. The ripstop shell is rated up to 10k for waterproofing and breathability (on par with performance ski apparel), along with tons of insulation to protect you from the elements. Gordini does all of this for a super affordable price that makes it a great bang for the buck. For anyone looking to level up their mitt game to get some extra warmth, without breaking the bank.
