The 6 Best Ski Gloves and Mittens of 2024

When it comes to hitting the slopes, having the right gear can make or break your day on the mountain. And perhaps one of the most crucial pieces of equipment? Your ski gloves or mittens.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the top six ski gloves and mittens of 2024. From keeping your hands warm and dry to ensuring you have the dexterity you need to handle your gear, these handwear options have been carefully selected to cater to all your skiing needs.

1. Black Diamond Guide Glove

The Black Diamond Guide glove is renowned among dedicated skiers for its exceptional warmth and durability. Ranking near the top for hand protection, it surpasses the Hestra Heli with its complete waterproof design featuring a Gore-Tex insert.

Beneath its rugged exterior, Black Diamond incorporates both PrimaLoft synthetic insulation and thick boiled wool in the removable liner, ensuring maximum warmth in frigid conditions.

However, the abundance of materials means that the BD Guide may require some time to break in. Even after consistent use over several years, it may still lack the immediate flexibility of gloves like the Hestra Heli, which boasts similar warmth but without the Gore-Tex liner. Nevertheless, many find this compromise acceptable, making the Guide one of the most sought-after ski gloves available.

2. Hestra Army Leather Heli Glove

For years, ski professionals worldwide have relied on the Swedish manufacturer Hestra, and their Army Leather Heli glove earns our top spot. This glove, known for its comfort and functionality, has maintained its status as best in class thanks to its hybrid construction of leather and synthetic materials.

Despite being on the market for some time, the Heli continues to impress with its premium build quality, exceptional warmth, and comfort—all at a price point that competes favorably with other high-end ski gloves. It’s the ideal choice for keeping you cozy during your mountain adventures.

Like many of Hestra’s offerings, the Heli features a generous amount of leather in its design. This provides excellent flexibility and durability, though occasional application of a leather conditioner to the palm and fingers may be necessary to repel moisture (a small sample of Hestra’s Leather Balm is included).

While some skiers may prefer gloves with a nylon shell for enhanced waterproofing, we believe the simple maintenance required for the Heli is well worth it—even when skiing in the wet snow common in the Pacific Northwest. This popular glove has also inspired a few variations, including a mitten for maximum warmth and a 3-finger glove that offers a compromise between warmth and dexterity.

3. Gordini GTX Storm Glove

If you’re hitting the slopes only a few times a year or prefer not to splurge on ski gear, the Gordini GTX Storm is a solid choice. While it may not boast the premium shell fabric or leather palm of higher-end options, this glove offers durability and features top-notch Gore-Tex waterproofing that gets the job done.

Surprisingly, it provides good warmth and comfort considering its $75 price tag—it’s a slight step down from gloves like the Hestra Heli and Black Diamond Guide, but the difference is minimal and sufficient for most days on the mountain.

Priced around $70, both the GTX Storm and The North Face Montana offer reliable performance. The Gordini is preferable for wet conditions due to its high-quality Gore-Tex membrane, while the TNF Montana provides a bit more warmth (albeit with some bulk) thanks to its decently thick insulation.

However, the GTX Storm stands out for its quality, fit, and finish, making it the best budget-friendly ski glove we’ve encountered so far. With its blend of comfort, dexterity, and protection, it’s a standout in the sub-$100 price range.

4. Black Diamond Mercury Mitten

When it comes to maximizing warmth, nothing quite compares to the design of a mitten. While it may sacrifice some dexterity for skiers handling poles, the consolidated warmth achieved by keeping your fingers together is unmatched.

The Black Diamond Mercury stands out as our top choice for mittens, offering the expected boost in warmth without a significant increase in price. Featuring a shell with 4-way stretch and removable split-finger liners, it’s exceptionally user-friendly.

Like other ski gloves from Black Diamond, the Mercury boasts a sturdy construction built to withstand extensive use. The primary consideration here is whether you’re comfortable wearing mittens. While gloves may offer more convenience and effectiveness for skiing—especially considering the Mercury’s slightly bulkier feel for pole handling—mittens remain an excellent option for individuals prone to cold hands.

5. Outdoor Research Prevail Heated GTX Gloves

For those facing sub-zero temperatures or struggling to keep their hands warm, heated gloves could be the solution. Outdoor Research has consistently impressed with its lineup of heated handwear, with the Prevail Gloves emerging as our top choice.

These gloves feature time-tested technology, including a built-in battery and heating element, delivering a level of warmth unmatched by traditional hand warmers. The gauntlet includes a button to switch between three heat settings (low, medium, and high), while the thick EnduraLoft insulation effectively retains heat.

The main drawback of a battery-powered design like the Outdoor Research Prevail is the price. While the technology behind the streamlined battery’s performance in frigid temperatures is impressive, at $339, these gloves come with a significant investment. However, if maximum warmth is non-negotiable for you, the Prevail gloves may be worth considering.

6. Oyuki Pep GTX Trigger Mitt

If you’re torn between the warmth of a mitten and the dexterity of a glove, consider a trigger mitt, also known as a three-finger mitt or lobster mitt. This innovative design combines the cozy warmth of a mitten with a separate slot for your pointer finger, offering better thermal efficiency than a standard glove while still allowing enough mobility to handle zippers, bindings, or even texts.

While your pointer finger may not be as toasty as it would be in a glove, trigger mitts strike a nice balance between warmth and dexterity.

Among trigger mitts, Oyuki’s Pep stands out as a top contender. Crafted from premium goatskin leather, these mitts improve with age and feature an undercuff design that’s both sleek and secure, thanks to a wide hook-and-loop cinch. Beneath the surface, the Pep boasts high-quality features like a Gore-Tex waterproof insert, cozy PrimaLoft insulation (200g on the back of the hand and 133g on the palm), and a soft fleece lining for added comfort.

With its simple yet stylish aesthetic and thoughtful details like a mountain scape sewn into the padded back of the hand, the Pep is a solid choice for anyone curious about the trigger mitt design.

Ski Glove and Mitten Buying Guide

Ski Gloves vs. Mittens

Ski gloves have long been the go-to choice for both resort and backcountry skiing, offering superior dexterity and versatility. However, mittens present a compelling alternative, particularly for those seeking maximum warmth.

While gloves excel in tasks requiring finger dexterity, such as handling ski poles or adjusting gear, mittens provide unparalleled insulation, keeping your hands cozy even in frigid conditions. Many models on the market offer both glove and mitten options, allowing skiers to choose based on weather and personal preference.

3-Finger Gloves

A lesser-known option is the 3-finger glove, also known as a trigger or split-finger glove, which combines elements of both gloves and mittens. In this design, the pointer finger and thumb have separate slots while the remaining fingers are grouped together for warmth.

While this design aims to offer improved dexterity, our experience suggests that the benefits are minimal, with the exposed pointer finger often becoming as cold as it would in a standard glove. As such, the 3-finger glove may not truly provide the best of both worlds for most users.

Materials: Leather vs. Synthetic

Ski gloves and mittens are typically crafted from either synthetic or leather materials, each with its own advantages and considerations. Leather gloves offer exceptional durability, comfort, and flexibility, making them a popular choice among skiers. However, leather’s moisture resistance is limited, requiring periodic maintenance to retain its protective qualities.

In contrast, synthetic gloves feature nylon or polyester shells that provide superior waterproofing, making them ideal for wet conditions. Many gloves combine both materials to leverage their respective strengths, offering a balance of durability and weather protection.

Warmth

When it comes to warmth, insulation is key. Ski gloves and mittens are available with various insulation types, ranging from fleece to synthetic fills. While it’s challenging to gauge a glove’s warmth without trying it on, factors such as insulation weight and quality can provide some indication.

Mittens, with their finger-to-finger contact, offer superior warmth compared to gloves. However, some skiers may prefer the added dexterity of gloves, even at the expense of some insulation.

Waterproofness

Waterproofing is crucial for keeping hands dry and comfortable on the slopes. Gloves with Gore-Tex membranes offer excellent waterproofing and breathability, making them a top choice for serious skiers. While some gloves use alternative waterproof inserts, they may not provide the same level of performance as Gore-Tex.

Additionally, leather gloves may require special treatments to maintain their water resistance over time. Ultimately, investing in a quality waterproof glove is essential for enjoyable skiing experiences.

Caring For Leather Gloves

Leather gloves require occasional maintenance to preserve their moisture resistance and longevity. Treatments like Sno-Seal or Nikwax Waterproofing Wax can help protect leather from moisture absorption, ensuring long-lasting performance. Additionally, gloves with removable liners offer added versatility and ease of drying, enhancing their lifespan and comfort.

Dexterity

While warmth is important, dexterity is also a crucial consideration for many skiers. Gloves with heavy insulation may sacrifice dexterity, making tasks like adjusting gear or using electronic devices challenging.

Mittens, while offering superior warmth, may further limit dexterity due to their design. Finding a balance between warmth and dexterity is essential, with high-end gloves often offering tailored fits and pre-curved shapes for optimal performance.

Fit and Sizing

Achieving the right fit is essential for maximizing warmth and dexterity. Most gloves and mittens use hand circumference measurements for sizing, but finger length may vary. It’s recommended to try on gloves before purchasing to ensure a proper fit.

Additionally, features like touch-screen compatibility, wrist cinches, and nose wipes can enhance usability and comfort on the slopes, providing added convenience and functionality for skiers of all levels.

Summing Up

And there you have it—the top contenders for ski gloves and mittens in 2024. Whether you prioritize warmth, durability, or versatility, there’s a handwear option to suit your needs. So, gear up, hit the slopes, and enjoy the ride with hands that stay warm and protected, no matter the conditions.