Reviews You Can Rely On

The 6 Best Ski Gloves of 2024

We tested men's ski gloves and mittens from Gordini, Hestra, Black Diamond, Outdoor Research, and others to find the best
gearlab tested logo
Best Ski Gloves Review (A new batch of gloves was added into this review in the early winter of 2022-23.)
A new batch of gloves was added into this review in the early winter of 2022-23.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
By Jeff Dobronyi, Ian Nicholson, Jeff Rogers, and Travis Poulin  ⋅  Oct 30, 2024

The Best Ski Gloves for 2024


Are you seeking the best ski gloves for your snow adventures? We have tested 74 pairs in the last eleven years. For this update, we pit 22 top gloves and mittens for skiing and snowboarding against each other. Our experts took these models on snow for rigorous examination. The trial grounds are the same places you will use your gloves — ski resorts, backcountry laps, cross-country, on snowmobiles, and ski mountaineering missions spanning across the US, Canada, and Europe. We also put them through controlled temperature and water-resistance tests. Hands-on experience with each pair informs our assessments, focusing on the areas of performance you care about most.

Whether you're searching for the best snowboard or looking for a new pair of ski goggles or ski jacket, our extensive reviews of ski and snow sports gear can help take the guesswork out of your purchases. Lady shredders, check out our review of the best women's ski gloves.

Editor's Note: We updated our ski glove review on October 30, 2024, to ensure our lineup is current and available for purchase ahead of the upcoming ski season. We also offer alternative recommendations in our award section.

Related: Best Ski Gloves for Women

Top 22 Ski Gloves - Test Results

Displaying 1 - 22 (scroll right)
 
Awards Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Ski Gloves
 Top Pick Award
Best Heated Glove
     Best Buy Award
Best Bang for your Buck
   Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Ski Mittens
 Best Buy Award
Best Bang For Your Buck Mitten
Top Pick Award
Best for Backcountry Use
      
Price $200 List
$129.99 at Evo
Check Price at REI
Compare at 2 sellers
$338.95 at Backcountry
Compare at 3 sellers
$89.83 at REI
Compare at 4 sellers
$164.95 at Backcountry
Compare at 4 sellers
$119.95 at Backcountry
Compare at 3 sellers
$400 List
$399.95 at Backcountry
Check Price at Backcountry
Compare at 3 sellers
$75 List
$74.97 at Amazon
Check Price at Amazon$149.95 at Evo
Compare at 3 sellers
$169.95 at Amazon
Compare at 2 sellers
$74.99 at Evo
Compare at 4 sellers
$56.83 at REI
Compare at 3 sellers
$64.95 at Amazon
Compare at 2 sellers
$49.99 at Evo
Compare at 4 sellers
$160 List
$159.95 at Evo
$31.99 at Evo
Compare at 2 sellers
$35.76 at Amazon
Compare at 3 sellers
$109.95 at Backcountry$30.99 at Evo
Compare at 2 sellers
$54.95 at Evo
Compare at 2 sellers
Overall Score Sort Icon
82
82
81
78
72
72
72
71
69
66
65
65
64
63
61
60
58
56
53
48
45
41
Star Rating
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Pros Warm, water resistant, durable, dexterous, lightweight and packableWaterproof, super durable, heavily featuredSuper warm, fully featured, waterproof, built to lastSuper warm, extremely tough, great weather resistance, removable liners help them dry quicker, our go-to expedition gloveTop-notch dexterity and durability, great for technical descents and rope handling, fantastic feelDexterous for its warmth, inside feels soft and cozy, durable, above average weather resistanceWarm even when unheated, watertight, durableGreat features, good dexterity, weather-proofWarm enough, weatherproof, reasonable priceWarm, weather resistant, comfortable, heavily featuredDexterous, lightweight, supple, packableDexterous, weather resistant, versatileIncredible warmth, weather resistant, durable, reasonable priceWarm, weather resistance, relatively inexpensiveWarm, great features, comfortable, inexpensiveDexterous, comfortable, perfect warmth level for touringWater resistant, durable, multiple color optionsInexpensive, heavily featuredSweet features, included pair of liner gloves, screen sensitive thumb and index finger, comfortable wider fitDexterous, comfortable, durable leatherTough, windproof, durableTough, waterproof, warm, dexterous for a mitt
Cons Expensive, lacks some featuresLacks some dexterity, could be warmerNot the most dexterous, expensiveNot very dexterous, take time to break in, if in between sizes you should consider sizing upNot as warm as other models, weather resistance requires more maintenance than other modelsExpensive, leather needs to be retreated slightly more than other modelsPoor dexterity, heavy, expensiveExpensive, not that warmPoor dexterity, slightly tight fit around the knucklesNot that dextrous, gauntlet rides up and out of sleevesNot very durable, marginal water resistanceBulky, small gauntlet, velcro strap isn't durablePoor dexterity, could have better featuresPoor dexterity, touchscreen fingertip not reliableNot dexterous, bulky and cumbersomeWet out easily, not warm enough for the resort, light on featuresPoor fit, not warm, bad dexterityDon't seem very durable, unimpressive dexterity, not as warm as expectedAverage dexterity and weather resistance, below average durability particularly on the palmNot warm, not waterproof, lacks featuresBulky stitching, not very warm, not waterproofSweats out easily, must apply Sno-Seal often to avoid soaking up water
Bottom Line With top-tier performance across the board, this glove is what we recommend to those seeking the best pairThese are excellent gloves for the worst winter conditions, and only come up short for dexterityWith three heat settings, these gloves will keep you warm in any winter weatherFor really cold activities, where giving up some dexterity for some serious warmth is a must, these gloves are hard to beatTough, offering optimal dexterity for almost any applicationA fantastic all-around winter glove; it's expensive but built to last, offering extra features to present a good overall valueA high-quality leather ski glove with battery-powered heatThis stylish and heavily featured glove is a good choice for everyday useA warm and fully featured ski glove for a great priceSolid all-around gloves with enough warmth and weather protection for most daysA decent performer providing a dexterous and lightweight alternative to double glovesWarm, comfortable, and weather resistant, these gloves perform well across the boardThese mitts provide extreme warmth and weather resistance at a good price, nailing the two most important aspects of ski mittensThese warm and protective gloves lack the versatility to be usefulA quality mitten that is super warm, comfortable, and relatively inexpensiveLightweight and dexterous gloves that are perfect for backcountry skiingThese average gloves aren't that warm or dexterous, but they do offer good weather resistance for a decent priceThese gloves don't match up to the best on the market, but they are a lot more affordableA solid glove at a great price, which offers a plethora of features and above average warmth, but only so-so durability and dexterityMinimalist, dexterous gloves for warm ski tours and ski alpinismTrendy and stylish, but lacking in key aspects of versatility for skiing, these gloves are solid winter work gloves, so don't hesitate if you're looking for that utilityA tough, trendy, and affordable choice for resort or backcountry skiing
Rating Categories Arc'teryx Fission SV Rab Khroma Freeride... Outdoor Research Pr... Black Diamond Guide Hestra Leather Fall... Hestra Army Leather... Black Diamond Solan... Hestra Army Leather... Gordini GTX Storm T... Swany X-Change Black Diamond Legend Outdoor Research Al... Black Diamond Mercu... Outdoor Research Ca... The North Face Mont... Black Diamond Tour Oyuki Sencho GTX Glove Gordini AquaBloc Do... Dakine Titan Hestra Ergo Grip Ac... Flylow Ridge Glove FlyLow Oven Mitt
Warmth (25%)
7.0
8.0
10.0
9.0
5.0
6.0
10.0
7.0
7.0
8.0
6.0
6.0
8.0
7.0
8.0
3.0
5.0
6.0
4.0
1
2.0
4.0
Dexterity (25%)
8.0
6.0
5.0
4.0
9.0
6.0
3.0
7.0
4.0
4.0
9.0
8.0
2.0
5.0
2.0
10.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
10.0
7.0
3.0
Water Resistance (25%)
10.0
10.0
9.0
9.0
7.0
8.0
8.0
7.0
8.0
6.0
7.0
7.0
8.0
7.0
7.0
5.0
7.0
6.0
6.0
2.0
4.0
4.0
Durability (15%)
8.0
9.0
8.0
9.0
9.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
8.0
7.0
4.0
5.0
8.0
6.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
5.0
4.0
8.0
6.0
7.0
Features (10%)
7.0
8.0
9.0
9.0
6.0
8.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
10.0
4.0
5.0
7.0
6.0
8.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
9.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
Specs Arc'teryx Fission SV Rab Khroma Freeride... Outdoor Research Pr... Black Diamond Guide Hestra Leather Fall... Hestra Army Leather... Black Diamond Solan... Hestra Army Leather... Gordini GTX Storm T... Swany X-Change Black Diamond Legend Outdoor Research Al... Black Diamond Mercu... Outdoor Research Ca... The North Face Mont... Black Diamond Tour Oyuki Sencho GTX Glove Gordini AquaBloc Do... Dakine Titan Hestra Ergo Grip Ac... Flylow Ridge Glove FlyLow Oven Mitt
Double or Single Glove Single Single Single Double Single Single Single Double Single Single Single Single Double Single Single Single Single Single Double Single Single Single
Gaunlet or Cuff? Gauntlet Gauntlet Gauntlet Gauntlet Cuff Gauntlet Gauntlet Gauntlet Gauntlet Gauntlet Cuff Cuff Gauntlet Gauntlet Gauntlet Cuff Cuff Gauntlet Gauntlet Cuff Cuff Cuff
Palm Material Leather Pittards Armor-Tan® Goat leather Water resistant goat leather Goat leather Impregnated cowhide aniline Army Leather (goat leather) Goat leather Goat leather Polyurethane Leather Sheep leather Goat leather Goat leather Goat leather Synthetic leather Goatskin leather Water resistant goat leather Rugged ripstop softshell, bluesign® approved Rubbertec Goatskin leather Cowhide leather Pigskin leather
Waterproof Material Gore-Tex Gore Tex Plus Warm Gore-Tex Gore-Tex insert Leather HESTRA Triton three-layer polyamide fabric, leather Gore-Tex Impregnated leather, polyamide Gore-Tex DryFinger II Gore-Tex Gore-Tex BD.dry Gore-Tex DryVent Pertex Shield Gore-Tex AquaBloc® insert Gore-Tex insert Gore-Tex Infinium SnoSeal beeswax SnoSeal beeswax
Insulation Type 133g Primaloft Gold Eco and 200g Primaloft Silver Eco Mapped Primaloft Gold 100g, Back of hand: Primaloft Gold 133g, Palm: Primaloft Gold grip control 133g, EnduraLoft 100% Polyester 333g/133g 170g PrimaLoft Gold and 100g boiled wool fleece lining Foam Fiberfill polyester Back of hand: 200g PrimaLoft Gold
Palm: 100g PrimaLoft Gold Eco
G-Loft Polyester Megaloft TriPlex Alpha 170g PrimaLoft Gold Back of hand: Primaloft Gold ECO 100g, Palm: VerticalX ECO 100% Polester (85% recycled) 170g 340 g PrimaLoft Gold, high-loft fleece 130 g/m2 VerticalX polyester Back of hand: 200 g/m2 VerticalX 100% polyester Back of hand: 250g Heatseeker Eco
Palm: 160g Heatseeker Eco
150g Fleece 200g Primaloft Gold Back of hand: 600-fill GooseDown, Palm: Megaloft® synthetic insulation Back of hand: 230g high-loft polyester fill
Palm: 110g high-loft polyester fill
Thin fleece lining Spaceloft Micropuff Spaceloft Micropuff
Nose Wipe? Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes No No No


Best Overall Ski Gloves


Arc'teryx Fission SV


82
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Warmth 7.0
  • Dexterity 8.0
  • Water Resistance 10.0
  • Durability 8.0
  • Features 7.0
REASONS TO BUY
Fantastic weather resistance
Excellent dexterity and comfort
Lightweight and very compressible
Can take a beating
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
No wrist cinch
SPECIFICATIONS
Gaunlet or Cuff? Gauntlet
Double or Single Glove Single
Palm Material Leather
Waterproof Material Gore-Tex
Insulation Type 133g Primaloft Gold Eco and 200g Primaloft Silver Eco
If we could only have one glove for hitting the slopes, the Arc'teryx Fission SV would be it. This is the all-around highest-performing glove we tested. Other gloves might be better for specific tasks, but nothing performs as well. This glove particularly excels in weather resistance, dexterity, and durability. We found it to be the most storm-proof glove on the market, with a Gore-Tex membrane and water-resistant materials. The fingers are packed with toasty insulation, yet they are still the most dexterous gloves that provide this level of warmth. Our lead tester used this glove for about 150 days before the leather on the fingers and palm started to wear out, which is excellent compared to other models on the market that tend to fall apart more quickly.

We have very little gripes about the Fission SV. It lacks an adjustable wrist cinch strap and offers only an internal elastic wrist strap to keep the glove tight on the hand. Our testers also found that this glove runs a bit large, so unless you plan to wear a thin liner underneath, we recommend sizing down from your regular glove size. These gloves are an excellent choice for most skiers and riders demanding the utmost weather resistance and dexterity. They are also perfect for snowshoeing and cold urban travel. They weren't the absolute warmest glove we tested, though, so if that's your main priority above all else, check out the Outdoor Research Prevail Heated Gore-Tex Gloves. They have much lower dexterity than the Fission but are heated to keep your hands extra toasty.

Read more: Arc'teryx Fission SV review

We tested the dexterity of the Fission SV in cold temps while getting ready and then took them to the resorts and backcountry.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi

Best Overall Ski Mittens


Black Diamond Mercury Mitt


64
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Warmth 8.0
  • Dexterity 2.0
  • Water Resistance 8.0
  • Durability 8.0
  • Features 7.0
REASONS TO BUY
Extremely warm
Bomber durability
High weather resistance
Relatively affordable
Includes insulated liner
REASONS TO AVOID
Low dexterity
No included wrist leash
SPECIFICATIONS
Gaunlet or Cuff? Gauntlet
Double or Single Glove Double
Palm Material Goat leather
Waterproof Material BD.dry
Insulation Type 340 g PrimaLoft Gold, high-loft fleece
The Black Diamond Mercury Mitt is the best overall mitten in our test group. Users who prefer mittens generally like their warmth, compared to ski gloves, and these are the warmest mittens on the market thanks to their insulated liners, fleece lining, and roomy hand cavity where fingers can share warmth. They are also effective at sealing out liquid water, thanks to a waterproof membrane and large gauntlets. The construction is solid as well, promising a long life. We also like the additional features like the hanging loop for quicker drying and the comfortable nose wipe patch.

The obvious drawback with mittens is that you can't use your individual fingers, and the Mercury Mitts are no exception. They have the worst dexterity of any model we tested. When warmth is the main concern, dexterity might take a backseat, but these mitts are hard to use for even the most basic tasks, like zipping up a jacket or buckling boots. They don't include a wrist leash, so they can potentially get lost when removed, which is bound to happen often due to their lack of dexterity. With that in mind, most folks seek mittens because they find gloves too cold. If that's you, these are the best mittens we've ever tested. If you can tolerate less water resistance and want to save some cash, check out the The North Face Montana Ski Mitts below.

Read more: Black Diamond Mercury Mitt review

The Mercury Mitt in action.
Credit: Jackie Kearney

Best Bang for your Buck


Gordini GTX Storm Trooper II


69
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Warmth 7.0
  • Dexterity 4.0
  • Water Resistance 8.0
  • Durability 8.0
  • Features 9.0
REASONS TO BUY
Warm enough
Versatile
Bomber construction
Inexpensive
Good weather resistance
REASONS TO AVOID
Tight fit around the knuckles
Lackluster dexterity
SPECIFICATIONS
Gaunlet or Cuff? Gauntlet
Double or Single Glove Single
Palm Material Polyurethane
Waterproof Material Gore-Tex
Insulation Type Megaloft
In the outdoor industry, products tend to come and go, but the Gordini GTX Storm Trooper II has been around for a long time, and we hope it stays that way. Our testers are continually impressed by how well this glove can hang with the high-end competition while costing significantly less. They cost about ten bucks more than the inexpensive The North Face Montana Ski Mitts, but performed better in most metrics (except warmth — it's hard for a glove to beat the warmth of a mitten). Our tests proved the Storm Trooper is more than capable of meeting the needs of the average resort skier. It features a lot of leather for the price, boosting its longevity into multiple ski seasons. It's also very waterproof — we never experienced cold or wet hands in these gloves.

We found these gloves warm enough for most days at the ski resort during our testing, but they can't compare to other well-insulated or heated models like the Outdoor Research Prevail. The Gordini GTX Storm Trooper II packs insulation around the fingertips, which hinders dexterity for general tasks and rules out fine motor skills, like opening small zippers or searching for items in pockets. We'd recommend a more dexterous glove like the Black Diamond Legend for users with more refined dexterity needs, like on-snow professionals or parents. Still, given the price, these drawbacks are minor, and we recommend the Storm Trooper to anyone needing high-performance gloves at a bargain price.

Read more: Gordini GTX Storm Trooper II review

The Gordini GTX Storm Trooper II is weather-proof and warm, for a great price.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi

Best Bang For Your Buck Mitten


The North Face Montana Ski Mitts


61
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Warmth 8.0
  • Dexterity 2.0
  • Water Resistance 7.0
  • Durability 7.0
  • Features 8.0
REASONS TO BUY
Very warm
Affordable
Super comfortable
REASONS TO AVOID
Poor dexterity
Bulky
SPECIFICATIONS
Gaunlet or Cuff? Gauntlet
Double or Single Glove Single
Palm Material Synthetic leather
Waterproof Material DryVent
Insulation Type Back of hand: 250g Heatseeker Eco
Palm: 160g Heatseeker Eco
If you're looking for a toasty, comfortable pair of mittens that fits into a tighter budget, The North Face Montana Ski Mitts are an affordable option worth considering. They score only a little lower than the Black Diamond Mercury Mitt but are half the price. The lofty synthetic insulation and fleece lining combine to provide impressive comfort and plenty of warmth for those uber-cold days. The nylon shell fabric is coated with a DWR (durable water repellant), and these mitts feature a DryVent waterproof membrane that keeps moisture from penetrating along with a gauntlet cuff that can be cinched closed to keep out the elements. They also come loaded with useful and user-friendly features like a soft nose wipe, elastic wrist leashes, a wrist cinch strap, and a touchscreen-compatible thumb material.

A major disadvantage with any mitten is lack of dexterity, and the Montana Ski Mitts are among the least dexterous we've tested. Due to their design and relative bulk, you'll probably have to take off these mitts for practically any tasks involving fine motor skills. That said, most folks seeking the warmth and comfort of a mitten are aware of this issue and willing to accept the tradeoff in dexterity for happy hands. Either way, these are a great pair of mittens that will keep your digits toasty on the coldest days without breaking the bank. If you're in the market for a basic version that's even more affordable than these, check out the Flylow Oven Mitt.

Read more: The North Face Montana Ski Mitts review

ski gloves - the north face montana ski mitts are at home on the slopes on cold...
The North Face Montana Ski Mitts are at home on the slopes on cold days.
Credit: Sam Willits

Best Heated Glove


Outdoor Research Prevail Heated Gore-Tex Gloves


81
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Warmth 10.0
  • Dexterity 5.0
  • Water Resistance 9.0
  • Durability 8.0
  • Features 9.0
REASONS TO BUY
Battery-powered warmth
Durable and well-built
Great weather resistance
Surprisingly Dexterous
REASONS TO AVOID
Bulky
More expensive than non-heated gloves
SPECIFICATIONS
Gaunlet or Cuff? Gauntlet
Double or Single Glove Single
Palm Material Water resistant goat leather
Waterproof Material Gore-Tex
Insulation Type EnduraLoft 100% Polyester 333g/133g
The Outdoor Research Prevail Heated Gore-Tex is packed full of performance in every metric that we test. It has three battery-powered warmth settings to keep you warm all day on the slopes and plenty of insulation to keep you toasty if the batteries die. It has excellent construction quality, protecting your investment, and the gloves effectively seal out unwanted water and snow from the outside environment. Dexterity is what sets these gloves apart from the competition. Other heated gloves are generally clumsy in the fingers, but in the Prevail, we can use our fingers to perform detailed tasks. That helps these gloves edge out the competition. They also have all the features we could ask for in a quality glove.

Unsurprisingly, adding batteries and heating elements to a pair of gloves comes at a cost, and the Prevail Heated Gore-Tex gloves aren't exactly cheap. Check out the Black Diamond Guide if you want the warmest option that doesn't require recharging and won't break the bank. On the other hand, they are less expensive than some other gloves we tested, and we feel they perform better. The price might be a deterrent, but these gloves could be the ticket for those with chronically cold hands or who ski in particularly cold climates.

Read more: Outdoor Research Prevail Heated Gore-Tex review

ski gloves - the prevail's is a great pair of gloves for any cold winter...
The Prevail's is a great pair of gloves for any cold winter endeavor, and their battery-powered heat is an added bonus.
Credit: Jackie Kearney

Best for Backcountry Use


Black Diamond Tour


60
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Warmth 3.0
  • Dexterity 10.0
  • Water Resistance 5.0
  • Durability 7.0
  • Features 4.0
REASONS TO BUY
Excellent dexterity
Soft, comfortable leather
Surprisingly durable
Good warmth for active use
REASONS TO AVOID
Not super waterproof
Light on features
SPECIFICATIONS
Gaunlet or Cuff? Cuff
Double or Single Glove Single
Palm Material Goatskin leather
Waterproof Material Pertex Shield
Insulation Type 150g Fleece
The Black Diamond Tour is a backcountry-specific glove with minimal insulation and a light set of features. It's perfect for skinning, bootpacking, and ski descents in warmer conditions, but it doesn't pack enough punch for most resort skiing. It has a soft fleece lining and a proprietary waterproof/breathable membrane, both of which our tests found effective enough for the backcountry, where your body heat is enough to keep your hands warm and dry. However, these gloves don't offer enough protection in cold winds and driving snow at the ski resort where others like the Black Diamond Mercury Mitt are made to shine.

Other options we tested offer an extensive feature set, but these gloves only have a nose wipe and a keeper clip. Though that might not seem like much, we found these are the only features we really need in the backcountry. The gloves are also surprisingly durable, given their soft leather construction. Usually, our professional testers burn through leather gloves quickly, but these gloves are still going strong after an extensive test period.

Read more: Black Diamond Tour review

The Black Diamond Tour has good dexterity and warmth for backcountry skiing, even in snowy weather.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi

Compare Products

select up to 5 products to compare
Score Product Price
82
Arc'teryx Fission SV
Best Overall Ski Gloves
$200
Editors' Choice Award
82
Rab Khroma Freeride Gore-Tex Gloves
$180
81
Outdoor Research Prevail Heated Gore-Tex Gloves
Best Heated Glove
$340
Top Pick Award
78
Black Diamond Guide
$180
72
Hestra Leather Fall Line
$165
72
Hestra Army Leather Gore-Tex
$190
72
Black Diamond Solano Heated
$400
71
Hestra Army Leather Heli
$160
69
Gordini GTX Storm Trooper II
Best Bang for your Buck
$75
Best Buy Award
66
Swany X-Change
$130
65
Black Diamond Legend
$150
65
Outdoor Research Alpinite Gore-Tex Glove
$170
64
Black Diamond Mercury Mitt
Best Overall Ski Mittens
$120
Editors' Choice Award
63
Outdoor Research Carbide Sensor
$120
61
The North Face Montana Ski Mitts
Best Bang For Your Buck Mitten
$65
Best Buy Award
60
Black Diamond Tour
Best for Backcountry Use
$85
Top Pick Award
58
Oyuki Sencho GTX Glove
$160
56
Gordini AquaBloc Down Gauntlet Glove
$70
53
Dakine Titan
$80
48
Hestra Ergo Grip Active
$115
45
Flylow Ridge Glove
$55
41
FlyLow Oven Mitt
$55

ski gloves - lead tester jeff dobronyi at home in the teton backcountry, hard at...
Lead tester Jeff Dobronyi at home in the Teton backcountry, hard at work testing ski gloves and guiding skiers.
Credit: Sam Willits

How We Test Ski Gloves


To find the best ski gloves and mitts available, we started by digging deep into the market. After extensive research of high-quality and popular gloves, we purchased the most intriguing models and sent them to our expert testers. Then we thoroughly used and evaluated each pair and scored them in key performance metrics. We tested warmth by riding chairlifts and skiing in the Cascades, Alps, Wasatch, British Columbia, Jackson Hole, and Northeast US, as well as working in the field with avalanche forecasting teams. We tested dexterity by buckling our boots, writing notes with the gloves on, tying boot laces, and unlocking car doors. We also tested water resistance by dunking the gloves in a bucket of water for two minutes and comparing the results. For more about our testing, see our How We Test article.

We use five rating metrics in our ski glove testing:
  • Warmth (25% of total score weighting)
  • Finger dexterity (25% weighting)
  • Water and weather resistance (25% weighting)
  • Overall durability (15% weighting)
  • Key features (10% weighting)

Why Trust GearLab


IFMGA Mountain Guide Jeff Dobronyi leads our test team for this comparative review. Jeff leads skiers on powder safaris worldwide to the best resorts, sidecountry freeride runs, and backcountry ski tours. He logs over 120 days on skis each year and needs gloves that will keep his hands warm and keep water out. He goes through a few pairs of gloves each season and knows which gloves will last and which will fall apart after a few weeks. From rappelling into steep couloirs to digging snow pits and skiing deep powder day after day, Jeff's gloves take a beating.

Testing the Arc'teryx Fission SV on a cold January day.
Testing the Arc'teryx Fission SV on a cold January day.
Wetting out in the Legend gloves after relatively few days of...
Wetting out in the Legend gloves after relatively few days of employment.
Spraying while wearing the Mercury Mitts.
Spraying while wearing the Mercury Mitts.

Analysis and Test Results


As consumers, we have high expectations of our gloves. Gloves and mittens create a haven for our hands and protect them from the harsh bite of winter air. We rely on our gloves to keep our sensitive fingers warm and sheltered from the elements while resort riding or touring. We don't want them to be too bulky or cumbersome, yet we don't want to sacrifice weather resistance or warmth. If the gloves can perform in all conditions and be versatile across many outdoor sport disciplines, even better.

ski gloves - ski glove purchase decisions are dependent on how cold it is, where...
Ski glove purchase decisions are dependent on how cold it is, where you ski, or snowboard, how wet it is, and your needs in dexterity, durability, and ease of use.
Credit: Joshua Cole

All of the gloves featured in this review are great products that stand above the vast majority of the market offerings. A low score in our review doesn't mean that the glove is unworthy of your attention. We had to be picky to find the best of the best. All scores are relative to the other products reviewed, and each performance metric is weighted relative to its general importance, which produces an overall score.


What's the Best Value?


Every skier has a budget, and although we strive to test gear without regard for price, we also make a note of products that score above or below what we think is reasonable, given their price. While many of the best gloves are also the most expensive, there are a few options that provide excellent performance at a lower price than similar products. We bought several promising, affordable gloves, and the Gordini GTX Storm Trooper II impressed us the most. It covers the bases better than any model in its price range. It keeps our hands warm and dry and has displayed excellent durability. Similarly, The North Face Montana Mitts are a super warm, comfortable, and fully-featured pair of mittens that rival the performance of more expensive options at a much lower price.

ski gloves - field testing ski gloves in colorado.
Field testing ski gloves in Colorado.
Credit: Laraine Martin

In general, the less expensive gloves have less of a focus on durability and dexterity in their materials and construction. When treated properly, real leather should last longer than synthetic fabrics, especially in high-use areas like the palms and fingertips. Genuine leather is also more expensive, which means you'll have to pay more for higher-quality gloves. Warmth is usually correlated with price, as more insulation makes a glove more expensive. Water resistance can be achieved without using expensive Gore-Tex or similar membranes, although, in general, Gore-Tex gloves proved more weatherproof in our tests than the less expensive alternatives.

ski gloves - the rab khroma freeride gore-tex is an excellent ski glove that...
The Rab Khroma Freeride Gore-Tex is an excellent ski glove that competes with the best of them, and costs a bit less.
Credit: Sam Willits

It takes skilled garment designers to put all of the components together in a warm, waterproof, and durable glove without sacrificing dexterity. We were impressed by the Arc'teryx Fission SV because it combines all of the performance attributes into a comfortable and streamlined glove that is a pleasure to wear. However, you'll pay for this performance. The warmest gloves on the market have battery-powered internal heating devices, which are nice for early mornings on the slopes and during the winter's coldest days. These gloves are universally more expensive than even the most pricey unheated model.

ski gloves - the fission sv excelled in a variety of conditions and lasted a long...
The Fission SV excelled in a variety of conditions and lasted a long time. As such, it is a great value despite its high price tag.

Warmth


Every skier and rider demands a different level of warmth from their gloves or mittens. Some people run cold and are always taking breaks to warm up their hands. Other people can ski all day wearing no more than leather work gloves. Skiers and riders in wetter climates, like the rainy Pacific Northwest or Atlantic Northeast, need gloves that will repel water and remain breathable on warmer days. In contrast, skiers in the drier, colder climates, like the Rocky Mountains, need a lot of warmth for below-zero temperatures.


We spent over 100 days skiing and snowboarding in these gloves with a backpack full of contenders, cycling through them all day. Testers also wore different gloves on each hand during the same runs and chairlift rides to make a true side-by-side warmth comparison. We tested palm insulation by holding ice axes and ski poles on cold ski tours.

ski gloves - testing warmth during a high-altitude traverse.
Testing warmth during a high-altitude traverse.
Credit: Ian Nicholson

Except for the heated gloves (more on that below), the warmest glove we tested was the Black Diamond Guide. Tester Ian Nicholson used them to summit two mountains over 20,000 ft above sea level and never changed into his mittens despite summit temperatures as low as -42F. The Gordini Storm Trooper II, Fission SV, Swany X-Change, and Outdoor Research Carbide Sensor also provide enough warmth for our testers on cold winter days at a ski resort. On the other hand, the Black Diamond Tour has little more warming capabilities than your average leather work glove, and are best used by backcountry skiers who create heat while climbing uphill. The Hestra Ergo Grip Active has no insulation at all.

ski gloves - the resounding favorite among our testers, the fission sv provides...
The resounding favorite among our testers, the Fission SV provides enough warmth for all but the coldest days in the mountains.

Mitten Warmth

This one was pretty easy to determine. We found the Black Diamond Mercury Mitt to be the top dog by a wide margin. The North Face Montana Mitt is nearly on par in terms of warmth with a similar overall design, lofty insulation, and cozy fleece lining. Both mitten options are warmer than most of the unheated glove options.

ski gloves - mittens provide more warmth than gloves. if you get cold hands...
Mittens provide more warmth than gloves. If you get cold hands easily or ski in very cold climates, mittens might be the right choice for you.
Credit: Ian Nicholson

Heated Glove Warmth

Many manufacturers now offer gloves that produce heat electronically instead of solely retaining your hand's natural warmth. We've tested several over the years, and the Outdoor Research Prevail Heated is our current favorite. These kinds of gloves usually have three heat settings. The lowest settings generally last all day on a full charge, while the highest setting usually drained the batteries within a couple of hours during our tests. Heated gloves are able to take our hands from numb to warm in a matter of minutes at the press of a button. Some of our testers preferred to blast the heater on high for a few minutes and then turn them off to save battery power.

ski gloves - the heated solano gloves in action. we usually use the low setting...
The heated Solano gloves in action. We usually use the low setting, which keeps our hands warm and preserves the battery.

Dexterity


To test dexterity, we skied in the gloves all day and attempted to perform every necessary task without removing them. We also performed objective tests by doing a series of side-by-side tasks to make clear distinctions between products. These tasks included reaching into pockets for car keys, attaching lift tickets to pockets, using zippers, adjusting goggles on a helmet, lacing up winter boots, tying climbing knots with rope, and writing legibly with a pen on paper.


The Hestra Ergo Grip Active easily wins the dexterity category with its thin fingers and nonexistent insulation. This glove is specific for backcountry users on the warmest days of the ski season. We also love the Black Diamond Tour for dexterity, which features excellent tailoring and soft leather for ideal grip. The Hestra Leather Fall Line also provides plenty of dexterity and slightly more insulation. We were impressed by the dexterity of the relatively warm Black Diamond Legend, but the supple leather on the fingers and palm wore out quickly. The Fission SV is close behind, with great dexterity and none of the aforementioned downsides. That balance is a significant reason why the Fission SV is our top choice overall.

ski gloves - the hestra ergo grip active is one of the most dexterous winter...
The Hestra Ergo Grip Active is one of the most dexterous winter gloves we've tested.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi

Among the warm mitts, The North Face Montana and the Black Diamond Mercury Mitts both make major sacrifices in dexterity for the warmth they provide. The nature of mitten designs is the primary cause, with one cavernous space for the fingers that simply doesn't allow the fingers to manipulate anything independently, like gloves. The lofty insulation is also quite bulky, making fine motor tasks much more challenging. Both of these mittens need to be removed for most tasks. If you need the warmth of a mitten but don't want a heated option and require some dexterity, the BD Guide Glove is almost as warm as a mitten.

ski gloves - jussi tahtinen with the hestra army leather showing that its...
Jussi Tahtinen with the Hestra Army Leather showing that its dexterity is up to the task while climbing ladders out of the Pas de Chèvres, Switzerland.
Credit: Ian Nicholson

Water Resistance


In some climates, like the Pacific Northwest and the Northeast, water is encountered regularly. In others, like the Rocky Mountains, dry snow is the norm. We wore each glove in wet weather in Washington and British Columbia and tested for water resistance using a 2-minute submersion test in a water bucket. The best gloves kept all liquid water out of the interior chamber and resisted soaking in the outer shell fabric. The worst performers soaked through quickly and lack an adequate waterproof membrane.


The Fission SV and Rab Khroma Freeride are the most water-resistant gloves we tested. Their softshell exterior and sturdy leather easily repel water droplets, and their Gore-Tex membranes prevent any water from penetrating the interior of the glove. A large gauntlet and cinch cord further sealed out the elements. We were also impressed by the weather resistance of the Black Diamond Guide. The Montana and Mercury mitts also performed well during water resistance testing and kept water out completely.

ski gloves - here we are testing the different models during our two-minute...
Here we are testing the different models during our two-minute “bucket of water” test.
Credit: Ian Nicholson

Aside from the fabric itself, water can also enter a glove through the wrist opening. Most gloves in our review feature a large wrist gauntlet with a drawstring closure that overlaps with a jacket's wrist cuff, making a formidable defense against water trying to enter the glove. This gauntlet, as seen on the Mercury Mitt, BD Guide, Fission SV, Rab Khroma, Swany X-Change, and OR Prevail, can be worn on the outside or the inside of a jacket sleeve.

ski gloves - the swany x-change has a large storm gauntlet that easily cinches...
The Swany X-Change has a large storm gauntlet that easily cinches over the cuff of any hardshell jacket.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi

Durability


We measured durability based on our experiences with each model. We punished these products during the testing period with daily and prolonged use over multiple ski seasons when possible. We also utilized valuable input from dozens of other users and OutdoorGearLab friends.


We're continually impressed with Hestra's offerings, which feature high-quality materials and excellent design and craftsmanship, model after model. Other impressive gloves are the Black Diamond Guide, Rab Khroma, and Arc'teryx Fission SV. All have burly leather exteriors and stood up to whatever our testing team tossed their way. Regarding the budget-friendly options, the Gordini GTX Storm Trooper II provides impressive longevity, and the inexpensive Black Diamond Tour was surprisingly durable, given its soft and supple leather.

Well-tailored fingers and low-profile leather reinforcements of the...
Well-tailored fingers and low-profile leather reinforcements of the Fission SV make this one of the most dexterous of the warm gloves that we tested.
The goat leather palm is soft and supple, yet quite durable.
The goat leather palm is soft and supple, yet quite durable.

We were disappointed in the Black Diamond Legend's durability, which has incredibly supple palm leather, but wore down and developed holes quickly. This was a bummer because if the leather were a bit more durable, the Legend would be a top contender.

After relatively gentle use, the Legend already showed signs of wear...
After relatively gentle use, the Legend already showed signs of wear on the palm during our test period, including holes in the leather and thin spots.
The thick pigskin leather of the Ridge Glove should help them last...
The thick pigskin leather of the Ridge Glove should help them last several seasons.

Features


Ski gloves come with a set of features that augment the glove's performance and make your day more convenient and comfortable on the ski hill. We inspected and used all of the features on each glove to get a good idea of which had a robust set of tools and which were bare-bones. We compared features such as gauntlet or cuff closures, wrist cinches, nose wipes, wrist leashes, clips, and heating elements. We also noted if the gloves came with liners.


ski gloves - the nose wipe on the bd mercury mitt is soft and comfortable.
The nose wipe on the BD Mercury Mitt is soft and comfortable.
Credit: Jackie Kearney

We were impressed with the Mercury Mitt's thoughtful design, including features like a wrist cinch, nose wipe, and removable liners. We also liked the set of features found on the BD Guide. Surprisingly, the Gordini Storm Trooper II also packs a full set of features, including a nose wipe, wrist cinch, thoughtful gantlet, and clips.

Phones are now baked into our daily lives, and the glove market has recognized that many people are using their phones on the slopes and have started providing touchscreen-compatible gloves. The liners of the Dakine Titan are touchscreen compatible. Many gloves claim to include sensitive pads on the tips of the forefingers, but in our tests, cold phone screens and even colder gloves had a hard time getting along.

ski gloves - a large wrist gauntlet and a nylon pull strap are useful features.
A large wrist gauntlet and a nylon pull strap are useful features.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi

How to Choose The Best Ski Gloves


Finding a pair of gloves can feel overwhelming, with so many options on the market. To help narrow down your choices, we've put together a few key buying considerations that summarize our more complete Buying Advice article.

What Materials Should You Choose?


Ski gloves come in various natural and synthetic materials, the main idea being protection from the elements. Leather is great for its durability but takes more maintenance to keep its waterproofing. For those who work in their gloves, leather is a popular choice, but synthetics tend to offer more dexterity and can provide better breathability. Synthetic gloves are often cheaper than high-quality leather gloves but typically don't last as long. If you're having a hard time choosing between the two, consider how important the longevity of your gloves is and how often you plan on using them. Leather will work best as a daily driver, but synthetic is cheaper and can be just as waterproof in many cases.

ski gloves - a water-resistant shell can be especially important in wet climates...
A water-resistant shell can be especially important in wet climates and extra damp days.
Credit: Amber King

How Important is Waterproofing?


While most ski gloves will have some level of waterproofing, deciding how much is necessary will largely depend on your climate and use on the hill. For those in wetter climates, a good pair of Gore-Tex style gloves becomes necessary, while someone in a drier climate may opt for more insulation than ultimate waterproofing. To narrow your choices, consider your climate and how much time you spend using your gloves in the snow, whether working or playing.

Does Cuff Style Matter?


The decision between gauntlet vs undercuff style gloves is largely a personal preference, but the cuff of your jacket is also a factor. If you prefer to keep your gloves tucked under your cuff, undercuff-style gloves can feel more comfortable and provide better dexterity. Gauntlet-style cuffs are best for folks who want to avoid any chance of snow creeping into your glove by using a cinch over the sleeve of your jacket. When deciding between the two, factor in the size of your jacket's cuffs and make a call on whether your glove could reasonably fit under your jacket cuff.

How Much Dexterity Do You Need?


If you work in the elements, have to tend to your kids on the slopes, or just prefer more dexterity while on the mountain, finding gloves with mobility can be a high priority. Generally, thicker gloves are warmer but have less dexterity. Striking a balance between warmth and dexterity is key to finding a suitable glove on the slopes.

ski gloves - for tasks like tying shoes, you'll want a dexterous glove.
For tasks like tying shoes, you'll want a dexterous glove.
Credit: Jeff Dobronyi

Conclusion


With so many ski gloves and mittens on the market, it can be daunting to try to find the best pair for your needs. Our expert testers sorted through the field and tested the best of the best. They assessed each pair's strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to easily find the best glove or mitten for your preferences and your budget. From light and dexterous gloves for warm spring days to heavily insulated options for the coldest winter ski trips, there is something in this review for everyone. We'll see you on the slopes.

Jeff Dobronyi, Ian Nicholson, Jeff Rogers, and Travis Poulin