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Ski gloves may all look similar, but subtle design differences can make or break your day on the slopes. The best pair will keep your hands warm enough for a whole day, be water-resistant for spring days above freezing, and provide enough dexterity to zip your jacket or unlock your car.
We've been reviewing the best ski gloves and mittens since 2013 and have tested more than 75 pairs to date. For this review, we compare 17 of the pairs side by side to help you find the perfect pair for your needs and budget. We test at ski resorts, on backcountry tours, on cross-country skis, snowmobiles, and on mountaineering expeditions around the world. We also put each pair through controlled in-house tests to measure insulation and water resistance.
The best overall ski glove is the Arc'teryx Fission SV. These gloves are incredibly warm and waterproof, while still allowing enough finger mobility to zip up your jacket.
Our favorite pair of mittens is the Black Diamond Mercury Mitt, which scores high for warmth and water resistance but, like all mittens, falls short on dexterity.
Editor's Note: We updated our ski glove review on April 15, 2026, after retesting our top gloves from Arc'teryx and Black Diamond and adding new gloves from The North Face and Outdoor Research.
If we can only have one pair of ski gloves, the Arc'teryx Fission SV are it. Other gloves might be better for specific uses, but nothing performs as well across the board as the Fission SV. This glove particularly excels in weather resistance, dexterity, and durability. It's the most stormproof glove we've tested, thanks to a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane and water-resistant shell fabric. It's packed with insulation yet is more dexterous than any other glove that offers this level of warmth. Our lead tester used this glove for about 150 days before the leather on the fingers and palm showed signs of heavy wear, which is excellent longevity compared to other similar gloves on the market. As long as you size them correctly, few gloves can compete with the Fission SV – they're burly enough for the most demanding weather conditions, and comfortable enough for cold walks around the city.
SPECIFICATIONS
Double or Single Glove
Single
Gauntlet or Cuff
Gauntlet
Palm Material
Leather
Inner Glove Material
Alpenex II
Waterproof Material
Gore-Tex ePE
We have very few gripes about the Fission SV, but the most important issue is that many of our testers have had trouble sizing these gloves correctly. “My only quibble with this glove is the unisex sizing,” explains one of our testers, Chris Maxcer. “I found that the XL fit much more snugly than most other XL gloves I've worn. I suggest you measure your hands to ensure the right fit.” For all of our praise, it's important to note that these aren't the warmest gloves we tested. The non-heated Black Diamond Guide are more insulated, while the battery-powered Outdoor Research Prevail Heated Gore-Tex Gloves are the absolute warmest gloves in our lineup.
We've tested multiple pairs of the Fission SV gloves over several years, and all of our testers agree: they tick all of the boxes for awesome ski gloves. Credit: Ethan Maxcer
The Black Diamond Mercury Mitt is the best overall mitten in our test group. Folks who prefer mittens generally do so because they're often warmer than ski gloves. And thanks to their insulated liners, fleece lining, and roomy fit, these are the warmest mittens on the market. The Mercury Mitt is 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, such as the hanging loop for quicker drying and the comfortable nose-wipe patch on the thumb. Our lead tester says, “These mittens are a lifesaver for cold hands on the most miserable days of winter.”
SPECIFICATIONS
Double or Single Glove
Double
Gauntlet or Cuff
Gauntlet
Palm Material
Goat leather
Inner Glove Material
Recycled fleece
Waterproof Material
BD.dry
We found that the Mercury Mitt has the worst dexterity of all our contenders (even compared to other mittens). Dexterity may take a back seat when warmth is the primary concern, but these mitts are hard to use even for the most basic tasks, like zipping up a jacket or buckling boots. One tester said, “I have to take these mittens off to do anything with my fingers.” They lack a wrist leash, increasing the odds of dropping them from the chairlift when you have to pull them off. If you don't need maximum warmth or weather resistance and want to save some money, check out the The North Face Montana Ski Mitts. The Black Diamond Guide is a thick glove that is almost as warm as the Mercury Mitt, but offers a touch more dexterity.
The North Face Montana Ski Gloves are among the warmest and most comfortable gloves we've tested. But perhaps more importantly, it's one of the most affordable, making it a great choice for resort skiers on a budget. If you tend to have cold hands, you might be wary of inexpensive ski gloves. “These Montana gloves impressed me,” admits Chris, one of our testers. “I was amazed by how warm they kept my fingers while skiing in Idaho, even in cold, windy conditions.” The gentle precurve on the fingers feels natural when resting your hands on a chairlift bar, and gripping ski poles is easier with these gloves than with most inexpensive alternatives. The waterproof membrane kept our hands dry while skiing through a day of sleet, and extra insulation kept them toasty. The wrist gauntlet is also insulated and wide enough to pull over coat sleeves, yet flexible enough to tuck under them, depending on your preference. The wrist cinch seals out cold drafts, and the included wrist leash will help you avoid dropping these gloves from a chairlift.
SPECIFICATIONS
Double or Single Glove
Single
Gauntlet or Cuff
Gauntlet
Palm Material
55% Polyester, 45% polyurethane faux leather
Inner Glove Material
100% Recycled polyester Raschel fleece
Waterproof Material
DryVent
Relatively speaking, the dexterity of the Montana Ski Gloves is excellent. We could open our phones and tap apps with the Etip-compatible thumb and index finger. But fine work like texting was impossible, and the puffy insulation on the fingers meant it often took a few tries to grab zippers. The faux leather palm isn't nearly as durable as other gloves with multiple layers of leather, but it's hard to argue with that decision, considering the price point of the Montana gloves. The Gordini GTX Storm is built similarly to the Montana but with better reinforcement coverage on the fingers and palm, improving durability. The Outdoor Research Revolution Gore-Tex is not quite as warm but offers a bit more water resistance, which makes it perfect for early-season and spring skiing when temperatures are warmer, and the snow is a bit wetter. That said, whether you're skiing, snowboarding, sledding, walking your dog in winter, or shoveling the driveway, the Montana is still the glove we recommend to friends and family as the best overall value, without hesitation.
If you're looking for a toasty, comfortable pair of mitts that fits into a tighter budget, The North Face Montana Ski Mitts is an affordable option worth considering. They score only slightly lower than the Black Diamond Mercury Mitt, but are half the price. The lofty synthetic insulation and fleece lining combine to deliver impressive comfort and plenty of warmth on uber-cold days. The nylon shell fabric is coated with a durable water-repellent (DWR), and these mitts feature a DryVent waterproof membrane that keeps moisture out. The last physical barrier against the elements is a gauntlet cuff that can be cinched closed around your jacket. They also come loaded with convenient, user-friendly features, including a soft nose wipe, elastic wrist leashes, a wrist cinch strap, and a touchscreen-compatible thumb material. Overall, we were pleasantly surprised by this mitten, and our lead tester remarked, “I'm content to wear these mittens on mellow days at the ski hill during average temperatures.”
SPECIFICATIONS
Double or Single Glove
Single
Gauntlet or Cuff
Gauntlet
Palm Material
Synthetic leather
Inner Glove Material
Raschel fleece
Waterproof Material
DryVent
By design, mittens offer less dexterity, and the Montana Ski Mitts are among the least dexterous we've tested. Users will likely have to remove them for practically any task that requires fine motor skills, given their design and relative bulk. However, most people who want the warmth and comfort of mittens are aware of this trade-off and are willing to accept it for happy hands. If the lack of dexterity is a dealbreaker, but you like the looks and specs of this mitten, The North Face also has the Montana Ski Gloves we recommend. Nevertheless, 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.
The Outdoor Research Revolution Gore-Tex absorbed less water than other sub-$100 gloves we tested, making it a great value for folks who regularly ski in sleety conditions. “These are the gloves I chose most often for spring skiing, when conditions were a bit sloppy,” Chris said. They're a bit lighter and nearly just as warm as The North Face Montana Ski Gloves, but even more water resistant. The nylon outer is highly water-resistant, and even if these get saturated, the waterproof Gore-Tex membrane prevents water from reaching your hands. Extra insulation on the backs of your hands keeps them warm, while slightly less insulation around the fingers improves dexterity. Even though they felt lightweight, our hands were comfortably warm while zooming down ski runs on chilly, windy days when the temperature dropped below 20°F.
Finger mobility is fantastic in these gloves, but the puffy insulation makes fine dexterity hit-or-miss. We could open up our phones with the touchscreen-compatible index fingertip and take a photo or make a call, but little else. Unlike similar gloves, the insulation on the Revolution Gore-Tex compresses, so we could push key fobs to open vehicles and even lace up or adjust boots. While these gloves shed water well, they're not the warmest for the price. The North Face Montana Ski Gloves are a bit larger and warmer, which makes them a better option for colder weather. However, if your hands generally run warm, the Revolution Gore-Tex is a great choice, and would suit anyone well as a lightweight glove for spring skiing.
The OR Revolution Gore-Tex gloves are surprisingly warm for their weight, and dexterous enough to easily grab zippers and phones from pockets. Credit: Ethan Maxcer
The warmest non-heated ski gloves we tested are the Black Diamond Guide. If your hands don't typically get cold, these rugged leather gloves are admittedly overkill for your typical day at the resort. They are Black Diamond's warmest option, designed for high-altitude mountain guides, ski patrollers, and expedition backcountry skiers. Still, for recreational resort skiers, it's hard to argue with how well the goat leather palm grips ski poles, and how the utilitarian construction shrugs off the sharp edges of skis or a board. If you're unsure about the working-glove look, the Arc'teryx Fission SV offers a trimmer, more stylish vibe while remaining nearly as rugged, almost as warm, and just as water-resistant. It's important to point out that while the Guide glove's shell isn't fully waterproof, the insulated Gore-Tex liner is. And thanks to the permeable Gore-Tex membrane, the removable liners stay fairly dry, even when working up a sweat. But if the liners do get saturated, we appreciate how we can remove them to speed up drying.
The biggest drawback to the burly Guide glove is the lack of dexterity. “I love the feel of the blended wool liners, but the thick insulation around my fingers makes it hard to even zip up my jacket,” our tester, Chris, admits. There is no electronic compatibility in the fingertips of these gloves, so you'll have to take them off to use your phone. And the Guide doesn't include a wrist leash, so if you do take them off on the lift, you'll have to be extra careful not to drop them. “Still, if your hands tend to run cold like mine,” Chris says, “the tradeoffs are well worth it. These are the gloves I want for frigid ski days at my home mountain in Idaho.” While the Guide gloves are quite warm, the battery-powered Outdoor Research Prevail Heated Gore-Tex Gloves are even warmer. Of course, that's only as long as the batteries last. If you plan to be outside in frigid temperatures longer than that, the Guide gloves are hard to beat.
The Outdoor Research Prevail Heated Gore-Tex delivers across every metric we test, except dexterity. This battery-powered glove has three warmth settings and plenty of insulation to keep you toasty if the batteries die. The tightly sewn seams and high-quality outer effectively seal out unwanted moisture, and the Gore-Tex lining kept our hands dry during a dunk test. Our lead tester sings their praises, saying, “These gloves are impervious to wet weather, which makes them seem even warmer.” With leather reinforcements on the thumbs and fingertips, you can count on these gloves to hold up under heavy use.
SPECIFICATIONS
Double or Single Glove
Single
Gauntlet or Cuff
Gauntlet
Palm Material
Water resistant goat leather
Inner Glove Material
100% polyester fleece (320 g)
Waterproof Material
Gore-Tex
Due to the amount of insulation, the Prevail Heated Gore-Tex isn't very dexterous. If you're looking for a heated glove that frees up your fingers, the Outdoor Research Sureshot Heated Softshell is a better choice. While that heated softshell glove is much more dexterous, unlike the Prevail, it's not waterproof. The Savior Heat Rechargeable gloves cost half as much as either of the expensive Outdoor Research options. Although they deliver outstanding warmth, their construction quality isn't as impressive, and they aren't waterproof. For the warmest option that doesn't require recharging, check out the Black Diamond Guide. The price of heated gloves might scare away some potential buyers, but for folks with chronically cold hands or who ski in particularly cold climates, it may well be worth investing in the Outdoor Research Prevail.
The Outdoor Research Sureshot Heated Softshell gloves are exceptionally dexterous, which is unique among heated gloves – we could adjust ski helmets, goggles, and hoods with ease. The touchscreen-compatible fingertips are sensitive enough to make tapping out quick, rudimentary texts on a phone possible (though admittedly still annoying). “I was surprised by how lightweight the Sureshot gloves feel,” Chris said. “I felt like I could actually grip my ski poles, and could easily grab treats out of my jacket pockets for a quick snack on the chairlift.” Powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, the Sureshot features a heating element with three heat settings. The batteries will last up to 2.5 hours on high, about 5 hours on medium, and up to 8 hours on low. The medium setting kept our hands toasty warm above 20°F, and thanks to the softshell construction, we never had to take our gloves off.
SPECIFICATIONS
Double or Single Glove
Single
Gauntlet or Cuff
Gauntlet
Palm Material
Synthetic leather PU
Inner Glove Material
Fleece: 94% polyester, 6% Spandex and Tricot
Waterproof Material
2 L woven nylon
The biggest drawback of the Sureshot is that when the batteries run out, the warmth does too. Unlike the Outdoor Research Prevail Heated Gore-Tex, which is packed with extra insulation, the softshell Sureshot has comparatively little insulation. For long days on the mountain, you might need to consider buying some extra batteries, because the lithium-ion batteries also take hours to recharge. You could consider a premium non-heated glove like the Arc'teryx Fission SV, which is both super-warm and surprisingly dexterous. Comparatively, the Sureshot's dexterity is even a bit better than the Fission SV's, which we see as a boon for parents of young skiers and snowboarders (imagine adjusting your children's gear without taking your gloves off!) If you live or work in a particularly cold climate and still want to use your fingers effectively, these heated gloves are for you.
The Savior Heat Rechargeable is one of the most affordable heated gloves on the market, making it a good choice for folks with cold hands and tight budgets. The heating element provides gentle warmth on the lowest setting and scorching heat on the highest. As with most electrically heated gloves, the main draw is warmth, but the Savior's collection of useful features sets it apart from other budget models. The gauntlets offer full coverage and are easy to cinch down around jacket sleeves, and a hook-and-loop adjustment allows you to get the wrist fit nice and snug. The battery lasts about as long as other heated gloves on the market, and our lead tester noted that “the touchscreen-compatible fingertips are super useful,” another positive attribute.
SPECIFICATIONS
Double or Single Glove
Single
Gauntlet or Cuff
Gauntlet
Palm Material
Sheep leather
Inner Glove Material
Wool, cotton
Waterproof Material
Wind and water-resistant polyester with unspecified impermeable layer
During testing, the main issue was the lack of weather resistance. In our submersion test, these gloves became waterlogged in less than 2 minutes. The fingers didn't have enough dexterity to get our keys out of our pockets, but we could at least zip our jackets and buckle our ski boots. Even though we had no issues during our initial test period, we have doubts about the quality and durability of the sheep-leather palms. If you're considering heated gloves but are put off by their steep price, these offer a solid compromise. That said, you can get a non-heated option like the cozy Leki Xplore XT 3D for a similar price, which is quite warm and more dexterous than the Savior. However, if you have chronically cold hands, the Savior might still be your best bet; just don't let them get wet.
The trade-off for this budget-friendly heated glove is that it's hardly water-resistant, which makes it reasonable only for drier climates. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
The Black Diamond Tour is a backcountry-specific glove with minimal insulation and a light feature set. It's perfect for skinning, bootpacking, and ski descents in warmer conditions, but it doesn't pack enough warmth for most resort skiing. It has a soft fleece lining and a proprietary waterproof and breathable membrane, both of which our testers found effective enough for staving off the cold – as long as they were on the move. However, these gloves don't offer enough protection against cold winds and driving snow, both of which you regularly encounter when sitting still on a chair lift. A classic leather glove like the Hestra Leather Fall Line is a much better option for the resort. They are also surprisingly durable, given their soft leather construction. Usually, our testers burn through leather gloves quickly, but the BD Tour is still going strong after an extensive test period.
SPECIFICATIONS
Double or Single Glove
Single
Gauntlet or Cuff
Cuff
Palm Material
Goatskin leather
Inner Glove Material
150 g fleece
Waterproof Material
Pertex Shield
Compared to other gloves we tested, the features on the Tour are pretty minimal, with only a nose wipe and a keeper clip. That might not seem like much, but we found these are the only features we really need in the backcountry. The Hestra Ergo Grip Active is a similar glove with even less insulation, and we know plenty of people who ski the backcountry with the Flylow Ridge. If you are looking for good dexterity for the backcountry but a bit more warmth, the Black Diamond Legend is a good choice. But given the options, our lead tester and IFMGA ski guide, Jeff Dobronyi, says, “These are my go-to gloves nearly every day of the winter I'm out ski touring.”
The BD Tour is dexterous and water-resistant enough for backcountry skiing (unless you're regularly digging in the snow). But it's not nearly as warm as any of the other gloves we tested. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Product Comparison Table
The perfect pair of gloves or mittens is the one that keeps your hands warm, dry, and comfortable, so you can focus on having fun! Credit: Chris Maxcer
How We Tested
We selected the best ski gloves and mitts available and sent them to our expert testers, who thoroughly used and evaluated each pair and scored them against key performance metrics. We tested warmth by riding chairlifts and skiing in the Cascades, the Alps, the Wasatch, British Columbia, Jackson Hole, Idaho, and the Northeast US. We tested dexterity by buckling our boots, writing notes, tying our boot laces, and unlocking car doors. We tested water resistance by dunking the gloves in a bucket of water for two minutes and comparing the results. And we compared the gloves directly to assess the construction quality and functionality of their feature sets.
We use five rating metrics in our ski glove testing:
Warmth (25% of total score weighting)
Dexterity (25% weighting)
Water and Weather Resistance (25% weighting)
Construction Quality (15% weighting)
Features (10% weighting)
For more details on our testing, see our How We Test article.
Our testing process includes both subjective assessments while skiing, and objective tests at home to closely examine every aspect of each pair of gloves and mittens.
Why Trust GearLab
IFMGA Mountain Guide Jeff Dobronyi leads our test team. Jeff guides other skiers and snowboarders worldwide, exploring the best resorts, side-country freeride runs, and backcountry ski tours. He logs over 120 days on skis each year and typically goes through a few pairs of gloves each season. From riding lifts to rappelling into steep couloirs, Jeff's gloves take a beating. Over the years, he has learned which will last and which will fall apart after a few weeks.
Lead tester and IFMGA guide Jeff Dobronyi is at home in the mountains, logging around 120 days per year on skis. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
He's joined by GearLab Review Editor Chris Maxcer. Chris is an avid resort skier with a decade of experience reviewing ski gear and clothing. He lives in Idaho, where the weather can vary from sunshine to sleet to bitter cold, so Chris understands what everyday skiers need in a ski glove. And because his hands tend to run cold, he's hard to impress.
Chris Maxcer is equally at home on the slopes near his home in northern Idaho. Credit: Chris Maxcer
How to Choose Ski Gloves
Finding a pair of gloves can feel overwhelming, with so many options on the market that look so similar. Below, we answer a few common questions based on key considerations to help you narrow down your choices.
Leather can be durable, but it requires regular maintenance to keep it waterproof. For those who work in their gloves, leather is a popular choice, but synthetics tend to offer greater dexterity and 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 longevity is to you and how often you plan to use them. Leather will work best as a daily driver, but synthetic is cheaper and can be just as waterproof in many cases.
While most ski gloves have some level of waterproofing, deciding how much is necessary largely depends on your environment. For folks who live in wetter climates, it's all but necessary to have a good pair of Gore-Tex layered gloves, while someone in a drier, colder climate may opt for a more insulated glove. To narrow your choices, first consider your climate, then think about how much time you use your gloves in dry versus wet snow. (Think skiing on the resort versus shoveling the sidewalk.)
The decision between gauntlet- and undercuff-style gloves is largely a matter of 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 are the way to go. Gauntlet-style cuffs are best for folks who want to avoid any chance of snow creeping into their gloves, as they usually offer a cinch that you can tighten over the sleeve of your jacket. When deciding between the two, consider the size of your jacket's cuffs and whether your glove could reasonably fit under (or over) them.
If your work exposes you to the elements, you have to tend to your kids on the slopes, or you just prefer more dexterity 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.
We look closely at the durability, waterproofing, design, and dexterity of each glove we test.
Analysis and Test Results
As consumers, we have high expectations of our gloves, and there is a lot to consider before buying. First off, know that all of the gloves featured in this review are great products that already 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 by its general importance to produce an overall score.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
While many of the best gloves are also the most expensive, there are a few options that deliver excellent performance at a lower price point. The North Face Montana Ski Gloves impressed us the most of the affordable gloves we tested. The Montana is warm, water-resistant, and surprisingly durable, making it a great glove for parents trying to outfit a family on a budget. Similarly, The North Face Montana Mitts are super warm, comfortable, and fully featured, rivaling the performance of more expensive options at a fraction of the cost.
Packed with ski-friendly features like an insulated gauntlet and soft nose wipe, The North Face Montana Ski Gloves are an outstanding value. Credit: Chris Maxcer
Some budget-friendly gloves skimp on technology, but the Outdoor Research Revolution Gore-Tex includes a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane. While other brands have proprietary waterproof membranes that perform relatively well, Gore-Tex remains the leading name brand. Additionally, the outer shell of the Revolution glove resists water better than most similarly priced options. It's a great glove for late-season spring skiing, when the temperature is warmer, and the snow is wetter.
While heated gloves tend to be very expensive, the Savior Heat Rechargeable stands out as a budget-friendly option. It features the same battery-powered heating system as similar designs we tested, but at half the cost of premium models. While the tradeoff is dexterity and water resistance, for your average skier who suffers from cold hands, it's an admirable alternative.
The Savior Heat Rechargeable gloves offer battery-powered warmth at a relatively low price, but there are some significant trade-offs. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Warmth
To most users, the primary function of ski and snowboard gloves is to keep the hands warm. Some skiers need gloves for extremely low temperatures, while others just need warmth for an average winter day on the slopes. A number of things come into play when figuring out how warm a glove will be and how warm a glove you need. Insulation type, cuff style, and glove vs mitten are all factors that make a difference.
Non-Heated Gloves
The warmest non-heated glove we tested was the Black Diamond Guide. One of our testers used these gloves to summit Denali and Aconcagua, both mountains over 20,000 feet. Despite summit temperatures as low as -42ºF, he never changed into his mittens.
Features of the Top 4 Non-Heated Gloves
Type
Removeable Liner?
Insulation
Black Diamond Mercury Mitt
Mitten
Yes
PrimaLoft Gold Cross Core
Black Diamond Guide
Glove
Yes
PrimaLoft One
Leki Xplore S
Glove
No
Primaloft
The North Face Montana Ski Mitts
Mitten
No
The North Face Heatseeker Eco
While that's an extreme example, the Arc'teryx Fission SV, The North Face Montana Ski Gloves, and Leki Xplore XT also provide enough warmth for our testers on cold winter days at the ski resort. All of these gloves include key features that generally improve warmth: a large gauntlet to seal drafts, and high-quality insulation to trap the heat your hands give off.
The Leki Xplore S are among the warmest gloves on the market, and are less expensive than other gloves with the same amount of insulation. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Heated Gloves
Many manufacturers now offer gloves that generate heat electronically rather than simply capturing and retaining your hand's natural warmth. Heated gloves are the only models that can take our hands from numb to warm in minutes with the press of a button. These heated gloves usually have three settings – we usually set the heat to high to warm our hands up, then drop the power to medium or low to conserve battery life for all-day use.
The OR Sureshot heated gloves were able to maintain temperatures reaching into the 70s on their highest setting. Credit: Chris Maxcer
At full power, all the heated gloves we tested kept our hands incredibly warm. However, the Outdoor Research Prevail Heated is the best of the bunch because its heating element is backed by insulation – if the batteries die, your hands won't freeze. The Outdoor Research Sureshot Heated Softshell, on the other hand, is only marginally insulated. When it ran out of battery, our hands got cold quickly. For full days on the mountain, we recommend investing in an extra set of batteries. The Savior Heat Rechargeable is just as warm and costs half as much as either OR glove, but it isn't constructed to the same level of quality.
The light-up logo on the OR Prevail indicates the heat setting. Credit: Jackie Kearney
Mittens
The Black Diamond Mercury Mitt is the top dog for mittens by a wide margin. It features a whopping 340 grams of PrimaLoft Gold insulation packed into a removable liner mitt for unsurpassed warmth. However, the budget-friendly The North Face Montana Mitt shouldn't be ignored. Its lofty insulation and cozy fleece lining impressed us by keeping our fingers comfortable on frigid ski days. Both mittens are noticeably warmer than all but the very best unheated glove options we tested. If you don't require the dexterity of a glove, mittens are a great option for anyone whose hands tend to run cold.
The Black Diamond Mercury Mitt is the warmest mitten on the market. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Dexterity
There's no point in wearing warm ski gloves if we have to take them off every five minutes in the winter cold to zip jackets, buckle boots, and take photos. Dexterity measures each glove's ability to allow the user to perform basic tasks without removing their gloves or mittens. To test dexterity, we wore the glove through a full day of skiing and attempted to perform every necessary task without removing it. We also conducted objective tests by performing a series of side-by-side tasks to clearly distinguish between the products. These tests included reaching into pockets for car keys, attaching lift tickets to pockets, using zippers, adjusting goggles on a helmet, lacing up boots, tying climbing knots with rope, and writing legibly with a pen on paper.
The Black Diamond Tour notched our top scores for dexterity. It features excellent tailoring and soft leather for an ideal grip. However, it's important to note that this glove is designed for backcountry skiers. It has very little insulating capability, so hands stay warm in these gloves only if you're working hard while on the move. Consequently, it's not a great glove for typical resort skiing, where waiting in lift lines and riding chairlifts is the norm.
The well-construction soft leather with minimal insulation makes the Black Diamond Tour great for adjusting ski gear in the backcountry. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
If you're willing to invest in a heated glove, the Outdoor Research Sureshot Heated is a form-fitting, stretchy softshell glove that's more dexterous than most other bulky ski gloves. Thanks to the electronic heating element, these gloves were easy to move and kept our fingers warm in temperatures down into the teens. We could easily dig snacks out of our pockets, adjust our goggles, and tie our boots, all without taking our gloves off. Thanks to touchscreen-compatible finger and thumb tips, we could also tap out text messages and navigate simple apps.
The stretchy Outdoor Research Sureshot Softshell Heated gloves make it easy to pinch small zippers. Credit: Chris Maxcer
Among the warmer insulated gloves, the Arc'teryx Fission SV offers the greatest dexterity, followed closely by the Leki Xplore XT, primarily due to its precision-sewn leather fingers. We could easily zip, buckle, and adjust helmets and goggles without exposing our hands to the cold. Two inexpensive gloves with plenty of puffy insulation surprised us: The North Face Montana Ski Gloves and the Outdoor Research Revolution Gore-Tex. Both feature flexible fabrics, and the lofty insulation on the Revolution Gore-Tex, in particular, easily compresses under our fingertips to feel small zippers. Fine-motor-skill tasks that took 1-2 tries with the best of the best were still achievable in 3-4 tries with these budget gloves.
Some gloves, like the OR Revolution Gore-Tex shown here, have puffy insulation that compresses, which makes them more dexterous than they might appear. Credit: Chris Maxcer
Water Resistance
In some climates, wet weather is encountered regularly while skiing. In others, dry snow is the norm. We wore each glove in soggy conditions and tested its ultimate waterproofing by dunking each pair in a bucket of water for two minutes. The best gloves resist soaking through and never allow water to touch your hands. The worst performers soak through quickly.
The Arc'teryx Fission SV was the most water-resistant glove in our dunk test. It absorbed little water after being submerged for two minutes, but it also has an edge over the similarly performing Black Diamond Guide: The Fission SV's gauntlet is fully waterproof while the Guide's gauntlet is only water-resistant. In frozen, snowy conditions, you can expect these two waterproof gloves to perform the same. But once the snow begins to melt, or there's any chance of encountering liquid water, we recommend the Fission SV over the Guide gloves due to its complete coverage.
The water-resistant exterior fabric on the Arc'teryx Fission SV absorbed some water, but the inner waterproof Gore-Tex membrane kept our hands dry. Credit: Chris Maxcer
One of the more affordable, most water-resistant gloves is the Outdoor Research Revolution Gore-Tex. Its fabric shell resisted water absorption better than most other budget options, while its Gore-Tex liner kept any water from reaching our hands during the dunk test. Thanks to its lightweight shell, we especially like the Revolution Gore-Tex for spring skiing. If you're looking for a waterproof, heated glove, your best option is the Outdoor Research Prevail Heated Gore-Tex. Again, the trick here is the high-quality Gore-Tex membrane – the softshell exterior started to absorb a bit of water during the dunk test, but no water ever touched our hands.
Most “waterproof” ski gloves contain a waterproof membrane inside their construction, but the outer shells are not waterproof. Water can saturate the shells and reduce the gloves' warmth in sleet or rain, even if the inner layer technically keeps water out. Credit: Chris Maxcer
Aside from the fabric itself, snow can also enter a glove through the wrist opening. Most gloves in our review feature a large gauntlet with a drawstring closure designed to overlap with a jacket's cuff. Sometimes this gauntlet is oversized, like on the Black Diamond Mercury Mitt, and can be pulled up over the jacket sleeve. Other gauntlets, such as those on The North Face Montana gloves, are flexible or compressible enough to fit under the sleeve. This is particularly useful in wet weather, where the jacket can do most of the work of keeping water out of the glove.
Gauntlets, like the ones on the Leki Xplore S, actually help seal out snow, and many can fit under ski jacket sleeves if the snow turns to rain. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Construction Quality
We punished these gloves and mittens during our testing period. Daily and prolonged wear – over multiple ski seasons, when possible – helps us judge durability based on construction quality. We also gathered valuable input from dozens of other users and OutdoorGearLab friends.
When it comes to ski gloves, you do tend to get what you pay for. All premium gloves priced above $150 tend to exhibit outstanding construction quality. We were most impressed with the Black Diamond Guide glove. The extensive goat leather palm and fingers are supple with pre-curved fingers that are harder to shape and sew. Better yet, many of the stitches are double-stitched, which is a strong indicator of commitment to quality and long-term durability. This really is a professional-class glove. Although it's not quite as durable as the Guide glove, the quality of the Black Diamond Mercury Mitt is just as top-notch. One tester pair has been going strong for nearly a decade of regular use.
Black Diamond's burly professional-grade Guide Gloves use goat leather with plenty of double-row stitched seams to improve durability. Credit: Chris Maxcer
The Arc-teryx Fission SV is outstanding as well, featuring perfectly straight, tightly stitched seams. The attention to detail around the fingertips is one reason this glove has topped our dexterity charts for multiple years. We're continually impressed by Hestra gloves, such as the Hestra Army Leather Heli. From model to model, this brand's gloves and mittens feature high-quality materials, excellent design, and craftsmanship.
Tight seams help protect threads from wear and tear, increasing longevity in the Arc'teryx Fission SV. Credit: Chris Maxcer
Regarding budget-friendly options, the Outdoor Research Revolution Gore-Tex and The North Face Montana are built to last years – casual skiers are sure to get several dozen trips out of these gloves thanks to their high-quality construction. The Outdoor Research Prevail Heated Gore-Tex and Sureshot Heated Softshell gloves are several steps above cheaper heated options like the Savior Heat. These premium models feature high-quality battery connections and controls, as well as excellent fabric choices and stitching.
While the lightweight fabrics used in the OR Heated Sureshot Softshell might not hold up as well as leather, the batteries, precise connections, and easy-to-push buttons inspire confidence. Credit: Chris Maxcer
Features
Ski gloves come with features that enhance performance and make your day on the ski hill more convenient and comfortable. 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.
The Outdoor Research Prevail Heated Gore-Tex gloves not only come with key ski-friendly features like a soft nose wipe, wrist leash, and wrist cinch, but they're also heated by rechargeable batteries, have three heat settings, and ship with a mesh carrying bag to help you contain the included charger and international power plug adapters.
We're big fans of wrist leashes, like these on the Montana Ski Gloves. They let us remove our gloves on ski lifts without fear of accidentally dropping them. Credit: Ethan Maxcer
The non-heated Swany X-Cell gloves are particularly impressive. They include wrist-cinch straps, gauntlets, handwarmer pockets, removable leashes, clips, pull tabs, and touchscreen-compatible leather, which is uncommon. (Most leathers are not compatible with phone touchscreens.) The Hestra Army Leather Heli, and the Black Diamond Guide and Mercury Mitt all feature removable liners, which can help gloves dry faster after a long day out.
The Swany X-Cell has tons of thoughtful design features, including large gauntlets with a handy tab to pull them on easily. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
The North Face Montana Ski Gloves cover the basics well, too, giving skiers on a budget a soft nose wipe, wrist leashes, gauntlets, wrist cinches, and even touch screen compatibility. The affordable Gordini GTX Storm offers the same features as the Montana gloves but also includes a zippered hand-warmer pocket, which we like to use on the coldest ski days. The Leki Xplore XT features a unique small cord loop that clips onto compatible Leki poles in lieu of pole straps.
The Leki Xplore S gloves have a loop that clips into select Leki poles instead of pole straps. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
A Notes About Touchscreen Gloves
Many gloves claim to include sensitive pads on the tips of the forefingers, but in our tests, cold phone screens and even colder gloves sometimes have a hard time getting along. Gloves that swipe and tap buttons at room temperature can get finicky in cold weather, especially when water droplets get on screens. The included liner gloves of the Dakine Titan are touchscreen-compatible, which helps mitigate this problem: you'll have better dexterity with a thin, liner glove, and you won't have to worry about trying to swipe your phone with a wet glove.
The Swany gloves, like the X-Cell here, have impressive touchscreen compatibility, even through their leather fingertips. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
Other Gloves and Mittens to Consider
Many top brands produce a variety of gloves and mittens to suit the spectrum of conditions you'll face in the winter. So instead of just a handful of good ones, we have dozens of high-quality gloves and mittens to consider. Here are some of the great gloves we tested that didn't make our lineup:
Hestra Army Leather Gore-Tex - These gloves are ridiculously durable, making them a great choice for anyone who tends to rip or tear their gloves up. The included wrist-keeper leashes let you take off the gloves without fear of dropping them, which is important because they're far from the most dexterous ski gloves we've tested. If you want warmth and dexterity, consider the Arc'teryx Fission SV instead.
Black Diamond Legend - This leather-focused glove is remarkably supple, which makes it super comfortable to wear all day. However, all that suppleness lacked the durability we expect from a premium glove. For recreational resort skiers, it's a great upgrade from typical inexpensive nylon gloves; just know it's not as burly as the name might suggest.
Swany X-Change - There's a lot to like about this feature-rich glove, starting with its great insulation backed up by a zippered hand-warmer pocket. But we were annoyed by the gauntlets, which tend to move or scrunch up when you move your arms. The Swany X-Cell shares the same basic design as the X-Change, including the handy heat-holder pocket, but the all-leather X-Cell is more durable with a stiffer gauntlet.
Outdoor Research Alpinite Gore-Tex Glove - These somewhat bulky leather ski gloves are more dexterous than they appear. The downside is that the supple fingertips blew out faster than we expected. For a longer-lasting leather glove, consider the rugged Black Diamond Guide or Hestra Army Leather Gore-Tex.
Gordini AquaBloc Down Gauntlet Glove - These gloves are a solid value for casual skiers on a weekend trip, but they aren't warm enough for seriously cold or windy days. The down insulation is too compressible, making it no more effective than comparably thin synthetic insulation. The Gordini GTX Storm is a better buy – it's warmer and more durable than this glove.
MCTi SkiPro Classic On-Piste - These inexpensive gloves are surprisingly warm for a price point that's a fraction of most ski lift tickets. As could be expected at the very low price point, the construction quality and durability don't compare to gloves that cost twice as much, but they can get the job done for casual use — particularly if that use is sledding for a couple of hours. The waterproofing isn't particularly impressive, so for wetter conditions, it might be smarter to invest in a glove like The North Face Montana.
Hestra Ergo Grip Active - These lightweight leather gloves are made for ski touring or Nordic/cross-country skiing. They're windproof but have flexible, breathable fabric across the back of the hand. If you like the idea of a thin, dexterous glove, check out the Black Diamond Tour, which is a touch warmer and more water-resistant.
Flylow Oven Mitt - As close to a cult classic as you can get, these leather mitts are an inexpensive favorite. You can wear them alone, but we like them best when paired with thin liner gloves. While the durability is outstanding, the oven mitt-like construction is pretty basic — and short. If you're constantly thrashing your mittens, these are a great option. Otherwise, for a few dollars more, the synthetic Montana Ski Mitts from The North Face are much more insulated and water-resistant.
Hestra Leather Fall Line - These durable, under-the-cuff gloves have excellent dexterity. They're not the warmest, but we were happy to use a pair for precise tasks in temperatures down to 20°F. As a full-leather glove, the Fall Line requires you to wax it a few times a year to keep it supple and water-resistant: a process many people will want to pass on. You'll lose out on dexterity, but the Black Diamond Guide is a much warmer option at the same price point.
Outdoor Research Carbide Sensor - The interior synthetic fleece lining is cozy, but the overall dexterity of this leather glove is mediocre due to the bulky insulation and a less-than-ideal fit. We'd opt for the Leki Explore XT at the same price point, or step up to the burlier Black Diamond Guide, especially if your hands tend to run cold.
Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski 3-Finger Mitt - The lobster claw design splits the difference between a super warm mitten and a more dextrous glove. Like other leather gloves, these gloves need to be waxed a few times per season to maintain waterproofing. The Black Diamond Mercury Mitt lacks the lobster claw forefinger, but they're so warm you might be willing to take them off more often for small tasks.
Marmot Ultimate - It is undeniably a high-quality glove, with meticulous construction that we very much appreciate. It's just not very warm, considering the price. The closest comparison is the Arc'teryx Fission SV, which we would choose over the Ultimate every time.
Dakine Scout - This is a versatile glove at a competitive price, especially considering that it includes a liner. The Scout is a very reasonable option for the occasional skier, but The North Face Montana Gloves are more durable.
Hestra Power Heater Glove - This is an excellent heated glove, but it is incredibly expensive. We have a hard time justifying the price, given the other options on the market, such as the equally effective but less expensive Outdoor Research Prevail Heated Gore-Tex. The one thing that the OR Prevail lacks compared to the Hestra Power Heater is dexterity. But if that's your aim, we recommend the even more affordable Outdoor Research Sureshot Heated Softshell.
The Hestra Army Leather Gore-Tex gloves perform well across the board, and are a perennial favorite for many skiers. Credit: Jeff Rogers
After relatively gentle use, the Black Diamond Legend already showed signs of wear on the palm during our test period, including holes in the leather and thin spots. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
The Swany X-Change includes a handy zippered stash pocket that's big enough for a hand warmer. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
At a bargain price point, the MCTi SkiPro Classic On-Piste include all the key features we expect to find in a good ski glove. Credit: Jeff Dobronyi
The quality is outstanding throughout the well-designed Marmot Ultimate Ski Glove, just not the raw warmth we want for the coldest ski days. Choose this glove for active bluebird days and spring skiing. Credit: Jeff Rogers
Conclusion
With so many ski gloves and mittens on the market, finding the best pair for your needs can be daunting. Our expert testers sorted through the field and tested the best of the best. They assessed each pair's strengths and weaknesses, making it easy to find the best glove or mitten for your preferences and 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. See you on the slopes.
If you're looking to upgrade your skis or snowboard or searching for the final pieces of your winter wardrobe, our extensive reviews of snow sports gear can help take the guesswork out of your purchases.
