The Best Ski Gloves of 2026

Seeking a balance between a streamlined yet warm, waterproof, and super durable ski glove? Introducing the LEKI Xplore XT ($140), which is among our favorite models we’ve pulled on. Topped with Primaloft insulation, this waterproof-windproof hand shield is a great everyday driver for the hill. For how svelte this design is, we’re surprised that our fingers hardly ever get cold. Temperatures need to plummet — around 10 degrees F — or the scene is ravished by harsh gusts for us to swap out to mittens.

We like the hybrid material choice: 100% goatskin leather is on the back of the hand, palm, and Velcro wrist belt for durability and protection. The tops of the digits and gauntlet are a pliable synthetic blend. We’re only starting to see the seams wear out at the tips of the fingers after several seasons.

These gloves are among LEKI’s designs with the Trigger System, a small integrated loop between the thumb and forefinger that clips into LEKI ski poles, so you can ditch ski pole straps altogether. If you prefer a wrist guard, the loops on the Xplore are no downfall, as they are minimal enough that you can’t feel them.

On the back, you’ll find a zippered pocket for ventilation or tucking a hand warmer on those coldest days. The leash is elastic, easy to pull on and off, and has kept us from dropping or misplacing our pair. Simply put, the Xplore ski gloves are a great-fitting, high-performance choice. Compared to our other top picks, these are warm and take up a bit more real estate than the Dakine Impreza GORE-TEX but are not as robust and oven-worthy as the Swany X-Cell.

The North Face Montana Ski Gloves ($65) are warm, resort-focused gloves for skiers who prioritize insulation and value over dexterity. GearJunkie contributor Heather Balogh Rochfort tested the gloves during a weekend of skiing at Aspen Snowmass. Conditions ranged from a sunshine-filled, 41 degrees Fahrenheit day to a chillier 25 degrees Fahrenheit day with moderate wind and light snowfall. That spread clearly showed where the gloves work best and where their limits begin.

Aside from an excellent low price, warmth is the Montana Gloves’ biggest strength. They use thick synthetic insulation made from recycled materials, with more packed on the back of the hand where we lose the most heat. A soft fleece lining adds to the coziness against bare skin. In practice, that insulation mapping worked well. On the colder day on the slopes, hands stayed warm while skiing, riding lifts, and standing around between runs. Balogh Rochfort has terrible circulation and usually prefers mittens, so this was notable. But the warmth had its limits. At one point, she removed the gloves to help her kiddo with ski boots, and her hands were quite slow to warm back up. For that reason, we wouldn’t recommend these for temperatures below 25 degrees Fahrenheit.

At the other end of the spectrum, Balogh Rochfort cooked on the warmer, sunnier day. Her hands overheated and became noticeably sweaty, highlighting the gloves’ limited breathability. A waterproof insert effectively blocked snow and wind during light snowfall and kept hands dry on the outside, but internal moisture struggled to escape once temperatures soared.

Dexterity is a tradeoff. The gloves feel stiff, and Balogh Rochfort routinely removed them to perform fine-motor tasks like fiddling with boot buckles or pulling on zippers. The gloves boast a naturally curved finger shape designed to reduce fatigue, but she didn’t notice any actual relief. The wrist leash also felt too short, making it awkward to pull the glove back on while the leash was in use.

Still, the Montana Ski Gloves deliver strong value at this price point, especially for skiers seeking dependable warmth. If you don’t mind losing a bit of dexterity and breathability, the Montana offer great value. 

While the main body of the Flylow Super D ($135) is made with goatskin leather, we were pleasantly surprised at the low break-in period and supreme moldability of these ski gloves. While these aren’t the leanest and most dexterous ski gloves, they are for this level of warmth and waterproofness. Other more premium ski gloves like the LEKI Xplore are slightly more fitted, stiffer, and more durable. But for most days of the season, we found ourselves grabbing this pair unless the temps dropped below 10 degrees.

Inside, our hands rejoice. The Super D is lined with a brushed tricot polyester that’s super soft and cozy. But the 280 g of Greenloft insulation — the brand’s proprietary blend that’s made from 100% recycled polyester — that shields the dorsal and the 120 g that protect the palm is the real kicker for keeping our hands toasty enough. Likewise, we appreciate the seamlessly integrated 3mm foam pad that shields the knuckles.

The exterior leather is treated with a DWR in addition to a 10K/10K waterproof-breathable liner, so it was no wonder these gloves kept our hands dry. We also really love the generous nose-wipe patch. The smooth suede spans from the thumb’s tip to the basal joint and wraps all the way around the thumb pad.

The biggest drawback that Senior Editor Morgan Tilton experienced with these gloves was visible wear and tear after only four days of beacon brush-up, downhill skiing, shoveling and moving plywood. After a full season of use, though, it seemed that the breakdown was cosmetic, because the seams remain strong and no holes wore in. While the sizing is universal, the fit is also slightly on the roomy side, especially for the ring and pinky fingers.

Adding a few extra touches, the gloves have a tiny attachment clip for storage in your duffle, a hang loop on the finger for hanging cuff-side down after a pow day, and the wrist has an adjustable sliding strap to help cinch ‘er down.

For the uninitiated, Co-founders Dan Abrams and Greg Steen launched Flylow in 2005. Based in Colorado, the duo was determined to make backcountry ski pants, but their passion spiraled into other pieces of outerwear and we give a big stamp of approval for their ski gloves. Flylow really stepped up the glove lineup in the last couple of seasons, and the Super D is among our favorite pairs in the gear bin.

The LEKI Monterra Prime ($160) has made our ski glove dreams come true with the smoothest, most luxurious interior liner that’s hugged our digits. Micro Bemberg must be more than 100% polyester. We welcome the Monterra this winter season as LEKI’s first-ever backcountry ski gloves. The premium capsule was created with ultimate comfort and warmth in mind, which it has accomplished — but we weren’t expecting to feel so classy while roughing it in the outdoors. 

What’s more, the Monterra is 100% goatskin leather but feels supple out of the box, confirmed Senior Editor Morgan Tilton while riding at Crested Butte Mountain Resort. She could easily squeeze a fist, grab snowboard bindings, or hold ski poles with no resistance. Tilton appreciated the other exceptional touchpoints, including slender, soft nose wipes covering both thumbs, which were convenient for chilly days that dropped to 10 degrees on the chair lift. 

Modernized and phone screen operable, each thumb and index finger has conductive material. Throughout Tilton’s testing, the tip of the index finger and the underside of the thumb seemed to work best for pushing and scrolling. On the chair lift, she really liked the slender loops on each wide cuff, which made this undercuff design easy to pull on. The wide Velcro straps are strong and easy to grab. A narrow hang loop on each ring finger lets you clip and hang the gloves. Although it’s not widespread, the palm has honeycomb-shaped rubber to enhance grip. 

While we have not yet tested the Monterra Prime in the backcountry, it’s an equally solid choice for a resort kit. Tradeoffs? These ski gloves don’t include a wrist leash, nor do they have a GORE-TEX membrane — but those details also come at a higher cost. 

Otherwise, there’s no reason why we wouldn’t suggest snagging these toasty ski gloves with what’s likely the softest interior liner we’ve ever felt. Available in unisex or women’s specific sizes, Tilton opted for the women’s size 7, which was a great match (she typically wears a size small). If you prefer gauntlets to go over your cuffs, consider the LEKI Xplore XT 3D. Or, if you’re looking for a breathable backcountry glove for the ascent, check out the Outdoor Research Sureshot Pro. 

This warm five-finger wonder is streamlined and stylish for dexterity and good looks. The Dakine Impreza GORE-TEX Glove ($75) is a solid contender for most warm, moderate, and chilly days shredding at the hill. 

We love being able to easily grip our phone — that touchscreen capability works stupendously — and we appreciate the generous nose wipe on the thumb, all the way from the fingertip to the wrist, and a full 3-inch wrap at the widest point.

The slender, long gauntlet is easy to fit beneath jackets, and the wide Velcro strap quickly sticks in place. A plush fleece liner hugs the inside of the glove, a lovely welcome against the hand. There’s no wrist guard to ensure loss on the lift — so mindfulness is key.

Overall, the glove kept our hands warm until extreme windchill and temps dropped into the 10- to 20-degree range. Otherwise, our hands were stoked. The Hi-Loft insulation, which is 50% recycled polyester and 50% polyester, does the job. So does the waterproof GORE-TEX insert and PFC-free DWR treatment on the shell, which kept our hands dry all day even on snowy laps. A tiny buckle clips the two gloves together during travel.   

Another drawback: the external PU material along the palm, which stretches from the wrist to the tips of the fingers, is not the most durable. Before the end of a season, we saw nicks developing, especially in the fingertips along the seams. 

All around, we love how functional and svelte these gloves are for inbounds rips. The Impreza might not be the warmest ski glove but they’re among the most functional and work most days on the hill. If you’re looking for a beefier, warmer pair, check out the Swany X-Cell.

When we’re in need of ultimate hand protection at the ski hill, we grab our Black Diamond Guide ($190). With a tough exterior, impressive warmth, and quality materials, this glove has very few flaws. For good reason, the Guide is among the most popular skiing handwear options on the market.

Though this is a great glove by any standards, the Guide’s standout trait is its warmth. During testing, we found that this glove felt at least as warm as several top-notch mittens. Thanks to a combination of PrimaLoft synthetic insulation and wool, the Guide is an ideal choice for frigid conditions. If you are looking for high-end warmth but don’t like the added complexity of battery-heated gloves, we strongly recommend the Guide.

As with any piece of cold-weather gear, extra insulation and durability tend to decrease freedom of movement. The Guide gloves are not the most dexterous option on this list, which is not surprising given their warmth and burly leather and nylon shell. If you’re looking for a glove that easily slides into a ski jacket cuff, check out the Dakine Impreza GORE-TEX Glove, which also dishes out great screen compatibility.

Still, the main job of ski gloves is warmth and protection, and the Guide Gloves deliver. At the resort or in the backcountry, these gloves are fully capable in any weather conditions. We’re confident they remain among the best ski gloves available today.

For skiers whose always-cold hands keep cutting their days short on the ski hill, heated gloves can be a game-changer. They’re also a simpler solution than constantly squeezing hand warmer packets which don’t cover as much surface area and cause a mess if you accidentally blow them apart. The Outdoor Research Prevail Heated GORE-TEX Gloves ($339) set a gold standard for battery-powered handwear. If you have trouble keeping your hands warm while skiing, look no further than the Prevail.

This heated option isn’t a bulky, soft glove for chilled grandparents at the tubing hill. They have a pre-curved shape and performance materials, including a GORE-TEX liner and water-resistant goat-skin palm, since even heated gloves can’t overcome wetting out your insulation. We appreciated the low-profile battery system that powers the heating elements but doesn’t get in the way or make these gloves hard to take on and off.

We found the (rechargeable) battery life to be about average for heated gloves. On the medium setting, the battery tended to last for most of a casual-start ski day at the resort with a lunch break. There are low, medium, and high heat settings.

The brand estimates the high heat setting will burn through battery life in about 2.5 hours, while the low setting can extend it out to 8 hours on a full charge, so you can charge fully over a bell-to-bell ski day if you need to.

Our biggest hang-up with the gloves was an oddly narrow fit in the middle of the glove where the fingers meet the hand. Clearly, this wasn’t a quirk of our tester’s hands: Outdoor Research has a disclaimer on the product page that reads, “These gloves are more narrow than other OR gloves. People with average and above-average width hands should order up one size.”

Electric heating system aside, the Prevail Heated GORE-TEX Gloves come with all the bells and whistles of top-notch skiing handwear. Touchscreen compatibility and easy-to-cinch cuffs are an added bonus.

The Swany X-Cell ($180) has a special place on our fireplace mantel. What do we love? Our hands have never been cold in these classic ski gloves — even in arctic wind, blizzards, and 12-hour backcountry missions. Equally, these leather sheaths have never soaked through, nor has the stitching busted. The Women’s X-Cell is also available in women’s sizes. These toasty, tenacious gloves are built for the coldest adventures on skis. 

Setting Swany’s benchmark for warmth, the X-Cell is body-mapped with unique insulation that blends PrimaLoft Gold — with an equivalent of 750-fill down — and aerogel fibers. Whether Senior Editor Morgan Tilton was downhilling at Crested Butte Mountain Resort in a blizzard or she pulled the X-Cell on for the snowmobile ride after backcountry laps, she swears by the X-Cell’s technology. Developed by NASA, aerogel is tagged as the lightest solid material on the planet and reduces radiant heat loss. Our eco-hearts are happy that the insulation includes more than 35% recycled content. To boost warmth even more, the back of the hand has a heat shield insert called Volcotek, which absorbs and reflects far-infrared energy to promote blood circulation. 

Even in a wicked snowstorm, and even if Tilton is managing a snowmobile or transitioning, the waterproofing on these ski gloves sets a new bar. Dubbed Dryfinger II, the waterproof-breathable membrane is 100% waterproof and remains breathable, to help pull perspiration away from sweaty palms. An aluminum heat-reflecting shield is integrated into the backside of the hand. Inside, the brushed lining is a cozy, synthetic textile called Dyna-therm, which wicks moisture and dries well. As for the garnish? The liner is treated with an anti-odor technology called Polygiene. 

While this glove isn’t the leanest choice for fine operations, the silhouette has become more articulated. Tilton tested a new version of the women’s X-Cell side by side with an ancient iteration of the men’s cut, and the fit feels more dexterous and ergonomic. Swany intentionally places more flexible insulation between the fingers for greater flexibility. With the X-Cell’s layers of insulation and warmth, it’s harder to squeeze a fist compared to a lighter glove like the Stio Objective LP Insulated, but it’s easier to compress the X-Cell compared to the denser Black Diamond Guide. The tradeoff for a more tactile glove? Less internal air lowers the warmth. Tilton noticed the X-Cell’s modern iteration provides slightly less insulation value but imagines that after the glove packs out, the warmth will increase to the oven-level she’s used to. 

At the top, the double gauntlet cuff fits over or under the arms of a ski jacket. The toggle on the elastic cinch cord took five seasons of beatings to break, but still no holes have appeared in the nubuck and top-grain leather. On the backside, a small zipper opens for ventilation — again, whether you’re heading into the backcountry or lapping the hill, these extremely well-made ski gloves pack heat and can last for a decade. 

This Gordini Cache Gauntlet ($105) is the epitome of cold weather innovation, and it’s really a reflection of the brand, too — embodying the spirit of Vermont craftsmanship since the company launched in 1956. We found that these ski gloves strike the perfect balance between warmth and dexterity, making them an excellent companion for outdoor enthusiasts who’re tackling the slopes and braving winter’s chill.

On the exterior, this pair is constructed with Bluesign-approved nylon canvas, which is reinforced with synthetic leather. Meaning, durability is woven into the stitch-work. For our East Coast tester, these gloves really endured demanding conditions, from well below freezing to gusts and blizzards.

The Cache Gauntlet Glove utilizes PrimaLoft insulation, which is also eco-friendly, as it’s made from 100% recycled materials that are Bluesign-certified. We found that the thermal efficiency was top-notch and felt good about the touch of sustainability. But if you’re looking for a full-on GORE-TEX insert for waterproofness in addition to top-tier PrimaLoft Gold insulation, and you’re willing to shell out nearly double the price, check out the Black Diamond Guide Gloves.

Attention to detail is evident from the gauntlet cuff with a drawcord closure to the simple, effective wrist leash. When slipping this pair on, we immediately felt secure with a snug, comfortable fit that provides ample protection without feeling bulky or restrictive.

The Cache is a testament to decades of cold-weather expertise and a reliable glove for skiers. That said, we haven’t tested these gloves for multiple seasons, so they don’t snag an award.

What we notice most when pulling on the Stio Objective LP Insulated Glove ($179) is the ergonomic design and articulation of the digits, which parallel the natural curl of the fingers. Made with a polyester cuff and full-grain leather that wraps the knuckles and phalanges, the glove looks and feels snazzy, but its built for tasks. 

While backcountry skiing in a frigid snowstorm at 12,000 feet in the Colorado alpine, it was apparent to Senior Editor Morgan Tilton that the Objective LP gloves are waterproof, windproof, and breathable, thanks to a ePE GORE-TEX insert. This ski glove is one of the first pairs to incorporate innovative ePE technology: a PFAS-free fabric, membrane, DWR, and manufacturing process. 

Across the metacarpophalangeal joints and palm are two patches of water-resistant nubuck for extra durability. In addition to a removable wrist leash 4 inches long, there’s a unique wrist gusset: a 1-inch wide layer of fabric extends from the cuff. Imagine a taco that’s held taut by a strand of narrow elastic. When you plant your ski poles in the snow, the elastic can keep your gloves on the grips. The low-profile cuff easily slides inside a ski jacket arm. 

The fit is roomier in this pair than in the Dakine Impreza GORE-TEX Glove. We found that the Objective has more space around and at the top of each finger. Providing moderate warmth for cold conditions, this pair is made with 100 g of PrimaLoft Gold Eco insulation, a 100% recycled polyester fill. If you plan to ski in extremely bitter temps — 0 to 10 degrees or below — we suggest the Swany X-Cell or Black Diamond Guide Gloves. 

Inside, the liner is on the softer side that our hands appreciate. Made with merino, the 50/50 wool-polyester blend offers breathability and moisture management. While we didn’t find the conductive leather on the index finger and thumb to be very effective for screen use — the seams of the fingers create a curve on the index finger, and using a thumb is awkward at best — we love the soft suede goggle or nose wipes that cover each thumb. Tapping in at midweight, the Objective Glove strikes a premium balance between rugged protection, refined style, and warmth. Whether braving storm laps or hiking for turns, this ski glove meets our needs most days of the season. 

Leki draws heavily on the brand’s racing heritage for these padded, protective gloves that have a bit of a Darth Vader meets Hermann Maier vibe but are neutral enough to fit with almost any ski kit. We dig the LEKI Griffin Pro 3D ($160), and they’re made super well. These gloves also certainly get points for style.

This design seems to be built to last despite repetitive motion. The exterior material, EVA pad reinforcements along the tops of the fingers and backs of the hands, plus the grip pads along the palm and underside of the knuckles are all extremely tough. We can tell these gloves are long-lasting. That said, we haven’t tested them for several seasons, yet, so we haven’t given them an award.

We were able to use the Griffin Pro 3D with a pair of compatible LEKI ski poles that are free of wrist loops and felt that’s what really set these gloves apart. Called the Trigger System, the design allows compatible pairs of ski gloves, which have a small loop integrated between the thumb and forefinger, to click into the pole handles instead of using a strap.

Straps can cause hand and wrist injuries in crashes. And the Trigger System has an automatic release with a firm yank to protect you while making connecting to your ski poles easier at the same time.

The Griffin Pro 3D ski gloves kept our hands warm down into the teens, thanks to PrimaLoft insulation throughout the design. The secure neoprene cuff also eliminated drafts.

While skiing in a blizzard that lasted several days, we were able to check the water resistance, which performed well under the pressure. But it’s worth noting that these gloves are water-resistant, not waterproof like other ski gloves with a GORE-TEX waterproof membrane.

When you need just enough protection against the wind and cold air, but you’re on a climb in the backcountry and don’t want to sweat out your gloves, consider pulling on the Outdoor Research Sureshot Pro ($65).

This is one of our favorite guardrails for human-powered ascents or super-toasty spring days at the ski area. These ski gloves are also more streamlined, so they can offer a nice hand feel for nordic skiing, driving, or when you’d prefer more dexterity, like running errands.

Outdoor Research rates this glove as medium-grade warmth among the brand’s designs, and we find that to be true. The glove is insulated with 133 g of EnduraLoft 100% polyester. The ski glove is also treated with ActiveTemp, a Bluesign-approved polymer, to help with thermoregulation so your hands don’t get too hot or moist.

The amount of water resistance offered via a waterproof insert serves the purpose of protecting our hands on a climb if the snow happens to fall or we need to reach through deep snow to our bindings. We dig the durable goat leather insert, which wraps across the palm, the undersides of the thumb and two forefingers, and the back of the pointer finger. We also really appreciate the touchscreen compatibility of the fingertips, which is among the best designs we’ve tested to date.

We wouldn’t want to wear these gloves for freezing descents — which is why it didn’t get an award — but when we want protection on a wind-beaten ridge, this glove delivers. The Sureshot Pro has a defined spot in our quiver.

For bomber gloves that offer warmth, dexterity, and durability, look no further than the Oyuki Arashi Guide GTX Gloves ($190). This storm-ready glove is built for guides and avid skiers. The secret to the Arashi is its versatility: You get a lot of warmth but don’t lose dexterity.

Oyuki doubles down with synthetic PrimaLoft insulation, with 140 g on the top of the glove and 80 g on the palm. There is also a removable liner that packs an additional 60 g of PrimaLoft Gold insulation. This makes the Arashi gloves quite versatile for guides or for skiers who often find themselves fiddling with boot buckles and zippers, like gear tester and skier Heather Balogh Rochfort. During a recent ski day with her daughter at Snowmass, Colo., Balogh Rochfort relied on the liner gloves while opening snacks for her kid during blustery chairlift rides.

Durability is great, too. Oyuki wrapped the gloves in goatskin leather along with a rugged softshell on the cuff and knuckles. The reinforced palms and sides show no signs of wear after 3 weeks of ski testing that included ample tree skiing and a few crashes. 

Both thumbs feature reverse leather on the thumbs for a nose wipe, which is actually soft and more useful than others we’ve tested. A built-in cinch cord runs around the wrist to keep snow out, along with the pull-tab bungee on the gauntlet cuff. 

If there’s any downside to the Oyuki gloves, it’s the price — they aren’t cheap. But we think the sticker shock is worth it in this case.

We put the top-of-class Ortovox Merino Freeride ($200) ski gloves through the paces on cold, stormy days at Telluride Ski Resort and Crested Butte Mountain Resort, coming away impressed with the warmth and pliability this five-finger pair provides. The hybrid design blends durability and malleability with cushion and wool-backed breathability that’s unmatched. Unlike a full leather glove, the flex doesn’t get docked for tenacity. 

We noticed how well this glove fits and moves with our hands from the first descent. High-quality and grippy goatskin leather is used on the underside of the palm, sides of the hand, and around the fingertips. The top of the hand, fingers, and gauntlet are a forgiving yet tough material that folds comfortably over the knuckles when we grab our skis or pack. Sympatex, a German-developed membrane comparable to GORE-TEX, provides the windproof and waterproof-breathable protection, while a synthetic face fabric made of 85% polyamide and 15% elastane completes the outer shell. Sympatex sets a benchmark given the design is 100% recyclable, PTFE- and PFA-free, climate neutral, and boasts Bluesign and Öko-Tex Standard 100 certifications.

Like our favorite ski outerwear from Ortovox, the amount of wool woven into this pair sets it apart, especially if you’re sweaty and on the skintrack. The gloves feature a primary liner made from 100% virgin wool from a sheep’s first shearing, paired with a second liner composed of 24% virgin wool blended with fleece — a soft invitation for the hands. They also incorporate padding on the underside of the hand, made from 88% wool and upcycled merino wool factory scraps. If you need ski gloves with dynamic breathability — meaning, they manage heat and moisture when you work hard yet preserve warmth when your activity slows or stops — and superior moisture management, the Merino Freeride is a premium choice. 

Senior Editor Morgan Tilton appreciated the slender yet wide loop on the gauntlet, which let us pull on each glove more easily, even while wearing the other. The 5-inch-long gauntlet is flexible, so it could be folded inside a jacket sleeve and nicely layered over the top. There are two width adjustment points with a slider around the wrist and a second pull cord for the cuff’s easy grab or release. The set includes a removable, slender wrist leash that’s rather lengthy. 

Ortovox didn’t cut corners with the Freeride. This unique hybrid design provides excellent moisture management and breathability that’s also tough and technical. If you’re chasing powder in cold, demanding conditions and want gear that can keep up — and last — this is a glove we’d confidently recommend.