The Best Ski Gloves of 2024-2025

The Swany Men’s X-Cell Glove ($180) has a special place on our mantle. This toasty, tenacious silhouette is the one we grab during a blizzard at the ski area. Equally, the X-Cell is our backup pair we don’t leave home without when we head to the backcountry. The design is available for women, too, with the Swany Women’s X-Cell Glove ($180).

What do we love? Our hands have never been cold in these gloves even in arctic wind, ice, snow, heavy moisture, and long 12-hour days out. The insulation combines PrimaLoft Gold — with an equivalent of 750-fill down — and aerogel fibers. Developed by NASA, aerogel is tagged as the lightest solid material on the planet and serves as a temperature barrier. Our eco-hearts are happy that the insulation includes more than 35% recycled content. For even more warmth, 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 if we’re managing a snowmobile or skins and multiple ski or splitboard transitions, the waterproofing on these gloves sets a new bar. Called Dryfinger, the membrane is 100% waterproof and remains breathable. Inside, the lining is a cozy, high-performance textile called Dyna-therm, which wicks moisture and dries well though generates heat even if your palms sweat. Yes, we found this to be true. Another bonus is that the fabric is both hypoallergenic and anti-microbial. Overall, materials are more densely stacked on the back of the hand and leaner on the palm for better grip. The linings that frame the fourchettes are more malleable to support dexterity. While this glove isn’t the leanest for fine operations, like grabbing our front jacket zipper while wearing a full-face helmet that blocks the view, the shape performs most tasks just fine. Safety and unwavering warmth come at a very small compromise.

On the back of the hand, there’s a small zipper that opens for ventilation or to pop in a hand warmer — we’ve used the zip for both. The double gauntlet cuff typically fits best over ski jacket arms unless the circumference is on the broader side. The quick-release strap took about five years of beatings to finally break. Throughout that time, no holes have appeared in the nubuck and top-grain leather. The Men’s X-Cell Glove design is available in small through 3XL, while the Women’s X-Cell Glove is offered in small through large: the sizing charts differ between those gendered options. Be sure to measure the circumference of your hand in inches, to find an ideal fit.

Kincos are the best trick for budget-seekers whether you’re heading to the hill a handful of times or skiing 100 days. Diehards and novices alike appreciate the simplicity, durability, and price point of this classic pair, officially deemed the Kinco Lined Heavy-Duty Premium Grain & Suede Pigskin Ski Glove with Omni-Cuff ($54).

If you beat up your gloves or do work, this design is lined and made of pigskin. Also, the digits have a streamlined foam padding for extra reinforcement — say if you’re handling ropes, carrying equipment, or handling machinery.

Protecting hands from the cold, this ski glove is outfitted with thermal insulation, called Heatkeep, which is made from finely spun polyester. To waterproof the exterior, wearers simply need to add the Nikwax waterproofing wax before use, which is included in the bundle. A reapplication is likely needed, and that timeline depends on the amount of moisture the glove is exposed to throughout a given season. The wrist cuff is streamlined, elastic, and stretchy. The band slides easily beneath ski jacket arms.

Potential drawbacks of this design include that if the glove does get wet, such as when the surface needs to be waxed, it becomes incredibly stiff and uncomfortable — it basically freezes. Maintaining care of the glove can prevent that debacle. Some folks that tend to get super cold hands don’t generally reach for this glove, because other designs offer more thermal power like the Black Diamond Guide Gloves, which feature PrimaLoft synthetic insulation and wool. But overall, the Heavy-Duty Premium Grain ski gloves are a fan favorite as one of the best budget options out there for skiing.

We’re singing our praises about the Baist Gloves Women’s Baist Classic Glove ($180), which we pulled on for countless days on skis and snowboards last season. Baist first launched in 2017 with the Men’s Baist Classic Glove, followed by the women’s specific version in September 2023. We tested the most recent iteration. The concept was developed by a passionate skier with Raynaud’s entrepreneur Ace Jones.

This Classic silhouette for the ladies delivers a softly lined interior that’s inviting and cozy, a proprietary fleece blend of Thinsulate and Thermolite. We found the insulation power performed well in below-freezing temperatures and windchill. While the design provides a close hug around each digit, palm, and wrist, the material also gives a bit, meaning we could close our fist without too much resistance. But throughout the season, the glove remained sturdy and didn’t wear out or down. 

Baist opted for goatskin leather as a top-notch waterproof, breathable, and soft exterior that offers good dexterity, all of which we found to be true in the field. Durable and wind-blocking, the gauntlet is made of Cordura. A narrow, easy-to-use Velcro belt can tighten up the glove around the wrist while a pull cord can close up space at the end of the cuff. 

While each glove includes a regular liner — which is secured via velcro, removable, and washable — you can upgrade the warmth factor by snagging a lean Skin Liner 2.0 ($50) — which Jones wears constantly from October to April — or a beefier Beast Glove Liner ($45). The brand also makes its own wax ($18) to reapply to the glove to help extend the gloves’ life. A wrist leash set ($13) and attachable goggle cleaner ($8) cloth are available add-ons. The only drawback for a skier or rider might be if they prefer an undercuff design or if they’re looking for a budget pick. At the end of each ski day, we didn’t regret wearing the Baist Classic Glove for warmth, dexterity, and comfort.

When we’re in need of ultimate hand protection at the ski hill, we grab our Black Diamond Guide Gloves ($180). 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.

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 Men’s X-Cell Glove.

Seeking a balance between a streamlined yet warm, waterproof, and super durable ski glove? Introducing the Leki Xplore S ($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 that have 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, there’s no downfall of the loops on the Xplore, which are minimal enough that you can’t feel ’em.

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 S 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 Glove but are not as robust and oven-worthy as the Swany Men’s X-Cell Glove.

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 Women’s Sureshot Pro Gloves and Outdoor Research Men’s Sureshot Pro Gloves ($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 a medium-grade warmth among the brand’s designs, and we find that to be true. The glove is insulated with 133 grams of EnduraLoft 100% polyester. The ski glove is also treated with ActiveTemp, a Bluesign-approved polymer, to help with thermo-regulation, 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 Women’s Sureshot Pro Gloves and Men’s Sureshot Pro Gloves have a defined spot in our quiver.

For Nordic skiing, less is more. The Hestra Windstopper Touring ($75) is great for such a cardio workout for its lightweight profile, grippy goat leather palm (that never got saturated with snowmelt or sweat), and stylish look. Given this guide focuses on alpine ski gloves, this piece doesn’t get an award but for cross-country adventures, it’s a solid addition for the kit.

The Windstoppers are internally lined with GORE-TEX Infinium micro-check material, which keeps the windchill out without sacrificing breathability. Though these gloves include minimal insulation, a layer of fleece on the backhand provides just enough warmth for cross-country touring and other active outdoor activities.

Like all Hestra products, these gloves are well-made and plenty durable for regular use. From a versatility standpoint, we love that these gloves also work well for jogging in frigid temps or on windy days, running errands, and simply getting your hands warm throughout the winter.

For multi-use versatility, the Windstopper Touring gloves are some of the best to have around in cold temps and for cross-country ski outings.

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 most 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.

Our primary tester was 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.

Slipping your hand into the Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Gloves ($160) is like putting on your favorite sweater — and one you’d use for badass adventures. This design was inspired by ski guides in western Canada who needed a reliable, warm ski glove for long days out in snowy, frigid conditions. Mission achieved.

This glove’s three-layer dobby polyester melange is soft and molds to your hand over time. The proofed goat leather outer material is durable and water-resistant. The exterior is also windproof. An eyelet even sits on the pinky finger, where the included carabiner can secure the gloves to your ski pants or harness, collar down, so that snow doesn’t get inside.

Inside, the removable five-finger liner is deliciously cozy and warm but not bulky. While the interior fill is synthetic, the inner liner is also removable, so that you can adapt the glove to the conditions, swap it out if it gets damp, or replace the liner altogether. We like the extended wrist cuffs, which have an easy-to-use snow lock, and the integrated Velcro cinch on the wrist to further block the elements from sneaking in. Even on the deepest of days, these gloves keep bits of snow from entering at the opening of the long collar.

We recommend the Army Leather Heli Ski to adventurous skiers who spend lots of time in cold conditions with ample snowfall. They are certainly on the more expensive end of the glove spectrum, but if you’re looking for high performance and durability, this glove is a solid value that is fully equipped for harsh conditions. If you’re looking for even more warmth, check out the brand’s 3-finger design with the same construction, the Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski 3-Finger. Though every skier has a different comfort zone, we found that the 3-finger designed worked well down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit, though the standalone index finger had a tendency to become colder than the other fingers. All considering, these gloves don’t get award because they aren’t our first everyday pick for alpine ski runs, given that they’re built-out warriors for the toughest conditions.

The Gordini Men’s Cache Gauntlet Glove ($95) 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. 

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.

While the Oyuki Tamashii GTX Glove ($140) is a streamlined ski glove, we’re thrilled to see the sleek fit offered with a GORE-TEX waterproof membrane for full protection against moisture. GORE-TEX is a hard technology to beat when you’re searching for the best waterproof benchmark, gloves included. And this pair offers great dexterity. 

With a unique touch, the wrist cuff is secured via a zipper. To easily slide in, open the zipper, pull on the glove, and then zip ‘er up. The design relinquishes the need for a pull loop. 

The goatskin leather material, which comprises the uppermost region of the hands, along the fingers, is also water resistant. For more flexibility, the wrist is protected by a softshell material. 

Inside, the glove is lined with a super soft tricot fabric. For coziness, the design has 133 gram of PrimaLoft Gold insulation against the tops of the hands and another 80 grams of PrimaLoft Grip insulation in the palm. If you’re hungry for a maneuverable pair of gloves that’s also waterproof with moderate insulation, check out the Tamashii GTX Glove.

While testing out the new Leki Copper S ($120) ski glove, we finished our ski days pleased. These gloves are well-built, ergonomic, and comfortable. Plus, the Copper S is made to be compatible with the brand’s releasable ski pole strap design called the Trigger 3D system, an alternative for skiers who dislike the management of traditional straps.

The Copper S has an undeniable out-of-box comfort that we love. Softness is the golden trait of this glove’s exterior and 100% polyester liner. Made of goatskin leather, these gloves feel more pliable than other stiffer, beefier leather gloves we’ve worn. The potential tradeoff is that they might not be as robust as other leather gloves in our toolkit, which our female testers noted more than the males.

That streamlined undercuff has a wide Velcro strap that’s easy to tighten and the slender fit slides easily into the arm of a ski jacket. No fuss.

If you’re eager to skip the break-in period for a softer pair of quality leather ski gloves, the Copper S fits the bill. While we really like the style of this glove and the sleek undercuff, it doesn’t nudge out the awarded Leki Xplore S, because the Xplore is extremely durable, taking beatings for five seasons to date. When we tested the Copper, it saw wear and tear after one season.