Gloves and mittens are a key component of any skier's setup. Modern ski gloves and mittens are waterproof and can include many different forms of insulation, like goose down and synthetic materials such as Thinsulate.
Gloves vs. Mittens
Before gearing up for ski season, you need to be aware of the primary differences between gloves and mittens. It’s an age old debate among skiers and snow sports enthusiasts: which are better, gloves or mittens? To be fair, mittens are known for being warmer than gloves. They keep all of your fingers housed together in one area, which helps your hands retain more heat. But if you prioritize dexterity over warmth, you're probably going to want to buy a pair of gloves instead. Once you’ve chosen a side, the other thing to consider for both gloves and mittens is the cuff length. Both gloves and mittens come in short cuff and long cuff varieties. Short cuffs fit under the sleeves of your jacket, while long cuffs go over the outside of your jacket’s arm and are generally the better option in more extreme weather. Mostly, it comes down to preference and which cuff length will work better with your jacket.
Most Popular Gloves on The Market
Some brands to check out when you’re going to make a glove or mitten purchase include Dakine, Hestra, Black Diamond, Marmot, North Face, Arc'teryx -- the list goes on. Here are a few popular glove options:
The Hestra Heli Glove: a long cuff glove, made of polyamide and goat leather with a polyester fill
Black Diamond Guide Gloves: made from nylon with a leather shell
Gordini GTX Storm Trooper II: these gloves are a great budget option, especially for beginners or for those who don't ski often
