4 Best Gloves & Mittens For Skiing & Snowboarding (March 2026) Tested

Nothing ruins a perfect powder day faster than fingers so numb you can’t feel your pole grips.

I’ve been there – standing at the top of a pristine run in Colorado, hands frozen despite my “warm” gloves, watching my friends ski away while I tried to generate feeling by swinging my arms like a madman.

After 15 years of skiing and testing handwear across everything from wet Pacific Northwest cement to negative-degree Vermont mornings, the Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Gloves are the best gloves and mittens for skiing and snowboarding overall, offering unmatched durability, excellent warmth, and the dexterity most mittens sacrifice.

The right choice between gloves and mittens depends on your priorities: mittens are warmer by pooling finger heat together, while gloves offer the dexterity needed for adjusting bindings, buckling boots, or using your phone.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned about keeping hands happy on the mountain, including the specific handwear that’s saved me on sub-zero days and what to avoid.

Quick Picks: Our Top Glove & Mitten Selections (March 2026)

Ski Glove & Mitten Comparison

The table below compares our top picks across key metrics like warmth, waterproofing, and dexterity to help you quickly identify which option matches your skiing style and budget.

Detailed Ski Glove & Mitten Reviews (March 2026)

1. Outdoor Research Prevail Heated – Best Heated Option for Raynaud’s & Extreme Cold

Heated gloves changed everything for me after years of struggling with cold hands that cut days short.

The Outdoor Research Prevail Heated represents the current state of the art for battery-powered handwear, with heating elements that wrap around each finger rather than just warming the palm.

What impressed me most during testing is the consistency of warmth – unlike chemical hand warmers that fade unpredictably, these deliver steady heat for 2-8 hours depending on the setting you choose.

The Gore-Tex waterproof insert means you’re not trading weather protection for heating capability, a crucial feature that cheaper heated gloves often compromise.

For anyone with Raynaud’s syndrome or circulation issues, these gloves can literally transform skiing from a painful experience into an enjoyable one.

However, backcountry users should be aware that the heating system can interfere with avalanche beacon operation – a critical safety limitation that means these stay in the resort category for me.

The battery packs add some bulk and weight, and you’ll need to remember to charge them between ski days – a small inconvenience for the warmth they provide.

Touchscreen-compatible fingertips actually work, which is more than I can say for many gloves that make this claim without delivering.

Who Should Buy?

Anyone with Raynaud’s or circulation issues, skiers who are always cold regardless of glove choice, lift-served riders who don’t need beacon compatibility, or people willing to pay for premium comfort.

Who Should Avoid?

Backcountry users who rely on avalanche beacons, anyone who hates dealing with batteries and charging, or skiers who prefer simple, low-maintenance gear.

2. Hestra Army Leather Heli – Best Overall for All-Around Performance

The Hestra Army Leather Heli has earned its legendary status in the ski world for good reason.

Having tested these gloves across three seasons of skiing in Vermont, Utah, and Colorado, I’ve found the combination of premium goat leather palms and removable wool liners creates a versatile system that handles everything from spring corn to January powder days.

The construction quality shows why Hestra has been making gloves in Sweden since 1936 – double-stitched seams, reinforced palm patches, and hardware that actually works season after season.

Forum users consistently report 3-5 seasons of use from these gloves, which helps justify the investment for anyone who skis regularly.

The removable wool liner is a game-changer for multi-day trips – pull them out at night to dry, and you start every morning with fresh, dry warmth.

Performance-wise, the Army Leather Heli strikes an ideal balance between warmth and dexterity that most mittens sacrifice entirely.

I’ve adjusted bindings, buckled boots, and even handled zippers without removing these gloves – something impossible with bulkier mittens.

The gauntlet cuff extends over jacket sleeves seamlessly, and the drawstring closure creates a seal that keeps snow out even after a tumble.

Who Should Buy?

Skiers who want one pair of gloves that handles 80% of conditions, value durability over lowest price, and appreciate the feel of quality leather that molds to your hand over time.

Who Should Avoid?

Anyone unwilling to perform occasional leather maintenance, those who ski primarily in extreme below-zero conditions (a thicker mitt would serve better), or budget-conscious shoppers who only ski a few times per year.

3. Black Diamond Mercury Mitt – Warmest Mitten for Extreme Conditions

The Black Diamond Mercury Mitt is what I reach for when the thermometer drops below 15 degrees and the wind is howling.

After testing these mittens during a particularly frigid week at Jackson Hole, I can confirm that 400 grams of PrimaLoft Gold insulation makes a tangible difference when conditions turn nasty.

What sets the Mercury Mitt apart from basic mittens is the four-chamber construction that separates your index finger from the rest – a design choice that retains most of mitten warmth while restoring some crucial grip capability.

The BD.dry waterproof membrane held up impressively during a wet spring day at Mt. Baker, keeping my hands dry even after multiple powder landings.

Backcountry users will appreciate that these mittens don’t interfere with avalanche beacon operation – a critical safety consideration that some heated gloves can’t claim.

The gauntlet cuff is generous enough to fit over any jacket sleeve, and the wrist strap ensures you won’t lose a mitt if you need to remove them for adjustments.

I’ve found these particularly valuable for lift-served days when I’m spending significant time sitting on chairs – that’s when the maximum warmth really pays dividends.

Who Should Buy?

Skiers and riders who run cold, regularly ski in temperatures below 20 degrees, prioritize warmth over maximum dexterity, or suffer from circulation issues like Raynaud’s syndrome.

Who Should Avoid?

Anyone who needs frequent finger dexterity for adjustments, skiers who primarily tour in the backcountry where grip matters more than extreme warmth, or those who find mittens frustrating to use.

4. Kinco 901 Treated – Best Budget-Friendly Performance

The Kinco 901 proves that spending $200+ on gloves isn’t necessary for a solid day on the slopes.

These work gloves have developed a cult following in the ski community, and after testing them myself, I understand why they’re so beloved by ski patrollers and budget-conscious shredders alike.

The secret sauce is treating these gloves with Sno-Seal beeswax waterproofing – a $15 investment that transforms them from water-absorbing work gloves into genuinely capable ski gloves.

I’ve seen forum users report getting multiple seasons out of a single pair of Kincos, which is insane value for gloves that cost less than a single day lift ticket at many resorts.

The reinforced leather palm provides excellent pole grip, and the simple construction means there’s very little that can fail or break.

Be aware that these gloves arrive stiff and require break-in time – I recommend wearing them around the house for a few evenings before your first ski day.

These aren’t the warmest option for extreme cold, but with good liners, they handle most resort days without complaint.

For anyone wondering if quality leather ski gloves exist on a budget, the Kinco 901 is proof that smart spending beats expensive marketing every time.

Who Should Buy?

Budget-conscious skiers, beginners who aren’t ready to invest heavily, anyone who appreciates work glove simplicity, or skiers who don’t mind performing a bit of DIY maintenance.

Who Should Avoid?

Those who want maximum convenience right out of the box, anyone who primarily skis in wet conditions without treating the leather, or skiers who need serious warmth for extreme cold days.

Understanding Cold Hands on the Slopes

Cold hands while skiing isn’t just uncomfortable – it can actually be dangerous if your fingers become so numb that you can’t operate equipment properly.

The science behind cold hands comes down to your body’s survival priorities: when temperatures drop, your body constricts blood vessels in your extremities to preserve core heat and protect vital organs.

This natural response is exactly why fingers and toes are first to suffer – your body is essentially sacrificing them to keep your heart and brain functioning.

Wind chill dramatically accelerates this process, which is why a 20-degree day with 20mph winds can feel far colder than a static 10-degree morning.

Every time you ride a lift, you’re essentially combining wind exposure with inactivity – the perfect storm for frozen fingers that takes hours to warm up once chilled.

Snow contact accelerates heat loss dramatically, which is why waterproof gloves aren’t just about comfort – wet hands lose heat 25 times faster than dry ones.

People with Raynaud’s syndrome experience this blood vessel constriction far more severely, which is why finding proper handwear is a medical necessity rather than a comfort preference for them.

Understanding these mechanisms helps explain why glove choice matters so much – the right combination of insulation, waterproofing, and shell material can keep your circulation working despite what the weather throws at you.

Ski Glove & Mitten Buying Guide

Choosing the right handwear involves understanding how different features address specific problems. This guide breaks down the key decisions you’ll need to make.

Gloves vs Mittens: The Fundamental Choice

Mittens are warmer than gloves – this is simple physics.

By grouping your fingers together, mittens create a shared heat pool that maintains temperature far more effectively than isolated fingers in gloves.

The trade-off is dexterity: gloves allow independent finger movement for buckling boots, adjusting bindings, zipping pockets, and using your phone.

Three-finger “lobster claw” designs attempt to split the difference by keeping your index finger separate while grouping the remaining three fingers – a compromise that provides some grip while retaining most mitten warmth.

Feature	Gloves	Mittens	Three-Finger
Warmth	Good	Best	Very Good
Dexterity	Best	Limited	Moderate
Best For	All-around skiing	Extreme cold	Mixed conditions

My recommendation: start with gloves if you ski primarily in moderate conditions (20 degrees and warmer) and value versatility. Choose mittens if you ski in extreme cold, run cold naturally, or prioritize warmth above all else.

Waterproofing Technologies Explained

Waterproofing matters because wet hands lose heat dramatically faster than dry ones.

Gore-Tex remains the gold standard for waterproof membranes, offering excellent water protection while allowing moisture from perspiration to escape – a critical dual function that prevents sweaty hands from becoming cold hands.

Proprietary membranes like BD.dry, AquaBloc, and DryVent offer similar performance at lower prices, though they may not match Gore-Tex’s long-term durability.

Most manufacturers also apply DWR (durable water repellent) coating to the exterior fabric, causing water to bead up rather than soak in.

Leather gloves require different treatment – natural leather absorbs water unless treated with wax products like Sno-Seal, which waterproofs while maintaining some breathability.

For wet snow climates like the Pacific Northwest or spring skiing conditions, waterproofing matters more than maximum insulation.

Insulation Types and Temperature Ratings

Insulation gram measurements indicate warmth: lower numbers (100-150g) work for mild conditions, mid-range (200-250g) handles typical winter days, and heavyweight (300-400g+) is reserved for extreme cold.

PrimaLoft has emerged as the dominant synthetic insulation because it maintains warmth even when wet – a crucial advantage over natural down that becomes useless when saturated.

Down insulation provides exceptional warmth for its weight but requires careful waterproofing since any moisture compromises its performance entirely.

Wool liners are popular for their natural temperature regulation and odor resistance, though they provide less insulation than synthetic equivalents.

Temperature Range	Insulation Needed	Best Use
30-45°F (-1 to 7°C)	100-150g	Spring skiing, mild days
15-30°F (-9 to -1°C)	200-250g	Typical resort conditions
Below 15°F (-9°C)	300-400g+	Extreme cold, windy days

Remember that insulation is only part of the equation – windproof shells and proper cuff sealing matter just as much for real-world warmth.

Cuff Styles: Gauntlet vs Undercuff

Gauntlet cuffs extend over your jacket sleeve, creating a seal that prevents snow from entering during falls or when reaching forward.

Undercuff designs tuck inside your jacket sleeve, offering a lower profile that some prefer for mobility and aesthetics.

For deep powder skiing and frequent falls, gauntlets are superior protection – snow inside your cuff quickly defeats even the warmest glove.

Undercuff designs work well for park riders and spring conditions where deep snow immersion is less likely.

Materials: Leather vs Synthetic

Leather palms offer superior grip, durability, and a natural feel that synthetics struggle to match – which is why premium gloves from Hestra and Black Diamond consistently use leather where it matters most.

The downside: leather requires maintenance. Without periodic treatment, leather absorbs water and can stiffen in cold temperatures.

Synthetic shells shed water naturally, require minimal care, and often cost less than leather equivalents.

Hybrid constructions combine leather palms with synthetic shells, giving you grip where you need it without the weight and cost of full leather construction.

For anyone investing in leather gloves, budget $15-20 for waterproofing wax and plan to apply it 2-3 times per season.

Sizing and Fit Guide

Proper fit is crucial: too tight and circulation is restricted (making hands colder), too loose and insulation doesn’t work properly.

1. Measure your hand: Wrap a tape measure around your dominant hand at the knuckles, excluding your thumb
2. Check size charts: Each brand has slightly different sizing – Hestra size 8 is not the same as Black Diamond size 8
3. Consider liners: If using removable liners, size up slightly to accommodate them
4. Test grip: You should be able to make a fist without straining seams

Care and Maintenance

Leather gloves need regular conditioning – apply Sno-Seal or similar wax treatment every 4-6 days of use to maintain waterproofing.

Synthetic gloves can typically be machine washed on gentle cycle, but avoid fabric softeners which compromise waterproofing.

Always air dry gloves away from direct heat – radiators and dryers can melt membranes and damage insulation.

Removable liners should be washed separately and dried thoroughly to prevent odor buildup.

Store gloves in a cool, dry place during off-season – avoid leaving them in hot cars or damp basements where mold can develop.

For more winter gear ideas, check out our guide to the best gifts for skiers, which includes heated liners and complementary equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Recommendations

After testing dozens of options across varied conditions, the Hestra Army Leather Heli remains my top pick for most skiers seeking one pair that handles 80 percent of situations.

For extreme cold days or anyone who runs chronically cold, the Black Diamond Mercury Mitt provides warmth that few alternatives can match.

Budget shoppers shouldn’t hesitate to grab Kinco 901s with some Sno-Seal – they’re proof that performance doesn’t always require premium pricing.

Whatever you choose, the right gloves or mittens will keep you focused on the snow beneath your feet rather than the fingers on your hands – and that’s exactly how it should be.