These Are The Best Ski Gloves for All Winter Sports (2024)

If you’ve been to a ski resort or two, Hestra gloves are likely familiar to you. This Swedish brand has been around since 1936, and it makes some of the best winter sports gloves you’ll find.

“Hestra is a very reliable and popular premium glove brand that we often use,” says Joanne Bienskie, owner of women’s outdoor brand Alpinistas and Alpinistas Collective. This model was initially made for ski guides in Western Canada, so you know it’ll do a great job at keeping your hands warm and dry as you cruise downhill.

While we haven’t tested it in the Lab yet, our analysts have used similar Hestra ski gloves on the slopes and rave about the timeless high-quality design, performance and dexterity. While this pair technically isn’t entirely waterproof, it’s constructed with water-resistant fabric as well as soft leather so it should hold up nicely in snow and rain while offering just enough flexibility. When using similar Hestra gloves, we’ve found the material to be effective at keeping water from permeating through to the glove’s interior.

Our pros like how these gloves come with a leash strap as well as a removable liner so you can remove it on warmer days. We also love how the gauntlet is long so it should easily fit over most jackets, and it features a handy adjustable strap to tighten the glove both around your wrist and where the glove meets your jacket, so no snow or water gets inside. And because ski gloves aren’t always for everyone, this popular model is also available as mittens or a 3-finger model.

These ski gloves from North Face offer a ton of bang for the buck. Not only are they guaranteed to keep your hands warm, but they’re treated with a water-repellent finish and constructed with a DryVent insert to ensure your hands stay dry. Though they don’t feature premium materials like genuine leather or GORE-TEX, we like that they’re offered in four colors and that they come with a lot of handy extras like wrist leashes, a nose wipe and touchscreen compatibility so you don’t have to take your gloves off to check your phone.

While we haven’t yet tested this model in the Lab, our pros like that you can adjust the gauntlet hem so snow doesn’t creep inside while shredding downhill. “If a customer is not after a mitten, I always recommend The North Face’s Montana Ski Gloves,” says Andrea Battin, Director of Buying at retailer Outdoor Gear Exchange in Vermont. “They offer plenty of warmth with Heatseeker Eco insulation and DryVent to repel water.” Overall, these are a great choice for skiers who may only head to the slopes a few times per year, as opposed to someone facing powder in Utah every weekend.

There's just something about the look and feel of genuine leather. If you want comfortable and flexible leather ski gloves, look no further than this stylish (yet affordable) pick from Flylow. Because leather is naturally water-resistant to a small degree and the outer shell is treated with a durable water-repellent finish, these will do a quality job at keeping moisture from getting inside. They’re a perfect choice if you want a supple glove that not only keeps you warm but makes it easy to grip ski poles, fasten boots and more. “I love the mobility of the Flylow Ridge Gloves, which are insulated leather gloves built for high-output activities yet rugged enough to be used when not skiing too!” Battin says.

Other testers rave about how well the Ridge Gloves have held up over time. “I’ve used these gloves for two years and they’re still in great shape,” says one tester. “I love how flexible they are and how they’ve always kept my hands dry, even when skiing in rain. It's also convenient that they're suitable for both warmer days and very cold days.” If you want the same leather look but in another style, these leather gloves are also offered as an Oven Mitt mitten and Maine Line 3-finger glove. Just keep in mind that they don't feature removable liners or leashes so you'll have to pay more to add on those extras.

Outdoor Research has a reputation for creating top-notch technical gear for outdoor enthusiasts. These waterproof heated gloves constructed with GORE-TEX are a must for anyone who skis or snowboards in harsh weather. Analysts at the Good Housekeeping’s Textiles Lab were impressed with how well the gloves quickly warmed up fingers and the back of the hand on cold, snowy days. We also found them extremely easy to use and intuitive, with three heat settings to choose from with the press of one button.

Not only are the gloves comfortable and come with useful features for ski days like leashes and long gauntlets, but they have an eight-hour battery life on the lowest heat setting (though we do wish the battery lasted longer than 2.5 hours at the highest heat setting). These gloves are on the bulkier side, but we like that the wires and heating elements are integrated inside the gloves' interior lining so the design remains dexterous and wires aren’t exposed. “This style is made for the customer that wants to keep their hands extra toasty during those cold and windy days," Bienskie says.

Can't decide whether gloves or mittens are right for you? Why not try a combination of both? With these comfortable leather Hestra 3-finger gloves you’ll get some of the dexterity of a glove as well as the warmth of a mitten. While the style certainly isn’t for everyone (you can always opt for the classic fall line 5-finger model or fall line mitt), our pros absolutely love the stylish design of the Fall Line and soft leather shell.

The gloves feature a removable fleece liner to keep you warm on chilly days or cooler in the spring. There’s also a useful Velcro adjustment so the cuff remains securely fastened around your wrist. Though we wouldn’t necessarily pack these on a trip to Quebec in the dead of winter when you really need the best waterproofing, they’re the perfect fit for anyone who wants a ski glove that’s useful both on- and off-piste for all winter sports.

To choose the best ski gloves, our pros and consumers tested a number of the picks above, scoring each one for comfort, style, waterproofing, insulation and more. We also considered top-performing brands or similar models from previous tests, personal favorites and popular styles with positive consumer reviews online.

Not only did our experts vet each selection for materials, construction and design, but Good Housekeeping analysts had the opportunity to meet with brands firsthand and evaluate gloves at the 2023 Outdoor Retailer Snow Show, North America’s largest tradeshow in the outdoor industry.

When it comes to ski gloves, there’s no one-size-fits-all. The right pick for you will depend on a number of factors, like whether you’re someone who runs hot or cold, the weather conditions you most frequently encounter as well as personal preference and style. "Ask yourself whether you'll be using ski gloves a few times a year or virtually every day," two-time Olympian turned pro big mountain skier Kaylin Richardson advises. "All these answers will dictate whether you want a burly mitten for sub-zero days or a versatile glove that won't hold you back in any way."

Always do your homework and go with a brand that has a great reputation in the outdoor gear industry and positive consumer reviews. “Shopping for gloves from reputable outdoor brands will ensure that you have high-quality products to protect your hands from the elements,” Bienskie says. “This is not an area to skimp on as cold hands make for a terrible time on the slopes. Oftentimes reputable name brands have great warranties on their products and are made from recycled or sustainably sourced materials that have been tested through the most rigorous conditions.”

To help you narrow down your options when shopping for ski gloves, here are a few more tips:

✔️ Size and fit: Ski gloves should have a comfortable fit — neither too tight or too loose. To get the most accurate fit, follow the manufacturer’s sizing guide and measure your hand as directed. “Fit is paramount,” Battin advises. “A glove or mitten should be big enough so you're able to move your fingers without pressing the ends, but not so large that there is empty space around the hand. A glove that is too tight or loose will not be as warm as one that fits just right.”

✔️ Durability and materials: Ski gloves should last you a few years so it’s important to invest in a pair that’s constructed with materials suitable for the slopes. Most ski gloves that you’ll find today are either made of synthetic materials (nylon or polyester, for instance), leather or a combination of the two. Synthetic materials are typically more durable and water resistant while requiring less upkeep. Leather, on the other hand, is extremely comfortable and oftentimes more flexible and supple. Many styles that feature a synthetic shell will also have leather around the fingers for added reinforcement. When choosing ski gloves, make sure to go with a material that’s flexible enough to offer dexterity, which is needed for things like holding ski poles or fastening bindings, but also durable and breathable enough to keep you dry. Always check whether the shell material is waterproof or treated with durable water-repellent finish. “Looking for gloves that have proprietary or GORE-TEX materials is important to keep your hands dry,” Bienskie says. “This is especially true for beginners who fall often and have their hands on the ground.” It’s also critical for advanced skiers that spend hours on the slopes in wet conditions. "If your gloves allow moisture in, you're as good as gloveless," Richardson says.

✔️ Insulation: Ski gloves are made with varying degrees of insulation from a range of materials like fleece or synthetics like PrimaLoft. While some skiers need robust insulation to keep their hands and fingers warm in freezing temperatures, others might require less. The heavier the weight of the insulation, the warmer the gloves will be. “Choose the level of insulation based on the weather,” Bienskie suggests. Just keep in mind that weather conditions can change rapidly from sunshine to snow on a mountain so you want to be prepared for all scenarios. If you have to choose, it's better to edge on the side of caution. "For those with just awful circulation (i.e., hand warmers just don't cut it), I recommend looking into heated gloves or mittens. Happy hands, happy heart!" Richardson says.

✔️ Cuff vs. gauntlet: Ski gloves have varying cuff lengths and styles. Gauntlets are longer and wider and are meant to go over your ski jacket to prevent snow from entering inside. This style is best for skiers or snowboarders who might encounter a lot of power or want to stay warmest. “There’s typically a bungee to cinch the wrist or end of the gauntlet to ensure secure snow-free coverage,” Bienskie says. Cuffs are shorter and should fit underneath your jacket sleeves. Though there’s a higher risk of snow getting inside, they’re easier to take on and off. “Make sure the cuff can easily fit under your snow jacket otherwise you will be fumbling around all the time to get your jacket wrist strap to cover the glove,” Bienskie says. “If the fit isn’t secure, there may potentially be a way for cold air and snow to get into your wrist and hand.

✔️ Extras: Consider any extras like touchscreen compatibility, leashes or pockets. Touchscreen compatibility is handy when you want to type a message without having to take your gloves off, while leashes will go around your wrists to prevent your gloves from falling off when you do need to take them off. Some ski gloves even feature pockets with a little zipper for storage of hand warmers, for instance. If you have to prioritize one extra, our pros recommend going with leashes. You’d be surprised at how often you’ll witness gloves falling off ski lifts, never to be seen again. But always keep your gloves on when exiting a chairlift to prevent the leashes from getting caught.

In general, ski gloves have better dexterity, giving you more freedom and flexibility to zip up your coat, pull out your cell phone or fasten buckles. Ski mittens, on the other hand, are a popular pick if you’re seeking warmth. Because your fingers are in close proximity to one another, they’re able to generate more heat than when each finger is separated. There are also split mittens, an option that combines the best of both worlds by separating your thumb and index fingers but leaving the others inside a mitten. These offer some of the dexterity of a mitten and the function of a glove, though you may find that your thumb and index fingers remain just as cold as they would be in a classic five-finger glove.

Though it can be annoying to take off mittens every time you need to check your phone, most gloves are too bulky or rigid for texting or typing properly. But no matter which option you go with, our pros recommend purchasing ski gloves or mittens with leashes so that when you do need to use your fingers you won’t accidentally lose a glove. Also, consider glove liners that go inside your mittens or gloves (especially ones with touchscreen compatibility) to not only add extra warmth but so your fingers won’t be exposed to cold air when you need to shoot off a quick message or blow your nose.

For decades, the Good Housekeeping Institute has been providing expert reviews and advice on the best gear and apparel you can buy for your outdoor adventures, whether you're skiing, snowboarding, camping or hiking.

Media and Tech reviews Analyst Olivia Lipski, who covers everything from travel to fitness, consumer electronics, home and more, recently attended the 2023 Outdoor Retailer Snow Show to meet with a variety of brands and evaluate ski equipment and accessories firsthand. She's an avid skier who has learned firsthand how important it is to have the right pair of gloves with you on the slopes, especially in brutal Northeast conditions.

To address what consumers should keep an eye out for when shopping for ski gloves, she interviewed professionals in the field who live and breathe ski gear: Joanne Bienskie, owner of women’s outdoor brand Alpinistas and Alpinistas Collective and Andrea Battin, director of buying at retailer Outdoor Gear Exchange in Vermont.