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Ski Gloves Buyer's Guide and Care Instructions

Ski gloves are available in countless variations, and warm, comfortable gloves are certainly a must in the mountains. However, choosing the right glove, in the right material and model, can be difficult. With this guide, we will help you find which model and material you should choose. We also provide care tips for your gloves so they last a long time and can be used optimally. There are a variety of different models and materials to choose from; below, we will review the most common choices you face.

Different models of ski gloves

Mittens

Mittens are the warmest type of glove and are well suited for those who get very cold hands and fingers.

Three-finger ski gloves

Three-finger ski gloves are the model for those who get very cold hands and fingers, but find mittens too bulky. Thanks to the thumb and index finger being free, you can more easily use your hands without having to take off your gloves. Some models also have material that works with your smartphone so you can easily use your phone without taking off your gloves.

Classic 5-finger gloves

Classic 5-finger gloves give you the best dexterity and mean you don't have to take off your gloves as often. Some models offer material that can be used directly on your smartphone, allowing you to use your mobile even with your gloves on. This glove provides the best grip on the pole and gives you the greatest freedom of movement. The disadvantage of these, however, is that each finger must warm itself, which means these gloves do not provide the same warmth as a mitten.

Inner glove with shell/gloves with removable lining

A glove with a shell/gloves with a removable lining is a glove where you can easily regulate the warmth. You simply pull the inner glove with the shell over the shell when needed and remove it when it gets too warm. With a glove with an inner lining, you remove or insert inner gloves and choose what suits the weather best. A convenient option when the weather changes or if you tend to quickly switch between feeling cold and sweating. This type of glove is available as both a mitten and a 5-finger glove.

Shell material

Once you have a handle on the models, it's time to take a look at which outer material you should choose. It's important that your gloves can breathe and wick away moisture to keep your hands both dry and warm. There are generally two different options to choose from;

Leather Gloves

Leather gloves are very durable, windproof, and water-repellent with good flexibility and some breathability. Often, leather gloves are not entirely made of leather but are supplemented with synthetic materials that offer better insulation and breathability where needed. Natural leather is often a bit more expensive but lasts a very long time if properly cared for. Please see our care instructions below for maintaining leather gloves to preserve the good qualities of the leather.

Synthetic material

Synthetic materials come in many different varieties, and the quality varies greatly. Often, you can see that the price reflects the quality when it comes to gloves, but there are of course exceptions. Generally speaking, the more expensive the synthetic or artificial material glove, the better its breathability, insulation, and durability. The advantage of synthetic materials is that it is easier to find a glove that meets your requirements regarding breathability, insulation, and warmth, as this type of material can be constructed in various ways.

Ski gloves

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Indoor lining

If your glove has a lining, it's important to be aware of the different materials available. We'll go through the four most common ones below:

Down has excellent warming properties and is best suited for dry weather conditions. This type of lining is best for moderate activity in cold but dry weather so that too much condensation/moisture doesn't build up in the gloves. If down gets wet, its insulating ability significantly deteriorates, and it takes a relatively long time to dry.

Wool has very good insulating and warming properties. Wool also works well in wetter weather conditions because wool does not lose its insulating properties if it gets soaked or if condensation or moisture forms in the glove.

Primaloft is a patented synthetic microfiber insulation material. This material keeps the body warm and helps you conserve energy. Primaloft is good for wetter conditions as, like wool, it does not lose its insulating ability when wet. It's not as warm as down but has other good properties such as water repellency, breathability, and compressibility.

Thinsulate allows for good hand dexterity as this material is made of ultra-thin microfiber. Despite the material being thin, it still has very good insulating properties.

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Ski Glove Size Guide

It's very easy to find the right size for you and your hands. Follow the steps below to quickly find out which size is right for you.

  • Extend your hand and keep your fingers together.
  • Spread your thumb to form an "L" shape with your hand.
  • Measure the widest part of your hand (across the knuckles, do not include the thumb).
  • This measurement is your glove size. For example, if you measure 7.8 centimeters, your glove size is 8.
  • However, sometimes you may need to go up or down a size. This can be due to factors such as having long fingers or very "flat" hands. It can also depend on the glove's construction, and sizes may vary between different models or brands.

Maintenance

Proper glove care is essential for maintaining their fit and properties. The best way to care for your gloves primarily depends on the material they are made from. Below, we list general tips, as well as tips specifically for leather gloves. Care can be divided into two different categories: washing and drying, and maintenance.

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Washing and drying advice for your ski gloves

  • Dry your gloves at room temperature. (Avoid fire, heaters, tumble dryers, etc.)
  • Gloves dry best standing up.
  • Do not turn your gloves inside out when washing or drying. (It can be difficult to get the inner lining back into place, which can impair performance).
  • Do not wash them too often, especially leather gloves, as this dries out the material. If you wash your leather gloves or multi-layered gloves, use warm water and soap. If you have gloves without leather or multiple layers, you can machine wash them. Follow the washing instructions for the gloves, usually a maximum of 40 degrees and preferably lower temperatures.
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Maintenance/other

  • If you have leather gloves, you should grease them regularly so that the gloves can better withstand wear and moisture. Here's how to grease your gloves: Lightly moisten the leather. Use a cloth and rub the grease into the leather (don't use too much; rather, apply a little at a time). TIP! Grease the gloves in the evening so the grease has soaked into the leather by morning and they are ready to use.
  • If you have gloves made of breathable material (e.g., GORE-TEX), you should avoid silicone impregnation. This is because silicone closes the material's pores, which leads to reduced breathability.
  • Bleached or dyed leather can bleed when the material is wet. Remember not to place wet gloves on clothes/materials of other colours. Naturally coloured leather will not bleed.
  • Gloves often come with a carabiner or similar, which makes it easy to attach them to, for example, a backpack so you don't lose them. Hanging also helps the glove maintain its shape during drying.
  • The most common cause of damage to your gloves is due to ski or snowboard edges, as well as buckles for bindings and boots. So remember to be careful to minimise unnecessary damage to your gloves.