What To Look For
Purchasing gloves for skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports comes down to a few basic factors.
Gloves or mittens: Mittens are the warmest option because they keep all of your fingers together and promote extra body heat. Mittens can be pretty useless when it comes to using your hands to perform basic activities such as tying your shoes. Mittens are a good option if the temperatures are extremely low and you don't require use of your hands, such as for snowshoeing. But if you'll be using your hands regularly, a pair of gloves provides better dexterity while still protecting from the weather.
Waterproofing: Gloves that are used in snowy, wet conditions should have ample waterproofing. Ratings are not usually specified for winter gloves, but purchasing gloves with a Gore-Tex shell can ensure top quality water protection.
Insulation: Gloves should have ample insulation for the intended use and weather conditions. Materials such as Thermoloft, Primaloft and wool are good indicators of a well-insulated glove.
Liners: Gloves might come with removable liners good for adjusting the level of insulation and boosting warmth when needed. Waterproof liners add additional waterproofing to protect your hands. Liners also can be purchased separately so they don't need to be a make-or-break feature when shopping for new gloves.
Grip: A durable, tacky leather or synthetic palm is a good feature.
Size: Gloves should fit your hands snugly without leaving much room between the fingers and glove tips. This will increase warmth and maneuverability. Size gloves before buying.
Length: Ski and snowboard gloves are designed to secure either over-the-jacket sleeves or under. Consider the design of the jacket being used and purchase the system that functions best.
Warranty: Gloves take some abuse, so purchasing gloves with a multiyear or lifetime warranty can help ensure they last beyond a season.
Common Pitfalls
While gloves seem like an extremely simple purchase that can be done online, fitting gloves in person is the best way to get the right pair. Glove sizes are not universal and different gloves provide a different fit. Gloves that fit correctly will be warmer and easier to use when tying your boots or tightening your bindings.
Where To Buy
Local ski shops are the best bet for purchasing quality performance gloves. You also can find a good selection of gloves at any sporting goods store that carries skiing or snowboarding equipment and winter clothing. If you'll be shopping online, sites such as Backcountry and Sierra Ski/Snowboard often run great deals on gloves, cutting prices by up to 70 percent.
Cost
A good pair of Gore-Tex skiing or snowboarding gloves will run anywhere from $50 to $175 retail (2009 figures). If you don't require waterproofing or heavy insulation, regular winter gloves can be found for well below $50. Sales aren't hard to find and can drastically reduce prices.
Insider Tips
Don't wait until your old gloves wear out in the middle of January to shop for ones. The best time to buy in terms of price is in the off-season. Assess your gloves in the summer or fall and purchase discounted gloves left over from the previous season. An extra pair of gloves always is handy to have, particularly on a long trip, so if you find a sale, an additional pair won't go to waste. You also can begin finding good discounts at local and online retailers beginning in February.
