The Best Ski Gloves for Warmth

The Best Ski Gloves for Warmth
Beginner skiers may think they can put on a pair of mittens, and that will be the end of it. They soon discover the error of their ways. Skiing involves some tough conditions. Along with adapting to subzero temperatures, you must also have protection from wind and moisture. If your ski gloves do not supply enough warmth, the rest of your body will be cold and uncomfortable. A cold skier is an unhappy skier. However, though your gloves must have warmth, they must also allow your hands to be functional, so that you can grip your ski poles. Some savvy manufacturers have solutions.

Ski Glove Fabric

When it comes to ski glove fabric, insulation should be your primary concern. Choose gloves that have an internal lining composed of a material that can trap air inside the glove. Of all the available fabrics, Polartec fleece is the most popular. The outer layer of your ski glove should be composed of a fabric that is wind-resistant, water-resistant and breathable. Gore-Tex gloves combine all three qualities. The Kombi Gore-Tex Crescent Ski Glove comes with a goggle wipe and a runaway leash.

Dexterity

Unlike snowboarders, skiers make active use of their hands. This can lead to compromises in terms of warmth. Though mittens provide significantly more warmth than gloves, they offer far less manual dexterity. A perfect solution is a mitten that features an internal glove liner. Thus, the outer layer provides warmth, and the inner layer provides dexterity. Burton makes a Gore-Tex mitten that comes with a glove liner.

Hand Warmer Compartments

For those who have problems with circulation, even the warmest gloves may not supply enough heat. In this case, a pair of hand warmers can be helpful. Some ski gloves feature a special hand warmer compartment that holds the warmers in place. The Gander Mountain Guide series comes with a hand warmer pocket.

Examples of Warm Ski Gloves for Women

For women, the Black Diamond Guide Glove is waterproof. The soft shell fabric allows for manual dexterity, and the Gore-Tex insert keeps hands dry. Then, there's the Marmot Ultimate Ski Glove, which comes with a safety leash that allows you to adjust your gloves on the lift without losing them. This glove also comes in men's sizes.

Examples of Warm Ski Gloves for Men

Guys will appreciate the Power Pod enforced palm on the Grandoe Mojo Ski Glove. Its V6 Dupont ComforMax technology effectively retains heat. The leather outer has impressive water-blocking features, which will keep your hands dry. If you like to ski the backcountry, you should consider the Mountain Hardware Tenacity XCR, which comes with Kevlar-reinforced sidewalls, as well as Primaloft insulation.

Article Written By Lisa Mercer

In 1999, Lisa Mercer’s fitness, travel and skiing expertise inspired a writing career. Her books include "Open Your Heart with Winter Fitness" and "101 Women's Fitness Tips." Her articles have appeared in "Aspen Magazine," "HerSports," "32 Degrees," "Pregnancy Magazine" and "Wired." Mercer has a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the City College of New York.

Write for Trails.com
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