The Best Ski Gloves and Mittens for 2026: Editor Tested and Reviewed

The first chairlift ride of the morning is always a litmus test. As the wind whips across the ridge and the temperature drops ten degrees in a matter of minutes, you find out very quickly if your gear is up to the task. I’ve spent countless winters testing handwear in everything from damp Pacific Northwest sleet to bone-chilling Rocky Mountain sub-zero mornings. What I’ve learned is that a bad pair of gloves doesn’t just make you miserable; it ends your day. Cold fingers lose the dexterity needed to adjust goggles or grip poles, and once the chill sets in, it's nearly impossible to reverse without a trip to the lodge.

To help you stay on the mountain longer, I’ve put the latest offerings through the ringer. This year’s standouts combine advanced synthetic insulation, high-tier waterproofing, and ergonomic designs that actually let you use your hands. Whether you are buying for yourself or looking for the perfect gift for the skier in your life, here is how to navigate the world of premium handwear.

Understanding the Tech: Insulation and Waterproofing

Before we dive into the specific models, it is worth understanding the technical specs that define a high-quality glove. When you see a price tag north of a hundred dollars, you are usually paying for two things: a membrane and a specific weight of insulation.

The gold standard for waterproofing remains GORE-TEX. This membrane is integrated between the outer shell and the insulation, allowing sweat vapor to escape while preventing liquid water from getting in. For high-output skiing, look for GORE-TEX or similar proprietary membranes like BD.dry or AscentShell.

Insulation is measured in grams per square meter (g/m2). A glove with 150g to 200g of insulation on the back of the hand is considered heavy-duty for cold weather. On the palm, you will typically see lower weights—around 60g to 100g—to allow for a better grip on your poles. Synthetic insulations like PrimaLoft Gold or G-Loft are preferred in the ski world because they maintain their warmth even if they get slightly damp, unlike traditional down which clumps and loses loft when wet.

The All-Around Champion: Hestra Heli 3-Finger Mittens

Gifting Persona: The Backcountry Enthusiast or the Always-Cold Skier

There is a reason you see these gloves on the hands of ski patrollers and guides worldwide. The Hestra Heli 3-Finger (often called a lobster mitt) is the perfect compromise for someone who struggles with cold hands but hates the total loss of movement that comes with a traditional mitten. By keeping your pinky, ring, and middle fingers together, they share warmth, while the separate index finger allows you to operate zippers and boot buckles with ease.

Technical Specs: These use Army Goat Leather for the palm, which is incredibly durable and grippy. The insulation is G-Loft, a fast-drying polyester fiber, and they feature a removable Bemberg/polyester liner. The removable liner is a game-changer; it allows you to dry the gloves quickly overnight or swap in a fresh liner if you are on a multi-day tour.

Why they are a great gift: These are heirloom-quality gear. With proper leather conditioning, a pair of Hestras can easily last a decade. They also come with handcuffs (leashes), so the recipient won't accidentally drop one off a chairlift.

The High-Performance Workhorse: Black Diamond Legend Gloves

Gifting Persona: The Performance Purist and All-Mountain Charger

If you prefer the precision of a traditional five-finger glove, the Black Diamond Legend is arguably the best in its class. These are designed for the skier who is constantly tinkering with their gear and needs maximum articulation. The 3D articulated fit means the glove is already shaped like a relaxed hand, reducing the hand fatigue that comes from fighting stiff materials.

Technical Specs: The Legend features a 100 percent waterproof GORE-TEX insert with XCR Product Technology. For insulation, it uses 170g of PrimaLoft Gold on the back of the hand and 60g of PrimaLoft Gold on the palm. This strategic layering provides massive warmth where you need it without making the palm feel bulky or disconnected from the ski pole.

Why they are a great gift: The sheep leather construction gives them a premium, soft feel right out of the box. They look as good as they perform, making them a safe bet for the skier who values both style and technical excellence.

The High-Output Specialist: Outdoor Research Stormtracker Sensor Gloves

Gifting Persona: The Uphill Athlete and Spring Resort Skier

Not every day on the mountain is a blizzard. For spring skiing or for those who spend their time skinning up the mountain (uphill skiing), a heavy insulated glove is actually a liability because it leads to sweaty, clammy hands. The Stormtracker is a lightweight, low-profile glove designed for high-energy movement.

Technical Specs: These utilize GORE-TEX INFINIUM with Windstopper technology. This means they are 100 percent windproof and highly water-resistant, though not fully waterproof for submersing in slush. They are unlined but offer enough fleece-backed warmth to handle active days in the 20 to 40-degree range.

Why they are a great gift: They feature touchscreen-compatible fingertips (the Sensor tech), which is a massive win for the skier who is always checking maps or taking photos. They are the perfect second pair of gloves for someone who already owns heavy-duty winter mitts.

Editor’s Tip: How to Measure for a Perfect Online Fit

One of the biggest mistakes consumers make is ordering based on their t-shirt size. A glove that is too small will restrict blood flow, making your hands feel colder than if you were wearing no gloves at all. You need a small pocket of air around your fingers to act as a thermal buffer.

To find your true size, take a soft measuring tape and wrap it around the widest part of your hand (across your knuckles), excluding the thumb. Most brands use this measurement in inches or centimeters to determine their sizing (e.g., a 9-inch circumference is usually a size Large/9). If you are between sizes, always size up.

The Underrated Essentials: Leashes and Liners

When buying or gifting, don't overlook the accessories that make these gloves work better.

Leashes (or Handcuffs) are simple elastic loops that go around your wrists. They allow you to pull your gloves off on the chairlift to check your phone without the risk of watching a $160 investment tumble into the woods below. If a glove doesn't come with them, you can buy them separately for about $10.

Liners are thin, moisture-wicking gloves worn inside the main shell. These provide an extra layer of warmth for the truly frigid days and allow you to take your heavy shells off to perform fine-motor tasks without exposing your bare skin to the elements. I recommend a thin merino wool liner for the best temperature regulation and odor resistance.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right handwear is a balance of understanding your own biology—how easily your hands get cold—and the typical conditions of where you ski. Investing in a quality pair of gloves is one of the few gear purchases that offers an immediate, tangible improvement to every single run you take. Whether you choose the bombproof warmth of the Hestra Heli or the precision of the Black Diamond Legend, focus on the materials and the fit first. Your hands, and your ski season, will be much better for it.