Ever felt those icy fingers after a long day on the slopes? You know the feeling: your hands are numb, and you can barely grip your ski poles. That’s often the result of wearing the wrong gloves or, even worse, the wrong mittens! Choosing the perfect pair of skiing mittens can feel like navigating a black diamond run blindfolded. Should you prioritize waterproofing, warmth, or dexterity? The market bombards you with technical jargon and endless features, leaving you wondering which pair will actually keep your hands comfortable all day.
Stop settling for cold, clumsy hands! We understand the frustration of investing in gear that doesn’t deliver when the temperature drops. This comprehensive guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what makes a ski mitten great, focusing on the features that truly matter for warmth and performance.
By the end of this post, you will know precisely how to choose the best mittens for your next mountain adventure, ensuring cozy fingers from the first chair to the last run. Ready to trade those frozen tips for fantastic grip? Let’s dive into the world of superior ski handwear!
Top Mittens Skiing Recommendations
- Warmer Than Ever Before: We took our classic Furnace mittens and made it even warmer! Furnace Pro adds an extended cuff to these waterproof insulated winter mittens, using SummitLoft advanced insulation to lock in more body heat in extreme cold.
- Block The Wind Chill: Prevent sweat buildup and block harsh air entirely. Cinch the extended cuff of these snow mittens securely over your jacket sleeve, ensuring icy morning rides stay totally comfortable.
- Shed Wet Snow And Slush: The Furnace Pro upgrades to a highly water-resistant PU and microfiber palm. Combined with a TPU membrane, these waterproof mittens shed wet slush to keep your hands dry and cozy.
- Never Drop A Mitten Again: Need to check your phone? Wrist leashes let these mittens hang safely by your side. An upgraded handy suede thumb and a quick one-pull cinch ensure a snug fit when you get back to work.
- Built To Last The Season: Grip a ski pole or shovel without wearing through gear. Built with a tough PU/microfiber palm and reinforced nylon back, these snowboard mittens for women & men withstand heavy use so one hard winter won't finish them.
- TECHNOLOGY: Waterproof insert; FastDry lining wicks sweat; synthetic insulation
- FEATURES: Fleece cuff; adjustable wrist strap; digital grip; brow wipe
- MATERIALS: Polyester and softshell shell; softshell palm
- SIZING: Determined by hand circumference and length in inches; Small (C:7.5-8 / L:7.5), Medium (C:8.5 / L:7.75), Large (C:9-9.5 / L:8), X-Large (C:10-10.5 / L:8.5), XX-Large (C:11-12 / L:9)
- STYLE #A616
- Stay Warmer Than Gloves: Never suffer frozen fingers again. The Furnace Mittens are waterproof insulated winter mittens packed with SummitLoft advanced insulation, locking in your body's heat for all-day comfort in extreme cold.
- Block The Wind Chill: Brave gusting ridges or icy morning rides. The waterproof nylon shell blocks harsh air, while the breathable design prevents sweat buildup. Cinch these snow mittens over your jacket sleeve so the cold never finds a way in.
- Shed Wet Snow And Slush: Get immediate warmth for freezing dog walks or quick driveway shoveling. The nylon shell sheds water, while the breathable TPU membrane in these waterproof mittens keeps your hands dry and cozy.
- Never Drop A Mitten Again: Need to check your phone or grab a snack? Adjustable wrist leashes let these mittens hang safely by your side. A quick one-pull cinch ensures a snug, warm fit when you slip them back on to get back to work.
- Built To Last The Season: Grip a ski pole or shovel without wearing through gear. Built with a full synthetic leather palm and reinforced nylon back, these snowboard mittens for women & men withstand heavy use, so one hard winter won't finish them.
- BUILT FOR WARMTH: Keep hands dry and warm all day in snowy conditions. These waterproof insulated winter mittens feature our SummitLoft insulation, which retains body heat while allowing moisture to escape.
- WEATHERPROOF AND BREATHABLE: These adult mittens feature a waterproof nylon shell that blocks moisture and wind chill. The breathable membrane lets moisture escape and promotes airflow, keeping hands dry and comfy.
- WARMER THAN GLOVES: These mens and womens mittens are the warmest choice! Snow mittens provide more warmth compared to traditional adult waterproof snow gloves as fingers share body warmth.
- DURABLE: Our weatherproof gloves have a durable synthetic leather palm and reinforced nylon shell that stands up to ski or snowboard edges — so they're perfect snowboarding or skiing gloves!
- ADJUSTABLE FIT: Our waterproof mittens feature adjustable wrist leashes for a snug and warm fit. Plus, you can remove them and let them hang while you check your phone or eat a snack.
- Warmer Than Ever Before: We took our classic Furnace mittens and made it even warmer! Furnace Pro adds an extended cuff to these waterproof insulated winter mittens, using SummitLoft advanced insulation to lock in more body heat in extreme cold.
- Block The Wind Chill: Prevent sweat buildup and block harsh air entirely. Cinch the extended cuff of these snow mittens securely over your jacket sleeve, ensuring icy morning rides stay totally comfortable.
- Shed Wet Snow And Slush: The Furnace Pro upgrades to a highly water-resistant PU and microfiber palm. Combined with a TPU membrane, these waterproof mittens shed wet slush to keep your hands dry and cozy.
- Never Drop A Mitten Again: Need to check your phone? Wrist leashes let these mittens hang safely by your side. An upgraded handy suede thumb and a quick one-pull cinch ensure a snug fit when you get back to work.
- Built To Last The Season: Grip a ski pole or shovel without wearing through gear. Built with a tough PU/microfiber palm and reinforced nylon back, these snowboard mittens for women & men withstand heavy use so one hard winter won't finish them.
- Quilted Design with Secure Closure: Quilted mitten featuring fleece cuff and adjustable snap closure for a customized fit
- Convenient Nose Wipe Feature: Integrated nose wipe panel and elastic wrist for added comfort and functionality
- FastDry Technology Lining: Advanced moisture-wicking lining technology that effectively draws sweat away from skin to keep hands dry
- Flexible Comfort Fit: Stretch fleece cuff with elastic wrist provides secure fit while allowing natural movement
- Durable Construction: Recycled ripstop taffeta shell with quilted stitching and reinforced palm for enhanced durability and grip
- Warm Winter Gloves for Cold Weather: Crafted with 140g insulation cotton, ski gloves effectively create a thermal barrier, combination with adjustable wrist strap, blocks cold air out to keep excellent warmth. Maintains breathability and comfortable. Ensure your hands flexible during extended activity such as skiing, snowboarding, snowmobile.
- Superior Waterproof & Windproof Ski Mittens: The outer water-repellent shell and inner TPU waterproof membrane provide dual-layer defense against moisture. Adjustable wrist buckles and elastic cuff cords secure the gloves in place, sealing out snow and cold wind.
- Thumb Touchscreen Gloves: Soft and flexible leather provide thumb touchscreen function for snow gloves. You can flexibly control the electric deviceswithout taking off the warm winter gloves in the cold winter, boosting a lot of convenience and efficiency.
- Non-slip Palm & Nose Wipe-Thumbs: Non-slip and wear-resistant PU leather patch palm ensures gripping whether you are skiing, boarding, cycling, sledding, or lobbing snowballs. Snow mittens thumbs with soft material could use for nose wipe/glasses.
- Double Pockets & Anti-lost Design: Equipped with waterproof double zipper pockets on the back of the ski gloves, for easy carrying of cards, keys or small hot pack. Anti-lost buckles connect the gloves together and Built-in wrist straps keep mittens secure—never lose gloves!
- Guaranteed Warmth, Waterproofing & Versatility : Built for riders who don’t wait for perfect weather, our insulated Men’s GORE-TEX Mittens deliver all-conditions performance with dependable protection from moisture and cold; featuring an ergonomic pre-curved fit, the versatile two-in-one design includes a removable liner for customizable layering; ride with confidence knowing all Burton outerwear is backed by a Lifetime Warranty
- Ventilated Construction : Equipped with breathable GORE-TEX Plus Warm technology and low-profile ThermacoreECO insulation made from 95% recycled materials, the well-balanced build keeps hands dry and toasty without sacrificing airflow or moisture control
- Smart Design & Tech : Rider-friendly features include a heater/vent pocket, a removable wrist leash for easy handling, a D-ring and hook for secure attachment, a soft nose wipe on the thumb for quick cleanups, and an adjustable wrist cinch & extended gauntlet to lock in warmth and keep snow out; built-in Screen Grab tech allows full touchscreen control without having to remove gear
- Ride With Purpose : We’re proud to be recognized as a Fair Labor Accredited company for our commitment to health and safety, a livable wage, and ethical labor practices; plus, as a certified B Corporation, we follow the highest chemical standards in the textile industry, partnering with bluesign to reduce our environmental impact
- Who We Are : Since our founding in 1977, we've played a pivotal role in growing snowboarding from a backyard hobby to a world-class sport; today, we continue to design industry-leading products that combine top-tier sustainability with social impact to build a more equitable and inclusive outdoor community
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing Your Perfect Mittens for Skiing
Skiing is fun, but cold hands are not! Good ski mittens keep your fingers warm and dry. This guide helps you pick the best pair for your next snowy adventure. We cover what matters most so you can focus on the slopes.
Key Features to Look For
The right mittens have features that make a big difference in comfort and warmth. Think about these main points when shopping:
Warmth Rating and Insulation
Mittens must trap heat well. Look for thick insulation. Down feathers offer great warmth for their weight. Synthetic fills, like PrimaLoft, work well even when wet. Check if the mitten is rated for very cold days or milder spring skiing.
Waterproofing and Breathability
Your hands get sweaty, and snow melts. You need waterproof mittens. A good waterproof membrane (like Gore-Tex) blocks water from getting in. Breathability is also important. It lets sweat vapor escape so your hands stay dry inside. Wet hands get cold fast!
Grip and Dexterity
Even though mittens group your fingers, you still need to hold ski poles. Look for grippy palms. Leather or reinforced synthetic palms offer better grip. Some mittens have a special split or extra padding where you hold the pole.
Wrist Closure and Cuffs
A long cuff keeps snow out when you fall or lean over. An adjustable wrist strap lets you tighten the fit around your jacket sleeve. A secure gauntlet (the large outer part) keeps powder from sneaking in.
Important Materials Matter
The materials used determine how long your mittens last and how warm they feel.
- Outer Shell: Durable nylon or polyester fabrics resist rips from ski edges or falls. A DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish sheds surface water initially.
- Insulation: As mentioned, down is light and warm. Synthetics are reliable when damp. Choose insulation thickness based on where you ski most often.
- Palm Material: Genuine leather offers superior durability and grip but needs occasional conditioning. Synthetic leather lasts longer without maintenance.
- Liner: The inside layer touching your skin should feel soft. Fleece or merino wool liners wick moisture away and add comfort.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality isn’t just about the brand name. Specific construction details boost performance.
What Makes Quality Better:
- Seam Sealing: High-quality mittens have taped or sealed seams. This prevents water from leaking through the stitching areas, which is a common weak spot.
- Durable Stitching: Strong, double-stitched areas hold up against the stress of gripping poles and frequent use.
- Removable Liners: Liners that zip or snap out are easier to dry thoroughly after a long day on the mountain.
What Reduces Quality (Watch Outs):
- Cheap Coatings: Some lower-cost mittens rely only on a thin surface coating that washes off quickly. Look for a true waterproof membrane inside.
- Thin Insulation: If the mitten feels flat and offers little loft, it will not keep you warm below freezing temperatures.
- Flimsy Clasps: Plastic clips or weak elastic cords break easily, leading to lost mittens on the lift.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you ski changes what you need in a mitten.
The Aggressive Downhill Skier:
You need maximum protection. Focus on heavy insulation and rugged, reinforced palms for constant pole use. Bright colors help others see you on crowded runs.
The Backcountry Touring Skier:
You generate more heat while hiking uphill. Look for mittens that are slightly less bulky but offer excellent breathability. Vents or zippered vents are very helpful for managing temperature swings.
The Casual Resort Skier:
Comfort and ease of use are key. A good fit and reliable warmth for average winter days are important. Mittens with simple, one-pull wrist cinches are often preferred.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Ski Mittens
Q: Are mittens always warmer than gloves?
A: Yes, generally mittens keep your hands warmer. Your fingers share body heat when huddled together inside the mitten space.
Q: How do I find the right size?
A: Measure your hand from the tip of your middle finger to the base of your wrist. Check the brand’s sizing chart. You need space for the insulation but not so much that your hand slides around.
Q: Should I buy leather or synthetic palms?
A: Leather offers the best long-term grip and feel, but synthetic palms are often more water-resistant out of the box and require less upkeep.
Q: What is the difference between waterproof and water-resistant?
A: Waterproof means a special layer blocks all water entry. Water-resistant means the outer fabric sheds light rain or snow but can soak through under heavy, wet conditions.
Q: When should I use a glove liner inside my mitten?
A: Liners are great for very cold days or when you need a quick burst of dexterity, like adjusting a buckle. You can remove the liner to dry it separately.
Q: How often should I treat my leather mittens?
A: Treat leather palms with a waterproofing conditioner once or twice per season to keep them soft and prevent cracking.
Q: What are “lobster” mittens?
A: These are a hybrid style where the index finger is separated, but the other three fingers are grouped. They offer a bit more dexterity than a full mitten.
Q: Can I use my phone with these mittens on?
A: Most modern ski mittens have touchscreen-compatible fingertips, but performance varies. Check the product description to confirm.
Q: How should I dry my mittens after skiing?
A: Always air dry them away from direct heat sources like radiators or fires. High heat damages the waterproof membranes and insulation.
Q: Are “ski mittens” different from “snowboard mittens”?
A: Not usually. The main differences are often in the length of the cuff, as snowboarders sometimes prefer longer gauntlets to keep powder out while sitting or falling.
