When you are skiing, your hands need proper protection and insulation against the cold. In cold temperatures, when you ski down the slopes at speed, your hands feel very cold and it can even cause severe pain, which makes your hands hard to grab things like ski poles. When this kind of situation occurs, your adventure trip has been ruined. So, a good pair of gloves becomes an essential piece of gear in such situations. Luckily, you don’t need to spend a lot of money on gloves, you can get a decent pair at a very budget-friendly price and it will get the job done nicely.
So here is the list of top ski gloves that provide good value for money.
1. Gordini GTX Storm Trooper II
Style: Gauntlet
Insulation: Megaloft synthetic
Palm material: Polyurethane
Waterproof: Gore-Tex
Gordini GTX Storm Trooper II is an all-rounder option that comes with an impressive set of features. Considering its price, this pair performs near some high-end models. The price and feature set make it a perfect choice for entry-level resort skiers. It has synthetic insulation, especially in the finger area. This pair is going to work in almost all cold conditions. However, at super cold temperatures, you may feel your hands a little bit cold. Keep in mind that this is an entry-level option. There is a zippered pocket on the back that can hold a hand warmer pouch.
Storm Trooper II features a soft fleece lining inside that provides good warmth and is comfortable. However, the insulation in the finger area is a bit thick and it compromises dexterity but it keeps your fingers warm, which is a good thing. You can still use them for causal resort skiing as they are enough dexterous. But they are not ideal for those looking to hold gear with gloves on. The gloves also feature a Gore-Tex lining that keeps water out. However, the handwarmer pocket is not waterproof. The design is low-profile over the cuff and it can be tucked under the jacket. The seams are also watertight the inserts are reinforced, which makes them pretty durable.
What I like: Good warmth, comfortable feel, affordable price
What I don’t like: Lack dexterity, slightly snug fit, the liner is not removable
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2. Flylow Ridge
Style: Undercuff
Insulation: Spaceloft Micropuff
Palm material: Pigskin leather
Waterproof: SnoSeal beeswax
Flylow Ridge is a cheap pair of ski gloves that will get you through and get the job done. However, don’t expect too much from it. If you are looking for a premium pair with more features, this may not be an ideal option for you. These gloves provide enough insulation for moderate temperatures and they are stylish enough but lack some basic ski-specific features. You can use them around 25-35°F, but below that mark, your hands will be cold. The pigskin leather used in these gloves provides reasonable waterproofing. However, the cuffs are not waterproof and will absorb water quickly
Out of the box, the gloves feel quite stiff and lack dexterity. With time, they start breaking in and become relatively dexterous but the process of breaking in takes a little time. The finger area has stitching that feels bulky and it compromises dexterity to the extent that even simple tasks become cumbersome. The pigskin leather used in these gloves is fairly durable and they last a very long time. However, the bulky stitching in the fingers is susceptible to being caught by objects which can cause it to rip easily. Again, this is an entry-level option and it will work just fine in moderate temperatures but don’t expect exceptional performance.
What I like: Fairly durable, reasonable waterproofing, does the job
What I don’t like: Bulky stitching, lack of dexterity, not super warm
3. Burton Gore-Tex Gloves
Style: Gauntlet
Insulation: Thermacore synthetic
Palm material: Nylon/leather
Waterproof: Gore-Tex insert
Burton Gore-Tex is a cool pair of gloves that has an attractive styling with several sweet features. This pair provides great warmth and supports touchscreen-sensitive fingers. It also includes an extra pair of liner gloves and it also comes in a variety of sizes to fit every hand size. The included pair of liners make these gloves stand out in this price range. This is a great feature especially when you need dexterity. You simply remove the outer glove to gain more dexterity. This also features a Gore-Tex insert that can provide above-average waterproofing ability.
When it comes to ergonomics, they perform very well but the dexterity they provide (with outer gloves on) is average, which is something expected at this price point. Other features include touchscreen-capable fingers on all five fingers. It works great but it’s only available on the outer gloves. The inner liner is not touchscreen sensitive. The gloves are fairly durable but nothing exceptional. Burton’s Gnar Guard usually starts to show signs of premature wear after a month or so. It may also reduce the performance of DWR. Overall, in this price range, it’s hard to find a pair that provides extra features along with a separate liner. It’s an attractive option for most ski climates with decent weather resistance.
What I like: An affordable choice for resort skiers, includes liner gloves
What I don’t like: Wear out quickly, not a great fit, average weather resistance
4. REI Co-op Guide Insulated
Style: Undercuff
Insulation: Polyester fibers
Palm material: Leather
Waterproof: No
REI Co-op Guide Insulated gloves feature a soft shell that does not require a break-in period and offers dexterity out of the box. This pair may remind you of hardware store leather gloves. In addition to insulation, the comfort they provide is great. The Guide Insulated performs well in the temperature range of 20-25°F but below that, they are not super warm. This softshell also blocks wind well when they are tucked under your jacket sleeve. They provide reasonable warmth and excellent dexterity. You can easily handle things like ropes and ice tools with impressive ease.
REI Co-op Guide performs well in the dexterity department. The softshell construction that lacks insulation makes the Guide very dexterous. The stitching is sleek and that makes doing tasks easier. You can even tie a knot with gloves on. On the other hand, the softshell construction is not very durable. However, the palm and thumbs have reinforced leather and they do add to the durability along with good quality stitching in the fingers. The rest of the material is soft leather and it starts to wear after some time. On the plus side, this soft leather is more breathable than most options on the market at this price tag.
What I like: Excellent dexterity, breathable leather, good fit
What I don’t like: Below average durability, no wrist leash, and wears out quickly
5. Black Diamond Legend
Style: Undercuff
Insulation: PrimaLoft synthetic
Palm material: Sheep leather
Waterproof: Gore-Tex
Black Diamond Legend is a good option to consider if you are looking for an alternative to double gloves. They are lightweight, reasonably dexterous, warm, and comfortable. The gloves feature synthetic insulation along with a soft fleece lining, which makes them warm and comfortable to wear. You can wear these gloves at a temperature down to 10°F without feeling discomfort. The warmth and waterproofness provided by these gloves are not top-notch. However, the lack of warmth and water resistance make these gloves very dexterous. The dexterity of the Black Diamond Legend is among premium options and it even exceeds those of the high-end gloves.
The palm material is sheepskin and it does not require any break-in period, which makes them soft and comfortable. You can do common ski tasks without any issues. The gloves use a Gore-Tex waterproof insert but again, don’t expect too much in terms of waterproofing. There’s a Pertex softshell material on the back and the cuffs are also water-repellent. However, the soft leather is going to absorb water even when treated with the best snow sealants. The soft leather is relatively less durable and shows signs of wear and tear after some time. It even feels less durable when it becomes wet. Nevertheless, this is a great pair of ski gloves at an affordable price.
What I like: Lightweight, easy to pack in a backpack, great dexterity
What I don’t like: Leather absorbs water, marginal water resistance
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6. The North Face Montana Etip
Style: Gauntlet
Insulation: Heatseeker Eco
Palm material: Synthetic (polyurethane) leather
Waterproof: Gore-Tex insert
If you are looking for a warm and comfortable pair for wearing in extreme conditions, The North Face Montana Etip is a great option to consider. It provides superior warmth and comfort at a reasonable price tag. The Montana Etip offers some great features that make it an option worth considering. Exceptional comfort and dexterity provided by these gloves make them worth buying. The Montana Etip uses a Gore-Tex insert for waterproofing that provides solid waterproofing ability while keeping the dexterity at max. The good thing about Gore-Tex is that it maintains breathability and keeps the gloves less bulky. In the case of Montana Etip, this less bulky shell at the fingers is a bit stretchy which gives you a snug and comfortable fit.
As I mentioned earlier, the dexterity of the Montana Etip is high. This is made possible due to the well-articulated design of the fingers and the thumb. The finger area also has Radiametric Articulation technology that improves warmth and increases the blood flow to your fingers by mirroring the natural relaxed curve of the hand. The women-specific version comes with ‘5 Dimensional Fit’ that uses 5 measurements of the hand to construct gloves with an accurate and consistent fit. The durability of the Montana Etip is average. It feels great initially but may fall apart quickly.
What I like: Dexterous, exceptional waterproofing ability, super dexterous
What I don’t like: Average durability, they are not as warm as some other options
7. Outdoor Research Highcamp
Style: Gauntlet
Insulation: Vertical X/RadiantFleece
Palm material: Goat leather
Waterproof: Ventia inserts 100% nylon shell
The Outdoor Research Highcamp is an affordable pair of ski gloves considering the price and features it provides. The Highcamp is heavily insulated and warm enough for a variety of ski conditions. The insulation is further enhanced with a liner that makes it work even in single-digit temperatures. On the inside, you get 340g of Primaloft Gold insulation and there’s a Ventia insert, which is a waterproof breathable insert so you have got confident weather protection. The shell of these gloves is made from 100% ripstop nylon and the palm material is goat leather. This is a really good construction because it keeps the weight low.
The inner fleece liner is actually the Outdoor Research radiant fleece liner and it has got some great features. There’s a little bit of silicone grip in the palm and the index finger and thumb are touchscreen compatible. You can use your phone on the slopes without taking off your gloves completely. The Highcamp has a pre-curved construction that provides a really good and comfortable fit. It feels very natural whether you are wearing the glove by itself, the internal liner by itself, or the two together. If you want to use the shell by itself, you can do so because there is a nice and comfortable fleece lining on the inside.
What I like: Removable inner fleece liner, great value, fairly dexterous
What I don’t like: Relatively cheaper materials, average durability
8. Outdoor Research Arete
Style: Gauntlet
Insulation: Radiant Fleece
Palm material: AlpenGrip
Waterproof: Gore-Tex insert
Outdoor Research Arete gloves are versatile because of the removable liner. They’re warm with synthetic insulation and thanks to the Gore-Tex insert they’re waterproof and breathable. They offer excellent grip and dexterity and alpine conditions and they’re built by folks who know the demands of cold-weather adventures. It shows in the details of the fit, the premium materials, and the convenient features. The gloves are insulated with light 100-pile fleece and there’s a bit more insulation on the back of the hand. The removable fleece liners add warmth too. They are completely waterproof with a Gore-Tex insert. The fabric on the palm is called AlpenGrip and it works well with trekking poles, ski poles, and ice axes.
The fingers are curved and you can see the stitch lines follow the natural shape of your hands. That makes it much easier and more comfortable to hold ice tools. That means you can have a closer-fitting glove that doesn’t restrict your dexterity even when you clench your hands tightly. These were designed with changing conditions in mind in the coldest conditions. Wear the liners and the outer gloves together. If you find yourself working hard in windy wet conditions but you don’t need the warmth of the liner, you can wear the shells alone. The fleece liners work well as a standalone glove in warmer conditions.
Many small but convenient features set Outdoor Research gloves apart from the others. The elastic binding at the wrists gives a secure fit. There’s a one-handed bungee adjuster to allow you to really seal out snow and ice and the pole loops help to easily slide them on and off. The removable leash is useful when you’re up high skiing or climbing and you need to remove the gloves often throughout the day. The liners have a heat pack pocket right on the back of your hand for the coldest windiest days when you just can’t produce enough body heat on your own.
What I like: Excellent warmth and dexterity, separate liner
What I don’t like: Not the cheapest option
Best Budget Ski Gloves: Comparison Table
| GLOVE | STYLE | INSULATION | PALM MATERIAL | WATERPROOF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Storm Trooper II | Gauntlet | Megaloft synthetic | Polyurethane | Gore-Tex |
| Flylow Ridge | Undercuff | Spaceloft Micropuff | Pigskin leather | SnoSeal beeswax |
| Burton Gore-Tex | Gauntlet | Thermacore synthetic | Nylon/leather | Gore-Tex insert |
| REI Co-op Guide | Undercuff | Polyester fibers | Leather | No |
| Black Diamond Legend | Undercuff | PrimaLoft synthetic | Sheep leather | Gore-Tex |
| Montana Etip | Gauntlet | Heatseeker Eco | Synthetic leather | Gore-Tex insert |
| Outdoor Research Highcamp | Gauntlet | Vertical X/RadiantFleece | Goat leather | Ventia insert |
| Outdoor Research Arete | Gauntlet | Radiant Fleece | AlpenGrip | AlpenGrip |
How to Choose Ski Gloves
When choosing a pair of ski or snowboard gloves, consider the following tips in mind. Getting a new pair of gloves may seem straightforward but sometimes you get overwhelmed by too many options available on the market. So, here are a few critical considerations that will help you choose the right pair for your next cold-weather adventure.
Type
There are two main types available based on your personal interest and preference. The two types are mittens and gloves. Both of these are made with the same basic materials and construction.
- Gloves: The main difference between gloves and mittens is that in gloves, the fingers are separated. This makes gloves less warm compared to mittens but the offer better dexterity. With gloves on, you can do activities where you have to frequently handle gear. Gloves are a better choice for winter sports such as cross-country skiing because the body generates a lot of heat. Also, gloves are a better choice for you if your hands don’t get cold quickly in the winter. Keep in mind that both gloves and mittens provide different amounts of warmth. This is largely depending on materials used in the construction.
- Mittens: Mittens are warmer compared to traditional gloves. Your fingers share the same compartment that holds your body heat better. However, mittens limit your fingers’ mobility, which ultimately affect dexterity. You may need to remove your mittens for certain tasks like using your gear or phone. You can also get a 3-finger hybrid version commonly known as the lobsters or lobster mitts. If your fingers get cold easily in winters or you prefer comfort over mobility, mittens are what you need.
Shell
Shell material plays a key role in the overall warmth of the mittens or gloves. The outer shell is usually made of either synthetic material or leather. Most modern ski gloves these days are made of synthetic fabric usually, nylon. High-end models may have Gore-Tex inserts, which is a waterproof yet breathable membrane. The outer shells sometimes have coatings like ePTFE (expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene) which is known as Teflon in layman’s terms. You may also find PU (Polyurethane) coatings on some materials.
In addition to synthetic fabrics, leather is also used for gloves and mitts. The leather is naturally water-resistant and may not require an additional layer for waterproofing. However, a wax treatment or addition of resin is required to make leather completely waterproof, windproof, and warm. Leather is more durable than synthetic materials, so if kept with care, it can last for several years.
Membrane
Your gloves must stay dry to keep your hands warm on the slopes. For a glove to stay dry, it must breathe. Sweat can easily build inside the glove if it doesn’t breathe well. This can compromise warmth which results in sudden temperature dips. The ability to breathe and provide waterproofness depends on the type of membrane.
There are several methods that modern gloves use for waterproofness and breathability. Gore-Tex is a commonly used membrane in gloves to make them waterproof yet breathable. This membrane is placed between the outer shell and inner insulation, which provides the greatest level of waterproofing and breathability. However, these membranes make gloves pricy, heavy, and bulky.
Insulation
There are two main types of insulations used in gloves; synthetic and down. Down is the best natural insulator, which is commonly obtained from ducks and geese. It consists of feathers and plumes, which trap air better and keep your hands warm. Down is a great option for cold and dry temperatures but it loses its ability to insulate when it gets wet. Synthetic insulation, on the other hand, works even in damp conditions.
Cuffs
Cuffs keep snow from getting into your gloves and jacket. The length of the cuffs is a personal choice, however, the style of your jacket may determine the style and the length of your cuffs. You can have either under cuff or over cuff style. Gloves with under cuffs provide great mobility in the wrist area. It also allows for your jacket cuffs to overlap the gloves. This technique works best with jackets with adjustable Velcro cuffs. If you prefer to go with a longer cuff design, it will extend past the jacket cuffs and will provide more protection against snow.
Fit and Size
The fit of the gloves is important. For better dexterity and warmth, make sure your gloves fit well. Your palms should be covered properly and there should be a little bit of space at the end of the fingers. Gloves come in standard, small, medium, or large. Some brands like Hestra provide numbers-based listings but the good news is that most rely on a simple hand circumference measurement. So make sure you get the right size for yourself.
