Best Women’s Ski Gloves of 2021
The easiest way to ruin a skiing trip is with cold and wet hands, so choosing a quality pair of gloves is essential.
Regardless of your skill level or how often you hit the slopes, finding the best rated women’s ski gloves will ensure you never have to call it a day early and give your hands everything they need to perform.
What are the best women’s ski gloves?
A good ski glove should be comfortable, provide your hands with warmth, and prevent moisture from getting inside. These gloves are usually made with at least three separate layers including an outer material and inner lining, with varied features and benefits depending on their construction.
If it’s time to hang up your old ski gloves and treat yourself to a new pair, or if you’re shopping for your very first set, this guide can show you the way.
We’ve hand-picked a few ski gloves for women that offer it all in affordability, practicality, and comfort, so you can start skiing with minimal interruptions.
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Arc'teryx Fission SV Gloves
✅ Waterproof/Breathable GORE-TEX
✅ Double layer for durability
✅ Elasticated wrist straps
❌ They felt too large
$199.00 Shop Now Shop Now
Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Gloves
✅ Hestra’s most durable leather
✅ Weather-proof Triton polyamide
✅ Easily accessible wrist strap
❌ Not as warn as expected
$159.95 Shop Now Shop Now
Outdoor Research Alti Mitten
✅ Waterproof/Breathable GORE-TEX
✅ Leather palms to maintain grip
✅ Removable wrist cords
❌ Lack of sizing
$199.00 Shop NowRating and ranking
The crowded market of ski equipment can get overwhelming fast, and if you’re only looking for a simple pair of gloves, it can be hard to know where to start.
We’ve selected some of our favorite women’s gloves made just for this winter sport so that you have only the best of the best to choose from.
Best Women’s Ski Gloves – Reviews & Buying Guide for 2021
- Arc’teryx Fission SV Gloves
- Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Gloves
- Oyuki Kana Glove
- Outdoor Research Alti Mitten
- Burton Mittens
Best Overall: Arc’teryx Fission SV Gloves
- Material: Goat’s leather, nylon
- Insulation: Synthetic
- Cuff Style: Elastic
Our pick for the best and warmest women’s ski gloves are the Arc’teryx Fission SV Gloves, made for extreme conditions and cold weather. These unisex gloves feature goat leather on the palm and a mixture of nylon and elastane on the rest of them and come in sizes ranging from extra small to extra large with black being the only color. Rated for weather and water proofing, and with the special Octa Loft lining that wicks moisture away, your hands will never be wet or cold while you ski.
The feel of these gloves is second to none and it’s what earned it our top spot. If you want to feel like you’re wearing women’s heated ski gloves but aren’t really, the Fission SV ones can deliver. This is thanks to the unique construction of its separate layers as well as the Fortius 1.0 shells that make them breathable and weatherproof, as well as the GORE-TEX inserts that they’ve included.
Another huge selling point of the Arc’teryx Fission SV Gloves is their quality, and if you’re looking for a pair that will stand the test of time, they’re it. All of the materials, including the double layer of premium goat’s leather and PrimaLoft Silver and Gold Insulation will see to it that these last at least 10 years with the right care, so although they might seem a little expensive at first, it’s an investment that will pay off.
On the downside, sizing was a little tricky to get with these gloves, and there’s a chance you might need to return them for another once they arrive. They feature elasticated wrist straps that help tighten them up but if they’re already feeling too big for you, this small difference won’t be able to help. Some also found that if they felt too large, they weren’t able to provide enough warmth, so it’s not something you want to get wrong.
Customers also noted that there was no adjustable strap on the wrist either, so you couldn’t pull them really tight. If you’re someone who likes their gloves to be snug and would rather not second guess whether they’re going to come off at any minute, you might want to keep shopping for another brand.
The Arc’teryx Fission SV Gloves are some of the better made skiing gloves on the market today, and they’re great for both men and women. The quality of craftsmanship and the way you’re able to comfortably grip the poles make them a winner in our eyes. These gloves come with a three year limited warranty and the solid reputation of the Arc’teryx name behind them, but will easily last a lot longer than that when cared for correctly.
Runner-Up: Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Gloves
- Material: Goat leather, polyamide
- Insulation: Synthetic
- Cuff Style: Drawstring
Hestra’s Army Leather Heli Ski Gloves are a force to be reckoned with and some of the toughest gloves for the toughest conditions. These gloves come in five color schemes including red, purple, and black, and their sizing is numerical from an eight to a 12. Made from army grade goat leather and Triton 3 Layer Polyamide on the backhand, you’ll get something that’s windproof, weatherproof, and breathable, ticking all of the boxes a skier could have.
What customers loved most about these gloves was the freedom their hands had which made it easy to get a good grip and control of their pole at all times. The materials are soft and flexible, and they were surprisingly breathable which is always a good thing when you’re dealing with leather gloves.
People also loved that the Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Gloves came with a drawstring and carabiner on the cuff, which isn’t that common these days. Having the drawstring gave it two benefits, including the ability to adjust it to the exact tightness you want, and the fact that no cold air got in through the wrist. You also get the Snow Lock that features a Velcro closure so you’re doubly protected and guaranteed to have a snug-fitting glove.
If you’re looking for the warmest ski gloves for women, these aren’t rated the highest. While they do a great job at keeping your hands comfortable and warm, they won’t be as effective in extreme conditions because they’re only filled with synthetic Fiberfill. Think about where you’ll be skiing and what the temperatures are, and consider adding a thicker liner to them if you need to.
Another potential drawback of these gloves was to do with the liner insert, as some people found it came out whenever they remove the glove. Although it’s not a huge issue and doesn’t affect the gloves when you’re skiing, the ability to quickly take off gloves without giving it a second thought is something that many skiers look for when choosing a new pair.
The Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Gloves are some of the most durable on the market, all the while being lightweight and breathable for your enjoyment. Hestra covers these with a limited lifetime warratny which speaks further to its quality, and if you want to buy just one pair of gloves in your life, let these be it. Although they’re not as warm as others, they’d be a good pick for cross country skiing or any other time when this adding layer of protection isn’t necessary.
Alternative: Oyuki Kana Glove
- Material: GORE-TEX, Goat leather
- Insulation: Primaloft Synenthic
- Cuff Style: Zip cuff
For some of the most stylish women’s ski gloves on the market, look no further than Oyuki Kana Glove. Featuring a premium GORE-TEX liner with goatskin leather, and PrimaLoft Gold Insulation, you’re getting a quality glove at a budget-friendly price. These aren’t your average women’s white ski gloves either and are uniquely designed with colors like Bluebell and Haute Red on offer.
The Oyuki Kana Glove is one of the cheaper options on the market for women’s ski gloves, but that doesn’t mean the manufacturer has skimped or cut corners anywhere. The gloves feature all of the same premium materials you’d expect at just a fraction of the price, so if you’re looking for a pair that won’t break the bank, this is them. Better still, previous reviewers have found they last for years without a sign of wear, so don’t let the price fool you.
Another great feature of the Oyuki Kana Glove is that they’ve included wax which you can apply to the leather of the gloves. This has been included so you can improve the waterproof capabilities of the glove, and although it can be a little messy when you’re getting the hang of the application, it does work. With a regular application as recommended by Oyuki, you’ll also be helping to extend the life of the gloves for even longer.
However, there were some negatives to note, with the biggest being how little these did to protect against extreme cold. They do a fine job in standard cold weather if you have the right liner in, but using them on their own probably won’t cut it. So, although they’re a cheaper option, you may need to spend some more cash to get a liner that will keep your hands protected from the snow.
Customers also noted that the Oyuki Kana Glove didn’t have the same level of insulation through the entire glove, with 133g/m2 of PrimaLoft Gold on the top and only 80g/m2 on the palm. This difference is noticeable and can even make the gloves feel a little unusual at first, so you’ll need to spend some time getting used to them. The GORE-TEX insert does a fine job of waterproofing the gloves though, so it’s not all bad.
Unfortunately, these gloves only come with a one year limited warranty from Oyuki, which is reflected in their lower price. However, if you’re after a premium glove that will serve you well for years on the slopes, check out what the Oyuki Kana GORE-TEX Glove can bring to the table. They’re affordable, comfortable, and stylish, and one of the best waterproof ski gloves for women we’ve found.
Best Women’s Mittens for Skiing: Outdoor Research Alti Mitten
- Material: GORE-TEX, Polyester, Leather
- Insulation: Synthetic
- Cuff Style: Drawstring
If the mitten is more your style for skiing, you’ll want to check out our favorite pick: Outdoor Research’s Alti style. The Alti mitten comes in small, medium, and large sizes in a black color, and features Pittards Armortan leather on the palm, GORE-TEX inserts, and polyester lining on the inside. These mittens come with waterproofing and seam taping, guaranteeing you that nothing will get in, and they feature PrimaLoft insulation to keep you dry.
The best thing about the Outdoor Research Alit Mitten is that you can insert a hand warmer packet right inside of them, giving you a boost of heat when you need it most. This chance for some extra heat could make a world of difference when you’re out on the slopes and feel as if the cold is taking over, even if you do have to purchase the hand warmer packets separately from the mittens.
Another cool feature of the Alti Mitten is that they still give you a good grip on your gear. Many people assume that the mitten style makes it harder to grab your poles when compared to a glove that has separate fingers, and these mittens are set to prove them wrong. They feature a pre-curved construction for dexterity and there’s a thumb design that lets you get a good grip on whatever you need.
What loses these mittens some points is the lack of sizing, with only three choices of small, medium, and large to choose from. As anyone who’s looked at skiing gear before knows, the more sizes you can offer customers the better, as it’s essential to get the perfect fit. With something like mittens it can be even more important, so we wish that Outdoor Research would have added a few extra sizes in.
Another downside is the price, which might be out of reach for the average skier. People normally expect to pay less for a pair of quality ski mittens compared to gloves, but these are the exception to the rule. You’ll want to try them on and make sure they’re everything you want and more, otherwise, it’s a huge chunk of money to spend on a risk.
If you want a ski mitten that has all of the bells and whistles and enables you an ergonomic and stable grip, the higher price tag on the Outdoor Research Alti Mitten makes it all worthwhile. These ski accessories come with an infinite guarantee and lifetime warranty, so your hard-earned money will be well spent. For women who prefer the mitten style on the slopes, there’s nothing that the Outdoor Research Alti can’t do.
Runner Up: Burton Mittens
- Material: GORE-TEX, polyurethane
- Insulation: Synthetic
- Cuff Style: Drawstring
Burton has created one of our favorite pairs of skiing mittens that are also affordably priced, and if you want the protection that GORE-TEX can offer at a bargain, you need to check them out. These gloves feature multiple layers including a quick-dry fabric, microfiber lining, and premium Thermacore insulation, with a handy drawstring to get them fitted exactly to your needs. The polyurethane palm of these mittens might not be leather but it does a great job of improving your grip, and they come in five different sizes from extra small to extra large to suit every woman.
These are multipurpose snow mittens which means they’re not just useful for skiing but all others kinds of outdoor activities in winter as well. You’re not restricted to just skiing with them which will suit snow bunnies, and it means you get even better value for your money without having to purchase a few different sets of gloves for different things. The polyurethane grip and patented ScreenGrab material mean you can grab everything from ski poles to a snowboard with ease.
Burton has provided good warmth and waterproofing with these gloves and especially for something so affordable. There’s no chance you’ll get moisture inside thanks to the DRY-RIDE two-layer fabric and inclusion of GORE-TEX inserts. Even though these gloves are considered budget-friendly, they don’t feel like it, and even have hidden heater and vent pockets to make use of.
When you compare these to other highly rated mittens, they might feel a little bulky, so if you prefer the slimline look, a glove may be a better fit. As they’re a cheaper option, it’s understandable that the design might not be up there with other premium models. They still get the job done and are made for skiing specifically but after some use, might start to feel a little cumbersome.
Another downside of the Burton Mittens comes from the inside, with some users finding they felt flimsy in there. The addition of another insert is all you need to do to fix this but if you’re hoping to get away cheaply with just one glove, you might be disappointed. The outside of the glove still looks and feels good quality, but it’s the inside that seems delicate. Some users noted that they had to be slow and steady when removing the gloves otherwise they could be easily damaged.
Burton has managed to create an affordable and versatile snow mitten that can be used for everything from skiing to building snowmen. It’s ergonomically designed and feature-rich, all at a lower price point, and comes with a lifetime mitten, as do the other soft good items in the Burton range. Although the inside can feel a little flimsy, the rest of the glove is anything but, it’s a smart way to get yourself ski mittens without breaking the bank.
Women’s Ski Gloves FAQ
There’s a never-ending slew of options out there for women’s ski gloves, but if you don’t know what you’re looking for and why you need it, it can be hard to find the right pair.
To help you get a better understanding of this skiing accessory, we’ve answered some commonly asked questions about them.
Is It Better To Ski With Gloves Or Mittens?
The choice of gloves or mittens while skiing is a personal choice and can also depend on how and where you ski.
A mitten might be warmer but they’re designed so that you can’t separate your fingers, so choosing a glove may be the better option for cross country skiing where heat retention isn’t as much of an issue.
How Do You Keep Your Hands Warm When Skiing?
The easiest and most effective way to warm your hands while skiing is wearing gloves or mittens as they provide at least one layer of insulation and control the moisture and wind that gets through to your skin.
However, these should be skiing-specific gloves that are designed for this activity so that they allow for good control of the ski poles while providing warmth and waterproofing as well.
How Do I Choose Ski Gloves?
To choose the best ski glove, you’ll want something that’s the right size for your hand, and in a style that you prefer, whether it be gloves or mittens.
Choose the layers and materials based on what you need, whether it’s heating, waterproofing, or something else, and let that guide you to your decision in a good ski glove.
Should Ski Gloves Be Tight Or Loose?
A ski glove needs to be the right size for the wearer for it to be effective, which means a snug fit but with around a quarter of an inch of fabric left at the tip of the fingers.
The palm of the hand should be inside the cuff and the beginning of the glove should cover your wrist entirely.
The Key to Comfort and Control in the Snow
As you can see with our recommendations, there are some ski gloves out there that have a better reputation than others and can live up to it.
With the right pair of gloves on your hands, you’ll have better control on the slopes and be guaranteed warmth and dryness, so it’s one skiing accessory you want to get right.
On The Mountain Gear 