Are you ready for your next skiing adventure? Invest in a quality pair of ski gloves to protect your hands from cold temperatures, provide grip and control and offer extra protection from falls and accidents.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of finding the best ski gloves for your needs. We'll review factors to consider when choosing ski gloves, including material and insulation, fit and comfort and waterproofing and breathability. Additionally, we will share some tips on how to find the right gloves and how to find a good deal. Get ready for a successful skiing experience with these top ski gloves on sale!
Hitting the slopes for a day of skiing or snowboarding is an immersive experience that brings you closer to nature and challenges your skills. However, a day on the slopes can quickly go downhill if you don’t have the proper gear - especially a good pair of ski gloves. Your hands are extremely vulnerable when speeding down a mountain. From frostbite risk to loss of pole grip, skiing without gloves can ruin your day. Let's take a look at some key reasons why quality ski gloves are essential:
Don’t head out for a day of cruising down mountains without equipping yourself with high-performance gloves specifically designed for snow sports. With thermal insulation, rugged grip, impact protection and moisture management, a quality pair of ski gloves will help ensure a successful day on the mountain.
With the importance of ski gloves in mind, let's take a look at some popular types of gloves you can explore. Remember that each skier is unique, and what style or type works best for you depends on your preferences, abilities, ski style and more.
Here are some popular types of winter gloves:
Also called split mittens, lobster gloves separate the thumb and index finger into one compartment while the remaining three fingers stay together in a mitten cover. This offers a balance of warmth from the mitten design with the dexterity of using your thumb and forefinger together. Lobster gloves are a good choice for activities requiring fine hand movements, like buckling boots or handling gear.
True mittens enclose all four fingers and thumb together in a single pouch. With less insulation-robbing seams, mittens tend to be warmer than gloves. However, mittens sacrifice dexterity and aren’t ideal for gripping poles or manipulating equipment with fingers. Mitts are best for passive activities like riding lifts or for beginning skiers still mastering pole use.
These gloves separate the thumb and index/middle fingers into individual sleeves while keeping the ring and pinky fingers together. This improves grip and dexterity over mittens while retaining warmth. The three-finger design works well for pursuits like cross-country skiing, where pole handling is important. They also offer versatile snow protection for everyday winter wear.
The vast majority of ski and snowboard gloves utilize separate slots for all four fingers and thumb. This design maximizes fine motor control and pole grip while allowing insulation across each digit. Within five-finger gloves, there are substantial variations in materials, insulation types and protective features. Most recreational skiers opt for a fully-fingered glove.
Leather ski gloves lined with insulation like PrimaLoft or fleece are hugely popular for their warmth, comfort and durability. The outer leather shell resists snow and wind while the inner lining keeps hands toasty. Leather palm patches provide wet/dry grip for poles. Insulated leather gloves work well for all skill levels and preferences.
For very wet snow conditions, fully waterproof gloves keep hands dry and comfortable. Waterproof fabrics like Gore-Tex and taped seams block external moisture from soaking in while allowing sweat vapor to escape. This prevents the gloves from getting soaked and chilling fingers. Waterproofing is ideal for coastal climates with heavy snow.
Electrically heated gloves have integrated wiring and battery packs to generate gentle warmth around the fingers and palms. Heating elements typically offer multiple temperature settings from around 100 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Heated gloves are a good option for skiers who easily get cold hands and for winter fishing and hunting.
Rugged work gloves provide extra durability for ski patrollers, lift operators, race crews and others needing protection from equipment and harsh elements. Synthetic leather shells shield against abrasion and impact while keeping hands dry. Knit wrist cuffs seal out snow and moisture. Insulation keeps hands warm even during extensive outdoor work.
Now that you understand the importance of ski gloves and some common types, the next step is finding the best pair for you. Wearing the right ski gloves can make all the difference in keeping your hands comfortable and enabling you to ski your best.
Here’s how to find the ideal ski gloves for your needs:
If you’re a beginner skier who is still learning the basics, look for ski gloves that offer maximum warmth and waterproofing. As a novice, you’re more likely to fall, which exposes your hands to snow and moisture. Go for ski gloves rated for subzero temperatures with excellent waterproofing, such as Gore-Tex. Extra insulation and wrist cuffs help seal out snow. Look for ski gloves designed specifically for beginners.
More advanced and aggressive skiers need gloves that combine warmth with dexterity and breathability. You’ll be moving your hands frequently for pole plants and weight shifts. Look for ski gloves with flexible leather palms that allow greater grip and movement. Make sure they have some insulation for warmth but aren’t too bulky. Many all-mountain ski gloves provide the right balance.
Consider the typical conditions where you’ll be skiing most often. If you mainly ski in very cold, dry places, go for extra insulation and focus on finding windproof gloves. If you ski in wet climates like the Pacific Northwest, make sure to get waterproof ski gloves that keep your hands dry.
It's important to get properly fitted ski gloves for comfort and optimal function. Ski gloves come in standard sizes like small, medium and large. Refer to the sizing chart for each brand and model. Measure your dominant hand or visit a ski shop to try gloves on in person. Ensure there is no uncomfortable tightness or extra loose material, especially around the fingers.
A properly fitting ski glove should conform snugly to your hands without constricting movement. There should be room to wiggle your fingers and make a fist. The glove shouldn’t slide off when you bend your hands. For optimal coverage, the glove should come up high enough to cover any gap between the gloves and your jacket but not so long that it bunches uncomfortably when gripping poles.
Ski gloves come in leather, synthetic and mixed materials. Leather offers durability, comfort and breathability. Synthetic materials like nylon are typically waterproof and insulated. Try on different materials to assess comfort. Leather palms may get too cold for some people. Others may find full synthetic gloves too sweaty. Consider combining materials to get the right benefits.
Various linings provide insulation including fleece, synthetic fluff and wool. Fleece is lightweight, breathable and wicks moisture. Synthetic insulation like PrimaLoft tends to be warmer. Wool linings retain warmth even when wet. Try on various insulation types to find the one that keeps your hands toasty without overheating. Look at the glove warmth rating too.
Many ski gloves have removable liners which let you adjust warmth. You can take out the liner on warmer days to prevent overheating. Having spare liners means you always have a dry pair ready to swap in if your main liners get wet. Liners also make the gloves easier to dry overnight after a wet day on the slopes.
Some ski gloves include useful extras for convenience and safety. Look for options like wrist leashes to prevent losing a glove, chamois for nose wiping, zippered pockets to hold small items and clip hooks for attaching the glove to the jacket. Make sure any extra features don’t interfere with the glove's comfort and flexibility.
Test out ski glove candidates by wearing them with the rest of your ski gear, like a jacket and helmet. Ensure the gloves work well with your poles and don’t get caught on Velcro closures or other spots. Ensure a good seal with your jacket sleeves. If the gloves will be used with hand warmers, try them with the warmers in place.
Grip is important for holding poles and for falls. Rubberized grips on palms and fingers offer the best grip on poles. Leather tends to get slicker when wet but provides a good feel for manipulating gear. Make sure any waterproofing doesn’t diminish grip. Try out grip on your poles and bindings with the gloves on.
Ski gloves come in many stylish colors and designs these days. While performance matters most, it’s nice to find a pair you like the looks of too. Look for patterns and colors that coordinate with your ski jacket and gear. That way, you can look as sharp as you shred!
There’s a wide range of pricing for ski gloves. Very inexpensive gloves may not last or perform well. High-end gloves have premium features but aren’t mandatory for recreational skiers. Set a budget that works for you.
The savvy skier knows that high-quality ski gear does not come at the lowest price. But, as we've explored, it's important to invest in ski gloves that will keep your hands warm and protected on the slopes. Thankfully, there are ways to balance quality with price. Here are some tips for getting good deals on gloves so you don't break the bank when shopping for this gear.
One of the simplest ways to find a good ski gloves sale is by hunting for seasonal sales and clearance events. With every change in the ski season, retailers often have massive sales to make room for the latest ski gear, including all varieties of ski gloves. The fall line of ski gloves often has higher-priced models with features like heated gloves tech and high-quality synthetic fill for extra warmth. However, the standard glove often comes at a reduced price during such sales.
Take, for instance, the end-of-season sales that ski stores offer. You can find ski gloves with a removable liner or leather gloves made of synthetic leather at a considerably discounted price. These gloves, while not the new line-up, offer solid build quality that ensures they last more than just a few ski seasons.
Don't underestimate the power of retailer newsletters when looking for a budget ski glove. Most ski gear retailers have an email list or notification system for news about sales, new products or special events. Subscribing to these can make sure you're one of the first to know about a ski gloves sale, which is very handy, especially when you're after a popular or high-demand glove model.
Also, look out for retailers that offer exclusive discounts for their email subscribers. This can significantly reduce the price of a pair of high-performing ski gloves, making that premium model with the leather trim or synthetic fill suddenly fall within your budget.
So where should you start when shopping for quality gloves? Here are some of the options offered by Stio.
Brave the coldest of days with the Stio Objective LP Insulated Glove, a premium winter accessory meticulously crafted to keep your hands warm, dry and comfortable during all your cold-weather adventures. Designed with outdoor enthusiasts in mind, this glove is the perfect fusion of advanced technology and rugged durability, ensuring maximum performance in any wintry environment.
Don't let frosty temperatures hinder your outdoor pursuits. Embrace the winter wonderland with confidence, knowing that the Stio Objective LP Insulated Glove has got your hands covered. Prepare for an unforgettable adventure, knowing that you have the ultimate winter companion by your side.
Conquer the winter chill with the Stio Uptrack Glove, a high-performance winter essential engineered to keep your hands warm, dry and ready for action during all your outdoor pursuits. Designed with relentless attention to detail, this glove embodies the perfect blend of advanced technology and rugged durability, ensuring optimal performance in even the most demanding winter conditions.
Don't let frigid temperatures hinder your outdoor pursuits. Embrace the winter wonderland with unwavering confidence, knowing that the Stio Uptrack Glove is purposefully engineered to protect your hands in the harshest conditions. Experience unrivaled comfort, performance and style on your winter expeditions, all while keeping your hands cozy and well-protected.
At Stio, we are more than just a brand; we are a passionate community of outdoor enthusiasts, explorers and adventurers. Our journey began with a shared love for nature and a deep appreciation for the great outdoors. As a team, we have made it our mission to inspire and equip fellow adventurers to embrace nature's wonders and embark on unforgettable experiences.
Our story is rooted in the stunning landscapes of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where the rugged mountains and pristine wilderness serve as our playground and a constant source of inspiration. With every product we create, we strive to embody the spirit of these majestic surroundings and provide gear that empowers you to immerse yourself in nature's beauty.
Craftsmanship and quality lie at the core of everything we do. From the initial design process to the final stitch, each product undergoes meticulous attention to detail, ensuring it meets the highest standards of functionality, durability and performance. We believe that exceptional gear can make a significant difference in your outdoor pursuits, allowing you to focus on the adventure at hand while staying comfortable and protected.
Beyond crafting top-notch gear, we are committed to responsible and sustainable practices. We recognize the importance of preserving our natural playground for future generations, and therefore, we take great care to minimize our environmental impact. Our materials are carefully selected, and we continually seek innovative ways to reduce waste and promote eco-friendly initiatives.
However, our journey doesn't stop with the products we offer. At Stio, we are driven by the belief that the outdoors should be accessible to all. That's why we actively support and partner with organizations that strive to protect and conserve our wild spaces. Together, we can make a positive impact and ensure that these cherished landscapes remain a haven for outdoor enthusiasts for years to come.
As outdoor enthusiasts, we understand the profound connection that nature fosters. It's a bond that fuels our passion and drives us to create gear that amplifies our outdoor experiences. Our ultimate joy is witnessing your adventures, from conquering mountain peaks to exploring hidden trails and everything in between.
If you're ready to see what we can offer you, explore our selection of gloves and mittens today. Don't forget to visit us year-round, as we are constantly evolving to offer you the best products possible.
When choosing ski gloves, it is important to consider factors such as insulation, waterproofing, dexterity and fit. Look for gloves with good insulation to keep your hands warm in cold conditions, usually measured by a "fill power" rating. Opt for gloves with a waterproof or water-resistant outer shell to keep your hands dry. Dexterity is crucial for gripping ski poles and handling equipment, so choose gloves with a flexible and articulated design. Lastly, make sure the gloves fit well and allow for easy movement, ensuring that they are not too tight or too loose.
To determine the correct size for ski gloves, you will need to measure the circumference of your hand. Use a measuring tape and wrap it around the palm of your hand, just below the knuckles. Make sure the tape is snug but not too tight. Note the measurement in inches or centimeters.