Gloves are the piece people cheap out on and regret first. The good news: you can spend a little or a lot and be happy, as long as they’re truly waterproof and fit right. Here’s a spread from budget to premium, for men and women, plus how to choose.
Our ski-glove picks at a glance
Every pick below, budget to premium, side by side — compare price and features at a glance:
Budget picks — warm hands without the spend
Waterproof and warm enough for most Colorado ski days at a friendly price.
Tough Outdoors ski gloves (men & women)
Waterproof, insulated, and cheap enough to be a no-brainer — a universal unisex pair that keeps hands usable on a cold chairlift. Touchscreen fingertips and wrist leashes so you don’t lose one off the lift.
- CONQUER THE COLD: Stay warm in -40°F with SummitLoft insulation & fleece-lined adult winter gloves. These mens ski gloves & ski gloves women waterproof keep hands dry with a breathable membrane.
- WARM, WATERPROOF, WIND-BLOCKING: These winter ski gloves & snowboard gloves feature a tough waterproof, windproof nylon shell that repels water while letting moisture escape.
- ADJUSTABLE COMFORT FIT: Secure fit men snow gloves with wrist buckles for warmth & dryness. Ideal winter gloves men waterproof for skiing, snowmobiling & more.
- GRIP READY: Faux leather palm ensures a strong grip in snowmobile gloves for skiing, hiking, & shoveling. Durable ski gloves women & men’s gloves for winter sports.
- LASTS YEAR AFTER YEAR: Tough winter gloves waterproof with reinforced nylon shell, synthetic leather palm & double-stitched seams. Perfect ski gloves women waterproof & winter gloves men waterproof for outdoor work.
FEILOONG women’s ski gloves
A warm, waterproof, windproof women’s glove with a slimmer fit and touchscreen fingertips. A great-value women’s pick for skiing, shoveling, or a frigid walk to dinner.
- UNIQUE COLOR & GLOVE STRAP HOLDER : The winter ski gloves women are a fashionable tie-dye color, and the color of each pair of gloves is unique. With a removable strap, never lose your gloves again! When you need to take your gloves off, they hang securely on your wrist. You can remove them when you are not skiing. To remove: unfasten inside the small black plastic triangle inside the cuff
- HIGH DENSITY FABRIC & KEEP WARM: Our ski gloves women feature a 5-layer design. High-density outer fabric is wind and water-resistant. The middle is thickened with spray cotton and quilted cotton to quickly lock in warmth. Interior insulated lining ensures warmth and breathability. You can use them as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit and still stay warm. The glove mouth is made of threaded
- TOUCHSCREEN & ANTI-SLIP: The women snow ski gloves support full-palm touchscreen, allowing you to record beautiful moments in skiing without taking off the women gloves. The palm of women snow gloves is reinforced with anti-slip PU leather, allowing you to firmly hold ski poles, snow shovels and various tools even in wet and challenging conditions
- LINK DESIGN & ADJUSTABILITY: The elastic band and velcro are for adjusting the mouth of snow gloves according to your wrist size. The warm thermal waterproof gloves have link buckle for easy hanging to avoid loss. Best choice as a gift for Christmas, New Year, Thanksgiving, Birthday
- SIZE CHOICE: Please kindly check the size chart before ordering. Winter ski gloves size is measured manually and may vary by 1-2 cm. The snow women gloves suitable for skiing, cycling, Snowboarding, running and other sports. It is also suitable for daily in winter. The fashionable color is warm at the same time. It is the best gift for family and friends
Warm & rugged — Carhartt
A step up in durability and warmth for men and women, still sensibly priced.
Carhartt Men’s Waterproof Insulated glove — rugged mid-tier
Carhartt’s workhorse winter glove: a waterproof insert, warm insulation, a grippy reinforced palm, and a fleece cuff that seals out snow. Tougher and warmer than budget gloves without a premium price.
- Durable Construction: Polyester and softshell shell and synthetic palm provide long-lasting durability for demanding work conditions
- Waterproof Protection: Waterproof insert keeps hands dry in wet and snowy conditions; synthetic insulation holds in warmth
- Moisture Management: FastDry technology lining wicks away sweat to keep hands dry and comfortable throughout the day
- Secure Fit Design: Fleece cuff with adjustable wrist strap closure prevents snow and cold air from entering
- Enhanced Grip: Digital-grip palm and stick-grip fingers and thumb ensure secure handling of tools and materials
Carhartt Women’s Storm Defender glove
A waterproof, windproof, breathable Storm Defender insert with soft insulation and a sweat-wicking lining, cut for a woman’s hand. A warm, durable everyday winter glove.
- Softshell Construction: Features softshell shell with touch-sensitive capability, fleece cuff for added warmth, and spot clean only care instructions
- Durable Synthetic Materials: Synthetic palm, fingers, thumb and wrap caps provide lightweight durability and enhanced grip
- Storm Defender Technology: Waterproof, windproof, and breathable insert protects hands from harsh weather conditions
- Ultrasoft Insulation: Provides cozy warmth and comfort during cold weather activities
- FastDry Moisture Management: FastDry lining wicks sweat away to keep hands dry and comfortable during active use
Carhartt Women’s quilted knit-cuff glove
A lighter quilted waterproof glove with a stretch-fleece cuff — ideal for cold errands, driving, and milder ski days when a bulky glove is overkill.
- Recycled ripstop taffeta shell with quilted stitching and PU palm
- Waterproof insert
- Performance wicking lining
- Ultra soft polyfil insulation
Premium picks — buy once
Serious ski gloves that last: better waterproofing, better insulation, and leather that breaks in and lasts for years.
Gordini Fall Line IV — a proper ski glove
A clear step up: waterproof-breathable softshell, Megaloft insulation that stays warm even when damp, and leather-reinforced palms. A real skier’s glove at a fair price.
- spot clean only; waterproof, windproof, breathable triple-layer softshell
- textured grip palm, fingers, and reinforcements for enhanced grip
- breathable, waterproof, and windproof aquabloc insert; megaloft synthetic insulation
- moisture-wicking lining; leash
- gauntlet cuff with drawcord closure and wrist cinch
Kinco 1171 pigskin ski glove — the premium workhorse
A cult favorite among lifties and locals: tough pigskin leather, HeatKeep thermal lining, and a re-applicable waterproofing wax. Buy once, ski for years — they break in like a favorite baseball glove.
How to choose ski gloves for Colorado
- Waterproof, not just water-resistant. Wet gloves lose insulation and your hands go cold. A waterproof-breathable membrane keeps snow out and lets sweat escape.
- Insulation + a sealing cuff. Real insulation plus a gauntlet or snug cuff that seals over or under your jacket sleeve so snow can’t get in on a fall.
- Gloves vs. mittens. Mittens are warmer (fingers share heat); gloves give dexterity for zippers, phones, and buckles. Liner gloves split the difference.
- Fit for warmth. Snug but not tight, with room for a thin liner. Too tight cuts circulation and makes hands colder.
- Leather vs. synthetic. Premium leather (like Kinco) is tough, warm, and long-lasting but needs occasional waxing; synthetic shells are lower-maintenance and often cheaper.
On the coldest mornings, add thin liner gloves and a set of hand warmers (on our base layers and snow boots guides) inside your gloves — cheap insurance against numb fingers.
Ski gloves FAQ
How much should I spend on ski gloves?
You can get warm, waterproof gloves at a budget price and be perfectly happy for occasional days. If you ski a lot, premium gloves (like Gordini or Kinco leather) are warmer, tougher, and last for years — often cheaper per season. Buy the best fit and waterproofing you can, at whatever price point suits you.
Are mittens or gloves better for skiing?
Mittens are warmer because fingers share heat; gloves give more dexterity for zippers, phones, and buckles. Cold hands lean mitten, dexterity leans glove, and thin liner gloves under either add warmth.
What should I look for in ski gloves?
Waterproof-breathable construction, real insulation, and a cuff or gauntlet that seals out snow. A snug (not tight) fit, touchscreen fingertips, and wrist leashes are worth having.
Are women’s ski gloves different from men’s?
Women’s gloves are generally cut slimmer and smaller, though many unisex gloves fit a range of hands. Fit matters most for warmth — choose snug with a little room for a liner, not tight.
Are leather ski gloves worth it?
Leather gloves (like Kinco pigskin) are tough, warm, and long-lasting, and they break in to your hand — but they need occasional waxing to stay waterproof. If you want low maintenance, a synthetic waterproof glove is simpler.
How do I keep my hands warm while skiing?
Waterproof insulated gloves, thin liner gloves, and hand warmers on cold days — and keep gloves dry, since wet gloves are cold gloves. Avoid a too-tight fit, which cuts circulation.
Written by
Melissa
Melissa splits her year between Texas and Summit County, Colorado, where she has spent countless summers and winters hiking, skiing, fishing, and exploring the high country. She started Breckenmendations to help visitors make the most of Colorado's mountains with the gear, tips, and local know-how she wishes she'd had on her first trip up I-70.
Breckenmendations is written by locals who actually hike, ski, and explore Colorado — see how we pick what we recommend.