There’s nothing more comforting that a good pair of gloves on a blistery ski day
Warren “Warm Hands” McGee
Where to start?
It’s difficult to imagine, especially during the off season, a cold blistery ski day where the temperatures drop below “holy crap it’s cold out” to “how can I keep my hands comfortable” kind of day. All we want to do is concentrate on having a great day on the slopes and if the digits (fingers) are cold or clammy, it’s a huge distraction or at the very least an issue that limits our time on the slopes…
What to look for
Could it be making a fashion statement? or perhaps buying the most expensive or least expensive glove off the shelf? Or, perhaps you arrived at the ski hill with the family and someone forgot their gloves at home…. time to zip into the local shop and pickup a new pair of gloves. We think that most skiers our like us and want something that is functional and stylish. Choosing a glove or mitt based on the material, purpose, climate, fit, and of course durability and warmth are some of the features we should consider.
Criteria
Climate:
Choosing the right glove/mitt can be greatly influenced by the climate we ski in. Some dryer climates like the West Coast have a more dry (less humid) climate. This would suggest no need for a pure gore-tex or waterproof product. Despite this, it’s still a good idea to use a waterproof or at least weatherproof glove/mitt for those wintery days. Skiing in the Eastern part of the country can be colder and more humid. If you’re skiing on the Eastern side of the country, you better be prepared for the cold.
Type of Skiing
Are you a powder skier or perhaps a freerider? Some skiers are strictly racers and require a specific glove/mitt for a specific purpose. Have you ever seen a GS racer hit the gates with their knuckles? Ouch. Having a specific-use glove/mitt can make all the difference in the world. Knuckle guards built in can protect your hands from serious injury.
There are several types and categories of skiing out there. From Racing, Recreational, Freeride, Touring, Park ‘n Ride, Nordic. and more. Types and categories will dictate what type of glove/mitt you may choose. For the purposes of this article, we will only concentrate on Race, Recreational, Freeride, and Touring.
Fit
Too many times, we’ve been teaching students and their equipment / clothing doesn’t fit. Gloves & Mitts that are too small may cause poor circulation in the hands and therefore cold. Gloves / Mitts that are too large will not keep out the wind and snow. Proper fitting gloves/mitts will keep your hands warmer and more control with the ski poles.
Keep it simple… you’ve all heard the expression: “Well, it fits like a glove”. Let’s keep it that way.
Comfort
Ok, ok, this goes without saying. If your glove is old or uncomfortable, it’s probably going to be cold too. A comfortable glove means you can concentrate on more important things like … where your skis are going ?
Warmth
It’s not about ‘warmth’. It’s more about keeping your hands the right temperature. Sure, on a cold day, you want your hands to remain warm. On the other hand (no pun intended), imagine a balmy spring skiing day. You just want your hands to be comfortable – not sweating, not freezing, just right Ms Goldie Locks.
On those COLD days, cold or even frost bitten fingers is not a fun thing. A trick that I’ve always done is to hang my hands off the back of the chairlift. “Huh”? That’s right! If you sit on the chair and your elbows are bent at 90 degrees, the blood stops flowing easily into your hands and your hands become cold. Handing your hands off the back of the chair improves blood flow and your gloves/mitts will continue to keep the hands warmer.
List of Choices
Race Category
- Brand: Reusch
- Name: Reusch Worldcup Warrior SC Glove
- Gender: Male/Female
- Category: Alpine Race Glove
- Description: Champions wear the Warrior! Developed for racing performances on the highest levels, this innovative product combines maximum protection, premium quality materials and an outstandingly precise fit.
- Shell: 80% Polyamide, 20% Leather
- Palm: Japanese Cowhide DDLeather, Goatskin DD Leather
- Lining: Soft brushed Bemberg 100% Polyester
- Cost: $225
- Link
- Brand: Auclair
- Name: Auclair Race Fusion
- Gender: Male/Female
- Category: Alpine Race Glove
- Description: The innovative impact protection made of D3O® additive on back of hand and fingers places this glove as the pinnacle of our alpine race collection. It allows the highest level of impact protection without sacrificing dexterity and comfort. The right insulation gives for long hours on the slopes. Its leather outershell features a grip palm overlay for optimal ski pole handling and its neoprene cuff is adjustable with a large velcro tab on palm side for ease of wrist movement and fit. Part of the a.r.t. series that stand for Auclair Racing Technology certifying the utmost performance standards.
- Shell: Goatskin
- Palm: Goatskin and silicone textured overlayInsert: Au-Dry Platinum Highly breathable, Waterproof, Windproof
- Insulation: ‘133g PrimaLoft® Gold
- Lining: Soft brushed Bemberg 100% Polyester
- Cost: $225
- LINK
- *SkiChatter’s Choice for Race
- Name: Auclair Son of T 3
- Gender: Male/Female
- Category: Alpine Race Glove
- Description: This Auclair heritage style is a classic leather alpine glove that will age well just like fine wine! The Son of T 3 hides a perfect blend of warmth, durability and impact protection that makes it ideal for everyday alpine skiers and gentlemen racers alike. Season after season, it will shape to your hand and fast become a partner of your best winter memories.
- Shell: Goatskin
- Palm: Goatskin with leather overlay
- Insulation: 150g 3M™ Thinsulate™ Water Resistant Insulation
- Lining: Soft brushed Bemberg 100% Polyester
- Cost: $225
- Brand: Reusch
- Name: Reusch Worldcup Warrior Lobster
- Gender: Male/Female
- Category: Alpine Race Glove
- Description: This racing glove in lobster construction is a great fitting, robust full-leather style with intelligent padding elements placed in all crucial zones of the fingers and the knuckle area
- Shell: Goatskin DD Leather 70% Polyester, 30% Leather
- Palm: PrimaLoft® Gold with Grip Control
- Lining: SoftPlush lining
- Cost: $Unknown
Recreational
- Brand: Auclair
- Name: Auclair Eco Racer Glove
- Gender: Male/Female
- Category: Race / Recreational
- Description: Even though it’s categorized race, we like it as an everyday glove. The new Eco Racer is a premium leather alpine glove using only select raw materials that minimize the impact on our environment. This Eco-friendly glove deliver on the fit, comfort and perfomance that is expected from Auclair. Soft and durable veg-tan leather as a base with biodegradable insulation, recycled polyester lining, re-enfored hemp stitching, Ariaprene Eco-foam, and Yulex plant based neoprene. The Eco racer is leaving a positive hand-print with a minimal foot print.
- Shell: Veg-tan cowhide leather and green neoprene
- Lining: brushed Bemberg
- Palm: Veg-tan cowhide leather
- Insulation: PrimaLoft Silver/biodegradable, 100% PCR
- Cost: $240
- SkiChatter’s Choice
- Brand: Auclair
- Name: Auclair Sports Outseam Mitt
- Gender: Men/Women
- Category: Recreational
- Description: Combine comfort and performance in this fine alpine leather glove noticeable for its outseam construction and articulated EVA padding on back of hand and fingers. With its warm insulation, neoprene under cuff and adjustable large velcro tab, be sure to enjoy the day on the slopes.
- Shell: Goatskin
- Lining: Soft brushed Bemberg 100% Polyester
- Palm: Goatskin and textured overlay
- Insulation: PrimaLoft® Gold
- Cost: $125
- SkiChatter’s Choice
- Brand: Burton
- Name:Gondy GORE-TEX Leather Glove
- Gender: Male/Female
- Category: Alpine Recreational Glove
- Description: This Auclair heritage style is a classic leather alpine glove that will age well just like fine wine! The Son of T 3 hides a perfect blend of warmth, durability and impact protection that makes it ideal for everyday alpine skiers and gentlemen racers alike. Season after season, it will shape to your hand and fast become a partner of your best winter memories.
- Shell: Goatskin
- Palm: Goatskin with leather overlay
- Insulation: 150g 3M™ Thinsulate™ Water Resistant Insulation
- Lining: Soft brushed Bemberg 100% Polyester
- Cost: $225
- Brand: Hestra
- Name: Hestra Leather Fall Line Glove
- Gender: Male/Female
- Category: Freeride Glove
- Description: Short freeride glove made of soft, supple cowhide aniline. Outseams for increased comfort and superior pole grip. A glove that’s durable enough for a long, intensive season on the mountain. Hestra’s classic Leather Fall Lines are warm, highly weather-resistant, and ultra-burly.
- Shell: Cowhide
- Palm:
- Lining: Foam insulation helps your fingers stay warm and nimble as you ski
- Cost: $160
- Brand: Reusch
- Name: Reusch BE EPIC R-TEX® XT Glove
- Gender: Male/Female
- Category: Recreational Glove
- Description: Enter new dimensions of comfort with this superb fitting full-leather glove, made of extremely soft yet resistant goatskin, an extra warm insulation layer and a guaranteed waterproof insert.
- Shell: 70% Goatskin，30% Polyester
- Membrane Material: R-TEX® XT
- Insulation: R-LOFT™
- Palm/Shell: Goatskin DD Leather
- Soft Knuckle Padding
- Cost: $170
Touring Category
- Brand: Auclair
- Name: Auclair Alpha Beta
- Gender: Male/Female
- Category: Backcountry Touring
- Description: The ultimate backcountry guide glove for all conditions! The Alpha-Beta is a 2-in-1 glove made of leather and laminated nylon outershell with a functional fleece glove. The back of the hand is built with EVA padding for impact protection. Its goatskin palm is reinforced with a secondary textured double stitched layer of leather for grip and durability. It also features a carabiner loop and a two-way utlilty carabiner for hanging heads down to your pack. The inner glove is a fully functional Thinsulate insulated fleece glove which acts as insulation with the shell and as a stand alone glove for when a lighter weight option is needed. The pair come with Nikwax® waterproofing cream for lasting protection.
- Shell: 100% PU laminated Nylon, Goatskin and thermal foam
- Lining: Soft brushed Bemberg 100% Polyester
- Palm: Goatskin and Silicone textured overlay
- Insulation: Thinsulate, 100% polyester fleece and Fiberfill quilt (liner) Soft brushed Bemberg 100% Polyester
- Cost: $150
- Brand: Kombi
- Name: Explorer THINDOWN® Gloves – Men
- Gender: Male/Female
- Category: Backcountry Touring
- Description: These ELITE gloves are ideal for alpine touring and mountain exploring. The wool-blend lining makes this style perfect for off-trail expeditions and, thanks to the innovative THINDOWN® fabric insulation that is warmer than regular down fill, you’ll never get cold fingers again! The wrist leash gives you peace of mind when taking the gloves off so you can fully appreciate your outdoor adventures.
- Shell: Water-resistant and breathable FLEXSHELL with premium leather
- Palm: Premium leather
- Membrane: WATERGUARD® waterproof, breathable
- Insulation: 80 g ultralight THINDOWN®
- Lining: Naturally moisture-wicking and antimicrobial wool blend
- Features: 80 g Innovative THINDOWN® fabric is warmer than regular down fill
- Wrist leash
- Cost: $140
- SkiChatter’s Choice
Summary:
| Brand / Name | Gender | Category | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reusch Worldcup Warrior SC Glove | M/F | Race | $225 |
| Auclair Race Fusion | M/F | Race | $225 |
| Auclair Son of T 3 | M/F | Race | $225 |
| Reusch Worldcup Warrior Lobster | M/F | Race | $275 |
| Auclair Eco Racer Glove | M/F | Recreational | $240 |
| Auclair Sports Outseam Mitt | M/F | Recreational | $125 |
| Burton Gondy GORE-TEX Leather Glove | M/F | Recreational | $225 |
| Hestra Leather Fall Line Glove | M/F | Recreational | $160 |
| Reusch BE EPIC R-TEX® XT Glove | M/F | Recreational | $170 |
| Auclair Alpha Beta | M/F | Touring | $150 |
| Kombi Explorer THINDOWN® Gloves | M/F | Touring | $140 |
Recommendations:
Again, recommending a glove or mitt to anyone is not “One Size Fits All”. We can’t begin to recommend ONE glove or mitt for your one specific purpose. But, what we can do is narrow our recommendations down to a category. (Race, Recreational/Freeride, and Touring)
Race Category
SkiChatter’s Choice
The Auclair Race Fusion has been in my backpack for years. In fact, I have several of the same model because I love the fit and function of this glove. Simple, functional, warm, durable…. a no-brainer choice and recommendation.
Recreational / Freeride Category
SkiChatter’s Choice
The Auclair Eco Racer is a great fitting and comfortable glove that performs as advertised. Comes in a glove or mitt, this is a great all-round choice for men or women in their everyday skiing. Even though it’s categorized as a racer, it’s completely versatile and exceptional value.
A good suggestions for colder weather or wintery conditions. Perhaps used as a spring-skiing glove but other choices might prevail for the warmer climates.
SkiChatter’s Choice
The Auclair Outseam Mitt A great fitting, easy-on, easy-off mitt. Super great quality and exceptional value.
I see this glove everywhere on men and women. A great choice !!
Touring Category
SkiChatter’s Choice
After speaking with skiers who spend a lot of time in the backcountry and in dryer less humid climates, the Kombi Explorer Thindown® was a great choice. Easy on-off glove with naturally moisture-wicking, waterproof and most importantly breathable features made it the recommended choice.
Summary
Keeping our hands comfortable for a day of skiing sounds like a simple task, but as we may have experienced, cold, clammy hands is not a comfortable feeling. Choosing the right glove/mitt is truly dependent on what type of skiing you’ll be doing AND what climate you normally ski in. Most skiers I know have a couple pairs of gloves/mitts for that changing climate (Mid season vs Spring skiing).
No matter where you ski or in what type of conditions or use, finding the right glove is an important process to get right. After all, you want this to “fit like a glove”…
Happy Trails, and here’s a “Thumbs Up” to you finding what you’re looking for.
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