People also ask: FAQs about Ski Gloves

These are frequently asked questions regarding ski gloves. They are very popular internet searches:

 

How do I choose the right ski gloves?

That is complicated question with a wide variety of answers, depending on your personal style, tolerance for cold, skiing location and many other factors. Please see our page on How to Choose Ski Gloves How to Buy

What to look for when buying winter gloves?

That is a big question, with a variety of answers depending upon your preferences. See our Ski Glove Buyers Guide

Which is better ski gloves or mittens?

Mittens give away a bit of dexterity but offer more flexibility in a range of temperatures. Your fingers together retain a lot more heat, which might make you think your hands would get sweatier than wearing gloves. Not necessarily. Having more air around your fingers often allows for better circulation and breathability. See our Gloves versus Mittens Guide

How are ski gloves different?

There are an infinite number of design and material differences between ski gloves. The primary differences are the number of fingers: standard 5-finger gloves, 3-finger “trigger” gloves or pocket mittens. The second difference are the materials: synthetics made from chemicals or natural materials made from animals (leather). To learn more about all the differences see our Ski Glove Buyer’s Guide

Why do people wear mittens instead of gloves?

Mittens properly-sized will be warmer than properly-sized gloves with the same set of materials used to make them (same outer material and liner used). Mittens keep your fingers together, generating and/or retaining more body heat.

How do I know my ski glove size?

Most manufacturers will have a sizing chart, based upon the circumference of the palm of your hand. Like the chart below:

See our Size Chart and Sizing FAQ page

How do you measure your hands for glove size?

By measuring the circumference of the palm of your hand with a tape measure.

Should snow ski gloves be tight or loose?

Glove sizing is very personal to the individual. Some people like gloves that are roomy and big and others like gloves that are snug when new and not yet broken in. Generally speaking, snug fitting gloves that are new will break in more for a more custom-like fit. Roomier gloves will break in less and be a bit warmer, from having more space around your hand which fosters air circulation.

How do I know if my ski gloves are too small?

Sizing is very personal, but I will say -if they are hard to put on and your hands get cold easily then they are too small. It’s better to have ski gloves that are too big than too small.

Should you size up in gloves?

Yes, if you want to increase the warmth of your gloves. This makes your gloves warmer by increasing the air flow which often improves the circulation in your hands.

How do I know if my ski gloves are too big?

Ski glove sizing is very personal. But I will say, if you have more than a half inch in front of your fingers and your dexterity is noticeably compromised, then the gloves are too big.

Why do some ski gloves have a loop on the finger?

These loops allow you to attach a ring or carabiner to your gloves for the purpose of hanging them to dry.

Can you turn ski gloves inside out?

Yes, if they are designed to have removable liners. This option allows you to fix the gloves or replace the liners. Learn more at our page on Removable V. Fixed Liner Ski Gloves

How do you break in ski gloves?

As a general rule, you have to wear ski gloves in order to break them in. You can expedite the process by treating the leather with leather conditioner and baking them in the oven for a short period time, making sure to be careful to not damage the gloves. See our page on Ski Glove Care for more information.

Can you snowboard in ski gloves?

Absolutely. “Ski Glove” is just the generic term for snow gloves, meant to be used in all manner of cold weather outdoor activities.

How do you not lose snow gloves?

Many people use wrist glove leashes. See our page on Wrist Glove Leashes.

How do you clean ski gloves?

That depends on whether you have gloves with fixed or removable liners. There are other considerations as well. See our page on Cleaning Ski Gloves

Can you wash ski gloves in the washer?

Yes, here are the instructions:

1) Set the washing machine to the gentle cycle with cold water. Machine washing at normal speeds could damage the material or stretch it out.
2) Pour in the proper amount of mild detergent based on the size of the load. Make sure that the detergent is gentle, such as infant detergent or a fine fabric wash. Harsh detergents could hurt the fibers and compromise the breathing of the fabric.
3) Wash with like material and color. Avoid washing with rough materials.
4) Air dry or use low heat in dryer for short period of time. Hang them up to finish.

How do you dry ski gloves overnight?

Air dry your gloves at room temperature after every use. Do not use clothes dryers, heaters, open flames, or radiators. Stand your gloves up in a manner that allows air to rise into them. A great strategy is to stand them up off the edge of table, between the wall and a basket or other object. See our page on Drying Ski Gloves

Do I need liners for ski gloves?

That depends on how you use ski gloves. If you frequently take your gloves off while skiing, riding chairlifts or during backcountry / climbing activities, then thin liner gloves may be a great addition to your glove wearing strategy. If you need extra warmth in the primary gloves you are wearing, then perhaps you should buy thicker, warmer gloves. Liner gloves that compress on your skin often decrease circulation, leading to colder hands.

Do liners really work or help?

That depends on the circulation in your hands. Sometimes, the extra layer may increase the warmth of your hands, or the liner, which compresses on your skin, may decrease circulation and make your hands colder. Liners are really meant as a barrier from the cold when you take you primary gloves off, not as an extra insulator.

Are heated gloves worth it?

If your hands get cold easily and the batteries in the gloves don’t run out of power, then yes. The problem is the second part. Please see our blog post on Battery Powered Heated Gloves

How tight should heated gloves fit?

Tight ski gloves decrease circulation and cause cold hands. If you spent all the money to buy heated gloves, then your primary ski glove problem is cold hands. Don’t sweat sizing and size up.

Should you wear glove liners with heated gloves?

That depends on how you use ski gloves. If you frequently take your gloves off while skiing, riding chairlifts or during backcountry / climbing activities, then thin liner gloves may be a great addition to your glove wearing strategy. But note, the liners may decrease the warmth that you paid so much to get, by decreasing circulation in your hands from the liner compressing on your skin.

What is a nose wipe on gloves?

A nose wipe is the material on the back of the thumb of your ski gloves. It is made of soft material such as fleece, microfiber or suede.

What material should ski gloves be made from?

For durability and performance, ski gloves should be made from leather and softshell. See our page on Ski Glove Design

How long do leather ski gloves last?

That depends on how hard you use them and whether you take care of them. See our page on Leather Ski Gloves

Do leather ski gloves stretch?

That depends on the leather. Gloves treated heavily / sealed with chemicals may be rigid and may not stretch at all. Soft, natural leather will stretch. 

What is the difference between a gauntlet and undercuff?

A gauntlet is a longer cuff that is wider, designed to go over the sleeve of your jacket. An undercuff is designed to go under the sleeve or cuff of your jacket. See our page on Long V. Short Cuff Gloves

What is a gauntlet ski glove?

A glove designed with a longer, wider cuff that is worn over jacket sleeves (cuffs). See our page on Long Cuff V. Short Cuff Gloves

Should gloves go over or under the jacket sleeve?

That depends on your personal preference. See our page on Long Cuff V. Short Cuff Gloves

What are the best ski gloves?

We are biased, but that would be Free the Powder Gloves.

 

For all the information you could possibly want regarding ski gloves see any of the links above or see our blog post:

• Learn about ski gloves
• Ski Gloves Buyer's Guide