Mittens Vs. Gloves When Snow Skiing

As the winter season gets closer and closer and we start bundling up, we may wonder: Mittens or Gloves: Which Are Better for Skiing? Mittens nestled snugly against your knuckles for warmth or gloves with a webbing of fingers that keep your hands from freezing? Well, if you're looking for the best insulation against the cold, then you'll want ski mittens. Most ski mittens have a lining of one-mm thick wool. With a mitten, you can easily access your fingers, and they can fold onto your palms to warm them.

Ski and snowboard gloves will also work for a ski trip, but the fingers may be a lot colder. 

Please read our guide below to find out the pros and cons of mittens and gloves.

Conclusion: Gloves are great when skiing in a chilly climate, but if you're doing vigorous activities and the weather could change, it may be better wearing mittens. Just remember to bring a pair of both!

When To Use Mittens Or Heated Gloves

Mittens or gloves? The common perception is that skiers wear gloves and snowboarders wear mittens. This is true sometimes, and other times it really isn't. It is all a personal preference.

If you’re not sure of the best way to stay warm on the slopes this winter, consider the pros and cons of two of the most popular styles of heated gloves on the market, mittens, and gloves.

When outdoor temperatures are below freezing, mittens provide more protection than gloves because you can cover your fingers with the outside fabric of the mitten.

Mitten fabric is insulated, which means that your fingers are protected from getting wet with cold air.

Mitten fabric also provides you with more warmth because it covers your fingers, the body part with the most nerve endings. Wear thinner gloves if you are in a warmer environment.

Most people that ski or snowboard wear gloves – but the answer to the question – “mittens or gloves” – is a little more complicated than you might think.

Advantages Of Mittens To Keep Your Cold Hands Warm

Ah, the great debate between gloves and mittens. Which is better? Winter gloves are an everyday accessory that many people don’t think twice about, but they have their downsides.

In the winter months, you have the choice to use gloves during your ski experience. Mittens, however, are an excellent option for skiing because they keep cold hands warm and allow you more dexterity while skiing.

Mittens are more form-fitting and allow for a more snug coverage on the wrist and lower forearm. Mittens are typically the best option for most skiers because mittens are warmer than snowboarding gloves.

The mitten has a cover for the fingers, which will keep them warm, too. Moving your fingers while wearing ski gloves may not be as easy as you would think.

Mittens are also more flexible than gloves, which means you can reach your mitten-covered fingers into your jacket to get things out of your pocket without exposing too much of your hand. Mittens are also easier to do up than gloves, which I think is always a good thing.

Advantages Of Gloves On The Ski Poles

Good ski gloves are an excellent investment for skiers and snowboarders alike, not just because of the protection they provide in terms of insulation and grip but the wearer's protection regarding winter conditions.

When skiing, a skier will contact the snow, ice, and cold weather, necessitating suitable gloves. There are various ski gloves to choose from, so it is best to ask a retailer to help find suitable gloves for you.

 

Here are some advantages of gloves when skiing:

They keep your hands warm so you can stay active, and skiers can stay out longer. They provide a better grip with the snow and ice, meaningless falls, and less worry about slipping.

Glove manufacturers have made it so that you can find gloves to suit your taste in classic leather and more recent synthetic materials (just make sure you wash your gloves to the recommended guidelines to avoid destroying the waterproofing of the fabric).

Finally, gloves are suitable for looking fashionable while you are out on the slopes.

If you are looking for a pair of gloves that will suit your needs while skiing, you should check out the selection at your local sporting goods store.

Are Mittens Warmer Than Gloves For Skiing?

If you are looking to enjoy the cold weather in the winter months, you need to make sure that you are prepared for what comes with it. Even if you are ready for the cold, you may not be considering what your hands are prepared for this winter season.

Mittens or gloves - which should you choose? Both Mittens and gloves are great options for outdoor skiing, and there are many advantages and disadvantages to each.

The downside of mittens is that they're less dexterous without any of the advantages of gloves. On the other hand, Gloves are usually more expensive, less durable, and less fashionable, but they typically offer more dexterity.

Conclusion

Gloves and mittens can both help you stay warm in winter. When deciding which to wear, it is essential to think about what you will be doing and the likelihood of the weather changing.

If you're in chilly weather and the weather is not expected to change, gloves could be the right choice. 

If you'll be doing vigorous activities and the weather could change, it may be better to wear mittens. Just remember to bring a pair of both!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is It Hard To Ski With Mittens?

Yes, it can be hard to ski with mittens. They are great for keeping your hands warm but will most likely interfere with the operation of your ski poles.

2. What Are The Warmest Mittens For Skiing?

Well-made wool mittens are perfect for ski trips during the winter. These are the warmest mittens for skiing.

Wool is not just warm by itself- it is also very breathable and allows sweat to be expelled while still wicking moisture away.

3. Should Ski Gloves Be Tight Or Loose?

Ski gloves should be comfortable and should keep you warm and protected from injury. But make sure that the gloves don’t restrict your movement or ability to grip by making them too tight or too loose.

Ski gloves should fit your fingers snugly, but your hand should be able to move freely.

Ski gloves come in various sizes, and it is essential to choose one that perfectly fits your hands and fingers.

4. Do You Need Glove Liners When Skiing?

Glove liners are generally worn with gloves on top of them or alone, depending on weather conditions.

These liners are malleable and soft on the hands, which makes them more comfortable. They also ensure that you don’t feel any itching inside the gloves, which you might otherwise feel if you use ordinary gloved liners.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Fred Felton          

Content Creator / Editor

Fred Felton is a copywriter, editor and social media specialist based in Durban, South Africa. He has over 20 years of experience in creating high end content. He has worked with some of the biggest brands in the world. Currently Fred specialises in the winter outdoors space, focussing on skiing and snowboarding. He is also a keynote speaker and has presented talks and workshops in South Africa.