Bottom Line: Best Ski Mittens For The Epic 2024 Season
Skiing is one of the most popular winter sports, and if you’re like most people, you’ll want to ensure you have the best winter mittens for a great experience on the slopes.
Here, we’ll look at some of the best ski mittens on the market and help you decide which pair is right for you. So, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skier, read about the best mittens for skiing in 2023-2024!
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1. Hestra Army Leather Heli
MSRP $160.00
best overall
Overview
- Hestra marks all the boxes with this mitt combining unmatched durability, dexterity, and standout in warmth. If you are prone to cold hands or spend time in extreme conditions – this is the mitt for you. Unisex and women’s sizes. Available in a pair of gloves as well.
- Glove Warmth Rating: Warmest
- Shell Material: Army goat leather
- Insulation: G-loft polyester insulation
- Cuff Style: Gauntlet
Pros
Cons
2. Hestra Fall Line
MSRP $164.95
best overall runnerup
Overview:
- This mitt is the perfect combination of beautiful design and function. Hestra’s unfailing attention to detail and quality will ensure these mitts keep your fingers warm in all conditions for a lifetime of wear. Unisex and women’s sizes. Available in gloves or mittens.
- Glove Warmth Rating: Warmest
- Shell Material: treated cowhide leather
- Insulation: G-loft polyester insulation
- Cuff Style: Under the Cuff
Pros
Cons
3. Black Diamond Mercury
MSRP $119.95
honorable mention
Overview:
- This is a versatile and durable mitt for year-round use and holds up to any terrain you encounter. It can be used with or without the removable liner. Unisex and women’s sizing.
- Glove Warmth Rating: Warmest
- Shell Material: Goat Leather
- Insulation: PrimaLoft Gold Cross Core
- Cuff Style: Long Gauntlet Cuff
Pros
Cons
4. Oyuki Haika 3-in-1
MSRP -$ 159.95
best versatility
Overview:
- This mitt is an all-in-one option and versatile enough to be your one mitt for all wearing conditions. Highly technical materials and construction make it rugged enough for the backcountry while providing superior dexterity for whatever your mission requires.
- Glove Warmth Rating: Warmer
- Shell Material: Goatskin Leather with a tricot lining
- Insulation: GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ WINDSTOPPER®
- Cuff Style: Short Cuff
Pros
Cons
5. Outdoor Research Prevail Heated GORE-TEX Mittens
MSRP $329.00
best heated mitt
Overview:
- The warmth of a mitten plus battery technology makes this our best recommendation for WARMTH. You can be confident that your hands will never get cold in sub-zero temps! Extra batteries are sold separately, so your day on the slopes doesn’t need to end when your battery dies. Do not use this heated glove in conjunction with avalanche beacons
- Glove Warmth Rating: Warmest
- Shell Material: 2-layer woven polyester/nylon with goat leather palm
- Insulation: EnduraLoft polyester fibers + ALTIHeat™ Battery-Powered Heat Technology
- Cuff Style: Gauntlet Long cuff
Pros
Cons
6. Hestra Gloves Powder Gauntlet
MSRP $95.00
Overview:
- Super durable mitten with extended cuffs to keep the snow out and keep you warm and comfortable. Same quality craftsmanship you expect from Hestra at a more budget-friendly price than some of our other recommendations. Unisex sizing. Available in gloves or mittens.
- Glove Warmth Rating: Warm
- Shell Material: Treated Goatskin leather
- Insulation: Polyester Fiberfill insulation
- Cuff Style: Long Cuff with Snow lock Drawstring
Pros
Cons
7. Stio Hardscrabble Insulated
MSRP $159
Overview:
- This mitt, developed and tested in Jackson, Wyoming, will keep you toasty when on the move in the frigid backcountry. Textured palm provides dexterity, and conductive leather is touchscreen compatible. Perfect mitt for a touring trip into the side or backcountry.
- Glove Warmth Rating: Warm
- Shell Material: Pittards® Goatskin Leather
- Insulation: 3oz. PrimaLoft® + Merino Wool Lining
- Cuff Style: Short Cuff
Pros
Cons
8. Burton AK Oven GORE-TEX Infinium
MSRP $174.95
Overview:
- Burton aptly named Oven Mitten lives up to their name and is the warmest mitt in the Burton Collection. Insulated with a one-two punch of Primaloft Gold and down, even the coldest hands will stay warm in the resort or backcountry ski.
- Glove Warmth Rating: Warmest
- Shell Material: GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ + Leather Palm
- Insulation: Primaloft® Gold + RSD 550-Fill Down
- Cuff Style: Storm Cuff
Pros
Cons
9. Burton AK Clutch GORE-TEX Leather
MSRP $149.95
Overview:
- These full leather mitts from Burton fit under the cuff. They offer a natural flex feel that is perfect for making gear adjustments without needing to remove your mitt. The Primaloft insulated keeps the heat in even on the coldest alpine days.
- Glove Warmth Rating: Warmer
- Shell Material: Full Leather
- Insulation: Primaloft® Gold
- Cuff Style: Short Cuff
Pros
Cons
10. Burton Hi-Five
MSRP $79.95
best budget mitten
Overview:
- The Burton Hi-Five is an excellent option for a resort mitt that will keep you warm and dry without blowing your budget. This mitt doesn’t offer the durability of some all-leather options, but it will get you through a few seasons while you build out your ski gearbox.
- Glove Warmth Rating: Warmer
- Shell Material: DRYRIDE 2‑Layer Fabric +Leather Palm
- Insulation: Thermacore™ Eco Insulation
- Cuff Style: Gauntlet Cuff
Pros
Cons
11. Gordini Cache Gauntlet
MSRP $94.95
Overview:
- Gordini offers budget-friendly alternatives to some higher-end mittens, and the Cache Gauntlet is no exception. This mitten is the perfect combination of breathability while keeping your hands warm and dry. This mitten is ideal for those resort goers who only make it up a handful of times each season. Unisex and Women’s Sizes.
- Glove Warmth Rating: Warm
- Shell Material: Nylon Canvas + Synthetic Leather Palm
- Insulation: Primaloft® Insulation
- Cuff Style: Gauntlet Cuff
Pros
Cons
12. Arc’teryx Fission SV
MSRP $179
Overview:
- Designed for the most severe conditions, the Arc’teryx Fission SV Mitt pulls out all the waterproof, windproof, and breathable technologies. These are perfect for those wet snow conditions where other gloves will soak through before you complete your adventure. Double-layer goat leather adds to their ruggedness and durability. Unisex sizes.
- Glove Warmth Rating: Warmest
- Shell Material: Goat leather
- Insulation: 200g PrimaLoft Silver and 133g Gold synthetic fibers
- Cuff Style: Gauntlet Cuff
Pros
Cons
13. Swany X Cell Ski Mitt
MSRP $175
Overview
- Swany X Cell Mitts boost a lot of technology, from superior breathability and waterproofing to heat shield insulation, making it an excellent choice of mitt for the coldest days on the mountain. We also love the versatility of the top-of-hand utility pocket. Unisex and Women’s Sizes.
- Glove Warmth Rating: Warmest
- Shell Material: Smooth Grain LeatherShield
- Insulation: PrimaLoft Gold with Cross Core Technology
- Cuff Style: Gauntlet Cuff
Pros
Cons
14. Flylow Super
MSRP $90
Overview
- These mittens are designed with clean lines that add a design element that is only second to Hestra. When it comes to construction, they offer a very warm option with an ergonomic fit that will allow for maximum maneuverability at a very competitive price. A great option at a great price for resort laps or a spring powder day in the backcountry. Unisex sizes.
- Glove Warmth Rating: Warmer
- Shell Material: Pigskin leather + Nylon Canvas
- Insulation: Spaceloft® insulation
- Cuff Style: Gauntlet Cuff
Pros
Cons
Comparison Table – Best Ski Mittens
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Why choose ski mittens and not gloves?
Mittens are generally seen as being better than gloves for several reasons, and as a lifelong mitten enthusiast, I’m glad to share all the reasons mittens are the way to go. Mittens keep your cold fingers close together, which helps to trap heat and keep your hands warm.
They allow you to use all your fingers together, which can be helpful when trying to grip something or manipulate a small object. Mittens typically have more insulation than warm gloves, especially on the backside, which can help keep your hands warm.
They can be easier to pull on and take off than a ski glove, especially if you’re hands are damp and cold. So, if you’re looking for the best way to keep your hands warm on the slopes, mittens are a great choice.
How are the warmth ratings defined?
This post recommended mittens based on a warm, warm, and warmest rating. Below is the recommended temps and conditions breakdown based on this rating system.
Warm
A warm ski mitten will have good insulation and should keep your hands warm in most conditions around freezing temperatures. This is the ideal mitten for early season, spring skiing, or heading out just for a few laps but not spending the day on the slope in near-zero conditions.
Warmer
A warmer ski mitten will have more insulation than a warm mitten, and it should keep your hands warm in colder conditions during the winter months. This mitten will work for most skiers in most circumstances but may fall short if you are standing around or riding slow chair lifts.
Warmest
The warmest ski mitten will have the most premium insulation of any mitten, and it should keep your hands warm in very cold conditions where temps fall below zero and during extremely cold weather.
The warmest rating will also offer superior waterproofing and windproofing, so you’re covered no matter the conditions.
What is the best fit or size?
The fit of ski mittens can also make a difference in their performance. If the mittens are too small, they may not provide enough insulation or be uncomfortable wearing them.
If the mittens are too large, they may be bulky, difficult to maneuver while skiing, and may be colder than a properly fitted pair. An adequately fitting mitten should have a small gap between the hand and the mitten to bind air which makes the mitten warmer.
It’s generally recommended to size up if you are between sizes, as most mittens are not designed to stretch out with use.
What are the factors in choosing mittens?
The best mittens will vary depending on your personal preferences. Some factors to consider include shell material, insulation, breathability, cuff style, and dexterity.
What are the shells of mittens made of?
Leather
Waterproof leather shells are an excellent option for those who want the most durable and waterproof mitten. They provide more dexterity, particularly gloves of more supple leather-like goatskin and pigskin.
Leather is naturally waterproof, so it will help to keep your hands dry in wet conditions. And because leather is also a tough material, it can withstand wear and tear better than some other materials.
However, leather mittens can be more expensive than other options and may not be as breathable, making your hands sweat in warmer conditions. Leather mittens must also be regularly greased to maintain their waterproof membrane and resist moisture and wear and tear.
Synthetic
Waterproof synthetic shells are an excellent option for those who want a durable and waterproof mitten. Synthetic materials are often water resistant, so they will help to keep your hands dry in wet conditions.
And because synthetic materials are usually lighter than leather, they can be a good option for those who want a lighter mitten.
However, synthetic mittens can sometimes be less durable than leather mittens, and they may not be as breathable, making your hands sweat in warmer conditions.
What are the Insulation Options?
A few different insulation materials are commonly used in ski mitts. Synthetic insulations are standard in the warmest options, such as Primaloft, because they’re thermal regulating, water repellant, lightweight and durable.
Down is a popular choice because it’s lightweight and extremely warm. Wool is another option for those who want a natural material that’s still warm even when wet, naturally destroys odors, and is soft.
Liner features?
There are a few different liner options for ski mittens. First, there are built-in liners or removable liners. Built-in liners allow for more dexterity and are generally less bulky. Removable liners are generally warmer and give you adaptability.
The main benefit is the ability to separate the shell from the liner for quicker dry time and the versatility to change liners based on conditions. Liner materials vary tremendously by material but are generally synthetic or natural materials.
Synthetic liners like polyester or nylon can also be a good option because they’re usually less expensive than wool or fleece. Natural materials such as wool are popular because they’re soft and comfortable.
Wool liners are also popular because they’re warm even when wet and are naturally odor resistant.
What are the different cuff style options?
Under cuff
The under-cuff style of your ski jacket sleeve. This style is ideal for those who want a close fit and don’t mind sacrificing some dexterity in their fingers.
The downside of the under-cuff style is they don’t offer as much material overlap as the gauntlet style and can gap between the sleeve and mitten, letting snow, wind, or moisture in.
Gauntlet cuff
The gauntlet cuff style of ski mittens extends over your jacket sleeve. This style is ideal for those who want more warmth and protection from the elements. It can also be helpful for those who have longer fingers or larger hands.
However, this style can be more challenging to put on and take off and can limit the mobility in your wrist. This will be your best option for maximum warmth in deep powder or wet, cold conditions.
What other mitten features are beneficial?
Handcuffs, keeper cords, or leashes
This is one of those features you don’t know what you’re missing until you get your first pair and never consider another mitten without them.
Originally intended to keep your mittens with you in the event of a fall and subsequent yard sale – where your gear is strewn around you in a radius for you to shamefully and sometime strenuously gather once you compose yourself.
These days they are super handy while using your phone on the chairlift or taking photos without risking losing a mitten. The downside of leashes is bulk around your wrist, especially if your jacket sleeve has Velcro straps at your wrist or wear a watch.
Wrist Cinchers
These cinches are found on both under-cuff and gauntlet cuff mittens. It’s a drawstring cord that acts as a wrist gaiter stopping snow, moisture, or cold in from the top of the mitten.
It can be worn loose on warmer days to cool down and then cinched tight in harsh weather to hold in the warmth.
Touchscreen enabled
Not something you see too often on ski mittens, as you wouldn’t usually use your smartphone while wearing them.
However, choosing a mitten with a touchscreen-enabled liner, index fingers or having an alternate liner option that allows you to use your phone without risking the loss of a digit in frigid temps is a game changer.
Exterior Pockets
These pockets found on the back of the hand on some mittens were initially designed as hand warmer pockets but are also an excellent spot for your RFID-enabled ski pass for easy passage through the turnstiles or holding your SPF lip balm.
Goggle Squeegee
Anyone who skied in the Pacific Northwest can appreciate a goggle squeegee during a sleet or grapple event where the ice sticks to your goggles, leaving you dead in your tracks with zero visibility.
A couple passes with this rubber squeegee on your goggles, and you can safely carry on.
Alternatively, we love the SKIGEE as essential gear for these icy events that can be attached to your ski pole straps or on a retractable lead.
Final Thoughts
Ski mittens are a good choice for those who want a warm, waterproof option on the slopes. And because mittens are typically made of durable materials, they can withstand the wear and tear of skiing better than some others. They are sure to last you for seasons to come.
If your fingers must be free, stay tuned for our Best Snow Gloves in a future post.
