There's no doubt about it: high-quality equipment makes all the difference when skiing or snowboarding. However, it's not just about having the right board or the right skis, but also about choosing the right clothing. Gloves are also an essential piece of winter sports equipment! The question always arises as to whether ski gloves or mittens are better. This is a fundamental question, because nobody wants to end their day of skiing because of icy cold, aching fingers. Mittens vs. gloves: Which is better? Which keeps your hands warm for longer? And which option is better for skiing?
What are the differences between ski gloves and mittens?
While gloves have a separate chamber for each finger, mittens only have one chamber for the thumb and one for the other fingers. This means they differ in two key aspects: Warmth, finger mobility and therefore dexterity.
Are mittens warmer than gloves?
Because all fingers (except the thumb) are in the same chamber, more heat can be stored in the mitten. This guarantees better protection against the cold. In comparison, the separate finger chambers of the gloves are more susceptible to temperature fluctuations, as one finger radiates less heat than four fingers.
However, this is only a valid point if we assume that the materials of both glove types are identical. If you are looking for good protection against the cold, you should also consider the fabrics. Typical materials for gloves are wool, merino wool or synthetic insulation materials such as Gore-Tex. They guarantee high-quality protection against all types of weather conditions such as wind and snow, enable high breathability and provide good insulation to keep your fingers warm.
Tip: If you often feel cold while skiing, this could be due to the wrong ski clothing. The same goes for the right ski underwear which is as important as choosing the right ski gloves.
Mittens vs. gloves: What will give you better dexterity?
Of course, it's easier to hold ski poles or close zips with separate finger compartments - so gloves are the clear winners when it comes to finger mobility and dexterity.
If you are wondering which type of glove provides better protection against a skier’s thumb, we can tell you that the type of glove has no influence on this. A skiers’ thumb is an injury that sometimes occurs during winter sports. The ligaments of the thumb are overstretched or, in the worst case, can tear if the thumb gets caught in the strap of the ski pole during a fall. Because both thumbs have a separate chamber and can move freely, regardless of the type of glove, the risk is the same.
Our tip: Make the strap of your ski pole slightly longer.
But which is better: ski gloves or mittens?
It depends on what you're looking for - there's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question.
If your primary concern is warmth, you should opt for high-quality mittens. Women and children in particular often tend to have cold fingers. The reason for the different sensations of cold is the difference in muscle mass. Muscles produce heat and the male body has a higher percentage of this. In this case, mittens are the better choice.
If you want a lot of mobility for your fingers on the slopes, you should opt for ski gloves.
Are mittens suitable for skiing?
Of course they are! If holding the ski poles with mittens feels uncomfortable, you can try lobster mittens, which have an additional chamber for the index finger. This means that the thumb and the index finger are wrapped individually and the middle finger as well as the ring and little finger share one compartment. The Reusch Highland Lobster , for example, is a good choice for people who like to explore the backcountry. Alternatively, we recommend the Master Pro from Reusch for alpine skiing.
Are your children skiing for the first time? Then the Reusch Ben Mitten is just the thing to keep their little fingers warm.
How do I find mittens and/or gloves that fit perfectly?
One of the most important factors when looking for the perfect mittens is the right size. In general, gloves that are too large can make it difficult to grab. In addition, it takes longer to warm up the air inside the mittens. On the other hand, Ski mittens that are too small feel uncomfortable and restrict freedom of movement.
If you're not sure which size to choose, take a look at our size chart for gloves and mittens.
In addition to the right size, you should also choose your mittens according to their intended use. Do you want them to be extra warm? Are you looking for a pair that is extra waterproof or windproof? There are also many mittens with special features, for example:
- ThermoHoods™ by Reusch: A cosy “nest” made of Dryfleece™ material for the particularly cold-sensitive fingertips, which provides additional warmth and comfort.
- Heat Capture System™ Technology: A special construction on the inside of the cuff that stores heat and forms an insurmountable barrier against snow, wind and cold.
- Intelligent Heating Pocket™: A small pocket inside the glove, which makes it possible to place external heating pads directly between two layers of insulation.
When it comes to size, the only option is often to go to your local shop. Our RENTertainers will help you find the right equipment for your winter holiday.
Are there differences between men's and women's gloves?
In addition to the choice of colours, you can actually find differences in the shape of the gloves. This is due to anatomical reasons. For example, men and women have different finger proportions. While women's ring and index fingers are often the same length, men's ring fingers are usually longer.
The same is often true of the circumference of the palm, which is smaller on the women’s side. To summarise, there are a number of anatomical features that need to be taken into account when designing gloves. This is also the reason why different models for men and women are available.
Frequently asked questions about ski gloves and mittens:
When does a ski glove fit properly?
Several factors are decisive for the correct fit of a ski glove. First, the chambers of the fingers must be large enough to accommodate the fingers lengthwise - both when making a fist and when stretched out. In addition, it must be ensured that the glove completely encloses the ball of the hand without the hand being constricted or the glove slipping. A certain layer of air between the glove, fingers and inner material is also crucial for retaining body heat.
How do I know my glove size?
Many manufacturers offer a size chart for their gloves. This usually includes not only the length of the fingers, but also the circumference of the palm. A measuring tape is suitable for precise measurement. But you can also use a piece of string. Wrap the string around your hand, mark the point where the string meets again, and then place the string on a ruler.
Is it safe to ski without ski gloves?
Skiing is an outdoor sport where you are exposed to the weather. Changes in conditions are not uncommon on the mountain, which is why it is always advisable to wear gloves. They also offer a certain degree of protection in the event of a fall. Of course, there is nothing wrong with taking your gloves off during a break.
INTERSPORT Rent Tip
If you have already answered the question for yourself if you prefer gloves or mittens, you should also have a look into the perfect ski underwear. They are at least as important as gloves when it comes to staying cosy and warm on the slopes or in the backcountry. So if you still looking for a winter outfit, our staff at INTERSPORT Rent is looking forward to your visit. Just pop into one of our shops!
