The best ski gloves: Guide to warm, dry hands

Our tip: If you get cold hands easily, it is of course better to choose a particularly warm glove or even heated ski gloves. If you tend to have warm hands, make sure that your gloves are particularly breathable to avoid sweaty fingers. Ski gloves also retain their characteristics for longer with the right care.

To get the most out of your ski gloves, they should first and foremost fit perfectly. Choose a model that fits well but still gives you enough freedom of movement! Choosing the right size is essential. Because: if your gloves are too small, you risk cold fingers and models that are too big restrict your freedom of movement.

Most manufacturers offer size charts to help you find the perfect glove for your needs. To determine the right size, you should first measure your hands:

1. Use a measuring tape or string.
2. Measure the circumference of your hand at the widest point.
3. Read the corresponding value from the tape measure or measure the string. Then look for the relevant information in the size chart.

Good to know: If you are between two sizes, simply choose the one that feels more comfortable - depending on whether you prefer a tighter or looser fit. Also remember that you may want to use inner gloves. In this case, you should choose a size larger.

And what about children's gloves? Especially for smaller children, glove sizes are not given according to size, but according to age.

• For freeriders, long cuffs are definitely practical to prevent snow from getting into your gloves.
• For alpine skiing, we recommend gloves with short cuffs. They are the better choice for racing in particular due to their ergonomics and fit.

If you're riding with a rucksack, it's also a good idea to carry an extra pair. This way, you can react to changing temperatures or snowfall when the weather changes.

The best ski gloves are characterised by high-quality materials and a well thought-out design. Models made from robust leather or hard-wearing synthetic textiles such as nylon or polyester are particularly popular. Leather scores with its high abrasion resistance and natural suppleness. In contrast to synthetic fibre models, however, they require regular care in order to remain waterproof and to prevent tears in the material. Synthetics, on the other hand, are easy to care for, dry quickly and are usually cheaper - ideal for a day on the slopes.

The right insulation, such as PrimaLoft®, ensures warm hands. These are very fine polyester microfibres that effectively store body heat and are easy to compress.

The outer layer, the membrane, provides the necessary protection from the weather. In most cases, as with Gore-Tex, these are thin layers that favour the transport of moisture from the inside to the outside. The small pores on the outer layer prevent water from getting inside. Depending on the type of membrane, the function is based either on a pressure gradient (Gore-Tex) or water-attracting or repelling layers (Sympatex, DryTech).

Mittens are among the warmest ski gloves. In comparison to normal models, in which each finger is individually wrapped, in these variants all the fingers, apart from the thumb, share a chamber. As all fingers are next to each other without a partition, they radiate more heat. This in turn is stored in the fibres of the insulation layer.

Ski gloves with separate chambers, on the other hand, are subject to more frequent temperature fluctuations from the outside. However, this comparison only makes sense if you assume the same materials and similarly high-quality workmanship.

Both are a good choice for winter sports, and it's mainly a question of taste whether you prefer gloves or mittens. Both gloves have their right to exist and advantages and disadvantages. While mittens are warmer, they offer less freedom of movement. However, if you are snowboarding, you may be able to overlook this because you don't have to grip ski poles. On the other hand, if you often have to adjust your ski goggles or open and close zips on the slopes, you may prioritise mobility over warmth. So, the decision is entirely up to you.

Our tip: Three-finger mittens, also known as lobster mittens, offer the best of both worlds - warmth and freedom of movement.

When conventional models reach their limits, heated ski gloves offer a comfortable solution - especially for particularly cold-sensitive hands or long days in sub-zero temperatures. Thanks to integrated heating systems, which are powered by a rechargeable battery or heating pad, they provide even heat at the touch of a button. Depending on the model, the degree of heat can also be regulated over several levels on models with a rechargeable battery. This is a real advantage, especially at very low temperatures, on longer lift journeys or for people with poor circulation.

However, heated gloves also have disadvantages: they are more expensive than conventional models, somewhat heavier and require regular recharging of the batteries. The technology is also susceptible to extreme moisture or mechanical stress. Furthermore, those who are often out and about in harsh conditions and value maximum comfort, heated gloves are a worthwhile investment.

Mittens are just as good for skiing as "normal" ski gloves, where each finger is individually wrapped. They are generally considered warmer, but offer less freedom of movement. If you prioritise warmth, you will find great models among the mittens. And if you often find yourself adjusting your goggles, opening and closing zips or reaching into your rucksack, you are probably better off with conventional ski gloves.

When choosing the size, make sure that it fits perfectly on both the palm and the fingers. Too much or too little space has a negative effect on the warmth inside and protection from the weather. Use our size chart or, if you are unsure, ask our RENTertainers in one of our shops for advice.

Ski gloves should always be waterproof. Models labelled as such usually have a special membrane (Gore-Tex, Sympatex, DryTech) which prevents water from getting into the glove while moisture is transported from the inside to the outside. When choosing gloves, avoid simple cotton gloves or knitted versions made from other natural textiles. They offer neither the protection from the weather nor the breathability needed to guarantee your safety on the mountain.