The conditions are all-time, and you are fully in your groove. You’re carving like you’ve never carved before, nailing every kicker on the mountain, and spraying that white stuff like an artist with a vision. You are one with the snow and minutes are morphing into hours. Know the feeling?
There’s nothing like being in that flow state. Rest assured, though, the wrong snowboard gloves can put a damper on the magic real quick. Frozen fingers are no joke. If your gloves aren’t built to handle cold moisture and long days on the mountain, you’ll soon be sitting out runs to let your mittens or gloves dry up and recoup. Or worse yet, calling it an early day.
So, my fellow snow surfers: Don’t let poor-quality gloves sidetrack your riding. In this guide, you’ll find the best snowboard gloves & mittens for keeping your hands toasty and stoke high.
My Review Process
From the first time I tried snowboarding as a teen, I was hooked. Nearly two decades later, I’m still just as giddy to hit the slopes when winter shows her face.
It’s only natural that over the years, I’ve had my share of lessons when it comes to snowboarding gear. With snowboarding gloves and mittens, I’ve learned that it’s worth investing in well-made, durable pieces that hold their own no matter what weather the mountain throws at you.
So what features matter most when choosing the best pair of snowboard gloves? Water-repellent qualities reign supreme, but dexterity, comfort, and warmth are equally vital for keeping fingers happy. I’ve outlined other important attributes in the Buying Guide below, so be sure to have a look.
Snowboard Mittens vs Gloves: Which Are Better?
It’s a tough decision, I know. Snowboarding mittens keep all your fingers warm by keeping them snug. Traditional five-finger gloves, on the other hand, give you more range of motion and dexterity.
Luckily these days, you have options that give you the best of both worlds! For one, most mittens have removable liners with individual fingers for dexterity. That means you can remove the outer shell when lacing up boots, adjusting bindings or checking your phone, all while curbing cold hands.
There’s also the popular three-finger glove, which is essentially half-mitten. Your middle finger, ring finger and pinky finger are all grouped together, while your thumb and pointer hang solo. They’re an excellent choice for those who want that extra touch of dexterity.
How To Wash Snowboard Gloves
Snowboard gloves that are being used consistently throughout the season are bound to show signs (and smells!) of use. If you’re at the point where a wash is needed, heed with caution and carefully read their care tag.
Generally speaking, if you have leather gloves —whether they just have leather palms or feature an all-leather outer shell— definitely don’t machine wash. Leather gloves should only be spot-cleaned and air-dried.
If your gloves are made with synthetic materials, you may be able to toss them (or the liners) in a machine, but I’d recommend hand-washing if possible. I repeat: be sure to read their care instructions. If they have a GORE-TEX membrane or a water-resistant coating, you may need to take certain precautions.
Snowboard Gloves Buying Guide
Snowboarding gloves that don’t repel moisture and prevent cold, simply put, shouldn’t be used for snowboarding. Here are the most important features that keep your hands warm and dry.
Intention & Riding Style
Are you looking for an everyday snowboard glove for the resort, a modular system for uphill touring, or a beefy design for a cat-skiing trip? How you ride and where you ride make a difference in the gear you choose.
If you’re in a region that has famously wet winters, prioritize waterproofing in your search for gloves. If backcountry skiing and splitboarding are your passion, a modular style with a quality liner that stands on its own would be a sound choice. You’ll be shedding that outer shell as soon as you get sweaty on the uphill.
Simply put: the best pair of gloves for you will be the pair that aligns most with your riding style.
Material
Gloves for skiing or snowboarding are typically made from synthetic materials, leather, or a combination of both. There are some key differences.
Leather gloves (especially if they have an all-leather outer shell) are usually more expensive, heavier in weight, and generally speaking, need to be waxed and maintained regularly. They are, however, more durable and longer-lasting, especially if they’re made with high-quality leather.
Synthetic materials, on the other hand, tend to be more lightweight, packable, and cheaper. They usually come treated with water-repellent properties (like a DWR finish) and are also easier to wash and dry. Another perk: they require no break-in period, like leather, which is stiff for the first few wears.
Insulation
The type of insulation inside your snowboarding gloves matters. Why? Similar to base layers, a poor-quality insulating material usually means it won’t wick sweat or allow your hands to breathe very well. If it’s too thin, it also won’t trap heat when you need it. That becomes problematic for long days of riding.
Most top glove brands will prioritize premium insulating materials or blends known for both their warmth and moisture-wicking qualities. Prima Loft or Prima Gold insulation is a common choice, but there is also a motley of other super-innovative synthetic insulations available, like VerticalX, Heatkeep, or ThermaCore.
Insulation is usually measured in grams per square meter. The higher the number, the warmer the glove. Various types of insulation can range anywhere from 40 grams to over 500 grams for a specialized mountaineering glove. If you’re going to be riding in a very cold climate, pay attention to this number.
Finger Style & Dexterity
The style of your glove is a personal matter. Some riders swear by mittens, and love having their fingers in close proximity at all times, generating extra warmth. Others prefer a five-finger glove that provides more dexterity and range of motion. For those torn between both styles, there are three-finger glove designs that strike the balance between both designs.
My recommendation is this: if you’re going for mittens, make sure they come with quality liners. This is especially important for snowboarders since you’ll be strapping into your bindings or adjusting your snowboarding boots pretty often. (And you don’t want to remove your entire glove system in order to do it, exposing your fingers to the cold.) If you end up with a mitten or glove that doesn’t have a removable inner glove, do yourself a favorite and buy a good-quality glove liner.
Waterproofing
Soggy gloves can put an end to an awesome day of riding. Make sure, then, that your snowboarding gloves or mittens come equipped with properties that can reliably repel water.
Whether that means a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish on a sturdy synthetic glove or a GORE-TEX waterproof membrane in an all-leather outer shell, do your research and know your terrain. If you’re going to be encountering wet snow often, the warmest gloves won’t do a thing if they’re not properly designed to keep moisture at bay.
Pro tip: If you have any leather component on your glove, it’s always recommended to use a waterproof wax sealant on it, like SnoSeal.
Cost
In your search for snowboard and ski gloves, you’re bound to find prices ranging anywhere from a budget-friendly $30 to upwards of $200 for a specialized (or merely name-brand) pair of gloves with extra features.
Now, while price usually speaks volumes of quality, the above list is a testament that this doesn’t always ring true with snowboarding gloves. Our budget choice, after all, is a somewhat legendary warm glove and one of the most trusted pieces of winter gear around! Instead of focusing on price, then, I’d focus on style, intention, and the features most important in your riding style.
Summary
Torn between a dexterous glove and a super-warm mitten? Outdoor Research’s Highcamp 3-Finger Gloves give you the perks of both styles in a high-performing package. The modular design makes them super versatile, too.
For a traditional five-finger design that holds its own in the toughest conditions, I’d go with the Black Diamond Guide Gloves.
If you’re looking for a wallet-friendly option that will seriously impress, though, I can’t recommend the legendary Kinco 1927KW Lined Premium Grain Gloves enough. They’re a simple but sturdy winter glove powerhouse.
