Best Ski Gloves for Kids: Reviews and Buying Guide

Will you and your kids be doing some skiing this winter? Skiing can be a super fun family activity! But like with any sport, you need the proper gear and that includes a good pair of ski gloves. It may be tempting to just use any pair of winter gloves, but ski gloves are made specifically to stand up to wintery conditions and to grip onto ski poles.

But which kind of ski gloves should you get your child? Gloves or mittens? Waterproof or water-resistant? Well, we’ve done all the work for you and have found the 10 best pairs of ski gloves for kids. From beginners to advanced skiers, gloves and mittens, we’ve got them all.

Keep reading to find out which gloves made the list of best ski gloves for kids and how to choose the right glove for your child!

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Gloves vs. Mittens

Which reigns supreme in the ski glove world? Gloves or mittens? While gloves may seem like the obvious answer, you may want to think again.  A good pair of ski gloves only has slightly more mobility than ski mittens.

Just because each individual finger is covered, doesn’t mean you will be able to move them very well. Think about all the insulation that goes into a good winter glove! Gloves do have a slight advantage in terms of mobility, but mittens, on the other hand, are a little warmer than gloves, since your fingers are all snug together and generating heat.

So which is better when it comes to skiing? Gloves take a slight lead due to better dexterity, but when it comes down to it, either one will work fine.

What makes a good ski glove

Insulation

You got two choices: down and synthetic. Both have their pros and cons. Down is lightweight and breathable, but when it gets wet, it will lose its great insulation. This can be prevented with a waterproof exterior.

Synthetic insulation is less expensive and very durable but will compress over time, unlike down.  Synthetic can also be a bit bulkier than down since you need more synthetic insulation to make a glove warm.

When it comes to skiing, either type of insulation will do the job well.  Synthetic is a more commonly used insulation, and it just so happens that every glove we choose for our list uses synthetic insulation.

Waterproof

Since you’ll be skiing, you’ll probably want to protect your hands from all the snow.  To do so, choosing a ski glove that is waterproof is a wise choice. However, make sure to choose one with a breathable layer or moisture-wicking layer, so sweaty hands or overheating doesn’t become an issue.

Material

The shell, or outer most material of the glove, should be a durable, water-resistant if not waterproof, and windproof material.  But also the palm of the glove should have a separate material for good grip. Leather is one of the best types of materials to use on the palm of a glove. It is durable and makes gripping the pole easier. However, a PU or TPU will work great too.

Also, be sure to take a look at the stitching of the glove.  Ski gloves should be stitched with a thicker thread for max durability.

Long-Cuff vs. Short-Cuff

When it comes to cuff length, this comes down to personal preference.  Both have their pros and cons, so what’s important is what is most comfortable for your child.

Long-Cuff (aka Gauntlet-Style)

Long-cuff gloves, also known as gauntlet-style gloves, provide great protection from snow by going over the sleeve of the coat and then being tightened via an elastic cord.  The elastic cord can also be loosened to allow air flow to get in on a warmer day.

They are a bit bulkier than short cuff gloves, which some kids may not like, but the warmth and protection from the snow are what make long-cuffs a popular choice.

Short-Cuff

Short-cuff gloves allow you to tuck the cuff into the sleeve jacket. They are less bulky than long-cuffs and allow a greater range of motion with the wrist. However, the lack of cuff also means a decrease in warmth and yes, even the potential for snow to get in if not properly tucked into the jacket.

What’s the deal with heated gloves?

The idea of slipping your hand into a toasty warm glove might sound pretty amazing, especially when planning to spend your entire day in the cold.  But that toasty warm feeling comes at a price. Heated gloves are usually battery operated and thus heavier than other gloves.

Also, they tend to be a good amount more expensive than regular gloves. If you are planning on doing some serious skiing, non-heated gloves are a better choice. They can provide plenty of warmth at a lighter weight and for a lower price.

Finding the right size glove

How do you know what size your child is? For many children, it’s fairly easy as brands will offer kids’ gloves sizes according to age.  But sometimes that size isn’t accurate.

If the brand offers a sizing chart, great! If it goes by measurements, here’s how to measure your child’s hand for a glove.

• Choose the dominant hand when measuring for a glove. If your child is a righty, then measure their right hand.
• First, measure the widest part of the hand, not including your thumb.
• Next, measure from the base of the hand to the top of the middle finger.
• Now, look at the two sizes you got from each measurement.  Use the larger size to determine what size glove your child should get. Youth and adult size gloves will go by this size.  (For example, if your largest measurement is 7 inches, then the glove size is a 7.)

Here’s a video that will give you a better idea on how to measure!

But before you choose the size, here are a few other things to consider when finding the right size glove or mitten.

• Your fingers should almost touch the top of each glove finger/mitten, but there should be just a little bit of room left.
• Opt for a glove with a slightly longer cuff to prevent snow from getting in.
• The glove should not be tight or uncomfortable.
• Try out different brands to see which one works best.

A glove that fits correctly will provide the optimal amount of warmth and comfort as well as allow your kids hand to grip a ski pole, and perhaps an occasional snowball too.

10 Best Ski Gloves for Kids

And finally, here it is— the list of the best ski gloves for kids! If you’ve taken into account everything we’ve mentioned, you’ll have no problem choosing the right glove for your little one.  We’ve noted when gloves are better for younger skiers, as well as beginners and advanced skiers.

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1.  HESTRA Heli Jr. Ski Glove

Just like mom and dad, the HESTRA Heli Jr. lives up to the same quality as the adult version, only this one is designed to fit kids.  The durable army leather palm and synthetic fabric on the back of the glove can handle any ski or snowboarding adventure.

The synthetic material on the back of the hand is called the HESTRA Triton Polyamide.  It is water-resistant, windproof and breathable, keeping kids hands warm and dry. The Fiberfill insulation and Bemberg liner do a good job keeping little hands warm too.

The price tag… well, it’s high. But for kids who are going to be doing some serious skiing, it’s worth the investment.

Likes

• Durable army leather palm gives kids good grip of ski poles.
• HESTRA Triton Polyamide keeps hands warm and dry.
• The removable liner is comfortable and provides good warmth.
• Easy to get on and stays on securely with a velcro strap.
• Can connect together so won’t get lost.
• Great for serious skiers.

Dislikes

• Expensive.

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2. Burton Youth Vent Mitt

If mittens are more your child’s thing, then check out these Burton Vent Mitts. Another brand that make quality ski gloves for both adult and kids, these super warm mittens are great for cold weather but will feature a special vent for extra air flow on warmer days.

These mittens have a DRYRIDE waterproof shell, a Thermacore Insulation, and a non-removable microfiber lining.  If all that toastiness is too much, simply unzip the ventilation pocket.   If it’s extra cold outside, simply slip a hand warmer into the pocket and zip it back up for some extra warmth.

For snow adventures where the temperature is a little all over the place, the Burton Youth Vent Mitts can adapt to pretty much any winter weather.

Likes

• Waterproof shell and super warm insulation.
• Vent pocket allows air flow but also holds a hand warmer for extra warmth.
• Palm has touchscreen capabilities.
• Quality gloves for an affordable price.

Dislikes

• Runs a bit large.

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3.   Gordini Junior Ultra Dri-Max Gauntlet IV

This mixes the best of both worlds: affordability and serious protection for avid skiers.  These gloves have a comfy thermofleece lining, super warm Megaloft insulation, and as the name suggests, a Dri-Max waterproof insert.

The glove has a pocket to insert a hand warmer in case it’s extra cold out. The Polytech and ripstop nylon shell are waterproof and the palm is made of sticky grip material.

Likes

• High quality and affordable.
• Super warm lining and insulation.
• Pocket for heat warmer for extra warmth.
• Durable waterproof shell.
• Perfect for very cold climates.

Dislikes

• A little too warm for moderate winter weather.

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4. SnowStoppers Waterproof Ski & Snowboard Gloves

For kids as young as 3 all the way to age 16, these are an affordable pair of ski gloves for the beginner and occasional skier.  This glove is made with SnowStoppers extra long cuff to prevent snow from getting in and it even helps younger kids from trying to take this glove off.

While the glove is made from a waterproof material, the cuff itself is not waterproof.  The insulation is a mix of Fiberfill and Thinsulate and does a good job keeping hands warm. The Kevtech palm provides a solid grip for both skiing and snowboarding and the adjustable velcro strap ensure a secure fit.

This glove comes in plenty of fun, bright colors like red and black, yellow and black, and fuschia and black, as well as a classic all black and white and black.

Likes

• Long cuff prevents snow from getting in.
• Two types of insulation keep hands warm.
• Great color choices.
• Affordable.
• Sizes available for ages up to 16 years.
• Waterproof shell.
• Great for the occasional skier or beginner skiers.

Dislikes

• Cuff is not waterproof or water-resistant.

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5. Columbia Youth Whirlibird Gloves

What makes these gloves so toasty? The Omni-Heat Thermal Reflective liner uses your body’s heat to keep you warm.  But don’t worry, the liner is breathable too, which means no overheating or sweaty hands.

And we all know a nose can run in the cold weather, so this glove has a nose wipe on the finger. The shell is made of waterproof nylon called Hydra Cloth 3000 and the polyester insulation adds another solid layer of warmth.

Likes

• Omni-Heat Thermal Reflective technology uses body heat to keep hands warm.
• Waterproof shell.
• Nose wipe on finger.
• Great for really cold weather.
• Long-cuff prevents snow from getting in.

Dislikes

• Sizing is a little tricky. Runs large.

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6.  Obermeyer Alpine Gloves

The HydroBlock coating on the Obermeyer Alpine glove not only waterproofs it but also enables the fabric to be breathable, to prevent hands from overheating.  The Permaloft insulation and microfleece lining keep hands comfy and toasty for the occasional skier.

The elastic band at the wrist and velcro closure secure this long-cuff glove onto kids’ hands.  For extra warmth, kids can slip a hand warmer into the zipper heat pack on the top of the glove.

Likes

• Waterproof and breathable shell prevents overheating.
• Perfect for ski trips and beginner skiers.
• Microfleece lining is comfortable.
• Zipper heat pack holds hand warmer for extra warmth.

Dislikes

• Runs small.

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7.  Spyder Overweb Ski Gloves

The Spyder Overweb ski glove is another tough glove for kids who plan on doing plenty of skiing.  While it is another pricey option, for those who plan on using it frequently, it ends up being a good value.

The polyester shell has been treated to make it waterproof and the long-cuff design prevents snow from getting in. The glove also features a soft material on the thumb to use as a nose wipe.

The insulation is called ThermaWeb, which traps heat to keep hands warm.  For extra cold days, this glove has a zipper pocket to insert a hand warmer.

Likes

• Durable, waterproof exterior and long-cuff prevent hands from getting wet.
• Soft material for nose wipe.
• ThermaWeb insulation keeps hands toasty.
• Zipper pocket for a hand warmer.

Dislikes

• Pricey.

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8. RunRRIn Waterproof Gloves

On a tight budget? These gloves are surprisingly durable and great for infrequent ski trips and beginner skiers.  They also work well for other super cold weather activities.

This glove comes in a variety of funky patterns that kids will enjoy.  The TPU interior and waterproof coating on the shell make this glove truly waterproof.  The lining is a soft fleece and the insulation is made of cotton.  The non-slip PU palm works well with ski poles and the adjustable velcro wristband secure glove on and keeps snow out.

Likes

• Very affordable.
• Great for beginner skiers or occasional skiers.
• Very waterproof.
• Soft fleece lining and comfortable.
• Fun patterns to choose from.

Dislikes

• Not for frequent skiers.
• Not as warm as the other gloves on this list.

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9.  HESTRA C-Zone Mountain 3 Finger Mittens

We know these look a little unusual, but some like the warmth of a mitten but want a little more mobility like a glove.  This 3 finger mitten, sometimes referred to as a lobster glove, will give kids the best of both worlds as well as the quality of a HESTRA glove.

These gloves are great for the extreme cold with their Fiberfill insulation, fully waterproof and windproof shell, and moisture-wicking liner.  The long-cuff has a barrel lock to prevent any snow from getting in and it has a carabiner and eyelet to keep the gloves together when not in use.

Like the other HESTRA on the list, the price is high, but it’s hard to find something better than this glove.  Some kids might not like the three finger design, but for those who do, it’s worth the higher price tag.

Likes

• Great for extreme cold conditions.
• Waterproof and windproof.
• 3-finger design allows for more dexterity.
• Moisture-wicking liner keeps hands dry.
• The leather palm is durable and provides good grip.

Dislikes

• Expensive.
• Some kids might not like the 3-finger design.

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10.   Gordini Easy On Mitts

Starting them skiing young! This one is for all the toddlers and preschoolers out there.  The Gordini Easy On mitts are, well, easy to get on, and anyone with a toddler knows that getting the mitts on is more than half the battle.

These have a zipper so you can open them up wide, get their little hand in and zip it up quick! The long sleeve with elastic at the edge ensures they aren’t easy to tug off either.

It has a Dry-Max waterproof insert to keep your tot’s hands dry and the MegaLoft insulation keeps their hands warm.

Likes

• Perfect for young kids.
• Long zipper makes it easy to get on.
• Long-cuff and elastic keeps it on securely.
• Fully waterproof.

Dislikes

• The zipper may wear out prematurely depending on usage.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can you use ski gloves for snowboarding?

A:  Absolutely! Ski gloves will provide the water-resistance and wind-resistance as well as dexterity your child needs to do both sports.

Q: How do you clean ski gloves?

A: This depends on the material the gloves are made of.  Regardless of what type of ski glove you have, if it has a removable liner, remove it from the glove first.

Many glove liners are made of silk, which can be hand washed with warm water and mild soap  Rinse thoroughly with cool water and a ¼ cup of vinegar. (The vinegar ensures that all the soap is removed during the rinse.) Lay the liner gloves on a towel to dry.

Now on to the actual glove! If they are made of leather or a combination of leather and synthetic materials, do not put them in water.  Instead, use a damp cloth to remove any dirt or purchase a leather cleaner.  Allow the gloves to air dry.

If the gloves are made completely of synthetic materials, you can wash them in a garment bag on the gentle cycle of your washing machine or to be on the safe side, handwash them.  However, if they are waterproof, do NOT use laundry detergent as that will damage the waterproofing properties.

Remove from the washer and gently squeeze (do not wring) to remove all the water from the glove. Allow them to air dry on a towel or hanging them up to dry.

The Takeaway

This list of the best ski gloves for kids has some great ski gloves for both beginners and advanced skiers alike.  Durability and comfort are key when choosing the right ski glove, but as we stated before, buying the right size is essential.

For beginners and smaller tots, we recommend the SnowStopper waterproof gloves.  They are affordable, effective and work not only for skiing and snowboarding but any snowy winter adventure.  And to top it off, they come in sizes for toddlers all the way to teens.

For the avid skier, definitely check out the HESTRA Heli Jr. glove.  We know that it’s a lot of dough, but for those who plan on skiing regularly this winter, this glove will help kids ski their best and stay warm and dry doing it.