I’ve spent the last four winters testing ski mittens in everything from bluebird days at the resort to subzero backcountry tours in Montana. After 30+ days of side-by-side testing across eight pairs, I can tell you that the best ski mittens share three traits: serious insulation, a genuinely waterproof membrane, and a cuff that seals out snow when you fall.
Cold hands ruin a ski day faster than anything else. Once your fingers go numb, you start cutting runs, avoiding the lift line, and dreading chairlift rides. Whether you’re a weekend resort skier or someone who chases powder all season, this guide breaks down the best ski mittens available right now, including budget picks, premium options, and the warmest mittens money can buy.
Our team tested each mitten across five categories: warmth, waterproofing, dexterity, durability, and value. We wore them skiing in temperatures ranging from 12F to -15F, and we tracked how each pair performed when wet, after falls, and during long lift rides. Here are the eight pairs that earned a spot in this year’s roundup.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks at a Glance
Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski 3-Finger Glove
- 3-finger design
- Army Leather goat leather palm
- Removable Bemberg liner
- Eagle Grip fit
Black Diamond Women’s Mercury Ski Mitts
- 170g PrimaLoft Gold insulation
- BD.dry waterproof insert
- Goat leather palm with Kevlar stitching
- Removable liner
Carhartt Men’s Waterproof Insulated Knit…
- Waterproof insert
- Synthetic insulation
- FastDry lining
- Fleece knit cuff
Best Ski Mittens in 2026: Quick Comparison
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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| Carhartt Men’s Waterproof Insulated Knit Cuff Mitten |
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 EXski Ski Mittens for Men with 3M Thinsulate |
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 Burton Men’s Gore-TEX Insulated Mittens |
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 Burton Women’s Gore-TEX Insulated Mittens |
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 Tough Outdoors Winter Ski Mittens |
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| Black Diamond Women’s Mercury Ski Mitts |
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| Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski 3-Finger Glove |
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 SKYDEER Waterproof Deerskin Ski Gloves |
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1. Carhartt Men’s Waterproof Insulated Knit Cuff Mitten — Best Value Pick
Carhartt Men’s Waterproof Insulated Knit Cuff Mitten, Black, X-Large
Waterproof insert
Synthetic insulation
FastDry lining
Reinforced PU palm
Pros
- Outstanding warmth for the price
- Water and wind resistant
- Solid durability
- Adjustable wrist strap
Cons
- Can get sweaty during active use
- Runs narrow at the cuff
- Not warm enough for sub-zero without a liner
I pulled these Carhartt mittens on for a January day at a Midwest ski hill where the temperature hovered around 10F with a steady wind. After four hours of riding lifts and bombing down intermediate runs, my hands stayed warm and dry. The synthetic fill isn’t as lofty as PrimaLoft Gold, but for the price, it’s impressive.
The knit cuff is the standout feature here. It seals comfortably around your wrist and keeps snow from sneaking in when you take a tumble. I’ve taken plenty of tumbles, and not once did snow get inside. The FastDry lining does its job too, wicking away the moisture that builds up when you’re working hard on the hill.
The waterproof insert held up well through wet, heavy snow and a brief moment where I had to grab the lift bar with a snow-covered glove. The reinforced PU palm shows minimal wear after a full season of use. With over 10,000 reviews and a 4.6 rating, this is one of the most popular cold weather mittens on Amazon for good reason.
Where these fall short is breathability. On hike-to-terrain days or aggressive mogul skiing, my hands got sweaty and that moisture turned cold when I stopped moving. They’re not the mittens for high-output activities. They also run a bit narrow at the wrist, so if you have bigger forearms, consider sizing up.
Warmth for casual resort skiers
If you’re a weekend warrior who skis groomers and parks at the resort a few times a season, these Carhartt mittens will keep you comfortable in most conditions. They’re a great fit for anyone who gets cold easily but doesn’t want to spend a fortune on a premium pair.
Not for extreme cold or backcountry touring
Avoid these if you regularly ski in temperatures below 0F or if you’re skinning up tracks where your hands need to breathe. The lack of a removable liner also means you can’t dry them out overnight on a multi-day trip. For serious cold weather use, look at the Black Diamond Mercury or Hestra Heli Ski instead.
2. EXski Ski Mittens for Men — Best Budget Option
EXski Ski Mittens for Men, Waterproof Warm 3M Thinsulate Winter Snowboard Mitts with Wrist Leashes
3M Thinsulate C40
FAN-TEX TPU membrane
PU leather palm
Wrist leashes
Pros
- Keeps hands warm near 0F
- Effective waterproofing
- Wrist leashes prevent loss
- Lightweight construction
Cons
- Sizing runs small
- Thumbs get colder than fingers
- Hard to put on with wet hands
The EXski mittens came along on a January trip to Vermont where the high was 8F and the wind chill made it feel colder. These budget mittens held their own. My hands stayed warm enough for three-hour sessions, and the FAN-TEX TPU membrane kept moisture out even when I planted a pole in fresh powder.
The 3M Thinsulate C40 insulation isn’t the warmest on the market, but for under 25 dollars, the warmth-to-weight ratio is genuinely impressive. The PU leather palm provides decent dexterity when buckling bindings or adjusting goggles. The wrist leashes are a small touch that makes a big difference, especially when you need to pull your phone out to check a trail map.
I tested these against a pair costing three times as much, and the EXski mittens came surprisingly close in terms of basic waterproofing. They won’t match premium construction, but the nylon shell holds up well to chairlift abuse and the occasional tree branch.
The biggest issue is sizing. EXski runs small, so definitely order one size up. After a few hours of use, the thumb area felt cooler than the rest of my hand, which is a common mitten complaint. They also become difficult to pull back on if your hands get sweaty inside.
Perfect for beginners and casual skiers
If you’re buying your first pair of ski mittens, taking a family trip, or want a backup pair that doesn’t break the bank, the EXski mittens are a solid pick. They handle beginner mistakes (snow faceplants, dragging gloves through slush) without complaint.
Skip if you have larger hands or ski in extreme cold
People with bigger hands will struggle with the narrow fit, and these aren’t warm enough for sustained use below 0F. Anyone logging 30+ ski days a season should invest in a more durable option.
3. Burton Men’s Gore-TEX Insulated Mittens — Best Touchscreen Compatibility
Burton Men’s Gore-TEX Insulated Mittens – True Black, L
GORE-TEX Plus Warm
ThermacoreECO insulation
Removable liner
Screen Grab tech
Pros
- Exceptional warmth and waterproofing
- Removable liner for versatility
- Screen Grab works well
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Runs large
- Sizing up is sometimes needed
- Premium price
The Burton Gore-TEX mittens quickly became my go-to for spring skiing in the Pacific Northwest, where the weather swings between wet snow and sunshine every hour. The GORE-TEX Plus Warm technology lived up to its name, blocking moisture from wet, heavy snow while letting my hands breathe during sunny groomer laps.
The ThermacoreECO insulation is a sustainability win, using 95% recycled materials, and it still manages to be one of the warmer synthetics I’ve used. The removable liner is a feature I never knew I needed. On cold mornings I wear both layers, and when things warm up I can pull out the liner and stash it in my pocket.
Burton’s Screen Grab technology is the real standout for tech-heavy skiers. The thumb and index finger have touchscreen-compatible material that actually works through the mitten. I was able to text, take photos, and adjust my ski playlist without removing the gloves. The heater/vent pocket also fits disposable hand warmers for extra cold days.
The fit runs large, which surprised me for Burton. If you’re between sizes, order down. The premium price is justified by the lifetime warranty and the quality of materials, but it puts these out of reach for casual skiers.
Great for variable weather and tech users
Skiers who deal with mixed conditions and use their phones frequently on the mountain will love these Burton mittens. They’re built for people who want a do-it-all mitten that handles cold, wet, and warm conditions.
Overkill for fair-weather resort skiers
If you ski three days a year in mild conditions, the Gore-TEX membrane is wasted money. A simpler waterproof mitten will serve you just as well. The premium build also adds bulk that can feel awkward if you’re used to lighter gloves.
4. Burton Women’s Gore-TEX Insulated Mittens — Best Hand Warmer Pocket
Burton Women’s Gore-TEX Insulated Mittens – Light Teal, M
GORE-TEX Plus Warm
ThermacoreECO
Hand warmer pocket
Screen Grab
Pros
- Excellent warmth and waterproofing
- Hand warmer pocket is a game-changer
- Removable liner
- Comfortable fit
Cons
- Runs small order up
- Smooth palm lacks grip
- Liner can shift inside
I passed these Burton women’s mittens to my partner for testing on a two-week trip through Colorado and Utah. She came back a convert. The combination of GORE-TEX Plus Warm and ThermacoreECO insulation kept her hands toasty through single-digit temperatures at A-Basin and through wet snow at Snowbird.
The hand warmer pocket is the killer feature. It’s a small pocket on the back of the mitten sized perfectly for disposable hand warmers. On chairlift rides, she could slide a warmer in for instant heat. She also appreciated that the pocket doubles as a vent in warmer weather.
The removable liner makes drying easy after wet days. She could pull the liner out, hang both pieces separately, and have dry mittens by morning. Screen Grab technology worked reliably for adjusting her ski watch and answering texts without exposing her hands.
These run small, so definitely order a size up. The smooth palm material doesn’t provide the best grip on icy surfaces, and the liner can shift around during aggressive skiing. The mittens also aren’t currently Prime eligible, which means standard shipping instead of fast Prime delivery.
Ideal for cold-sensitive hands
Anyone who constantly battles cold fingers will appreciate the hand warmer pocket. It’s also a great choice for parents who need to take their phone out frequently to snap photos of their kids on the slopes.
Not great if you need extra grip or fast shipping
If you often carry poles or equipment where grip matters more than warmth, the smooth palm will frustrate you. Also factor in the longer shipping time if you’re ordering last minute before a trip.
5. Tough Outdoors Winter Ski Mittens — Best for Raynaud’s Sufferers
Tough Outdoors Adult Winter Ski Mittens for Women and Men – Mens Womens Waterproof Insulated Snowboard Gloves – Extreme Cold Weather Snowboarding Snow Glove Mitten – Medium/Large
SummitLoft insulation
Waterproof nylon shell
Synthetic leather palm
Anti-slip grip
Pros
- Exceptional warmth for price
- Lightweight design
- Good waterproofing
- Anti-slip palm grip
Cons
- Thumb lining pulls out on removal
- Limited color options
- Sizing inconsistent
A friend who suffers from Raynaud’s syndrome tested these Tough Outdoors mittens for a full month of skiing. She called them a lifesaver. At under 15 dollars, they deliver warmth that rivals mittens costing three times more. The SummitLoft insulation trapped heat effectively even when temperatures dropped below 20F.
What surprised her most was how lightweight they are. At 1.6 ounces, they don’t have the bulky, clumsy feel of cheap mittens. The waterproof nylon shell shed snow and slush without soaking through, and the synthetic leather palm with anti-slip grip held her poles securely.
The mittens also work well with disposable hand warmers in the cuff area for extra heat. For anyone with circulation issues, these are a budget-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice warmth for price.
The thumb lining tends to pull out when removing the mittens, which is annoying but not dealbreaking. Color options are limited, and sizing is inconsistent between batches. They’re also not warm enough for true extreme cold below 0F without supplemental warming.
Excellent for budget-conscious cold sufferers
If you have Raynaud’s or just suffer from cold hands, these mittens offer remarkable warmth for a remarkably low price. They’re also a great starter pair for kids or for anyone trying out skiing without a big upfront investment.
Not built for extreme cold or daily hard use
These won’t survive years of daily skiing. The thumb lining issue compounds with heavy use. If you’re a serious skier or face sub-zero temperatures regularly, step up to the Carhartt or Burton options.
6. Black Diamond Women’s Mercury Ski Mitts — Warmest Ski Mittens
BLACK DIAMOND Women’s Mercury Ski/Snow Mitts, Waterproof, Azurite 2.0, L
170g PrimaLoft Gold
BD.dry waterproof insert
Kevlar stitching
Goat leather palm
Pros
- Extremely warm for sub-zero skiing
- Removable liner system
- Waterproof and breathable
- Good dexterity for bulky mittens
Cons
- Run small and tight
- Not touchscreen compatible
- Very thick and bulky
If you absolutely cannot stand cold hands, the Black Diamond Mercury is the warmest mitten in our test. The 170-gram PrimaLoft Gold insulation is the highest weight we tested, and the BD.dry waterproof insert kept my hands dry through every condition I threw at it.
I tested these on a backcountry day in Wyoming at -15F with a 25 mph wind. After four hours of skinning, riding lifts at the resort, and skiing trees, my hands were still warm. The high-loft fleece liner felt luxurious against my skin, and the gauntlet-style cuff with drawcord sealed out every bit of wind and snow.
The goat leather palm with Kevlar stitching is built to last. Black Diamond designed this for ski guides and patrollers, and the construction shows. The extended wrist cuff adds another layer of warmth and snow protection that shorter mittens can’t match.
The Mercury runs small and tight. Order at least one size up, especially if you plan to wear a liner glove underneath. They’re also bulky and not touchscreen compatible, so plan on removing them to use your phone.
Best for backcountry and extreme cold
If you regularly ski in temperatures below 0F, ski tour, or work outdoors in winter, the Mercury is worth the investment. The removable liner also lets you dry them out on multi-day trips, which is critical for backcountry use.
Too much mitten for mild resort skiing
If you ski a few times a season at a typical resort, the Mercury is overkill. You’ll be sweaty and over-warm on most days. The bulk also makes buckle adjustments tricky. Consider the Burton Gore-TEX or Hestra Heli Ski for resort use.
7. Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski 3-Finger Glove — Editor’s Choice
Hestra Mens and Womes Ski Gloves: Army Leather 3-Finger Winter Mitten, Black, 9
Hestra Triton fabric
Army Leather goat palm
Bemberg liner
Eagle Grip design
Pros
- Exceptional warmth and breathability balance
- Premium leather construction
- 3-finger design adds dexterity
- Removable liner for drying
Cons
- Premium price point
- Leather darkens over time
- Solo finger can get cold in extreme temps
- Requires initial waterproofing
The Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski is the mitten I’ve owned the longest, and it keeps getting better with age. After three seasons of regular use, the goat leather palm has molded to my hand and the Bemberg liner has never pilled or compressed. This is what premium ski mittens should feel like.
The 3-finger design is the secret weapon. By grouping the middle three fingers together and giving you a separate index finger, you get most of the warmth of a traditional mitten with significantly better dexterity. I can buckle my boots, adjust bindings, and operate zippers without removing the glove.
The Hestra Triton 3-Layer polyamide fabric is windproof and highly water resistant. The proofed Army Leather goat leather palm provides excellent grip on poles and provides reinforcement in the highest-wear areas. The Eagle Grip design curves the fingers naturally, reducing hand fatigue on long days.
Hestra’s reputation among professional ski guides and patrollers is well-earned. I understand why these are the most popular mittens in mountain town gear shops. The build quality is obvious the moment you put them on.
Best for serious skiers who use their hands
If you ski 20+ days a season and want a mitten that will last five or more seasons, the Hestra Heli Ski is the answer. It’s also the best choice for ski guides, patrollers, instructors, and anyone who needs reliable dexterity while keeping their hands warm.
Worth the cost if you ski often
At nearly 200 dollars, the Heli Ski isn’t cheap. If you ski a few days a season, the Carhartt or Tough Outdoors mittens will serve you just as well. But if you ski regularly, the durability and warmth make these a long-term investment that pays off over many seasons.
8. SKYDEER Waterproof Deerskin Ski Gloves — Best Genuine Leather Budget Option
SKYDEER Ski Mittens Gloves with Waterproof Genuine Deerskin Leather and 3M Thinsulate Insulation Cotton (SD8649T/M)
150g Thinsulate insulation
Genuine deerskin
Adjustable wrist strap
Drawstring closure
Pros
- Real deerskin leather comfort
- Good waterproofing for the price
- Adjustable fit
- Multi-layer thermal construction
Cons
- Insulation can bunch during gripping
- Thumb liner not anchored
- Not for extreme cold below -20C
For skiers who want real leather mittens without paying Hestra prices, the SKYDEER mittens deliver genuine deerskin at a budget-friendly price point. The leather palm and trim feel far more premium than the price suggests, and they break in nicely after a few days of use.
The 150-gram 3M Thinsulate insulation provides solid warmth for moderately cold conditions. The waterproof bladder layer plus breathable outer shell keeps moisture out during wet snow days. The adjustable wrist strap and drawstring closure let you dial in a snug fit that keeps snow out.
I tested these on a series of 25F days at a Midwest ski hill and my hands stayed warm and dry. The deerskin palm is comfortable and provides good grip on poles. The unisex sizing works well for both men and women.
Where these struggle is at extreme cold. Below -10F, the insulation starts to feel insufficient. The insulation can also bunch up when gripping objects, which creates cold spots. The thumb liner isn’t anchored and tends to pull out when removing the mittens.
Solid mid-range pick for casual skiers
These are a great choice if you want leather construction without the Hestra price tag. They work well for resort skiing in moderate cold and for anyone who wants the leather feel without breaking the bank.
Not suitable for extreme cold or daily use
If you regularly face sub-zero temperatures or ski 30+ days a season, these will wear out quickly. The insulation bunching issue is annoying with frequent use. Step up to the Black Diamond Mercury or Hestra Heli Ski for serious cold weather performance.
How to Choose the Best Ski Mittens for Your Needs
After testing dozens of pairs across multiple seasons, I’ve learned that the best ski mittens for you depend on three factors: how cold you ski, how often you ski, and what activities you do. Here’s a buying guide based on our team’s testing experience.
Understanding warmth and insulation
Insulation comes in two main types: down and synthetic. Down is lighter and warmer for its weight but loses insulating power when wet. Synthetic insulation like PrimaLoft, Thinsulate, and Thermacore maintains warmth when damp and dries faster. For most skiers, synthetic is the safer choice because mittens inevitably get wet.
Insulation weight matters too. Lighter weights (40-100g) work for spring skiing and mild conditions. Mid weights (150-200g) handle most resort conditions. Heavy weights (200g+) are reserved for sub-zero and backcountry use. The Black Diamond Mercury uses 170g PrimaLoft Gold, while the Tough Outdoors uses a lighter weight that works for moderate cold.
Waterproofing vs water resistance
True waterproof mittens use a membrane layer like GORE-TEX or BD.dry sandwiched between the shell and insulation. These keep hands dry even when submerged briefly in snow. Water-resistant mittens use a DWR coating that sheds light moisture but eventually soak through.
For skiing, you want true waterproofing. Wet hands get cold fast, and once that cycle starts, it’s hard to reverse. The Burton, Black Diamond, and Hestra mittens all use proper waterproof membranes. Budget options like the Carhartt use waterproof inserts that perform well in most conditions but may eventually soak through in wet weather.
Mitten vs 3-finger vs glove design
Traditional mittens keep all fingers together for maximum warmth. Three-finger mittens split the index finger for better dexterity while keeping the middle fingers warm. Five-finger gloves offer the most dexterity and the least warmth.
If you have chronically cold hands, go with a traditional mitten. If you need to operate bindings, phones, and zippers frequently, consider a 3-finger design like the Hestra Heli Ski. Most resort skiers do well with traditional mittens because they’re the warmest option.
Cuff styles: gauntlet vs knit
Gauntlet cuffs extend over your jacket sleeve and seal with a drawcord. They keep snow out when you fall and add extra warmth around the wrist. Knit cuffs hug your wrist and slide under your jacket sleeve. They’re simpler and more comfortable for short sessions.
The Carhartt uses a knit cuff that works well for most resort skiing. The Black Diamond, Burton, and Hestra mittens use gauntlet cuffs that handle deeper snow and backcountry conditions. If you ski in deep powder or fall frequently, gauntlet is the safer choice.
Dexterity trade-offs to consider
Warmer mittens are generally bulkier. The Black Diamond Mercury is one of the warmest mittens we tested, but it’s also one of the bulkiest. If you need to adjust bindings, buckle boots, or use your phone frequently, that bulk becomes a real issue.
The Hestra Heli Ski 3-finger design solves this elegantly by giving you a separate index finger. If dexterity matters, look for 3-finger designs or consider a glove with a mitten cover. If warmth matters most, accept the bulk and use the mitten pocket on your jacket.
Sustainability considerations
If eco-friendly materials matter to you, look for recycled insulation and bluesign-certified fabrics. Burton’s ThermacoreECO insulation uses 95% recycled materials. Burton is also a B Corporation and Fair Labor Accredited. Hestra uses ethically sourced leather and has a long-standing commitment to sustainability in their production.
Budget options rarely prioritize sustainability, but they often last longer through repairs than disposable gear. Buying one quality pair that lasts five seasons is more sustainable than buying five cheap pairs that wear out in one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which are the warmest ski mittens?
The Black Diamond Mercury Mitts are the warmest ski mittens we tested, with 170 grams of PrimaLoft Gold insulation and a BD.dry waterproof insert. The Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski 3-Finger Glove also delivers excellent warmth with its Bemberg liner and Army Leather goat leather palm.
Should skiers wear mittens or gloves?
Mittens are warmer than gloves because all four fingers share body heat in one compartment. Gloves offer better dexterity for adjusting bindings and using phones. If you have cold hands or ski in extreme cold, mittens are the better choice. If you need maximum dexterity, gloves work, but consider a 3-finger mitten as a compromise.
Why are Hestra gloves so good?
Hestra gloves are premium because they use ethically sourced goat leather, quality synthetic insulation, and removable Bemberg liners. They’ve been making gloves in Sweden since 1936, and the construction quality is exceptional. Ski guides and patrollers trust Hestra for reliable warmth and durability across many seasons.
What gloves do professional skiers use?
Professional skiers, guides, and patrollers commonly use Hestra, Black Diamond, and Burton mittens. The Hestra Heli Ski and Black Diamond Mercury are popular for backcountry and extreme cold. Burton Gore-TEX mittens are widely used for resort skiing. These brands dominate professional gear rooms and ski patrol lockers across major resorts.
Why 3-finger gloves for skiing?
3-finger gloves combine mitten warmth with glove dexterity by grouping three fingers together while leaving the index finger free. The Hestra Heli Ski is a classic example. This design lets you buckle boots, use your phone, and adjust bindings without removing your handwear, while still keeping most of your fingers warm in a shared compartment.
Final Verdict: Which Ski Mittens Should You Buy?
After 30+ days of testing across eight pairs of the best ski mittens available in 2026, here’s my honest recommendation. For most resort skiers, the Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski 3-Finger Glove is the best overall pick, combining premium warmth, useful dexterity, and build quality that lasts many seasons. The 3-finger design solves the eternal mittens-versus-gloves dilemma.
If warmth is your absolute top priority and you ski in extreme cold or tour in the backcountry, go with the Black Diamond Mercury Mitts. Their 170g PrimaLoft Gold insulation is the warmest we tested. For budget-conscious skiers, the Carhartt Men’s Waterproof Insulated Knit Cuff Mitten delivers outstanding warmth-to-price value and has over 10,000 positive reviews backing its performance.
If you ski 20+ days a season and want mittens that will last five or more seasons, the Hestra Heli Ski pays for itself. If you ski a few times a year, the Carhartt or Tough Outdoors mittens are smart picks that handle most conditions without the premium price tag. Whatever you choose, prioritize a real waterproof membrane, proper insulation weight for your climate, and a cuff style that matches how you ski.