Get tips on the best gloves for your ski touring and mountaineering adventures
When winter hill walking and ski touring our hands are exposed to big temperature changes and risk of injury. But applying the layering principle to our hands can be problemmatic, because we still need enough dexterity for adjusting bindings, tying knots, using a compass, handling ice axes, etc. This is why many people struggle to find gloves that work for them when ski touring or mountaineering. For ski touring in Scotland, we often bank on having multiple pairs of gloves for when the weather goes ‘full Scottish’… Read on for some glove-choosing tips.
How to select mountaineering or ski touring gloves
How to choose the best glove ‘system’
- Get the fit right
Check how well your hands fill the glove: too tight could lead to cold spots and excess wear. Too loose can make them cumbersome.
- Check dexterity
Can you work your watch, bindings and jacket zips?
- Check abrasion resistance
Leather, fabric or rubber reinforcement? All have advantages and disadvantages.
- Check the insulation
Synthetic insulation rocks in wet conditions, but down is warmer when dry. Or can you get away with a thinner (dry) set?
- Check waterproofing
No glove is going to stay completely waterproof forever – especially in the mountains. Choose a ‘glove system’ that works for you.
- Consider alternative or budget options
There are much cheaper alternatives to top-end mountaineering/ski gloves. And some of them work surprisingly well.
Sizing gloves for ski touring and mountaineering
Different brands sizes will vary a bit, but some give hand measurements (in cm) to help with buying online. Bigger gloves will give more warmth, but less feel. Sized-down gloves will give better feel, but may be harder to put on, less comfortable and quicker to wear out. Your hand should fill the glove with little spare space.
When you open and close your hand, there should be minimal tightness or bunching of the material (remember that leather palms, especially, will stretch a bit). Try adjusting a zip or your watch while wearing them in the shop. If it’s difficult, then you will probably also struggle on the mountain.
⚠️ Don’t lose a glove in the winter mountains. You won’t be able to navigate or operate equipment, and may end up with frostbite. Some people use glove leashes, but they can tangle in windy weather. Always have a spare set of gloves when ski touring and mountaineering.
Dexterity
Gloves will always need to balance dexterity with protection. Gloves used for ski touring need to allow messing about with bindings, skins, boots, etc and mountaineers’ gloves need to work for tying knots and placing protection. However, ski tourers can perhaps swap gloves more easily on the hoof than can mountaineers.
Softshell gloves work well – especially if they have a leather palm and are well proofed. Mountaineers and skiers who are also bikers might want to try their winter cycling gloves for the approach/skinning (and I’ve found my summer bike gloves good for spring touring).
Grippy building and gardening gloves are good for ropework (but maybe not very waterproof). Proper mountaineering/ski gloves come in a huge range of designs and prices, so choose carefully.
It’s annoying when you take a warm, dry glove off and the finger linings come out. Good mountaineering/ski gloves will have ‘sewn-in’ linings to prevent this happening.
Abrasion resistance
Remember that the thicker the reinforcement in the glove, the less feel and breathability you will have. Leather is hardwearing and certainly grips wet and icy ropes well. It can also be easily reproofed. Insulated waxed leather work gloves are relatively cheap and very hard wearing (sometimes referred to as ‘Chamonix bin mens gloves’).
Insulation
Differences in physiology mean that one person rarely gets cold hands, whilst another suffers frequently from it. However, thicker gloves aren’t always the answer. If they are too warm or cumbersome, you will have to keep removing them, which lets in moisture. Well-fitting thinner gloves might work better (especially for ski touring ascents).
Chemical handwarmers are good for quickly warming up cold hands (you can get rechargeable versions too). You could also try silk or fleece liner gloves to increase warmth without adding much bulk. ‘Lobster claw’ gloves add warmth and increase dexterity a bit. Mitts with internal fingers can be very toasty, but hard to find.
Do your hands overheat? Try rolling up/down your sleeves/cuffs to shed heat from your wrists. Or drop your gloves over your pole handles. Beware in case of cold burns, frostnip or cuts and scrapes. Wearing thin gloves for the ascent and thick ones for the descent can work well.
Are mountaineering gloves waterproof?
If a pair of mountaineering gloves is sold as being waterproof, then that is what you should expect. BUT remember that gloves have many seams and face an awful lot of abuse, so their waterproofing is likely to deteriorate with time. Boot waterproofing wax or spray works great on leather gloves. Freezer gloves, washing-up gloves or Sealskinz work in really wet conditions.
In about twenty years of guiding, I’ve had one ski client who showed up with neoprene divers gloves (and none since). Some climbers and skiers go for multiple cheap gloves, which are replaced as they get wet during the day. Mittens or ‘shell mitts’ can last longer in damp conditions, because they have fewer seams.
Short gloves work better than gauntlets in some situations. In wet conditions, rain or meltwater trickles down your sleeves . Short gloves under jacket sleeves can work better for ski tourers in these conditions. But if you are climbing, you might get better protection from gauntlet-style gloves worn on top of your sleeves.
Mountaineering and ski gloves on a budget
Although splashing the cash on a high-end pair of gloves may seem like a good investment, remember that you may need multiple pairs in a day. Plus, ski touring and mountaineering is hard on gloves. Consider buying a couple of cheaper pairs that you can replace as needed. While not necessarily the cheapest, Dachstein preshrunk wool gloves or mittens are the simplest. They’ve been used for years and are probably a bit more sustainable.
Choosing the right gloves is an important part of deciding what to wear for ski touring and wear for winter hiking. Although it may take some trial and error, the right gloves will enable you to enjoy your adventures all the more. For more help with staying warm and comfortable during winter activities, check out my 10 Tips to Keep Warm Outdoors.
Ice axes, crampons and famous scenery
