It happens to everyone at some point: A chill creeps in, starting at your fingertips, and it slowly makes its way to your palms. You clap your hands together. You sit on them. You put them under your armpits. You do anything to keep the cold from settling in. Having frozen hands is not fun when you’re trying to shred. Moreover, overheating on days when spring skiing is at its best is a bummer. That’s why we’ve compiled the list below, made up of the top nine gloves of 2017.
Hestra Ergo Grip Incline
Hestra’s new backcountry-specific glove is built to handle everything beyond the boundaries. What we love most about this glove is its pre-curved fingers—this feature yields such incredible dexterity that a neurosurgeon might consider these during work hours. Backcountry skiers, on the other hand, are enabled to hold on tight-as-hell to their poles while on steep traverses and descents. Mid-weight insulation keeps hands warm when it’s shiver-worthy outside, but won’t overheat them during sweaty spring missions. Additionally, an impregnated cowhide backing makes ‘em durable enough to last for many years to come.
Dakine Women’s Rogue
The new Rogue Glove from Dakine combines smile-inducing comfort with Wonder Woman-like toughness for a go-to, everyday hand protector. Two-hundred grams of über-soft fleece and 70 grams of Primaloft insulation on the interior take care of the plushness factor. On the functionality front, a Gore-Tex insert and DWR coating provide waterproofing and breathability and a zippered cuff closure throws another obstacle at incoming moisture.
Level Off-Piste Leather
Built with a durable, waterproof goat leather exterior, the Off-Piste Leather is a master defender against the unwanted advances of moisture as well as the sharp stabs of rocks, branches and ice—an ideal combination for those pushing the limits in the mountains. Swiss wool insulation keeps your fingers toasty and a short neoprene cuff blocks out creeping snow while reducing bulk on your wrist. The stitching on the outer palm also improves dexterity and ease of movement. Moreover, a safety leash ensures these buggers won’t fall to their doom when you’re texting bae from the lift.
Flylow Magarac Glove
Flylow’s new Magarac Glove is defined by its light weight, durability, waterproofing and a spicy, colorful flair. The pre-treated pigskin and 1,000 Denier nylon construction team up to battle abrasions and moisture, while the work glove styling and lotus color scheme—pictured here—adds an understated style that’ll turn your arrival in the lift line into a grand entrance.
Astis Mittens Crean Long Cuff
Astis Mittens’ long-cuff mitts turn heads, first and foremost, thanks to beautiful leather, intricate beadwork, fur trim and tassels. On the inside, Polartec Thermal Pro High Loft insulation provides toasty warmth. A silicone-injection ensures waterproofing and durability are on- point without sacrificing dexterity. The mitts are roomy enough that you can tuck your jacket sleeves right inside of ‘em; the result is a snug fit that keeps warmth in and wet snow out. These beaut’s are also made in the USA.
Hestra Women’s Fall line Glove
We’ve loved the Women’s Fall Line since its debut in 2013, and if it ain’t broke, please, please don’t fix it, Hestra. The impregnated cowhide exterior provides excellent flex and dexterity; low-profile synthetic insulation warms ‘em up without impeding mobility; and a velvety-smooth polyester liner ensures supreme comfort no matter how intense your day gets. The all-new red colorway has us falling for this glove all over again.
Seirus Heatwave+ Spiral
Seirus’ HeatWave+ liner technology is just plain bonkers. First, a kinetic fabric increases temperatures by four to five degrees when you’re in motion. Second, a reflective printed coating radiates warmth back to your hands. Third, a proprietary layer converts your emitted energy into heat. Don’t get bogged down by the science… Just know that all that, plus 300 grams of synthetic insulation, is enough to withstand the most frigid, teeth-chattering days on the hill.
Black Diamond Equipment Spark Pro
The Spark glove has been a go-to for freeride skiers the world over for several years, and the new Spark Pro will undoubtedly please those same fans in 2017-18. Built with a Gore-
Tex liner, the Spark Pro is waterproof while remaining breathable—no frozen fingers, no sweaty palms, no problems. One-hundred and seventy grams of Primaloft Gold insulation provides backup during the coldest days, while a new, subdued color scheme lends subtle style to the package.
