When it comes to hitting the slopes, staying warm and comfortable is just as important as mastering your turns. That’s where ski mittens come into play! These cozy hand warmers are not only essential for keeping your fingers toasty in cold weather, but they also offer a level of dexterity and style that can elevate your winter adventures. Whether you’re an experienced skier or just starting out, finding the right ski mittens can make all the difference in ensuring you enjoy your time on the mountain.
In this friendly guide, we’ll explore the benefits of ski mittens, key features to look for, and tips on how to choose the perfect pair for your snowy escapades. So, let’s dive in and ensure your hands are as ready for winter as you are!
Related: Best Women Ski Boots
Related: Best Women’s Ski Jackets
10 Best Ski Mittens Brands for Women Skiers
Having established the atop-rated advantages of mittens, let us proceed to
high-quality brands that provide high-quality mittens that are ski-fitted. These
companies do not merely sew some fabric and padding together—they care
about how well it works, and how warm and long-lasting it is so that you get the
best out of your time on the slopes.
1. Hestra
When it comes to ski mittens, Hestra is practically a household name. It is a
Swede company that has been producing gloves and mittens in the last eighty
years, and they have managed to master the way one should keep their hands
warm. What makes Hestra mittens different is the unique leather construction
along with some windproof, waterproof, and breathable materials. For example,
the Hestra Heli Ski Mitt is a favourite among ladies who ski because of its
warmth, sturdiness, and great water resistance. You can even change the liners
to extend their shelf life over multiple seasons.
2. Black Diamond
Black Diamond is a company that focuses on the manufacture of things that can
withstand almost any extreme weather outside, including mittens. One of the
most celebrated products in the line of Black Diamond Mercury Mitt is
probably the next one.
When considering winter skiing, the fitting has PrimaLoft
insulation, waterproof shucks along with soft fleece inner layers. Moreover, the
splint-finger shape (a claw of a lobster) allows additional flexibility while
maintaining the heat. In addition, it has a liner that you can take out, thereby
allowing you to use it in better weather conditions.
3. Outdoor Research
Specialising in manufacturing technical clothing and accessories for outdoor
adventures, Outdoor Research’s mittens are built to withstand the harshest
winter weather. Thanks to Gore-Tex waterproofing, high-loft insulation, and
commendable warmth, the Alti Mitts are capable of keeping one’s hands warm
in extremely low temperatures. Besides this, these mitts are quite strong making
them an ideal option for women who are serious about skiing and require gear
that can withstand the rigours of the sport.
4. Burton
While most people recognize Burton on account of their snowboard brand, it is
also evident that their women’s mittens do not fall short. Female skiers love the
Burton GORE-TEX Mittens. Not only are they waterproof but they also have
Thermacore insulation that protects the hands from the cold and wet for a short
period. Another nice element to add about the mittens made by Burton is their
support for touch screens; this allows using the phone while on the slopes
without the inconvenience of removing one’s mittens. They are ergonomically
designed for comfort and come in several fashionable colours.
5. The North Face
The North Face is another company whose ski equipment has proven its worth
and can be considered reliable. For example, The North Face Montana Etip Mitt
is an appropriate choice for most women. These mittens have Heatseeker
insulation to keep the wearer warm and are covered with a waterproof DryVent
shell to prevent water from getting into the mittens. Like the mittens by Burton,
these also have a touchscreen function which is a plus for skiers who have an
affinity for technology. Warmth, great functionality, and attractive design make
them irresistibly appealing for many women skiers.
6. Dakine
Ski Mittens of Dakine combines fashion, comfort, and cost. One of their
best-selling items is the Dakine Women’s Sequoia Mitt. It has a waterproof
Gore-Tex insert, high loft synthetic insulation and a removable Storm Liner
glove. This makes it all the more versatile—one can modify it according to the
weather, and even wear only the liner in kinder weather. Amazing products for
those in search of affordable yet quality goods.
7. Columbia
Columbia is very good at making functional clothing for the outdoors, as is the
case with their sunglasses and women’s ski mittens perfect for mountain use.
The Columbia Whirlibird Ski Mittens have Omni-Heat thermal reflective lining
that lines the mitts designed for extreme cold so most of the body heat is
retained in the insides. It comes well waterproofed to cater for snow and
moisture, yet is breathable enough to prevent overheating and sweaty hands.
These mittens are a good solution for skiers who want warm dry hands without
any unnecessary strap systems.
8. Leki
Leki is renowned for its ski poles but the company also makes quality ski
mittens for ladies. The Leki Xplore XT S Mittens Look warm, packed with
Primaloft insulation and also a waterproof breathable liner. What makes Leki
unique is that its poles are incorporated into the mittens- these mittens are
constructed such that they fit in the Leki Trigger S ski pole system which does
away with the need for the traditional straps but offers safety and comfort when
using your poles.
9. Swany
Another brand that focuses on mittens is Swany. This time, their Swany X-Cell
Mittens are highly recommended for women who ski in extreme cold
conditions.
These mittens have been designed using a technology called the Triplex
insulation system. The system works by the interweaving of entirely different
materials which are used to keep one’s hands warm without piling up
unnecessarily. The leather outer shell is tough yet fashionable. The inner lining
works to keep the hands dry and warm. Swany mittens moreover are made with
a pre-curved-curved shape which enhances grip, ease, and comfort while skiing.
10. Arcteryx
Last but not least, Arcteryx is a recognized high-end outdoor brand and their
Arcteryx Fission SV Mitts are reputedly one of the warmest mitts available on
the market. These mittens have waterproof Gore-Tex fabric deposited on the
outer side and synthetic stuffing that retains heat even when soaked. They are
even weightless and easily compressible so that they can be packed away out of
sight when not in use. Due to their attention to detail, workmanship, and
usability, Arcteryx has always been a great pick for hardcore skiers.
Reasons Why Ski Mittens Are A Better Option
Given that gloves may be the first thing that comes to mind for skiing with their
dexterity, mittens on the other hand have certain benefits that women skiers in
particular will appreciate. Here are some of the advantages of choosing a mitten
over a glove:
1. Excellent Heat Retention
The greatest benefit of using mittens over gloves is warmth. By placing your
fingers in one single area, they work like a “heat pocket.” The design decreases
the amount of skin that comes in contact with the cold and retains body heat
much better than the glove can. If you have ever got numb fingers on the way to
the shop, then you know that this is quite crucial.
2. Better Circulation
Mittens have bigger hand compartments compared to gloves which makes room
for blood circulation to your fingers. Too much restriction on the hands
promotes cold since warmth can only be maintained with blood, thus mittens
reduce the restriction around the hands to promote warmth. With good blood
flow, your fingers can withstand cold temperatures for long periods without
discomfort.
3. Moisture Management
Amitten is simpler than a glove and hence has a lesser number of seams
through which water can penetrate. Many companies have added Gore-Tex and
similar waterproof materials to keep your hands dry all day. In the instance that
your fingers start to sweat, mittens are also more moisture-friendly as they
usually have an inner lining that breathes or uses wicking material.
4. Reduced Risk of Getting Cold Hands
Wearing gloves can be problematic in that it divides your fingers and in the case
where there is a break in insulation or coverage, your hand tends to get cold
very fast. Mittens tend to do away with such issues. Since all the fingers are
together any heat generated by the body is circulated hence the chances of
having frostbite on the fingers midway through a run are lower.
5. Aesthetic and Practical
There have been some very good advances in the design of mittens. The era of
thick and heavy mittens is long gone. At present many companies provide
stylish, user-friendly shapes that are yet functional and practical. In addition to
that, the ski years come with different designs that can help spice up your ski
wear and keep you warm too.
6. Convenient to Wear and Adjust
In some cases, gloves can be a bit overbearing especially when there is a need to
fit fingers into the right places. Ease of wearing and adjustment especially when
putting on extra cummerbunds or in a hurry to hit the movies is a major
advantage of mittens’ simple hand holding the compartment.
7. Most Suitable for the Coldest of Days
When the weather is extremely cold during ski days, mittens are usually
preferred. This is simply because mittens by their design come with better
convenience for warmth retention, thus ideal for those regimes of skiing trips
aimed at regions where the temperatures are far below freezing. If it is a colder
ski trip that you’re making, subzero weather conditions may make mittens a
wiser option in regards to the warmth of your fingers.
Conclusion:
Say No To Gloves, And Embrace Mittens
The process of skiing involves lots of fun activities on the hills, and nothing is
more demoralising than having very cold hands while doing so. For a lot of
women, mittens bear more advantages in the warmth department than gloves, as
there is better circulation and less chance of wetness coming into the hands. It
doesn’t matter if you have been skiing for years or just started, where it’s very
important to purchase good quality mittens to keep your hands warm all day
long.
Ski Mittens are warm, yes! However, a good number of manufacturers are already
putting out designs that are very functional while allowing for a good degree of
movement so that you can hold on to the ski pole or still make adjustments to
your gear without feeling as though you are wearing big balmy mitts. Even with
all these protective benefits, there are so many cute and purposeful designs
available that it is easy to get mittens that will fit your ski outfit and
appropriately protect your hands.