Every snowboarder needs a good pair of gloves. With so many different options out there, picking out the best gloves can be a challenge. They need to be warm, of course, but they should also be comfortable and durable.
I’ve been riding for most of my life and have spent the last decade as a certified snowboarding instructor. I’ve used many styles and models of gloves over the years, so I know what to look for in the best options around.
The Hestra Heli is once again my pick for the best snowboard gloves of the year. I love the combination of warmth, comfort, and durability that they have to offer.
There are many other close contenders for the top spot on the list, so I’ll show you the rest of my favorites in this post. I want you to make a good buying decision that matches your needs or the conditions you ride in the most.
Time to keep those fingers warm and get going.
Contents
Who Should Get This
Every snowboarder needs to get at least one pair of gloves. If you ride a lot and encounter different conditions throughout the season, it’s a good idea to get a couple of pairs so you can change them out when needed.
Gloves are critical in keeping your hands and fingers warm. We’ve all had to deal with cold fingers at one time or another, and everyone knows how uncomfortable it can be.
Frostbite is a real concern in winter environments. Bare hands and snowboarding should never mix.
There are different glove types, all made for different seasons and weather conditions. Springtime gloves will be lighter and less warm, and heavy-duty options will keep you warm even in the worst conditions.
Top Snowboard Gloves
Here are my top picks for the best snowboard gloves of the year.
1. Hestra Heli
- Best for: Overall
- Key features: Warm, comfortable, very durable, waterproof, windproof
- Warmth: Synthetic fiberfill insulation
- Waterproofing: Treated goat leather and Triton 3-layer polyamide
- Cost: $$$
This Hestra Heli is my pick for the best overall snowboard gloves. I’ve used these gloves consistently over the last few years and have yet to be disappointed. They offer you the best of all worlds in terms of warmth, comfort, and durability.
The blend of natural and synthetic materials used in their construction is what makes them stand out. The palm is made of goat leather which leads to good flexibility and added durability. The shell is made out of a strong Triton 3-layer polyamide material.
These materials are both treated to be fully waterproof, and the Heli will stay dry even in heavy snow. The waterproofing lasts for a long time and won’t wear out, so you don’t need to worry about wet, cold fingers.
These gloves also have a removable lining if you want to wash them, a velcro snow lock to seal out the elements, and extended handcuffs that go up and over your wrist.
They are expensive, and you’ll want to be sure to regularly treat the leather parts to keep them in good shape.
==> You can also get it on Backcounty, Evo or Moosejaw.
2. Savior Heated Gloves
- Best for: Cold Weather
- Key features: Heated, hook and loop closure, breathable, waterproof, three temperature settings
- Warmth: Battery powered, cotton insulation
- Cost: $$$
If you want to make sure your hands stay warm all of the time, heated gloves are the way to go. The Savior Heated Gloves are some of the best around and give you battery-powered heating that you can rely on.
These gloves come with a pair of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. They have three temperature settings so you can dial in a customized experience when you are riding. You can adjust this on the fly if conditions turn nasty.
They also have quality construction that is made from both lambskin and polyester. This gives you good comfort and flexibility while also providing waterproofing and wind-resistant properties. A carbon fiber shell adds durability for lasting use.
You’ll want to make sure to charge the batteries up at night before you head out in the morning, so you have all day heat. If you use these gloves without the battery heating, they aren’t very good because they only have cotton insulation.
==> You can also get it at Walmart or AliExpress or Keepwarming.
3. Dakine Sequoia
- Best for: Women’s
- Key features: Fully waterproof, durable, lots of insulation, removable storm liner, heater pocket
- Warmth: 170 G High Loft synthetic insulation
- Waterproofing: DWR treated/Gore-Tex
- Cost: $$$
The Dakine Sequoia is the best women’s snowboard glove. There really isn’t much of a difference between men’s and women’s options, but this one has a slightly different fit that works well with smaller hands.
The Sequoia has plenty of warmth thanks to 170 grams of High Loft synthetic insulation. This gives you a reliable layer of comfort and makes the gloves slightly padded as well.
A Gore-Tex membrane adds to the warmth but also makes the gloves exceptionally waterproof. Gore-Tex is one of the best waterproofing materials around, and this membrane layer under a DWR treated shell leads to outstanding wet-weather performance.
Additional features include a removable storm liner glove that is also touchscreen compatible, a cinch glove to block out the snow, an external pocket that you can stash, and a hand heater if you need it.
With so much insulation, the Sequoia can feel a bit stiff.
==> You can also get it on Evo or DICK’S or Cotswold Outdoor.
4. Black Diamond Tour
- Best for: Sweaty Hands
- Key features: Lightweight, flexible, breathable, velcro cuff, hook and loop closure
- Warmth: Fixed fleece
- Waterproofing: Treated goatskin
- Cost: $$
If you have sweaty hands and don’t get cold often, the Black Diamond Tour is an excellent glove to consider. These were built with touring and the backcountry in mind, which means they are lightweight and flexible to keep you cool when you are working hard.
They are made entirely of goatskin leather, making them lightweight and highly comfortable. This material will continue to break in over time and get more comfortable as you use them.
The inner layer is fleece lined to provide you with a little bit of warmth. This layer also helps wick away moisture from your hands and fingers.
A two-layer Pertex shield short cuff has a velcro strap to keep out the chill. You can also open it back up if you want even more airflow. The hook and loop closure will keep the gloves together when you don’t have them on your hands.
These gloves aren’t heavily insulated or overly warm. They will work well if you have sweaty hands but won’t deliver in extremely cold temperatures.
==> You can also get it on Moosejaw or Evo or Black Diamond Equipment.
5. Hestra Heli 3-Finger
- Best for: 3-finger
- Key features: Warm, comfortable, waterproof, windproof, very breathable, removable lining, velcro strap closure
- Warmth: Polyester fiberfill insulation
- Waterproofing: Treated goat leather, Triton 3-layer polyamide
- Cost: $$$
The Hestra Heli 3-finger turns all of the amazing performance and function of the Heli up a notch. These are even warmer than my choice for the top-rated glove on the list and are a great option for anyone who wants this benefit.
They feature a very durable and strong construction of army goat leather and Triton 3-layer Polyamide.
This blend of natural and synthetic materials translates directly into exceptional all-around performance and comfort.
A velcro strap and extended cuff work to add another layer of warmth and protection against the elements.
You’ll lose a little bit of dexterity with the 3-finger style, and they are relatively expensive as well.
==> You can also get it on Backcounty or DICK’S or Moosejaw.
6. MCTi Winter Gloves
- Best for: Budget Pick
- Key features: Affordable, waterproof, good insulation, durable, touch screen fingers
- Warmth: 3M Thinsulate
- Waterproofing: TPU insert
- Cost: $
The MCTi Winter Gloves are an affordable but still very effective option. They may be cheap, but they still give you plenty of warmth and decent waterproofing.
3M Thinsulate insulation is a reliable synthetic material that will keep you warm when the temperature goes down. It’s also lightweight, which keeps these gloves low profile and flexible.
Waterproofing is provided by a TPU insert that creates a reliable barrier against the snow outside while also helping to wick moisture away from your hands to keep them dry.
Touchscreen fingers allow you to operate electronics without taking your gloves off if you want to take a picture or send a text on the hill.
These aren’t the most durable option around, and they can rip or tear easier than the other gloves on the list. That’s the trade-off for being so affordable.
7. Flylow Ridge
- Best for: Low Profile
- Key features: Lightweight, very comfortable, flexible, waterproof, durable
- Warmth: Spaceloft synthetic down
- Waterproofing: Sno-Seal treated pigskin leather
- Cost: $$
The Flylow Ridge is my favorite low-profile glove. I wear these often when temperatures aren’t super cold and have had the same pair for years.
They feature a pigskin leather construction that is very comfortable. The leather breaks in over time, and the gloves keep getting softer and softer. This leather is triple-backed and then treated with Sno-Seal for excellent waterproofing capabilities.
For a low-profile glove, they are also very warm. Spaceloft synthetic down provides you with a lot of insulation to keep you warm even if your hands get wet.
They also have a nylon cuff with a snug fit to keep extra moisture and wind away from your hands.
You’ll need to re-treat the Ridge at least once a season with Sno-Seal to keep them in great shape. If you don’t, they will lose some of their waterproofing.
==> You can also get it on Evo or Christy Sports or Buckman’s.
8. Black Diamond Guide
- Best for: The Backcountry
- Key features: Very warm, flexible, durable, padded knuckles, abrasion-resistant shell
- Warmth: 170 G PrimaLoft liner/Boiled Wool
- Waterproofing: Gore-Tex
- Cost: $$$
If you head into the backcountry often, you need equipment that can hold up to the demands that come with it. The Black Diamond Guide is a great glove in general, and it comes with some unique design features that stand out beyond the resort.
These are very warm and waterproof. A Gore-Tex membrane gives you an effective layer that is fully waterproof and windproof. This is a must for a serious backcountry glove, and the Guide delivers.
They also have a liner that uses 170 grams of PrimaLoft insulation to provide a ton of warmth. Boiled wool is also used in the lining material, and this combination works in all sorts of conditions.
The Guide is also very durable, thanks to a nylon abrasion-resistant shell. It also has 4-way stretch material built-in for added flexibility.
The gloves are somewhat bulky and expensive.
==> You can also get it on Black Diamond Equipment, Moosejaw or Backcounty.
9. Dakine Wristguard
- Best for: Wrist Protection
- Key features: Added wrist support, waterproof, warm, removable wrist leash
- Warmth: High Loft insulation
- Waterproofing: DWR treated shell
- Cost: $$
If you want a set of gloves that also doubles as body armor, check out the Dakine Wristguard.
These have a removable set of strong nylon plates that add support to the front and back of your wrist. This can prevent injury and provide peace of mind when you are out riding.
In addition to their focus on safety and protection, the gloves also have solid warmth and durability. They have a DWR-treated shell and a Dakine Dry waterproof insert to block out snow and moisture.
High loft synthetic insulation adds plenty of warmth and even works if it gets wet. There is also a fleece liner and one hand cinch gauntlet for added protection.
These gloves will (obviously) have a rigid fit with the plates inserted, and the wrist leash is a little long and can get in your way.
==> You can also get it on The Board Base or Skis.
10. Burton Kids Gore-Tex
- Best for: Kids
- Key features: Affordable, durable, warm, toughgrip palm, pre-curved fit, removable wrist leash
- Warmth: Thermacore insulation
- Waterproofing: Gore-Tex, DryRide Ultrashell
- Cost: $
The Burton Kids Gore-Tex gloves will keep the little ones warm and comfortable when they are out in the snow having fun.
They have a Dryride Ultrashell outer material that is very water-resistant and breathable. A Gore-Tex membrane underneath these nearly guarantees that hands and fingers will stay dry at all times.
Warmth is provided by Thermacore insulation that is lightweight to reduce bulk but works well to retain body heat.
The gloves are also very durable thanks to quality materials and a Toughgrip polyurethane palm. They also have a pre-curved fit for extra comfort.
Not a lot of downsides to mention with these gloves, except your kids might outgrow them if you order a small size.
==> You can also get it on Backcountry or Zappos or Buckman’s.
How to Choose Snowboarding Gloves: Buying Guides
The following sections will give you some crucial factors to keep in mind when shopping for new snowboarding gloves.
Insulation
One of the most significant factors to consider when getting snowboard gloves is their insulation. An easy way to tell how much insulation a pair has is by observing how thick they are.
Thicker gloves are almost always warmer because they have more insulating material built into their design. They will offer less dexterity and independent finger movement, so just keep that in mind.
Most snowboard glove insulation is made with synthetic materials. Almost all modern synthetic snowboard insulation is equally effective, so the exact type isn’t that important.
Just be sure that any gloves you choose come with adequate insulation for your needs. If you want to add an extra layer of insulation, you could always wear a liner under your gloves as well.
Waterproofness
You want your gloves to be waterproof. If you can’t keep your hands and fingers dry, there is no way you’ll be able to keep them warm.
The amount of snow you encounter when riding, regardless if it’s falling from the ski or piling up beneath your board, means that there is no way to avoid keeping your hands from getting wet other than by having waterproof gloves.
All of the products on this list are made with waterproof materials that do a great job in just about any environment. Many of the options are made with Gore-Tex, an awesome synthetic material used in outdoor clothing thanks to its superior water and wind protection.
The leather gloves listed here are also waterproof, but you may have to treat them with further protection after heavy use to make sure they retain their capabilities.
Durability
Gloves can take quite a bit of abuse when you’re snowboarding. You want to make sure that you get a pair that will hold up even under heavy use.
If you ride hard, your gloves will hit the snow, the chairlift, trees, and even the sharp edges of your board during grabs. All of that use can easily rip or tear gloves that don’t have a tough construction.
I like the durability of leather gloves over other options. Leather is a tough material that’s been used for thousands of years in glove design. It’s not as inherently waterproof as synthetic material, but it can last a long time, even with regular use.
There are plenty of durable options that aren’t made of leather, but you should always look for strong, sturdy design elements specifically built to endure the demands of snowboarding.
Material
Snowboard gloves can either be synthetic or natural. Synthetic gloves are pretty standard. Many of the options you’ll find here are made entirely out of synthetic materials. Natural materials, such as leather, can also be used in glove design as well.
Some gloves use both synthetic and natural materials to deliver the best of both worlds.
Synthetic materials are typically cheaper and offer excellent protection from the water and wind. Gore-Tex, as mentioned above, is one of the top synthetic materials used in glove construction and other outdoor clothing.
Leather can be stronger and more durable, but it isn’t as waterproof. If you go with leather gloves, make sure that they have been treated with waterproofing materials or that you treat them before riding.
Style
You may think that a glove is a glove, but there are plenty of different style options out there. The one you pick depends on how you like to ride and the conditions you find yourself in.
I like a glove with extra material going over your wrist and up your arm. That gives you more protection in colder conditions and helps keep you warm no matter how low the temperature drops.
The material adds extra protection from any snow that might sneak under your wrist cuff, and it can be tightened around your arm for additional warmth.
Finger separation is another style of consideration. While many boarders choose the common 5-finger style, some designs split your fingers into groups, keeping an independent thumb while grouping the rest of the fingers in twos.
You can also go with mittens, which keep all of your fingers together with an independent thumb. This style can be a little warmer and is worth looking into if you struggle with cold fingers.
Additional Features
Modern glove design provides a decent amount of additional features to look out for. Wrist cuffs and straps are good to have because you can tighten your gloves to make sure they don’t fall off.
Reinforced material on the palm can go a long way towards increasing durability and strength as well.
A pocket for hand warmers is a great way to give yourself more warmth, and touch screen compatible fingers allow you to operate your phone without taking your gloves off.
Such attributes are not necessary, but they do go a long way towards improving your clothing.
FAQs
Here are a few answers to some common questions about snowboarding gloves.
Do you need special gloves for snowboarding?
Technically, no. You can use any type of winter glove to snowboard. The goal is to stay warm and comfortable when you ride. Models designed especially for snowboarding can be more durable and comfortable, however.
Are mittens or gloves better for snowboarding?
They both can work really well. If you ride in really cold conditions often, I would go with mittens because they are warmer. You’ll lose a little dexterity, though. If you ride in warmer conditions or want added flexibility, go with regular gloves.
Do I need waterproof gloves for snowboarding?
Yes. While any glove is better than none at all, waterproof gloves are super important when it comes to keeping you warm on the mountain. If your gloves get wet, they will lose much of their insulating properties.
Are North Face gloves good for snowboarding?
North Face does make some good gloves for snowboarding. I didn’t put any models from the brand on this list, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have any good options. Just make sure you get a warm and durable North Face glove.
Why do my fingers get cold in gloves?
Multiple factors can contribute to cold fingers. Some people just struggle to stay warm in their extremities. You might need to use hand warmers if this is you. If you have a rip or tear in the gloves or snow has entered, this can also cause cold fingers.
Are Gore-Tex gloves warm?
Gore-Tex is one of the best waterproofing materials out there. It’s not inherently warm on its own because it isn’t insulation. But because this material keeps you dry, it goes a long way toward keeping your hands warm. Gore-Tex gloves are a great choice.
Useful Tips & Resources
Gloves aren’t the only way to keep your fingers warm when you snowboard. They are the most critical part of keeping your fingers from freezing, but you can do some additional things to keep your core temperature up and increase the blood flow to your fingers.
If you layer correctly and dress warmly, your internal organs will stay warmer, and your core temperature will keep warm.
When your core temperature drops, your body will naturally pull blood away from your extremities towards your inner organs. That directly leads to cold fingers and toes.
As such, the warmer you can keep your core, the warmer your fingers will be. If you want some tips on properly dressing and layering for snowboarding, check out the video below.
The basics of layering include wearing a base layer, a mid-layer, and a shell. Base layers are also known as thermals or long underwear. Mid-layers can be a sweater or sweatshirt.
A shell is your snowboard jacket. You can also bring along hand warmers in a jacket pocket just in case you get cold. These can provide much-needed assistance on frigid outings.
Here’s a video showing several good tips on how to stay warm on the mountain.
My Verdict
The best snowboard gloves you can find are the Hestra Heli. These gloves are very warm, and they also give you outstanding comfort and durability. I like the mix of synthetic and natural materials used in their construction.
All of the gloves you see on this list come recommended due to the key factors they offer snowboarders. You might have certain preferences that will steer you toward a certain model, but you won’t be disappointed with any I have mentioned here.
About Lorraine