Fingers always seem to be the first place you feel the chill in the mountains on a cold and snowy day. Finding the proper protection for your hands is key to staying comfortable on the slopes. Since we’re outfitting the kids for new gear this year, we’ve done all the homework to find the best snowboarding gloves that keep their hands warm and dry.
Gear up and get ready to get outside with a new pair of gloves to keep your fingers and hands cozy and warm this winter!
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How to Choose the Best Gloves for Snowboarding
Not just any winter hand protection will do, so what should you look for in a pair of snowboard gloves?
Snowboard Glove Materials
All good snowboard gloves will have:
- A layer of insulation to keep hands and fingers warm in cold temperatures.
- Waterproof membranes to keep hands dry in wet conditions (because moisture is your worst enemy in the cold). The best gloves for snowboarding have a GORE-TEX insert (or a similar material).
- Palms made of durable materials to hold up from falls on packed snow. Look for leather or synthetic materials like polyurethane.
- Gloves made with a breathable material will prevent moisture when you sweat.
Tip: A warm glove is important, most of us don’t need maximum protection that can handle frigid temperatures. (That’s more appropriate for backcountry skiing or boarding). Gloves that are too warm can make you sweat, creating moisture that will make you feel colder.
Glove Styles
Gloves come in three styles: 5-finger, 3-finger, and mitts.
- Mitts are the warmest option and often the best gloves for snowboarding. Boarders don’t need the dexterity and grip that skiers do.
- 3-finger (or split-finger) gloves separate the thumb and pointer finger. This provides more dexterity and warmth than a five-finger glove.
- Five-finger are the most dexterous gloves, but the separated fingers aren’t as warm.
Design Features in Snowboard Gloves
Additional features to look for in your gloves:
- Gauntlet-style gloves prevent snow from getting to your wrists or arms. These can be bulky, though (especially those with an extended cuff). A fitted cuff is cleaner and preferred by more experienced boarders who don’t fall as often.
- Many gloves have a pre-curved, or ergonomic, fit to mimic the natural shape of hands.
- Gloves with exterior zippered pockets provide a place to stash keys, lift passes, or even a hand warmer. Some gloves have interior pockets for hand warmers.
- The best snowboarding gloves have removable liners. These provide extra insulation for cold hands and make them easier to clean.
- Look for extra features like a goggle wipe or a squeegee to clean snow from your goggles. Many also have a nose wipe on the thumb.
- If you’re afraid of losing a glove on the slopes, choose a pair with a leash that will stay attached to you even when you’re not wearing them.
- A velcro strap at the wrist or cuff provides a secure fit.
- If you’re worried about wrist injuries, choose gloves with wrist protection built-in. You can also wear a separate wristguard under your gloves.
More expensive gloves don’t necessarily mean better gloves. Well-insulated, waterproof gloves will provide the warmth and protection you need in cold weather and snow.
Related: The Complete Family Ski Trip Packing List to Keep Things Easy and Organized
Snowboarding Wrist Guard Gloves
Choose a pair of gloves with built-in wrist protection when you want your gear to do double duty. Any of these highly-rated snowboard wrist guard gloves will keep you warm and protected on the slopes.
- Dakine Wristguard Gloves ($70)
We’re all about wrist guards that are both built-in and removable. The Dakine Wristguard Gloves have wrist protection with removable rigid nylon plates to protect wrists on impact. Hi-Loft polyester insulation with DK Dry™ insert, Rubbertec, and goat leather for protection from the elements.
About Dakine’s Wristguard Gloves:
- unisex sizing with some colors in women’s only
- gauntlet cuff with cinch closure to keep snow out of jacket sleeves
- adjustable wrist closure
- removable wrist leash
Cons: no exterior pocket
Also available: Dakine Youth Wristguard Glove
- devembr Snowboard Gloves with Wrist Guards (under $50)
We like the budget-friendly options from devembr. The highly-rated gloves keep fingers and hands warm on the slopes (especially when tucking a hand warmer into the zippered pocket!). 3M Thinsulate for insulation, a waterproof insert, and premium PU leather on the palm for durability.
About the snowboard wrist guard gloves from devembr:
- touchscreen compatible
- gauntlet cuff with cinch closure
- velcro wrist strap for a secure fit
- wrist guards are removable when not needed
- zippered pocket for hand warmers
Cons: low price point may mean these gloves may not last with extended use
Also available: devembr Snowboard Mittens with Wrist Guards
- Level Fly Snowboard Gloves with Wrist Guards ($85 and up, depending on size)
Made in collaboration with snowboarders, medical professionals, and engineers, BioMex Plus wrist guards are developed to protect no matter which way a boarder falls. Knitted Brush insulation will keep you warm, while Membra-Therm Plus keeps you dry.
About the snowboarding wrist guard gloves by Level:
- over-the-cuff gauntlet with cinch closures
- Kevlar palm for durability
- removable leashes to keep these gloves close
- removable liner for layering and easy cleaning
- separate nose wipe and goggle wipe
Cons: the wrist guard is not removable
The Best Snowboarding Gloves Without Wrist Guards
There aren’t many options for snowboarding gloves with wrist guards on the market, but these can also be purchased separately.
All of the picks featured here are also solid options for skiing (both downhill and cross-country skiing). Just be sure to choose a pair of gloves that gives you enough dexterity to maintain a good grip on your ski poles.
Top Picks for Snowboarding Mitts
Separated fingers often mean cold fingers, so many boarders reach for mittens over 5-finger gloves.
- Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Mitt ($160)
The popular Hestra Heli mitten has an extended gauntlet to provide extra protection from the elements. G-Loft insulation gives warmth, while Hestra’s Triton polyamide fabric lends a waterproof but breathable layer. The durable army goat leather palm holds up to wear and tear from snowboarding.
About the Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Mitt:
- unisex sizing
- gauntlet cuff with cinch closure to keep snow out of sleeves
- elastic wrist with velcro adjustment
- includes wrist leash
- pre-curved fit for comfort
- removable lining for layering and easy cleaning
Cons: no pockets and not touchscreen compatible
Also available: Army Leather Heli Ski 5-finger and Army Leather Heli Ski 3-finger. The Hestra Army Leather Heli is also made in kid’s sizes.
- Black Diamond Mercury Mitt ($120) and Soloist Finger Glove ($130)
I chose the Mercury Mitt for skiing here in Colorado. The Soloist Finger Glove has similar protection against the elements (the Soloist also comes in a glove for more dexterity and grip). PrimaLoft® Gold with Cross Core insulation for warmth, plus waterproof BD.dry™ insert.
❄ Shop Women’s at Black Diamond
❄ Shop Women’s at REI
❄ Shop Men’s at Black Diamond
❄ Shop Men’s at REI
About the Black Diamond Mercury Mitt:
- goat leather palm for durability
- men’s and women’s sizing
- extended gauntlet cuff with cinch closure
- elastic fitted wrist
- pre-curved fit
- removable PrimaLoft Gold insulated liner
Cons: no pockets and no wrist leash
You May Also Like: Ski Lingo and Snowboard Slang: 53 Terms for Beginners
- Outdoor Research Stormbound Sensor Mitts ($110)
Not your standard mitt, the Stormbound Sensors have separated fingers enveloped by an insulating layer of warmth. PrimaLoft® Gold insulation on the backs of hands and PrimaLoft® Silver on the thumbs. Pertex Sheild 2L protects from wet snow.
About the Stormbound Sensor Mitts:
- unisex sizing
- goat leather palm
- undercuff with adjustable closure for a secure fit under a coat sleeve
- removable wrist leash so you don’t lose your mitts
- touchscreen compatibility on thumb
- nose wipe
Cons: the lining is not removable, and some may not like the separated finger lining inside the mitt
- Burton GORE-TEX Under Mitten ($80)
Burton’s popular GORE-TEX line comes in an undercuff for those who prefer less bulk while keeping their hands warm. ThermacoreECO insulation with a DRYRIDE™ shell and GORE-TEX membrane to keep hands dry.
❄ Shop Women’s at Backcountry
❄ Shop Women’s at The House
❄ Shop Men’s at Backcountry
❄ Shop Men’s at The House
About Burton’s GORE-TEX Mitts:
- men’s and women’s fit
- extended under-the-cuff wrist with velcro closure
- included wrist leash to keep them close
- Screen Grab® touchscreen compatibility
- pre-curved fit
- zippered exterior pocket
- quick drying removable liner
Also available: Burton GORE-TEX Glove and over-the-cuff styles
- Dakine Titan (Men’s) and Sequoia (Women’s) GORE-TEX Mitt ($80)
The removable liners in these mitts give you the warmth you need on cold days while allowing you to adjust for milder temps when needed. Hi-Loft insulation; GORE-TEX with Gore Warm technology inserts and PFC Free DWR waterproofing.
❄ Shop Titan at REI
❄ Shop Titan at Backcountry
❄ Shop Sequoia at REI
❄ Shop Sequoia at Backcountry
About Dakine’s Titan Mitt:
- choose Titan for men’s sizing and Sequoia for women’s
- gauntlet cuff with cinch closure
- adjustable wrist for a secure fit
- removable wrist leash
- exterior pocket to stash small items
- the removable liner is touchscreen compatible
- nose wipe on thumb
Also available: Dakine Titan GORE-TEX Gloves
- Flylow Oven Mitt ($55)
The Oven Mitt is a warm, durable, yet simple pair of gloves from Flylow – and dad’s mitt of choice for the slopes. Pair these with an insulating liner when you need a little extra warmth. Spaceloft™ insulation with outer protection from pigskin leather sealed with SnoSeal beeswax.
About the Flylow Oven Mitt:
- unisex sizing
- undercuff wrist for a clean fit
Cons: the lack of features may be a deal breaker for some boarders
- REI Co-op Guide Insulated Mittens ($50)
Full leather mitts keep hands warm while holding up with rugged use. Stay warm with synthetic insulation (polyester) and shearling fleece. Synthetic soft-shell fibers keep this mitt waterproof, breathable, and extra grippy.
❄ Shop REI
About REI’s Guide Mitts:
- unisex sizing
- rib-knit cuffs
- shearling fleece removable lining
- nose wipe
Cons: no pockets for hand warmers and no attachments for wrist leashes
Also available: REI Co-op Guide Insulated Gloves.
- Andorra Mitts (under $25)
Surprisingly effective mitts given the affordable price. We bought these for one of our teens the day ahead of our winter trip to Fairbanks, AK. He has continued to use them boarding ever since. Thermal insulation with waterproof TPU inserts to keep hands warm and dry.
Andorra Mitt features:
- men’s and women’s sizing
- gauntlet cuff with cinch closure
- velcro wrist strap for a custom fit
- elastic wrist leashes
- touchscreen compatible
- exterior zippered pocket
- goggle lens wipe on the thumb
Cons: lower-quality materials may not hold up to extended use (though we’ve had no issues so far)
Top Picks for Best Snowboard Gloves
- Black Diamond Guide Gloves ($180)
Black Diamond’s warmest glove protects against cold fingers but still provides full dexterity. Rated for temps as low as -20°F (-29°C), PrimaLoft Gold insulation, and GORE-TEX insert.
❄ Shop REI
❄ Shop Men’s at Black Diamond
❄ Shop Women’s at Black Diamond
About the Black Diamond Guide Gloves
- men’s and women’s sizes
- goat leather palm
- extended gauntlet cuff
- elastic for a secure fit
- pre-curved fit
- removable liner made with PrimaLoft Gold and boiled wool
Cons: no adjustable closures or cinches for a custom fit; lacks features such as wrist leash and exterior pocket
Also available: Black Diamond Guide Finger Gloves
- Hestra Leather Fall Line Glove ($165)
One of Hestra’s newest in their line of hand protection is leather gloves with a fitted cuff for less bulk. The cowhide shell provides superior protection from the elements. Fingers stay warm with G-Loft® insulation and are protected from moisture with a cowhide shell and neoprene cuffs.
About the Hestra Leather Fall Line:
- men’s and women’s sizes are available
- under cuff style with a velcro strap for a secure fit
- wrist leash helps you keep these gloves close
- pre-curved fit for comfort
- removable synthetic lining
Cons: no pockets and not touchscreen compatible
Also available: Fall Line Mitt and Fall Line 3-finger
- Dakine Excursion GORE-TEX Gloves ($130)
One of Dakine’s top sellers. Those taking their snowboard adventures into the backcountry are sure to stay warm with Dakine’s Excursion line of gloves. Insulated with PrimaLoft® Gold and protected with GORE-TEX + Gore Active Technology inserts.
About the Dakine Excursion Glove:
- durable goat leather palm
- stretchy soft-shell gives flexibility
- men’s and women’s fit
- gauntlet cuff with cinch closure
- pre-curved fit
Also available: Dakine Excursion GORE-TEX Mitt
Cons: the lining isn’t removable, and there are no pockets
- Burton Profile Gloves ($80)
A step down from Burton’s GORE-TEX line, these gloves still deliver warmth and waterproofness at a lower price. The Profile Gloves are insulated with Thermacore insulation, and the DRYRIDE 2L (2-layer) shell will keep you warm and dry.
❄ Shop Men’s at Backcountry
❄ Shop Men’s at The House
❄ Shop Women’s at Backcountry
❄ Shop Women’s at The House
About the Burton Profile Gloves:
- men’s and women’s fit
- gauntlet cuff with cinch closures
- adjustable strap on the wrist
- removable wrist leash
- touchscreen compatible
- pre-curved fit
- exterior pocket (zippered)
- fixed microfiber lining
- nose wipe on thumb
Cons: fixed lining doesn’t provide flexibility in milder weather
Also available: in mitts and under-the-cuff style
Related: Skiing for Beginners: 23 Super Useful Tips for Your First Ski Trip
- REI Co-op Gauntlet GTX Glove 2.0 ($80)
Get protection from the elements with plenty of dexterity with REI’s own affordable gloves. Fingers stay warm with synthetic polyester insulation and dry with GORE-TEX inserts.
About REI’s Gauntlet GTX Glove:
- available in men’s and women’s fit
- extended gauntlet cuff with cinch closure
- custom fit with wrist-adjustment strap
- wrist leash attachment (not included)
- touchscreen compatible finger and thumb
- pre-curved fit
Cons: accessories, including wrist leash and glove liners, must be purchased separately.
Also available: REI Co-op Gauntlet GTX Mitt 2.0 and a similar model, the REI Co-op Switchback GTX, which includes a removable liner.
- Outdoor Research Prevail Heated GORE-TEX Gloves ($329)
Heated gloves are the best way to prevent cold hands and fingers. But the amount of warmth in these gloves comes with a price tag to match. These are definitely an investment (around $300), but there is no doubt they will keep you warm no matter how low the temps are. EnduraLoft insulation with waterproof GORE-TEX inserts.
About OR’s Prevail Heated Gloves:
- three heat settings for guaranteed warmth, even in extreme cold
- cuff cinches and closures keep snow out
- touchscreen compatible
- removable wrist leash
Cons: not budget-friendly
Also available: Prevail Heated GORE-TEX Mitten
The Best Wrist Guards for Snowboarding
One of our teens ended last year’s ski season with a wrist fracture, which is all too common for boarders. Add protection to snowboarding gloves that do not have wrist guards.
Burton Impact Wrist Guard ($25)
The wrist guards our kids use. These wrist guards for snowboarding fit securely under their mitts.
- unisex fit
- hook and loop closure for a custom fit
- flexible tapered splints
- soft palm pad for comfort
- machine washable
- lifetime warranty
Dakine Wristguards ($20)
Low-profile wrist guards that fit nicely under most gloves and mitts.
- neoprene material for stretch and comfort
- the aluminum stay provides wrist protection
- custom fit with hook and loop wrist cinch
- machine washable
- 2-year warranty
- unisex sizing
Impact Wristguards from CTHOPER ($20)
The most breathable wrist guards provide just enough coverage to protect wrists from impact.
- less bulky than other wrist guards while still protecting the wrist on impact
- two adjustable straps for a custom fit
- unisex sizing
Where to Buy Snowboarding Gloves
We have a few favorite places to look for snowboarding gloves.
- REI is one of our favorite places for outdoor gear. From membership rewards (members receive an annual dividend from their purchases every year) to competitive prices, excellent returns policies, and a buyback program, we frequently shop REI for snow gear.
- Backcountry is another fantastic outdoor retailer, carrying a full line of winter gear.
- The House now runs two go-to online retail shops for skiers and boarders (skis.com and snowboards.com).
- Of course, Amazon is also a destination to pick up some of the best gloves for snowboarding, especially when you need them quickly.
Snowboarding Gloves: Frequently Asked Questions
When shopping for a new pair of snowboard gloves this season, choose a pair that will hold up in cold conditions to keep your fingers warm and toasty. Durable gloves will hold up fall after fall, and water-resistant materials keep wet snow from reaching your hands.
Click below to save the best snowboard gloves with wrist guards (and without) on Pinterest!
