A great day's skiing means great runs, good snow and great sensations. But it takes very little to ruin a day on the slopes — it might be your equipment, your boots, inappropriate clothing, or simply the wrong pair of gloves. Choosing ski gloves is not complicated, but there are a few key criteria to rely on to make the right choice.
Ski glove sizing
Glove sizing is a very important criterion. Skiing with gloves that are too big means less grip on your poles and the risk of cold or moisture getting in. Ski gloves that are too small will make you sweat and feel uncomfortable. Most of the time, you select your glove size by measuring the length from the tip of your index finger to the junction of your hand and wrist, but each brand may have its own sizing system.
Warmth is fundamental when choosing ski gloves
Good ski gloves are gloves that keep your hands warm. That might sound obvious, but it bears repeating. On the slopes, speed adds a wind-chill effect and a day's skiing can be long, with periods where the cold can be very intense.
Ideally, ski gloves should be built on the three-layer principle, just like clothing. A good insulating fibre is also essential to protect against low temperatures. With this in mind, Cimalp has designed gloves featuring THINSULATE® fibre, capable of combating extreme temperatures between -15 and -30°C.
Breathability
As well as being warm, gloves must also be breathable. They need to allow air to circulate — particularly because your hands sweat during intense heat or heavy exertion. And once moisture builds up, you risk feeling cold later if that moisture is not wicked away.
That is why the breathability of your ski gloves is essential. When choosing your ski gloves, make sure the membrane used is breathable and check the breathability rating carefully. A value of 10,000 g/m²/24h is optimal to ensure good breathability and comfort inside your ski gloves.
Waterproofing
A good ski glove must be waterproof, as snow getting inside your gloves is a real problem. You need to choose ski gloves that have a top-quality waterproof membrane.
Waterproofing is measured using a water column resistance rating. Choose gloves with a waterproofing rating of 10,000 mm: this guarantees optimal waterproofness in the event of heavy snowfall.
Durability and comfort: essential criteria when choosing ski gloves
Good gloves are gloves that stand the test of time. They should not wear out quickly and must protect your hands from potential impacts or abrasions (during falls or when handling skis). Ski gloves take a real beating over the course of a day on the slopes: friction from ice and snow, handling ski edges, and more. It is therefore important that your choice of ski gloves falls on a pair that is robust and durable. Consider, for example, leather palms for better grip and good resistance to snow contact, and reinforced surfaces over the fingers.
Finally, comfort comes from an ergonomic cut that gives you both a good feel and full hand mobility. Gloves should not be too tight, so choose ski gloves with an adjustment strap to fasten them correctly at the wrist.
Style
There is no doubt that your gloves should complement your ski outfit without undermining your overall look. Even if this criterion is less critical in absolute terms than the others, it is still worth considering. On the slopes, everyone likes to look good, and without falling into fashion-led excesses, a smart and visually pleasing outfit will add to your enjoyment on skis. The ski gloves designed by Cimalp in black/grey, with an elegant finish (leather palm) and a stylish look, will easily complement all kinds of ski outfits and should provide the perfect finishing touch to your on-piste style this winter!
