A great day on the slopes means great runs, good snow and great sensations. But it takes very little to ruin a day's skiing — it can come down to equipment, boots, unsuitable clothing, or simply a bad pair of gloves. Choosing ski gloves is not complicated, but you need to rely on a few key criteria to make the right choice.
Ski glove sizing
Glove sizing is very important. Skiing with gloves that are too large means less grip on your poles and a risk of cold or moisture getting in. Ski gloves that are too small are guaranteed to make you sweat and feel uncomfortable. In most cases, you select your glove size by measuring the length from the tip of your index finger to the junction between your hand and wrist, although each brand may have its own sizing system.
Warmth is fundamental when choosing ski gloves
Good ski gloves are gloves that keep you warm. It may seem obvious, but it is worth repeating. On the slopes, speed adds to the feeling of cold, and a day's skiing can be long, with moments when the cold can be very intense.
The ideal option is to choose ski gloves built on the 3-layer principle, just like technical clothing. A good insulating fibre is also essential to guard 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
Warm gloves also need to be breathable. They must allow air to circulate — particularly because you sweat in intense heat or during hard effort. And when perspiration builds up, you risk feeling cold later if that moisture is not expelled.
That is why the breathability of your ski gloves is essential. When choosing your ski gloves, make sure the membrane used is breathable and pay close attention to the breathability rating stated. A value of 10,000 g/m²/24h is optimal to ensure good breathability and comfort in 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 with a top-level waterproof membrane.
Waterproofing is measured using a hydrostatic head test. Choose gloves with a waterproof rating of 10,000 mm: this guarantees optimal waterproofing to keep you protected during heavy snowfall.
Durability and comfort: essential criteria for choosing ski gloves
Good gloves are gloves that can stand the test of time. They must not wear out quickly and must protect you from potential impacts or abrasions (during falls or when handling skis). Gloves take a real beating during a day on the slopes: friction from ice and snow, handling ski edges, and so on. It is therefore important that your choice of ski gloves falls on a pair that is robust and hard-wearing. Think leather palms, for example, for better grip and good resistance to contact with snow, along with reinforced surfaces over the fingers.
Comfort also comes from an ergonomic cut that gives you both good feel and good hand mobility. Gloves should not be too tight, so choose ski gloves with an adjustment strap to fit them snugly around your wrist.
Style
Your gloves should undeniably complement your ski outfit without clashing with your look. Even if this criterion is less objectively important than the others, it is still worth considering. On the slopes, a sharp look counts for something — and while there is no need to follow every fashion trend, a well-put-together outfit adds to the pleasure of skiing. The ski gloves designed by Cimalp in black/grey, with an elegant finish (leather palm) and a stylish look, will easily match all kinds of ski outfits and should add the perfect finishing touch to your on-piste look this winter!
