A successful ski day means great slopes, good snow and great sensations. But it takes very little to ruin a day on the mountain. It can come down to equipment, footwear, unsuitable clothing — or a bad pair of gloves. Choosing
ski gloves isn't complicated, but you need to rely on a few key criteria to make the right choice.
Ski glove sizing
Glove sizing is critically important. Skiing with gloves that are too large means less grip on your poles and cold or moisture getting in. Ski gloves that are too small will have you sweating and feeling uncomfortable. Most of the time, you measure your glove size by measuring the length from the tip of your index finger to the junction of your hand at the wrist, but 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 bears repeating. On skis, speed adds to the sensation of cold, and a ski day can be long with moments where the cold is very much present.
The ideal is to choose ski gloves designed on the three-layer principle, just as with clothing. A good insulating fibre is also essential to guard against low temperatures. Cimalp has designed gloves with THINSULATE® fibre, which combats 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 when it is hot or during intense effort. And when perspiration builds up, you risk getting 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, because snow getting into your gloves is a real problem. You need to choose ski gloves with a top-grade waterproof membrane.
Waterproofing is measured by resistance to a water column height. Choose gloves with a waterproofing rating of 10,000 mm: this guarantees optimal waterproofness for the best protection during heavy snowfall.
Durability and comfort: essential criteria for choosing ski gloves
Good gloves are gloves that stand the test of time. They must not wear out quickly and must protect your hands from potential impacts or abrasions (during falls or when handling skis). Gloves are put through their paces during ski days: friction from ice and snow, handling ski edges… And so on. It is therefore important that your choice of ski gloves falls on models that are sturdy and resistant. Think, for example, of leather palms for a better grip and good resistance to contact with snow, and reinforced surfaces over the fingers.
Comfort also comes from an ergonomic cut that gives you both a good feel and good hand mobility. Gloves must not be too tight, so choose ski gloves with an adjustment strap to fit them to your wrist.
Style
Undeniably, gloves need to complement your ski outfit without undermining your look. Even if this criterion is less critical in absolute terms than the others, it is still worth considering. On the slopes, a great look matters — and without falling into fashion traps, an elegant and visually pleasing outfit adds to your enjoyment on skis. The ski glove pair designed by Cimalp in black/grey with an elegant (leather palm) and stylish finish will easily match all kinds of ski outfits and should give you the finishing touch to your look on the slopes this winter!
