Kids' Ski Gloves & Mittens

Gloves with individual fingers give better dexterity for pole handling and tasks like zipping a jacket, while mittens group fingers together for much more warmth in very cold play. Mittens are the better pick for extreme cold and can be rated down to around -20°F when heavily insulated.

Waterproof and breathability numbers indicate how well gloves keep moisture out and let sweat escape. Look for shells with waterproof ratings up to 10,000mm and breathability around 10,000 g/m2/24hr for wet snowy days, and consider models from Hestra if you want rugged, water-resistant construction.

Measure your child’s hand circumference and length and follow the brand’s preschool-to-junior sizing chart for the best fit, since gloves need precise finger length while mittens can be a bit roomier. Also check for features like snug wrist cuffs, adjustable straps, and easy-entry pullers to make small hands easier to get into.

Goat leather or durable synthetic palms offer the best grip for pole handling and everyday kid wear, and PU-coated nylon shells provide waterproofing without too much stiffness. A fleece or 3M Thinsulate lining (100–200 g) adds softness and insulation inside without sacrificing dexterity.

Reserve a shell mitt when you need a waterproof outer layer for wet, snowy conditions and plan to pair it with removable liners for adjustable warmth; shell mitts slide easily over liners for full protection. Convertible glove-mitten hybrids work well for variable conditions, while insulated options like the Marmot Glade Mitts or Reima Ote Mittens focus on warmth and easy on-off for kids.