Best Gloves for Cross Country Skiing
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Gloves, or lobster claws if you’re stuck in a polar vortex, are one piece of ski garb that are highly personal. For example, if the temperature is above 32 degrees Fahrenheit, I don’t even wear gloves. If it’s raining I like one pair; if it’s below zero, I prefer another. Most skiers own several pairs of gloves for each potential weather situation.
You will learn to prefer brands or styles based on temperature, activity level, precipitation, colors, etc. When considering gloves, it’s important to factor in the following attributes: wind-proofing, moisture resistance, dexterity, durability, closure system, versatility, and extra features like touchscreen capability or the presence of a dazzlingly soft nose wipe on the back of the thumb.
After over thirty years of skiing, and having done everything from elite racing to beginner lessons, I am confident in suggesting the options below to anyone, at any level of the sport:
The All-Around Best Gloves
The Craft Nor Pro Ventair Wind Glove works in all weather and fits better than any other glove on the market. They are also durable. I have had two pairs of the equivalent of these gloves for more than ten years. One pair was recently retired and one pair is mostly duct tape at this point, but ten years is still a hell of a life for a pair of heavily used gloves. These gloves saw rollerskiing, rain, sleet, racing, training, running, biking, you name it, they handled it.
There are some downsides. First, I have small hands, so I do not know how these fit for those with long fingers. Second, my hands run hot. I’ve skied these gloves below zero, but I also don’t wear gloves above 32 degrees. These are wind resistant, so as long as your blood is flowing and you are not standing still, your hands will stay warm. Third, while I’ve used these in the rain, they do tend to absorb water and then shed it. You will be hard pressed to find a breathable ski glove that is water resistant, but I just want to point out this potential drawback.
Where to find them:
Craft: https://www.craftsportswear.com/global/nor-pro-ventair-wind-glove-blaze-white
Alternate options:
Hestra Infinium Momentum 5-Finger - extremely similar to the Craft Nor Pro and available in some nice colorways: https://amzn.to/49FbenN
#1 pick for beginners who want a performance glove -> Comfort Tracker 5-Finger Glove - geared more toward training but a solid option for those with colder hands or who want more protection from wind: https://amzn.to/49UeDOu
The Best Gloves for Really Cold Hands
In cross country skiing, we use a pseudo mitten that is known as a lobster claw. This glove couples your ring finger and pinkie into one slot, your pointer and middle into another, and your thumb gets to roll solo. These are truly the best for absolute brutal cold or for situations where you know you will be standing around a lot. If you are coaching or a supportive parent, these can be abundantly helpful. You can find these at the links below.
Swix Star XC 3.0 Split 3-Finger - https://amzn.to/4rc6UCk
Alternate option that might be even warmer: Hestra Windstopper Race Tracker - 3 Finger Glove - https://amzn.to/4sSGdnL
The Best Gloves for Beginners
If you want to maintain the dexterity of a glove but still need to keep your hands warm and dry I suggest looking into the Comfort Tracker from Hestra. Hestra is the trendy glove pick right now. Their race gloves look nice but are a sloppy fit for me and ride themselves down your hand as you ski. Their less race oriented gloves seem to work a bit better from a comfort perspective. You can also usually find an ergo grip version of most Hestra gloves. These provide a closer fit. The gloves are well made, use comfortable material, and apparently have a decent warranty. Here are some solid picks for your first ski outting:
Hestra Ergo Grip Windstopper Race 5-Finger Glove - https://amzn.to/4rcwtmP
Hestra Windstopper Tour Glove - Fleece Glove - https://amzn.to/4biOJX4
SWIX Women's Star XC 3.0 - https://amzn.to/49PvRfK
#1 pick for kids learning to cross country ski -> Hestra Tracker Junior Glove - https://amzn.to/45xKLWO
The Best Cheap Gloves
If you want a glove that screams “nor dork,” look no further than any Toko gloves. They only make cross country ski gear. You can usually find them discounted at all large domestic U.S. races that feature an expo. They have looked the same forever. The material is cheap but, unsurprisingly, Nordic skiers are a frugal bunch, so they spring for a deal. You can find them online via the Toko website, a few Amazon listings, or some more localized retailers.
TOKO Classic Glove - https://amzn.to/3ZtjGjV
TOKO Arctic Primaloft Glove Touch Screen Compatible Ski Glove - https://amzn.to/4rietrj
The Nike of Nordic Gloves
Swix is the Nike of Norway. They make wax, poles, and soft goods. They dominate all three of those markets. The gloves are well built, reliable, and look nice. The Star glove has been around forever and has not changed much. I had one with a Velcro closure, which was nice. The current one is a slip on. I prefer something more solid for keeping the glove in place, but you do you. You can find Swix at major retailers like REI and Backcountry if you want to try some on. Here are the links for the Star glove:
Swix Star XC 3.0 - https://amzn.to/4qxZ1XU
Swix Solo Training - https://amzn.to/4qGb8Cv
Swix Star Xc 2.0 - https://amzn.to/49SsQeD
Note that many of these say “Women’s” on Amazon but gloves are generally unisex.
The Best Gloves Not Designed for Nordic Skiing
I get it, you probably have gloves for running or biking or hiking. Why can’t these also work for your weekend Nordic ski Tinder date? They can work. They might get wet. Your hands might get a little numb. You might have to thaw your frozen fingies underneath a hand dryer in a gas station bathroom and muffle your screams as the blood seeps back into the formerly icy digits. But you can do it. Please avoid those little black cotton gloves. I take no liability for amputations.
Running Gloves
Running gloves are much cheaper but do offer some protection. They are going to miss on protection from wind and wet. However, they will allow for great dexterity, compatibility with touchscreens, and are usually a sleek black color. Here are some options:
Under Armour, yes, you can. They make some running gloves that are warm-ish and some liners that can be paired with something. They also generally have touchscreen compatibility which can be nice when you’re just out there for the ‘gram. Here are some that look okay: https://amzn.to/45ymfou
Nike, I have taught many runners to ski who showed up with Nike running gloves. They will work and your hands will not freeze (though this depends entirely on how many times you fall into the snow). Be warned, for these to work you’ll need to be in warmish weather and avoid getting these wet. Here are some ideas: https://amzn.to/4rbnXEz
New Balance, Brooks, Adidas, any core running or fitness brand really. Once again, go for it. If you are wearing these, I will assume you are sponsored by one of these companies. Otherwise, please just go buy some Swix gloves. Here are some that might work…
Adidas - Winter Performance Velocity - These would be my pick if I'‘m forced to pick a running glove. They look warm while still maintaining a nice fit: https://amzn.to/4q1SYtN
New Balance - New Balance Lightweight Touchscreen Warm Running Gloves - These look cheap and grippy but come in fun colors and will work if you don’t plan on falling: https://amzn.to/4t0oE5d
Brooks - Fusion Midweight Glove 2.0 - These appear overpriced and thin but have a nice nose-wipe panel: https://amzn.to/3ZsBLP8
Cycling Gloves
Do me a favor and do not wear your bike jersey while you slow motion fall down the trail on your brand new, top-of-the-line, skate skis. Cyclists love to try to make their cycling stuff work for skiing. Most of it does not work, especially jackets, vests, arm warmers, helmets, bibs..you get the idea. There are, however, two piece of cycling gear that may function for skiing: gloves and sunglasses.
Cycling gloves are built for high speeds and allow riders to shift gears with minimal interruption from bulky fabrics. For those reasons they offer great wind protection combined with a high performance fit. However, cycling, like nordic skiing, is an expensive sport, and thus the gloves are almost the same price as just buying ski-specific gloves. They also suffer the same downside as running gloves when it comes to resistance from wet and dampness.
I’ve used Pearl Izumi gloves for skiing in below zero temps and they work but if they touched snow, my hands got cold. Here are some options in order of what I’d choose if I was only buying within this category:
CASTELLI Men’s Espresso 2 Glove, Road Cycling Waterproof & Windproof Breathable Winter Bike Glove - https://amzn.to/4pZoWXk
PEARL IZUMI Men's Gel Gloves, Insulated Cyclone Cycling Glove - https://amzn.to/4aiB7sL
CASTELLI Men’s Perfetto ROS 2 Glove, Windproof Cycling Gloves - https://amzn.to/49SFHNY
CASTELLI Lightness 2 Glove - https://amzn.to/4sPWR7w
Gloves to Avoid and Notes on How Cross Country Ski Gloves Fit
I touched on this above, but the gloves to avoid fit into two categories: ones that are going to get soaked the moment they see snow, and the giant chunky mittens you use for downhill skiing or shoveling the walk. Those black cotton gloves that you can see through if you stretch them even a little will lead you to hate your time outside. The opposite of this is any downhill ski glove or mitten. These will be way too chunky for you to grip a pole. They will not fit in the pole strap and you will get cold hands sitting there trying to adjust the strap.
Nordic ski gloves should fit close to your fingers and palms. You should be able to grip the pole comfortably. You will be moving, so do not be concerned if your fingers feel cold when you start. You will warm up, and all the gloves listed above will help contain that heat so your fingers stay warm. I always opt for a colder option over a clunky glove or mitten.
As always, if you have specific questions, please email us directly: nordic.skier.com@gmail.com
