Here in Colorado, we have high hopes that winter is saving it’s best show for last. Historically, the month of April is a glorious time for skiers looking to hit the slopes with fewer crowds, more snow, and wet, springtime conditions. While the resorts may be winding down, the backcountry is still alive with epic ski days. Whether you’re hiking up those boot packs, or lapping lift lines, you need a pair of gloves that suit your adventures and keep your hands warm and dry while out exploring the state’s beautiful terrain. Check out these five gloves that you need to finish the ski season off right.
FlyLow Women’s Unicorn Mitten
The biggest pro of these gloves lie in their durability and construction. FlyLow’s Women’s Unicorn Mitten is made of a high-end leather that is pre-treated for waterproofing but still sports a super soft feel. Like, these gloves are rub-on-your-face-every-time-you-put-them-on soft. The top of the glove is reinforced with the tough-as-nails Cordura fabric (which FlyLow actually collects from leftover scraps used to make their Sassyfrass pant), and will withstand any kind of situation that is thrown your way when flying down tree runs. The elastic around the wrist slips under jacket sleeves to keep the warmth from escaping. These gloves also have a casual look so they easily move from skiing to hiking to exploring mountain towns. They’re also super simple to put on and take off, and are best for warm days when you’ll be pulling them on and off between the slopes and après shenanigans. These gloves are perfect for you if you’re looking for a budget-friendly, durable pair of gloves to keep your hands nice and toasty while you play outside. $50.00; flylowgear.com
Seirus Heatwave Plus ST Ascent Glove
Seirus’ new Heatwave Plus ST Ascent gloves are perfect for those days on the slopes when you need assurance that late season wet pow isn’t going to seep through to your hands or wrists. The shell is made of leather and the glove features a combination of ToughTek (non-slip fabric) plus Soundtouch Leather to provide a high level of comfort and warmth, all while maintaining warmth and breathability. The insulation is comprised of 280 grams of HeatLock premium hollow-core insulation, plus a Neofleece panel for an extra layer of warmth. But it’s the Heatwave Plus thermodynamic lining that gives these gloves the ooh aah factor. The technology is designed to reflect body heat, providing up to 20 percent more warmth — all while maintaining comfort and the type of flexibility you need on the mountain. These gloves even have a zippered top pocket for small item storage (think keys or an I.D.), a wrist strap to keep them snuggly on your hands and a pull tab that makes it easier to get the gloves on without assistance. $110; seirus.com
Hestra Army Leather Patrol Mitten
Ahhhhh, a Cadillac of mittens. These Hestra gloves have everything you need, and nothing you don’t. Hestra has been making gloves for 80 years, and they know what they’re doing. With a big pull tab for ease of use, comfortable “handcuffs” to keep them close when you’re taking photos from the lift, and a clip to keep them together when you throw them into your bag for next use, these mittens have all the features you need to forget you’re even wearing them. They also have a removable polyester lining that makes washing a breeze. When you get right down to it, these gloves are warm and comfortable. They’re wind and water-resistant, made with a three-layer polyester melange fabric, feature a neoprene cuff for comfort, and are made of Army Goat Leather—an extremely durable leather originally used to make gloves for military purposes. If you’re going to shell out some money for a great pair of gloves that will last, these are the gloves for you. $130; hestragloves.com
Mountain Standard MTN Utility Gloves
All good gear goes unnoticed, and the more you wear Mountain Standard’s MTN Utility Gloves, the more they start to feel like a part of your hand. These gloves highlight Mountain Standard’s dedication to quality and detail, something that will be evident from the moment you first slip your hands into a pair. Crafted from 80gram Primaloft Gold insulation, and a waterproof MTN Dry liner, it’s hard to overstate how warm and comfortable these gloves are. Plus, the MTN Utility Gloves are designed with plenty of foam padding on the back of the hand, and kevlar stitching on the palm for durability, which come in handy when you’re fending off branches while bombing through your favorite tree run. Outward seaming on the gloves also help to reduce bulk. These gloves, however, do not include a paring attachment system, so be sure to invest in a handy carabiner to keep them attached whether you’re exploring backcountry powder, or heading out in the city.
$118; mountainstandard.com
Outdoor Research Men’s Revolution Gloves
The most important feature of a great pair of winter gloves is waterproofing, with insulation coming in at a close second, and Outdoor Research’s Men’s Revolution gloves boast both. Mapped EnduraLoft insulation helps provide warmth in the places most susceptible to cold air busting through, and leather material on the palms and fingers keep the hardest working parts of the glove dry and warm. These gloves also feature a removable leash, for when not in use, a pull-on loop, and an oh-so-important Ladder-Lock Wrist Cinch to keep out the snow. The Men’s Revolution Gloves boast a snug fit with a stretchy feel that won’t impact your natural hand movement. But perhaps the best feature on these gloves is the soft nose-wipe on the thumb — because there’s nothing worse than sporting a red and scratchy nose on the slopes all day. $69; outdoorresearch.com
