How to Choose the Right Ski and Snowboard Gloves?

Technical gloves for snow sports enthusiasts

In the mountains, choosing your gloves is crucial to fully enjoy your sessions. Whether you are a skier or snowboarder, your hands must stay warm, dry, and free to move. For your snowboard glove purchase, you will find a wide selection from brands such as Level, Dakine, Rossignol, Volcom, Barts, Burton...

Among these brands, you will find all styles of snow gloves: short or long cuffs, insulated or breathable membranes, reinforced for snowboarding... Each model meets specific needs according to your practice and level.

Essential criteria for choosing your gloves

Glove size

A glove that is too tight or too large significantly reduces your comfort and thermal insulation. To choose your glove size without trying it on or knowing your size, simply measure the circumference of your open hand passing between the thumb and the line of the four finger knuckles.

Women 

Size                  5             6              7             8            9             10

Size (cm)         13           16           19           21         24            27

US Size            XS           S             M             L            XL           XXL

Men

Size                    6             7             8             9             10           11           12

Size (cm)           15           18           20          23             25           28           30

US Size             XS            S             M            L             XL          XXL       XXXL

To measure your hand, use a soft tape measure. Wrap it around the palm, excluding the thumb. The measurement in centimeters corresponds to your hand circumference. Use the table to find your glove size. If between two sizes, choose the slightly larger one for more comfort.

Warmth and functionality

The warmth mainly depends on the quality of the thermal lining. Brands like Dakine, Burton, and Level use high-performance insulating materials such as synthetic wadding, merino wool, or Primaloft. The functionality index considers practical elements such as:

• Long or short cuff
• Presence of neoprene or velcro gauntlets
• Reinforcements for snowboarding (palm and back of the hand)
• Removable liners
• Integrated nose or goggle wipes

Breathability: optimal comfort

A snowboard glove must effectively wick away sweat to avoid internal moisture. The higher the breathability rating, the better the fabric performance. It is expressed in grams/m²/24h. A value above 10,000 g/m²/24h ensures good water vapor evacuation, especially on models with technical membranes like those from Volcom or Millet.

Waterproofing: stay dry

Snow can be powdery or wet depending on conditions. To stay dry all day, your gloves' waterproofing is essential. It is measured in Schmerber (mm). Here are some references:

• < 5000 mm: low waterproofing
• 5,000 mm to 10,000 mm: good protection
• 20,000 mm to 35,000 mm: excellent waterproofing

Snowboard gloves from Burton, Volcom, or Level feature advanced technologies such as Gore-Tex or long-lasting water-repellent coatings.

Styles and designs adapted to each rider

Beyond technical features, style remains a key element in your purchase. For freestyle enthusiasts, brands like Volcom or Barts focus on bright colors, graphic prints, and modern cuts. Conversely, gloves from Rossignol or Ziener target classic skiers looking for sobriety and performance.

Women will also find models specifically designed for their morphological and thermal needs, notably from Eider or Barts. As for advanced riders, they will appreciate gloves reinforced with hard shells or shock protection from Level or Dakine.

Whether you are looking for versatile or ultra-technical gloves, you will find your perfect match among the leading market brands. For your snowboard glove purchase, explore the collections from Level, Burton, Dakine, Volcom, or Rossignol: a complete range awaits you to face all snow conditions.

Find a wide selection of equipment on our online store Snow Concept, specialist in ski, snowboard and accessories equipment.

For personalized advice, contact us (info line: 09.63.00.76.65 or via our contact form, our technical advisors will guide you best in your ski purchase.