Updated on February 1, 2024

Not all gloves are created equally, and just because you have a great pair of gloves for one winter activity doesn’t mean they will necessarily cross over very well with another winter sport like cross-country skiing. That’s why we’ve uncovered the best gloves for cross-country skiing, so that you can have the proper coverings to keep your hands warm!

Cold hands do you no good. Whether you’re performing in a skate skiing competition, having an easy day touring on groomed tracks, or braving the harshest backcountry conditions, we’ve got a pair of gloves for every situation.

For more of our top skiing gear recommendations, check out the Best Ski Gloves.

 

Quick Answer - The Best Gloves for Cross-Country Skiing

  1. Black Diamond Guide
  2. Hestra Army Leather Patrol Insulated
  3. Mountain Hardwear High Exposure
  4. Hestra Ergo Grip Active
  5. Arc’teryx Venta
  6. Outdoor Research Stormtracker Heated
  7. Dakine Titan Insulated
  8. Swix Star XC 2.0

 

Comparison Table - Best Gloves for Cross-Country Skiing

For the best experience turn your device horizontally
NameWaterproof?WindproofGlove LeashTouchscreen CompatibleUnisexPriceRatingReview
Black Diamond GuideYesYesNoNoYes$$$4.95Read Review
Hestra Army Leather Patrol InsulatedYesYesYesNoYes$$4.9Read Review
Mountain Hardwear High ExposureYesYesYesNoNo$$4.8Read Review
Hestra Ergo Grip ActiveNoYesNoNoYes$$4.75Read Review
Arc’teryx VentaNoYesNoYesYes$4.7Read Review
Outdoor Research Stormtracker HeatedYesYesYesYesYes$$$4.6Read Review
Dakine Titan InsulatedYesYesYesYesNo$4.5Read Review
Swix Star XC 2.0NoYesNoYesNo$4.1Read Review
NameWaterproof?WindproofGlove LeashTouchscreen CompatibleUnisexPriceRatingReview
Want to learn more about a technical term? Check out our Features Explained section below.

Need buying advice? Take a look at these Things to Consider.

Reviews - The Best Cross-Country Skiing Gloves

Black Diamond Guide

Specs
  • Insulation: Synthetic
  • Touchscreen Compatible: No
  • Unisex: Yes
  • Waterproof?: Yes
  • Windproof: Yes
  • Removable Liner: Yes
  • Glove Leash: No
Features
  • Available In 2 Different Colors
  • Features 4-Way Stretch For Maximum Dexterity
  • Soft Fabric On The Thumbs Can Be Used To Wipe Your Nose
Black Diamond Guide

BEST BACKCOUNTRY GLOVES FOR EXTREME COLD

Featuring PrimaLoft insulation to tackle even the nastiest weather, the Black Diamond Guide Gloves are the rugged choice for braving extremely cold conditions. 

Sporting full leather on the fingers, palms, and backs of the hands, the Guide Gloves have a long lasting, durable finish that is warm and dextrous. On the inside, the gloves are first layered with Gore-Tex, a windproof and waterproof fabric that is the best-in-class of its kind. 

The next layer features PrimaLoft insulation that relies on tightly woven synthetic fibers to resist moisture and trap warm air. Finally, the last layer is a sweat-wicking nylon glove liner that can be removed for easy drying and cleaning. The nylon wicks sweat away from your hands that would otherwise get trapped, cool, and make your hands cold. 

Hestra Army Leather Patrol Insulated

Specs
  • Insulation: Synthetic
  • Touchscreen Compatible: No
  • Unisex: Yes
  • Waterproof?: Yes
  • Windproof: Yes
  • Removable Liner: Yes
  • Glove Leash: Yes
Features
  • Removable Liners Trap Heat And Dry Quickly
  • Goat Leather Finish Is Extremely Durable And Flexible
  • External Seams Make The Inside Much Softer For Your Hands
Hestra Army Leather Patrol Insulated

BEST WATERPROOF TOURING GLOVES

Long distance touring treks are best handled with a high-quality glove that resists moisture and dries quickly like the Hestra Gloves Army Leather Patrol Insulated Gloves. Constructed with real leather to stand the test of time, these gloves will keep your hands warm for years to come. 

Conditions can get wet at a moment’s notice, but your hands won’t succumb to the moisture in these gloves. Relying on a water-resistant polyester lining and a fully synthetic insulated mid-layer, the Army Leather Patrol Insulated Gloves resist wetness at every level. 

These gloves also have a glove leash, which is a nifty attachment that allows you to remove your gloves without the fear of losing one!

Mountain Hardwear High Exposure

View Women's Version
Specs
  • Insulation: Synthetic
  • Touchscreen Compatible: No
  • Unisex: No
  • Waterproof?: Yes
  • Windproof: Yes
  • Removable Liner: No
  • Glove Leash: Yes
Features
  • PrimaLoft Insulation Reduces Bulk While Adding Warmth
  • Double Layered Gore-Tex Material Is Both Windproof And Waterproof
  • Internal Layers Are Bonded To Prevent Slipping And Maximize Your Grip
mountain-hardwear-high-exposure

BEST EXTREME BACKCOUNTRY TOURING GLOVES

Cross-country skiing in the backcountry can throw a whole host of unforeseen weather and nasty conditions your way. Best keep your hands warm and dry with the Mountain Hardwear High Exposure Gloves! 

Warmth, protection, and durability are key staples of these gloves with an elevated focus on keeping your hands nimble. Any gloves that fail to hit all of these attributes will be sub par for your backcountry outings. Oh, and they keep your hands dry too. 

The High Exposure Gloves also prioritize comfort using a pre-curved finger design that follows that natural arc of your fingers. This eliminates the feeling of “stiff” gloves in favor of a highly dextrous design for all day comfort.

Hestra Ergo Grip Active

Specs
  • Insulation: None
  • Touchscreen Compatible: No
  • Unisex: Yes
  • Waterproof?: No
  • Windproof: Yes
  • Removable Liner: No
  • Glove Leash: No
Features
  • Available In 3 Different Colors
  • Hook-And-Loop Closure Dials In The Perfect Fit
  • Pre-Curved Fingers Maximize Dexterity And Comfort
Hestra Ergo Grip Active

BEST CLASSIC TOURING GLOVES

Let’s be real, when you’re doing classic touring cross-country skiing you want to look good while doing it! No better way to flaunt your sense of style and keep your hands warm than with the Hestra Gloves Ergo Grip Active Gloves.

Starting with a proofed goat leather that provides high durability with a soft and supple finish, the Ergo Grip Active Gloves prioritize dexterity for a fully functional exterior. Moving to the midlayer, a Gore Windstopper fabric is utilized to prevent blistering winds from ripping warmth away from your hands. Finally, the heat that you do generate is trapped by the next layer down, a brushed polyester that insulates extremely well and are super soft.

Arc’teryx Venta

Specs
  • Insulation: None
  • Touchscreen Compatible: Yes
  • Unisex: Yes
  • Waterproof?: No
  • Windproof: Yes
  • Removable Liner: No
  • Glove Leash: No
Features
  • Available In 3 Different Colors
  • Durable Water Repellent Resists Water And Snow
  • Finger Web Loops Allows Carabiner To Clip Gloves Together
Arc’teryx Venta

BEST TOURING GLOVES FOR HIGH WIND AREAS

Windy days are no match for the Arc’teryx Venta Gloves. They’ll keep you warm and protected from potentially bone-chilling wind. 

Featuring full leather palms with nylon backing, the Arc’teryx Venta Gloves use the highest quality materials in the most strategic places. Slip your hands into soft, fuzzy, and warm fleece lined gloves for premium comfort and the first defense in fighting off cold winds. The next layer up is your best defense, as these gloves utilize Gore Windstopper fabric to lock down heat and create a perfect wind barrier. 

These gloves also feature special sensors in the fingertips, making them compatible with your smartphone! Now you don’t need to remove your gloves to use your phone.

Outdoor Research Stormtracker Heated

Specs
  • Insulation: PrimaLoft
  • Touchscreen Compatible: Yes
  • Unisex: Yes
  • Waterproof?: Yes
  • Windproof: Yes
  • Removable Liner: No
  • Glove Leash: Yes
Features
  • Gauntlet Design Is Easy To Pull On/Off
  • Finger Web Loops Allows Carabiner To Clip Gloves Together
  • Touchscreen Tech Fingertips Can Be Used On Your Smartphone
Outdoor Research Stormtracker Heated

BEST HEATED GLOVES 

What’s better than gloves insulating your hands? How about gloves insulating your hands with built in heaters! Thank goodness we live in the 21st century, right?? 

Designed for the most extreme conditions, or for posh people who just hate the cold, the Outdoor Research Stormtracker Heated Sensor Gloves are sure to keep your hands feeling toasty and warm no matter how cold the weather is. 

The best part about these gloves is that they aren’t gimmicky, but instead are high quality waterproof and windproof gloves that insulate as well as any other premium gloves. If you happen to run out of charge, you’ll be in good hands with PrimaLoft Gold insulation that resists moisture and never loses insulation value, even if they get totally wet.

Dakine Titan Insulated

View Women's Version
Specs
  • Insulation: Synthetic
  • Touchscreen Compatible: Yes
  • Unisex: No
  • Waterproof?: Yes
  • Windproof: Yes
  • Removable Liner: Yes
  • Glove Leash: Yes
Features
  • Available In 3 Different Colors/Patterns
  • Waterproof Zip Stash Pockets Can Hold Hand Warmers
  • Soft Fabric On The Thumbs Can Be Used To Wipe Your Nose
Dakine Titan Insulated

BEST BUDGET INSULATED GLOVES

Looking for a high quality pair of insulated gloves without breaking the bank? DAKINE has you covered with their Titan Insulated Gloves. 

Relying on a 2-stage glove-in-glove system, the Titan Insulated Gloves feature removable inserts that are both waterproof and windproof. Adding another layer of comfort and convenience, fleece interior liners are soft, warm, and machine washable – just take them out to let them dry after a day in the harshest conditions for a quick turnaround time. Compare that to gloves without removable liners, which take much longer to dry. 

The DAKINE Titan Insulated Gloves are also smartphone compatible as they have high-tech sensors in the fingertips for the ultimate convenience.

Swix Star XC 2.0

View Women's Version
Specs
  • Insulation: Synthetic
  • Touchscreen Compatible: Yes
  • Unisex: No
  • Waterproof?: No
  • Windproof: Yes
  • Removable Liner: No
  • Glove Leash: No
Features
  • Enhanced Grip Palms Provide Superior Durability
  • Pre-Curved Fingers Maximize Dexterity And Comfort
  • Ideal For Skate Skiing And Competitive Nordic Touring
Swix Star XC 2.0

BEST RACE & PERFORMANCE GLOVES

Competitive cross-country skiers who enjoy the Race & Performance category will love the Swix Star XC 2.0 Gloves. They’re lightweight and insulated for the perfect blend of performance and comfort. 

Relying on a glove stretch technology, the Swix Star XC 2.0 Gloves fit like a second skin for a snug fit and aerodynamic performance. They also feature PrimaLoft insulation, a moisture wicking synthetic material that traps warm air in tightly woven fibers to maximize both warmth and comfort. 

These gloves are also smartly designed as they have reinforced high wear areas in the cradle of the thumb and palms to prevent blowout, making these a true performance glove designed to last.

 

 

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING GLOVES FOR CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING

WINDPROOFING / WATERPROOFING

Depending on your needs, you may or may not need one or both of these features but they are important to consider. Will you be in relatively moderate to light conditions most often? Then perhaps windproofing is all you need. Or will you be in wet, nasty conditions more often? Then waterproofing will be a necessity. Make sure you choose your gloves after considering what type of weather you will typically be skiing in.

INSULATION

Chances are the temps you’ll be skiing in will require some extra warmth. While not all gloves have insulation, it’s a good idea to grab a pair that have some. There are 3 major types of insulation:

Synthetic 

Synthetic insulation is a pretty common material that resists the heat-sapping effects of cold water better than most other materials. Even when wet, synthetic insulation is a good choice for keeping warm, though it will lose some of its insulation value when wet. 

PrimaLoft 

Also synthetic, PrimaLoft is a proprietary material – a series of tightly woven fibers that repels water that would otherwise negatively affect the insulation. It uses trapped air to keep you warm and to keep water out. It is the best possible insulation to have. 

Wool 

Considered “old school” insulation, wool is an all natural insulator that also stays warm when wet. It’s significantly heavier than synthetic insulation and also dries much slower.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Touchscreen Compatibility

Some gloves come with a special woven fiber in the fingertips that allows you to be able to use a touchscreen, such as on your smartphone. Since touchscreens are designed to respond to the electrical/heat responses from your fingertips, gloves without this tech will need to be removed before using your phone. 

Glove Leash

A glove leash is a nifty accessory that allows you to take your gloves off but still keep them cuffed to your wrists. While definitely a luxury, it certainly makes it easier to keep track of your gloves without needing to stash them somewhere. 

 

 

FEATURES EXPLAINED

GORE-TEX

A proprietary fabric that is waterproof and windproof. The name is sometimes used as a blanket term for other fabrics that function the same, similar to the word “Band-Aid.” 

4-Way Stretch

A term describing a fabric or material that can stretch and come back to its original shape both horizontally and vertically.

READ MORE

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