Kids love the snow, but to make sure they get the most from their experience in the mountains, you have to ensure that they are wrapped up warm. Children as young as 2 and 3 years old can start to hit the slopes, so their little hands will need protection for when they inevitably fall over and get a bit chilly.
With this guide, cold hands won't be a complaint you hear on your ski holidays ever again. We've compared ski gloves and mittens for children of all ages from toddlers to teens, with options for both girls and boys, to bring you a ranking of the top 10 best in the UK on Amazon, Decathlon and more!
Quick List - Top Ski Gloves for Kids
A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.
Table of Contents
There are a few key aims when it comes to buying the best ski gloves for kids. You want to them to be warm, waterproof and keep out snow, but it's also important that they're comfortable, particularly when youngsters are wearing them.
Although all skiwear for your hands is generally referred to as ski 'gloves', mittens also fall into this category. There are a few reasons why they might prefer to have separate fingers, or one big space for them all, so it's worth carefully considering what will work best for your child.
The main advantage of gloves over mittens is the dexterity you have when wearing them. If you're able to move all of your fingers independently, you'll be able to do more things with them on, such as making snowballs. This is why they are better suited to older kids.
Separate compartments for each finger can, however, lead to cold fingers. Without the heat from the rest of your hand, individual fingers can go numb quicker. So if your child really struggles to keep their hands warm, gloves might not be the way to go.
Mittens might be frustrating for older kids who want to feel more in control, but there are a number of reasons why they could still be the more suitable choice. Firstly, they are much easier to put on young children who are unable to do this themselves, as you don't have to feed each finger into a separate hole.
In addition to this, keeping fingers together means they'll stay much warmer. For kids who suffer from cold hands as soon as they hit the snow, mittens are the optimum style!
The use of leather is very common in adult ski gloves, but it is used far less in gloves designed for kids. It will still come up now and then, and has all the hard-wearing, waterproof qualities you would want, but its use does significantly add to the price.
The more popular materials used in ski gloves for kids are synthetic. These include polyester and polyamide. Although these aren't as warm as real leather, they are durable, waterproof and light. They are also machine washable.
For added comfort and warmth, it is a good idea to see if the gloves have a cosy inner lining. Look for linings made from fleece materials, as these will keep hands cosy and feel soft against sensitive skin.
Gloves are constantly being taken on and off during a day spent skiing, and this leaves them vulnerable to being lost. To help minimise the chances of this happening, you want gloves that will stay in place.
The best way of keeping gloves in place is to pick a pair with multiple methods of fastening and securing them at the cuffs. Drawstring cords, elasticated bands and velcro straps all keep gloves tight around the wrist, which is also vital for keeping out snow and cold draughts.
Another thing that's helpful in the effort to stop gloves getting lost is the ability to fasten them together. There will normally be an attachment clip somewhere around the wrist, so as long as your youngster is holding onto one glove tightly, the other one isn't going to go wandering.
More often than not, glove sizing for kids is categorised by age. This makes getting the right size simple as you can pick the size that fits their age range. However, you might find that sometimes sizing is categorised numerically, in a similar system to that which is used for shoes.
As a rough guide, in junior sizing, a 2 equates to an age 2 - 3 glove, a 4 matches an age 6 - 7 and a 7 is for pre-teens around the age of 12 or 13. Just be aware that, as with all sizing, it is worth consulting the size guide if there is one available.
You'll know gloves fit correctly if there is a bit of space above the fingers, just enough to pinch the material at the top. This allows for room to bend and stretch fingers as well as adding some air as insulation.
Thanks to the fact that kids' ski gloves tend not to use leather, they are much more likely to be machine washable than adult pairs. This is helpful because kids are, on the whole, a bit messier. If they're enjoying a snack on the slopes, chances are food stains will make their way onto their gloves, in which case it's very useful to be able to throw them in the wash.
However, even without leather, ski gloves are carefully crafted and need to be cleaned gently. It is usually advised to only wash ski gloves under 30°C, so you don't accidentally shrink or damage them. Similarly, some gloves will require you to hand wash them, or just wipe them clean.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Hestra All Mountain CZone Jr. | ![]() | Keep Out the Mountain Chill With These Top-Quality Gloves | |
2 | Wed'ze Children's Ski Gloves 550 | ![]() | Super Snow Protection on a Budget | |
3 | Hestra Gore-Tex Gauntlet Jr. | ![]() | Bringing High Quality to Kids' Gloves | |
4 | Trespass Ergon II Kids' Gloves | ![]() | Textured Palms Add Grip | |
5 | Triwonder Kids' Winter Gloves | ![]() | Stand Out While Skiing | |
6 | Floso Children's Extra Warm Thermal Padded Ski Gloves | ![]() | A Lightweight Option for Hitting the Slopes | |
7 | Mountain Warehouse Kids Ski Gloves | ![]() | Black Gloves That Will Go With Everything | |
8 | Wed'ze Babies' Ski/Sledge Mittens | ![]() | Wriggly Toddlers Are No Match for These Mittens | |
9 | Koowaa Thermal Mittens | ![]() | A Rainbow of Different Colours to Choose From | |
10 | 7-Mi Kids' Ski Gloves | ![]() | Snap Up This Pair of Shark-Themed Mittens |
These mittens might seem quite expensive, but there are so many reasons as to why you should consider splashing the cash. Being mittens, they will keep hands warmer than any gloves, but there's more in Hestra's arsenal than style that proves why they are such a go-to for winter sports enthusiasts.
They comprise of a soft lining underneath multiple layers of insulation and waterproofing, covered by a goat leather palm and breathable cover help to make these mittens not only the warmest option, but also one of the most comfortable. Everything has been thought of, and even the zip pocket in the back provides somewhere to put a ski pass!
The enormous cuffs on these gloves have an important role to play in keeping snow out and keeping warmth in. The extra material goes higher up the forearm, protecting wrists and making it harder for snow to find its way inside.
Each part is adjustable, so the perfect fit can always be found. Decathlon is known for providing skiwear on a budget, and these gloves are no different, offering a good quality option at a lower price.
Lots of gloves designed for kids don't quite match the quality of those made for adults, but that's certainly not the case with this pair from Hestra. Using the same market-leading materials as in their adult range, keeping hands warm won't be a chore.
They're constructed using multiple layers of different fabrics, each of which boasting thermal and protective qualities. For example, the GORE-TEX outer lends both breathability and waterproofing to these exceptionally-designed gloves.
Another unisex option, these gloves can be enjoyed by girls and boys of different ages. The sizes are a good fit for slightly older children, and their muted colour and grown-up look suit this age bracket perfectly.
The textured palms mean there won't be any dropping of poles mid-piste, and the adjustable cuff and strap will stop any snow from coming in, or any chance of their hands coming out.
Their bright and distinctive colour may be whet first drew you to these gloves, but there's plenty more on offer with this pair. They are wear-and-tear proof, which is perfect for older kids who are getting more adventurous on the piste.
The soft fleece lining fits snuggly, and will cushion hands and fingers through any bumps or falls. Plus, the vivid colour will make them stand out if they get lost!
Perfect for springtime skiing, these gloves are less bulky than the others on this list. But don't worry, they are still waterproof and offer plenty of warmth. If these gloves get a bit mucky, you'll have no issues giving them a thorough machine wash.
Being less bulky does mean these gloves won't be suitable for the colder skiing months. That said, you'll be able to get wear out of them during day-to-day life, in addition to their usage on the slopes.
As your child gets a bit older, they'll probably become more and more concerned with what they wear, and that includes their ski outfit. These gloves' black colour makes them versatile, unisex and a more grown-up option for children older than 9 years.
While these gloves do have an elasticated cuff, which will offer a certain level of security, this is the only fastening method there is. This means they are not as adjustable as gloves with straps and drawstring cords, and won't do such a good job of keeping out the snow.
Gloves can be difficult to put on smaller hands, particular if those hands won't stay still. That's why these mittens have made it as easy as possible to get them on, with a long zip allowing you to place their hand inside with the knowledge that everything is in the right place before fastening it back up.
The design is cute and will appeal to young children, but the fact that these mittens aren't suitable for anyone over 4 is one of their big limitations. They don't have the most secure of fastenings, either.
These gloves come in a choice of 7 different colours, so you can pick your youngster's favourite shade. Not only will they love the brightly coloured outer layer, they will also appreciate the super soft velvet-textured lining.
These mittens are a simple, affordable option for kids just starting out. However, they are fairly basic and won't stand up when compared to the more expensive, established brands.
Sharks might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of skiing, but these kid-friendly gloves are sure to be a big hit! Bring this sea predator to the slopes, with fins and a big, toothy mouth.
The cotton lining may make these gloves feel a bit softer, but unfortunately they do not provide the highest-quality hand-warming technology. They also only come in one size, meaning lots of children won't be able to use these mittens.
To make the most of a ski trip, it is crucial that everyone has the right gear. Whether you're a seasoned pro, or buying for a young beginner, have a read of some of our other top recommendations to get you going on the slopes!
Frosty fingers don't have to be an inevitability while skiing. With the right gloves or mittens, even the smallest of hands can be comfy, cosy and ready for all the fun to be had on ski trips, whether that's skiing, snowballs fights or sledging!
Author: Emma Cramp
No. 1: Hestra|All Mountain CZone Jr.
No. 2: Wed'ze|Children's Ski Gloves 550
No. 3: Hestra|Gore-Tex Gauntlet Jr.
No. 4: Trespass |Ergon II Kids' Gloves
No. 5: Triwonder|Kids' Winter Gloves
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Automotive
Baby Products
Beauty
Books
Business, Industry & Science
Computers & Accessories
DIY, Garden & Tools
Electronics & Photo
Fashion
Grocery
Health & Personal Care
Home & Kitchen
Large Appliances
Musical Instruments & DJ
PC & Video Games
Pet Supplies
Sports & Outdoors
Stationery & Office Products
Toys & Games