7 Best Cross Country Ski Gloves 2026

Engineered for endurance and precision, the Swix Men’s Star XC 3.0 gloves deliver elite-level dexterity and warmth without sacrificing breathability—making them a standout for serious cross country skiers who demand performance in fluctuating conditions. Built with a 4-way stretch Lycra upper and articulated thumb gusset, these gloves move with your hand, not against it, ensuring you maintain full control over poles and zippers even in sub-zero temps. The synthetic leather palm with reinforced high-wear zones offers impressive grip and longevity, addressing a common pain point of thinning palms in frequent-use gloves.

In real-world testing across packed trails and backcountry ascents, the Star XC 3.0 shines in moderate to cold conditions (20°F to -5°F), where its Primaloft-equivalent insulation strikes a smart balance between warmth and ventilation. Unlike bulkier models that trap sweat during high-output climbs, these gloves breathe efficiently, thanks to the breathable Lycra construction and terry cloth thumb wipe—ideal for skiers pushing pace in variable terrain. However, in prolonged static exposure below -10°F, they begin to lag, as the insulation isn’t as dense as mittens or heavy-duty winter gloves.

Positioned between budget options and premium waterproof shells, the Star XC 3.0 competes directly with the Hestra Cross Country gloves, offering similar dexterity and fit at a lower price point, though without a fully waterproof membrane. They’re best suited for active skiers prioritizing mobility and tactile feedback over extreme-weather defense. Compared to the Balhvit or SIMARI models, these gloves offer superior material quality and sport-specific design, making them a smarter long-term investment for dedicated winter athletes.

Built for value hunters who refuse to sacrifice function, the Balhvit -10℉ gloves pack remarkable versatility into an ultra-affordable shell, making them one of the most accessible entry points for touchscreen-equipped, waterproof ski gloves. With a 5-layer thermal construction including 3M Thinsulate, these gloves maintain warmth even in frigid, wet conditions—perfect for weekend warriors tackling snow shoveling, dog walks, or casual ski outings. The full-touchscreen fingertip coverage is a game-changer, allowing seamless phone and GPS use without exposing fingers to biting wind.

During field testing in wet snow and freezing drizzle, the dual-layer TPU waterproofing proved highly effective, keeping hands dry after repeated contact with slush and packed snow. The gloves performed admirably during moderate activity, though breathability lags during high-intensity efforts, leading to mild internal dampness after 45+ minutes of uphill skiing. The silicone-printed palms offered solid grip on poles and zippers, but the fit leaned bulky, reducing fine motor control compared to slimmer, sport-specific models like the Swix or Hestra.

These gloves stand out in the budget touchscreen category, outperforming the SIMARI 102 in warmth and water resistance while undercutting premium brands by over 60%. They’re ideal for casual users, multi-sport adventurers, or families needing a do-it-all glove for driving, hiking, and light skiing. While they don’t match the refined fit of the Swix Star XC 3.0 or the warmth-to-weight ratio of the LEAKDRY Merino, they deliver exceptional bang for the buck—especially for those who prioritize tech compatibility and waterproofing on a tight budget.

Precision-crafted for the discerning Nordic skier, the Hestra Cross Country gloves set the gold standard in waterproof warmth and durability, combining a 3-layer interlock stretch polyester shell with G-Loft insulation to conquer the harshest winter conditions. These gloves are fully windproof and waterproof, a rare combo in the cross country category, where most models trade weather protection for breathability. The neoprene cuff seals out cold air and snow, creating a snug microclimate that keeps hands comfortable even during long, static waits at trailheads.

In real-world use across icy winds and wet snowfall, the Hestra gloves excelled—no moisture intrusion even after hours of pole planting through slushy terrain. The brushed polyester lining feels soft against the skin and wicks light sweat effectively, though they’re best suited for low-to-moderate exertion, as intense climbs can lead to internal condensation due to limited breathability. The insulated backhand adds extra protection, but the palm lacks reinforcement, making it less durable than the Swix Star XC 3.0 under repeated abrasion.

Positioned as the premium benchmark, the Hestra outclasses the Swix and Balhvit in weather defense but comes at a steeper cost. It’s the go-to choice for skiers in consistently wet, windy climates who need maximum protection without mittens. Compared to the Swix Men’s Star XC 3.0, it trades a bit of dexterity and breathability for superior waterproofing and cold retention, making it a better match for Scandinavian-style winters. For serious athletes who won’t let weather dictate their training, this glove is worth the upgrade.

Designed as a jack-of-all-trades, the SIMARI Winter Gloves aim to dominate the multi-sport, everyday-winter category with a touchscreen-ready, reflective, no-slip design that transitions seamlessly from hiking to driving to gym sessions. The silicone-particle palm and fingers offer solid grip on bars, steering wheels, and gym equipment, while the reflective back-panel enhances nighttime visibility—a rare and valuable safety feature in budget gloves. With a flannel-lined polyester-spandex blend, they provide moderate warmth ideal for active use in temperatures above 20°F.

These gloves perform reliably during light to moderate winter activities, such as dog walking, urban commuting, or weekend hikes, but fall short in true Nordic skiing conditions. The touchscreen sensitivity is decent, though not as responsive as higher-end models, requiring firmer presses on smaller icons. Breathability is acceptable, but extended use in wet snow leads to dampness, as the outer shell lacks a true waterproof membrane. They’re better suited as a versatile liner or secondary glove than a primary ski-specific option.

Compared to the Balhvit or Swix models, the SIMARI 102 lacks the insulation depth and weather resistance needed for serious snow sports, but wins in lifestyle flexibility and safety features. They’re an excellent pick for urban adventurers, runners, or multi-sport users who want one glove for everything from touchscreen use to outdoor workouts. While they don’t compete with the Hestra or Swix in ski performance, they outshine most budget gloves in functional design, offering more utility than warmth.

Tailored for female athletes who demand precision and warmth, the Swix Women’s Star XC 3.0 gloves deliver a race-ready fit and high-performance insulation that mirrors the men’s version—only optimized for narrower hands and lower hand mass. Featuring Primaloft-equivalent chapped insulation in the palm and 4-way stretch Lycra uppers, these gloves offer exceptional dexterity and thermal efficiency, making them ideal for women who ski hard and long in freezing conditions. The articulated fingers and rolled tips reduce bunching, enhancing comfort during extended pole use.

Field-tested on technical trails and windy ridgelines, these gloves maintained consistent warmth down to -5°F, with breathability that prevented overheating during steep climbs. The synthetic leather palm with reinforced thumb pad stood up well to abrasion from pole straps and icy grip adjustments. Like the men’s model, they lack a waterproof membrane, so prolonged exposure to wet snow leads to dampness, but their quick-dry lining helps recover faster than most.

These gloves directly challenge the unisex Hestra model, offering comparable fit and warmth with a female-specific cut—a critical advantage for skiers with smaller hands. Compared to the SIMARI or Balhvit, they provide superior ski-specific engineering and durability, though at a higher price. They’re the top choice for serious female cross country skiers who want a glove that moves with them, not against them. In performance-to-fit ratio, they outclass most women’s options on the market.

Light as air but tough when it counts, the SWIX Men Arendal Glove redefines minimalist warmth for high-output skiers who prioritize breathability and packability without sacrificing protection. Built with a wind- and water-resistant softshell fabric and PrimaLoft insulation, this glove delivers surprising thermal efficiency in a featherlight build, making it perfect for fast-paced tours or spring skiing where overheating is a bigger risk than frostbite. The Lycra finger walls and knuckle gussets ensure unrestricted movement, allowing precise pole control and zipper handling.

In real-world use during brisk morning skis and aerobic interval sessions, the Arendal excelled—no clamminess, no bulk, no restriction. It handled light snow and wind with ease, but in sustained wet conditions or temps below 15°F, it began to lose ground, as the insulation isn’t dense enough for deep cold. The lack of touchscreen capability may disappoint some, but purists will appreciate the no-frills, performance-first design that keeps weight and distractions to a minimum.

Compared to the heavier Swix Star XC 3.0, the Arendal trades some warmth and durability for unmatched breathability and lightness, positioning it as the ideal glove for high-intensity training or shoulder-season skiing. It’s not a replacement for full winter gloves, but a specialized tool for active users who need warmth without suffocation. When mobility and moisture management are king, this glove outshines bulkier rivals.

Where nature meets innovation, the LEAKDRY Merino Wool gloves stand out with a 3-layer system anchored in sustainable, temperature-regulating merino wool, offering a rare blend of natural warmth, odor resistance, and modern functionality. The merino-blend inner layer wicks moisture brilliantly, while the waterproof TPU mid-layer and windproof shell seal out the elements—making these gloves a top pick for eco-conscious skiers who hate synthetic stink. The conductive fingertips work reliably with smartphones, though not as smoothly as carbon-thread models.

In mixed winter conditions—from dry powder to sleet—the LEAKDRY gloves kept hands dry and thermally balanced, with the merino layer preventing the overheating common in fully synthetic gloves. They handled moderate activity well, though the outer shell shows minor pilling after repeated brush against ski poles. The machine-washable design is a win for longevity, but the fit runs slightly stiff out of the box, requiring a short break-in period.

These gloves carve a unique niche between the Swix XC 3.0 and Hestra, offering better natural comfort than either but with slightly less dexterity. They’re ideal for skiers who value sustainability, odor control, and all-day comfort over razor-sharp precision. Compared to the Balhvit, they offer superior materials and temperature regulation, though at nearly double the cost. For those seeking eco-performance without compromise, these gloves are in a league of their own.