To keep skiing or snowboarding a pleasure, it is necessary to be well-equipped to be able to stay warm for a whole day on the ski slopes. There are many brands that offer ski or snowboard gloves for sale and it can sometimes be difficult to make a choice when shopping. You will find below the essential information for a successful purchase of ski glove.
Ski Gloves or Mittens ? That is the question !
First, you have to choose whether you prefer the Glove to the ski Mitten. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
The ski glove allows you to maintain your agility, very practical when you are on the slopes to collect things in your backpack or to take pictures. All these actions are immediately much more complicated with ski mittens. However, as the fingers are brought together, they keep each other warm by the air circulating between the fingers. For the little ones, more sensitive to the cold, the mitten is essential because it also has the advantage of being easier to put on.
Rather Team Mitten or Team Glove? Otherwise, in order to reconcile the two parts, the manufacturers have found an interesting compromise: the Lobster, which consists of a mitten with the free index finger. Perfect for handling his things without removing the gloves and increasing the feeling of heat. Here is a perfect example of the German brand Ziener, available on Valetmont:
Characteristics of a Mitten and a Ski Gloves
The membrane: this is what makes the glove waterproof. A membrane helps keep your hands dry while letting them breathe. Most major ski brands offer their own membrane (Imp'R for Rossignol, Aquashield for Ziener, C-Tex for Cairn ...). The best-known membrane remains the GORE-TEX® membrane, which can be found on many products thanks to its effectiveness in terms of waterproofing, breathability and resistance to cold. Some glove makers equip their products with a Windstopper® membrane which is a formidable windbreaker with maximum breathability and water resistance.
Insulation: this is an essential parameter to take into account when purchasing it. Insulation affects the heat level of the ski glove. There are different types of insulation: natural or synthetic down, wool or synthetic fibers. The more there is a thick layer of insulation, the more the glove will bring in heat. For the most chilly fingers, we recommend the PrimaLoft® padding for the warmth and comfort it provides in very cold weather! For some time, manufacturers have developed heated gloves with a battery slipped inside the wrist and which provides heat for a period of about 3 to 6 hours depending on the level of heating chosen.
The outer fabric: it's up to you to choose according to your tastes! Leather offers a certain style while being supple and resistant but requires maintenance. The fabric is more affordable in terms of price. Namely, that all gloves benefit from a water repellent treatment, whether they are membrane or not. The palm of the glove is the most important part which must have excellent grip to properly hold your ski poles.
The length of the cuff: It's up to you whether you prefer a short cuff that slips under your jacket or a long one to put on. The wrist straps can be elastic or Velcro. For children and the clumsy, it is advisable to take gloves with straps to avoid unexpected falls from the chairlift!
We also recommend the purchase of silk liner gloves to improve comfort and heat on your hands. Thin and light, the Rywan silk gloves, available on Valetmont, can be put under your ski gloves without any feeling of discomfort. In addition, the inner gloves prevent you from being in direct contact with cold materials should you ever have to remove your gloves. For those very cold days, you can add heaters in your gloves. Ecological and economical, they provide between 8 and 12 hours of heat.
Gear Warranty
All of our products are guaranteed by the manufacturer. The warranty periods vary depending on the material. The warranty processing is carried out by us. In the event of a problem, use our after-sales service form.
Sustainable Development by Valetmont
To keep your mittens and ski gloves or sports accessories longer, remember not to dry them on the radiator but rather in the open air. This avoids damaging the insulating layers. Avoid washing your gloves regularly to keep them waterproof. Gloves or mittens fitted with a GORE-TEX® membrane must be washed with a special product (like Nikwax) to maintain their water-repellent and waterproof function. Also read our article "How to choose your ski gloves" on our blog. |
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