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Ski & Snowboard,  Gear Guides Oct 23, 2026

Best Ski and Snowboard Accessories for 2026/27: Gloves, Mittens, Socks and Neck Gaiters

Last Updated: October 2026


At Christy Sports, we help skiers and snowboarders match gear to their conditions, comfort and fit. The best accessory is the one that fixes your particular problem.

Cold days on the mountain usually come down to three things: your hands, your feet, and how well your face and neck are covered. A morning in the single digits can turn into a damp afternoon, and the gear that handled the first hour is not always the gear that handles the last.

Before you shop, think through what is bothering you. Do your hands get cold when the snow turns wet, or when it is simply cold? Do your boots feel snug before you add anything to them? Do you spend the day tugging a gaiter up and down? The answers point to different accessories, and a few of them point to no purchase at all.

Start with the problem

  • Hands that stay cold. Follow the fit, moisture and core checks in the hands section below. After that, try mittens or a dry liner.
  • Hands that get wet. Look for a waterproof insert or membrane. On wet storm days, choose a waterproof glove.
  • Cold feet or tight boots. Check your boot fit and how much cushion your sock adds. In a snug boot, wear one properly fitted ski or snowboard sock with less cushion.
  • A sock that bunches or slides. Choose a low-bulk sock with a smooth, snug fit, such as a zero-cushion sock.
  • A gaiter you keep adjusting. Try it on with your helmet and goggles. A hinged hood, a thinner balaclava or a different gaiter may fit better.
  • Kids who lose gloves. Pick mittens with a wrist leash.

Skiers and snowboarders share most of this list. Snowboarders put their hands down in the snow more often, adjust bindings and carry the board, so palm reinforcement and flex matter more in a glove. There are also socks made specifically for snowboarding, though the range is smaller than the ski range. A gaiter or balaclava has to work with a helmet and goggles either way. We point out the snowboard picks in the glove and sock sections.

The short version: what you need for a day on snow

  • Gloves or mittens that fit your conditions. The hands section below walks through what to check, in order.
  • Socks made for ski or snowboard boots. One pair, matched to how snug your boot is. Skip cotton.
  • A neck gaiter or balaclava you can wear with your helmet and goggles.
  • A base layer suited to the day, in merino, a merino blend or polyester.
  • Kids' pieces that stay on: mittens for small hands, one pair of ski socks, a neck warmer.

Conditions vary between the Colorado and Utah ranges and the Washington and Montana ones, so pair this guide with our layering guides for Colorado and Utah and Washington and Montana. Helmets and goggles have their own guide: Ski Goggles and Ski Helmets 2026/27: How to Choose and Match Them.

Where to spend more

You do not need the most expensive version of everything. Spend where it solves a problem you have, and keep it simple where it does not.

  • Gloves. A premium waterproof glove makes sense if you ski wet storm days often, or ride and fall a lot. A simpler glove can be enough if you ski a few mild days a year.
  • Liners. A removable liner makes sense if you ski multiple days in a row or want to swap in a dry liner.
  • Socks. A better fit matters more than a higher price.
  • Kids' gear. A pair that fits now and stays on beats a more expensive pair that does not.

How to choose gloves and mittens

Why your hands get cold

When hands stay cold, work through the causes in order. First, fit: a glove or mitten that is too tight can restrict circulation, and that makes hands colder. Second, moisture: sweat trapped inside a glove, or snowmelt outside it, pulls heat away from your hands. Third, your core: a chilled torso can leave hands cold no matter what is on them. Only after those do insulation and waterproofing become the question.

Waterproof or water-resistant

A waterproof glove has a membrane or insert built to keep water out. A water-resistant glove sheds light moisture, usually through treated leather or fabric, and breathes more easily. On wet storm days, or if you fall a lot on a board, waterproof construction is the better choice. On cold, dry days a breathable glove can feel less clammy.

For wet days, look for a waterproof insert. Dakine's Titan 2.0 GORE-TEX gloves and the women's Sequoia 2.0 are built that way, and so are Swany's X-Over gloves.

For long days in cold conditions, Hestra's Army Leather Heli Ski gloves are the leather choice: durable palms for grip, a removable liner that dries on its own, and a long cuff with a drawstring snow lock that helps keep snow out. They are better suited to cold, dry conditions than prolonged wet weather. If you regularly ski in wet snow, prioritize a glove with a waterproof membrane. Flylow's Ridge glove is another leather option, pre-treated against water.

Gloves, mittens or three-finger gloves

Gloves let you work a buckle, zip a pocket or use a phone without pulling anything off. Mittens keep your fingers together, which usually makes them warmer than a glove of similar build. That is why many people with cold hands end up in them.

You can see the trade inside one product line. Swany's X-Over comes as a glove and a mitten with Swany's waterproof insert and Insuloft insulation, so the choice comes down to your fingers. Dakine's Titan 2.0 comes both ways as well, as a glove and a mitten.

If you want more warmth in a mitt, Swany rates the women's La Down mitt at its top warmth level, with goose down and a waterproof insert. That is Swany's own rating, so use it to compare Swany with Swany.

If gloves are not warm enough but mittens feel clumsy, a three-finger glove splits the difference: your index finger gets its own space and the other three share warmth. Hestra's Heli 3-finger is one. Try one on with the liner you plan to wear.

How a glove should fit

  • Snug, with a little room, never skin-tight. Hestra's fit guide says to leave a small gap between your hand and the glove, because trapped air adds insulation, and that a tight glove can feel colder. If you are between sizes, Hestra generally recommends the larger one.
  • Make a fist, then pretend to grip a pole or a binding strap. Tightness across the back of the hand means size up.
  • Check the wrist. The cuff should cover it, with no gap where cold air gets in.
  • Try gloves with the liner you plan to wear. Leather tends to give a little as you wear it.

Small features that matter

A few features change how a glove behaves more than extra insulation does.

  • A cuff that suits your jacket. A long cuff goes over your sleeve and keeps snow out, which helps in deep snow and falls. A short cuff tucks under a sleeve and stays out of the way, as on Hestra's Freeride CZone.
  • A liner that comes out. The liner can dry on its own, and you can adapt the glove to the day. Dakine's Titan and Sequoia have one. If you do not need that, skip it.
  • A wrist leash. A small thing until a glove drops from a chairlift.
  • Touchscreen-friendly fingertips. Handy for a quick text or trail map, and the last feature to weigh.

If you snowboard

Falls, getting back up and carrying the board all put your hands on the snow, so look for waterproof protection, durable palms and enough flexibility to adjust bindings. Hestra's Freeride CZone three-finger gloves pair waterproof protection with reinforced palms and a shorter cuff that stays out of the way. They also suit skiers who prefer a shorter cuff. Burton's Profile gloves and mittens and Dakine's Titan and Sequoia are other waterproof options to try on.

More options live in the gloves and mittens category.

Your boot decides how much sock you can wear

A thick sock bought for cold feet can leave a boot too tight. A sock is padding, and padding takes room your foot also needs. In a snug boot, a thick sock can bunch and press on the foot, which can restrict circulation and leave it colder, not warmer. Two other mistakes: cotton, which holds sweat against the skin, and wearing two pairs at once. One pair of ski or snowboard socks is the rule.

Cushion levels, in plain terms

Brands name their cushion levels differently, so read the description and not only the label. The ideas underneath are the same.

  • Zero cushion means a thin sock with no added padding, so it takes the least room. Smartwool's Ski Zero Cushion over-the-calf socks are built that way, and the women's version has a narrower heel. In a snug boot, a sock that bunches or slides becomes a pressure point of its own, which is why a secure, low-bulk sock matters. Le Bent's The Fit Zero Cushion Snow Socks have an elasticated instep meant to keep the sock from bunching underfoot, so they suit boots that already fit closely. If you need extra padding around pressure points, try a sock with targeted cushioning instead.
  • Light or targeted cushion puts padding only where a boot presses. Smartwool's Ski Extra Stretch over-the-calf sock is a targeted-cushion sock with an extra-stretch calf for fuller calves.
  • Extra cushion adds more padding for a roomier boot or a colder day. Darn Tough's Function X (also in women's) has terry-loop cushioning underfoot and a shin pad.

None of these levels is a warmth ranking. More cushion is not automatically better in a snug boot, and zero is not automatically better in a roomy one.

Merino or synthetic

Merino blends and synthetic socks both manage moisture. Merino is popular for comfort and odor resistance, and synthetic suits anyone who prefers a non-wool feel. Fit decides more than fiber, so pick the sock that stays smooth and comfortable inside your boot.

For snowboard boots

Burton's Party Lap socks (women's) are knee-high and made for riding, and Stance's Medium Performance Wool snow socks have medium cushioning and graduated compression. The socks category shows the full range.

When the sock is not the problem

If you are wearing one properly fitted pair of ski or snowboard socks and still experience numbness, pressure points, heel lift or cold feet, your boot fit is worth checking. A different sock will not necessarily solve a boot-fit problem. The ski boots and bindings guide and the snowboard boots and bindings guide cover that conversation.

Base layers for how you run

The layer against your skin moves moisture away so the rest of your clothing can work, and the right one depends more on you than on the label. If you run warm on the way up and cool off at the top, a lighter layer is easier to manage. If you spend long stretches on cold chairlifts or standing around between runs, a heavier layer will serve you better. Either way, it should fit snug against your skin.

Merino and synthetic base layers both move moisture, so choose the one you find comfortable. Our layering guides cover what goes over it. A few examples across the range:

  • Lightweight merino: Smartwool's All-Season Merino long sleeve in men's and women's.
  • For colder days: Le Bent's midweight crew in men's and women's, a merino and bamboo-rayon blend.
  • Polyester: Hot Chillys' Micro-Elite Chamois crewneck in men's and women's.

Face and neck coverage you will keep on

A neck gaiter pulls up and down easily. A balaclava or hood covers more and stays put. Choose the one you will leave on when the wind picks up.

Whatever you choose, check it with your goggles and helmet on:

  • Check the helmet fit. A thick balaclava can crowd a helmet and open a gap above the goggles. Put the helmet on over it, and follow the helmet maker's fitting instructions.
  • Mind the goggle seal. Fabric bunched under the goggle frame can break the foam seal and block the lower vents. Pull it smooth.
  • Point your breath away from the lenses. A covering that sends warm, damp air up into the goggles can add to fogging. A breathable fabric helps.
  • Bring your own helmet and goggles when you try one on, because eye openings and frame shapes differ.

Turtle Fur's Luxe Shinobi balaclava is hinged, so it works as a balaclava or a neck warmer. Smartwool's Merino Tube gives you a merino option. Seirus's Micro Clava is thin micro fleece that wears as a mask, a hood or a balaclava.

Explore the neck gaiters and face masks category for the full range. Our hats and beanies category is the place to browse for your head.

Gear for kids

Kids' hands tend to give out before the rest of them, and kids drop things. Start with the pieces that do the most work.

  • Mittens for younger kids. Fingers kept together stay warmer, and small hands often find fingered gloves frustrating. A mitten with finger channels gives some finger use. Pick mittens a child can put on and take off with little help, and check that the cuffs work with their jacket sleeves. Swany's Junior X-Change comes as gloves and mitts with a waterproof insert and a leash system, so a dropped mitten dangles instead of vanishing off the lift. Sizes run XS to XL.
  • One pair of ski socks, never cotton. Smartwool's Kids' Sleigh Bear is over-the-calf with light cushion and sized by shoe size, so it can stay smooth inside the boot.
  • Something for the neck. Turtle Fur's kids' plush-lined neck warmer is double-layered and fleece-lined, and Turtle Fur sizes it for ages 3 to 6. Buff's youth polar neck warmer is a lighter option made from PrimaLoft fleece.

Try things on over the layers your child will wear. Dry gloves and boot liners fully between days, because moisture left in them makes cold feet colder. More gear is on the kids' page.

Heated gloves

Work through the hands checks above first, because fit, moisture and layering problems cost less to fix than battery heat. If your hands still run cold, heated gloves are a reasonable next step. They run on rechargeable batteries, so you charge them before you go, and the heat adds to a glove's insulation rather than replacing it.

Hestra, for one, warns on its European product pages that its heated gauntlet may interfere with avalanche transceivers. Guidance from a Canadian Avalanche Association working group recommends keeping electronic devices, including heated gloves, at least 20 cm (8 inches) from a transmitting transceiver and 50 cm (20 inches) from a searching one. That can mean taking heated gloves off during a search. Check your transceiver maker's instructions as well.

For more on heated gear, see our heated gear guide, or browse the warmers and electronic heating category.

Care, waterproofing and traction

  • Leather care. Leather gloves last longer with a little care. Hestra makes a leather balm for its goat leather and cowhide sport gloves, and its care guide says to let gloves dry completely first and then recondition the leather.
  • Waterproofing for outerwear. Nikwax's TX.Direct Spray-On is a spray-on waterproofing for wet-weather clothing such as jackets and pants. For gloves, look for a product made for them.
  • Traction for walking. Yaktrax's Pro fits over your footwear for walking on packed snow and ice, which makes it handy in the parking lot and around the base area.

Get the fit checked in a shop

Gloves, socks and face coverings all depend on how they fit with your other gear, so try them together. In a Christy Sports store you can put gloves on over the liner you plan to wear, test a sock inside your own boot, and check a face covering with your goggles and helmet on. Bring the gear you already own.

Common questions

Do skiers and snowboarders need different accessories?

Mostly the same ones. The differences are in the hands, where riders often want palm reinforcement and flex because they use their hands on the snow and carry the board, and in socks, where there are styles made for riding. Face coverings, base layers and kids' pieces work the same for both.

What is the difference between waterproof and water-resistant gloves?

Waterproof gloves use a membrane or insert intended to keep water out. Water-resistant gloves shed light moisture and breathe more easily, but water can get through in sustained wet snow. Pick based on how wet your days are.

Are mittens warmer than gloves?

Usually, because your fingers share warmth. Warmth also depends on fit and how wet your hands get.

Are ski socks different from everyday winter socks?

Yes. Ski socks are made to sit inside a boot, with padding placed where boots press and features that keep them in place. Everyday winter socks can be bulkier than a boot has room for.

Should I wear two pairs of socks?

No. One pair of ski or snowboard socks is the rule. Two pairs can bunch and restrict circulation, which can make feet colder.

Should I wear liners under my gloves?

A liner adds a layer you can adjust and lets you take off your outer glove without bare hands. A glove that already fits well may not need one, and a liner can make a snug glove too tight.

How do I look after leather gloves?

Dry them away from direct heat and recondition the leather with a balm made for it once they are fully dry. Follow the glove maker's care guide.

Can I use heated gloves with an avalanche transceiver?

Heated gloves can interfere with avalanche transceivers. Guidance from a Canadian Avalanche Association working group recommends keeping electronic devices at least 20 cm (8 inches) from a transmitting transceiver and 50 cm (20 inches) from a searching one, which can mean taking heated gloves off during a search. Check your transceiver maker's instructions as well.

Related reading

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Ski & Snowboard,  Gear Guides Oct 23, 2026

Best Ski and Snowboard Accessories for 2026/27: Gloves, Mittens, Socks and Neck Gaiters

Last Updated: October 2026


At Christy Sports, we help skiers and snowboarders match gear to their conditions, comfort and fit. The best accessory is the one that fixes your particular problem.

Cold days on the mountain usually come down to three things: your hands, your feet, and how well your face and neck are covered. A morning in the single digits can turn into a damp afternoon, and the gear that handled the first hour is not always the gear that handles the last.

Before you shop, think through what is bothering you. Do your hands get cold when the snow turns wet, or when it is simply cold? Do your boots feel snug before you add anything to them? Do you spend the day tugging a gaiter up and down? The answers point to different accessories, and a few of them point to no purchase at all.

Start with the problem

  • Hands that stay cold. Follow the fit, moisture and core checks in the hands section below. After that, try mittens or a dry liner.
  • Hands that get wet. Look for a waterproof insert or membrane. On wet storm days, choose a waterproof glove.
  • Cold feet or tight boots. Check your boot fit and how much cushion your sock adds. In a snug boot, wear one properly fitted ski or snowboard sock with less cushion.
  • A sock that bunches or slides. Choose a low-bulk sock with a smooth, snug fit, such as a zero-cushion sock.
  • A gaiter you keep adjusting. Try it on with your helmet and goggles. A hinged hood, a thinner balaclava or a different gaiter may fit better.
  • Kids who lose gloves. Pick mittens with a wrist leash.

Skiers and snowboarders share most of this list. Snowboarders put their hands down in the snow more often, adjust bindings and carry the board, so palm reinforcement and flex matter more in a glove. There are also socks made specifically for snowboarding, though the range is smaller than the ski range. A gaiter or balaclava has to work with a helmet and goggles either way. We point out the snowboard picks in the glove and sock sections.

The short version: what you need for a day on snow

  • Gloves or mittens that fit your conditions. The hands section below walks through what to check, in order.
  • Socks made for ski or snowboard boots. One pair, matched to how snug your boot is. Skip cotton.
  • A neck gaiter or balaclava you can wear with your helmet and goggles.
  • A base layer suited to the day, in merino, a merino blend or polyester.
  • Kids' pieces that stay on: mittens for small hands, one pair of ski socks, a neck warmer.

Conditions vary between the Colorado and Utah ranges and the Washington and Montana ones, so pair this guide with our layering guides for Colorado and Utah and Washington and Montana. Helmets and goggles have their own guide: Ski Goggles and Ski Helmets 2026/27: How to Choose and Match Them.

Where to spend more

You do not need the most expensive version of everything. Spend where it solves a problem you have, and keep it simple where it does not.

  • Gloves. A premium waterproof glove makes sense if you ski wet storm days often, or ride and fall a lot. A simpler glove can be enough if you ski a few mild days a year.
  • Liners. A removable liner makes sense if you ski multiple days in a row or want to swap in a dry liner.
  • Socks. A better fit matters more than a higher price.
  • Kids' gear. A pair that fits now and stays on beats a more expensive pair that does not.

How to choose gloves and mittens

Why your hands get cold

When hands stay cold, work through the causes in order. First, fit: a glove or mitten that is too tight can restrict circulation, and that makes hands colder. Second, moisture: sweat trapped inside a glove, or snowmelt outside it, pulls heat away from your hands. Third, your core: a chilled torso can leave hands cold no matter what is on them. Only after those do insulation and waterproofing become the question.

Waterproof or water-resistant

A waterproof glove has a membrane or insert built to keep water out. A water-resistant glove sheds light moisture, usually through treated leather or fabric, and breathes more easily. On wet storm days, or if you fall a lot on a board, waterproof construction is the better choice. On cold, dry days a breathable glove can feel less clammy.

For wet days, look for a waterproof insert. Dakine's Titan 2.0 GORE-TEX gloves and the women's Sequoia 2.0 are built that way, and so are Swany's X-Over gloves.

For long days in cold conditions, Hestra's Army Leather Heli Ski gloves are the leather choice: durable palms for grip, a removable liner that dries on its own, and a long cuff with a drawstring snow lock that helps keep snow out. They are better suited to cold, dry conditions than prolonged wet weather. If you regularly ski in wet snow, prioritize a glove with a waterproof membrane. Flylow's Ridge glove is another leather option, pre-treated against water.

Gloves, mittens or three-finger gloves

Gloves let you work a buckle, zip a pocket or use a phone without pulling anything off. Mittens keep your fingers together, which usually makes them warmer than a glove of similar build. That is why many people with cold hands end up in them.

You can see the trade inside one product line. Swany's X-Over comes as a glove and a mitten with Swany's waterproof insert and Insuloft insulation, so the choice comes down to your fingers. Dakine's Titan 2.0 comes both ways as well, as a glove and a mitten.

If you want more warmth in a mitt, Swany rates the women's La Down mitt at its top warmth level, with goose down and a waterproof insert. That is Swany's own rating, so use it to compare Swany with Swany.

If gloves are not warm enough but mittens feel clumsy, a three-finger glove splits the difference: your index finger gets its own space and the other three share warmth. Hestra's Heli 3-finger is one. Try one on with the liner you plan to wear.

How a glove should fit

  • Snug, with a little room, never skin-tight. Hestra's fit guide says to leave a small gap between your hand and the glove, because trapped air adds insulation, and that a tight glove can feel colder. If you are between sizes, Hestra generally recommends the larger one.
  • Make a fist, then pretend to grip a pole or a binding strap. Tightness across the back of the hand means size up.
  • Check the wrist. The cuff should cover it, with no gap where cold air gets in.
  • Try gloves with the liner you plan to wear. Leather tends to give a little as you wear it.

Small features that matter

A few features change how a glove behaves more than extra insulation does.

  • A cuff that suits your jacket. A long cuff goes over your sleeve and keeps snow out, which helps in deep snow and falls. A short cuff tucks under a sleeve and stays out of the way, as on Hestra's Freeride CZone.
  • A liner that comes out. The liner can dry on its own, and you can adapt the glove to the day. Dakine's Titan and Sequoia have one. If you do not need that, skip it.
  • A wrist leash. A small thing until a glove drops from a chairlift.
  • Touchscreen-friendly fingertips. Handy for a quick text or trail map, and the last feature to weigh.

If you snowboard

Falls, getting back up and carrying the board all put your hands on the snow, so look for waterproof protection, durable palms and enough flexibility to adjust bindings. Hestra's Freeride CZone three-finger gloves pair waterproof protection with reinforced palms and a shorter cuff that stays out of the way. They also suit skiers who prefer a shorter cuff. Burton's Profile gloves and mittens and Dakine's Titan and Sequoia are other waterproof options to try on.

More options live in the gloves and mittens category.

Your boot decides how much sock you can wear

A thick sock bought for cold feet can leave a boot too tight. A sock is padding, and padding takes room your foot also needs. In a snug boot, a thick sock can bunch and press on the foot, which can restrict circulation and leave it colder, not warmer. Two other mistakes: cotton, which holds sweat against the skin, and wearing two pairs at once. One pair of ski or snowboard socks is the rule.

Cushion levels, in plain terms

Brands name their cushion levels differently, so read the description and not only the label. The ideas underneath are the same.

  • Zero cushion means a thin sock with no added padding, so it takes the least room. Smartwool's Ski Zero Cushion over-the-calf socks are built that way, and the women's version has a narrower heel. In a snug boot, a sock that bunches or slides becomes a pressure point of its own, which is why a secure, low-bulk sock matters. Le Bent's The Fit Zero Cushion Snow Socks have an elasticated instep meant to keep the sock from bunching underfoot, so they suit boots that already fit closely. If you need extra padding around pressure points, try a sock with targeted cushioning instead.
  • Light or targeted cushion puts padding only where a boot presses. Smartwool's Ski Extra Stretch over-the-calf sock is a targeted-cushion sock with an extra-stretch calf for fuller calves.
  • Extra cushion adds more padding for a roomier boot or a colder day. Darn Tough's Function X (also in women's) has terry-loop cushioning underfoot and a shin pad.

None of these levels is a warmth ranking. More cushion is not automatically better in a snug boot, and zero is not automatically better in a roomy one.

Merino or synthetic

Merino blends and synthetic socks both manage moisture. Merino is popular for comfort and odor resistance, and synthetic suits anyone who prefers a non-wool feel. Fit decides more than fiber, so pick the sock that stays smooth and comfortable inside your boot.

For snowboard boots

Burton's Party Lap socks (women's) are knee-high and made for riding, and Stance's Medium Performance Wool snow socks have medium cushioning and graduated compression. The socks category shows the full range.

When the sock is not the problem

If you are wearing one properly fitted pair of ski or snowboard socks and still experience numbness, pressure points, heel lift or cold feet, your boot fit is worth checking. A different sock will not necessarily solve a boot-fit problem. The ski boots and bindings guide and the snowboard boots and bindings guide cover that conversation.

Base layers for how you run

The layer against your skin moves moisture away so the rest of your clothing can work, and the right one depends more on you than on the label. If you run warm on the way up and cool off at the top, a lighter layer is easier to manage. If you spend long stretches on cold chairlifts or standing around between runs, a heavier layer will serve you better. Either way, it should fit snug against your skin.

Merino and synthetic base layers both move moisture, so choose the one you find comfortable. Our layering guides cover what goes over it. A few examples across the range:

  • Lightweight merino: Smartwool's All-Season Merino long sleeve in men's and women's.
  • For colder days: Le Bent's midweight crew in men's and women's, a merino and bamboo-rayon blend.
  • Polyester: Hot Chillys' Micro-Elite Chamois crewneck in men's and women's.

Face and neck coverage you will keep on

A neck gaiter pulls up and down easily. A balaclava or hood covers more and stays put. Choose the one you will leave on when the wind picks up.

Whatever you choose, check it with your goggles and helmet on:

  • Check the helmet fit. A thick balaclava can crowd a helmet and open a gap above the goggles. Put the helmet on over it, and follow the helmet maker's fitting instructions.
  • Mind the goggle seal. Fabric bunched under the goggle frame can break the foam seal and block the lower vents. Pull it smooth.
  • Point your breath away from the lenses. A covering that sends warm, damp air up into the goggles can add to fogging. A breathable fabric helps.
  • Bring your own helmet and goggles when you try one on, because eye openings and frame shapes differ.

Turtle Fur's Luxe Shinobi balaclava is hinged, so it works as a balaclava or a neck warmer. Smartwool's Merino Tube gives you a merino option. Seirus's Micro Clava is thin micro fleece that wears as a mask, a hood or a balaclava.

Explore the neck gaiters and face masks category for the full range. Our hats and beanies category is the place to browse for your head.

Gear for kids

Kids' hands tend to give out before the rest of them, and kids drop things. Start with the pieces that do the most work.

  • Mittens for younger kids. Fingers kept together stay warmer, and small hands often find fingered gloves frustrating. A mitten with finger channels gives some finger use. Pick mittens a child can put on and take off with little help, and check that the cuffs work with their jacket sleeves. Swany's Junior X-Change comes as gloves and mitts with a waterproof insert and a leash system, so a dropped mitten dangles instead of vanishing off the lift. Sizes run XS to XL.
  • One pair of ski socks, never cotton. Smartwool's Kids' Sleigh Bear is over-the-calf with light cushion and sized by shoe size, so it can stay smooth inside the boot.
  • Something for the neck. Turtle Fur's kids' plush-lined neck warmer is double-layered and fleece-lined, and Turtle Fur sizes it for ages 3 to 6. Buff's youth polar neck warmer is a lighter option made from PrimaLoft fleece.

Try things on over the layers your child will wear. Dry gloves and boot liners fully between days, because moisture left in them makes cold feet colder. More gear is on the kids' page.

Heated gloves

Work through the hands checks above first, because fit, moisture and layering problems cost less to fix than battery heat. If your hands still run cold, heated gloves are a reasonable next step. They run on rechargeable batteries, so you charge them before you go, and the heat adds to a glove's insulation rather than replacing it.

Hestra, for one, warns on its European product pages that its heated gauntlet may interfere with avalanche transceivers. Guidance from a Canadian Avalanche Association working group recommends keeping electronic devices, including heated gloves, at least 20 cm (8 inches) from a transmitting transceiver and 50 cm (20 inches) from a searching one. That can mean taking heated gloves off during a search. Check your transceiver maker's instructions as well.

For more on heated gear, see our heated gear guide, or browse the warmers and electronic heating category.

Care, waterproofing and traction

  • Leather care. Leather gloves last longer with a little care. Hestra makes a leather balm for its goat leather and cowhide sport gloves, and its care guide says to let gloves dry completely first and then recondition the leather.
  • Waterproofing for outerwear. Nikwax's TX.Direct Spray-On is a spray-on waterproofing for wet-weather clothing such as jackets and pants. For gloves, look for a product made for them.
  • Traction for walking. Yaktrax's Pro fits over your footwear for walking on packed snow and ice, which makes it handy in the parking lot and around the base area.

Get the fit checked in a shop

Gloves, socks and face coverings all depend on how they fit with your other gear, so try them together. In a Christy Sports store you can put gloves on over the liner you plan to wear, test a sock inside your own boot, and check a face covering with your goggles and helmet on. Bring the gear you already own.

Common questions

Do skiers and snowboarders need different accessories?

Mostly the same ones. The differences are in the hands, where riders often want palm reinforcement and flex because they use their hands on the snow and carry the board, and in socks, where there are styles made for riding. Face coverings, base layers and kids' pieces work the same for both.

What is the difference between waterproof and water-resistant gloves?

Waterproof gloves use a membrane or insert intended to keep water out. Water-resistant gloves shed light moisture and breathe more easily, but water can get through in sustained wet snow. Pick based on how wet your days are.

Are mittens warmer than gloves?

Usually, because your fingers share warmth. Warmth also depends on fit and how wet your hands get.

Are ski socks different from everyday winter socks?

Yes. Ski socks are made to sit inside a boot, with padding placed where boots press and features that keep them in place. Everyday winter socks can be bulkier than a boot has room for.

Should I wear two pairs of socks?

No. One pair of ski or snowboard socks is the rule. Two pairs can bunch and restrict circulation, which can make feet colder.

Should I wear liners under my gloves?

A liner adds a layer you can adjust and lets you take off your outer glove without bare hands. A glove that already fits well may not need one, and a liner can make a snug glove too tight.

How do I look after leather gloves?

Dry them away from direct heat and recondition the leather with a balm made for it once they are fully dry. Follow the glove maker's care guide.

Can I use heated gloves with an avalanche transceiver?

Heated gloves can interfere with avalanche transceivers. Guidance from a Canadian Avalanche Association working group recommends keeping electronic devices at least 20 cm (8 inches) from a transmitting transceiver and 50 cm (20 inches) from a searching one, which can mean taking heated gloves off during a search. Check your transceiver maker's instructions as well.

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