Why Buy a High-End Ski Glove?
Need a new pair of ski gloves? Choosing the right pair boosts your comfort, dexterity and confidence, keeping you out shredding even on the coldest days. Start Haus in Truckee carries a spectrum of choices, including top rated Hestra Alpine and Freestyle gloves, offering durability and flexibility for skiers who put high demands on their equipment. Hestra has been making gloves since 1936 and they are used and tested by the Swedish and Norwegian National Ski Teams.
Why go with a high-end glove? Even a 9-year-old can tell the difference. I thought my husband was crazy buying our daughter a pair of Hestra gloves her second year of ski racing. They were at least twice what I thought we should spend for something I was sure she would lose by her third race. The increased warmth, comfort and flexibility of the gloves were more than worth the cost. Those gloves were like armor to her. She didn't complain about cold hands the entire season and she carefully tucked them inside her fluorescent pink, Julia Mancuso-signed helmet after each use. She proudly used them for two seasons and then we passed them on to another lucky kid and bought her a larger pair.
When purchasing new gloves, consider these criteria - waterproof, breathability, insulation, lining, fit and cuff length. Synthetic gloves tend to be more waterproof than leather, but leather provides a better grip, comfort and durability. Hestra's top rated Heli Glove provides the best of both worlds with a hybrid synthetic/Gore-Tex and leather design in a gauntlet style glove. If you decide on leather gloves, be sure to regularly treat them with waterproofing wax or spray.
Breathability is key and insulation doesn't have to be thick to be warm. The technology of high-end gloves is superior to big box-store brands. Good insulation allows vapor to pass through to the outer shell to keep your hands dry and warmer. High tech insulators are woven tighter, making them thinner and more comfortable while providing maximum warmth.
Unless you're replacing a pair of gloves with a style you're familiar with, trying on gloves is a step you shouldn't skip. If your gloves are too big, they won't provide the insulation and flexibility needed for hours out on the mountain. Cuff length is mostly personal preference, but your main concern is keeping the snow out of your gloves and jacket. Some jacket styles work well for a short wrist-length cuff to go under and some are meant for a longer style to go over. Come into Start Haus and talk to our friendly staff and see what gloves are best for you.
And check out our entire line of Ski Gloves here!