Cold hands are usually the first reason a kid wants to go inside. Kids’ hands are small and lose heat fast, and kids will tell you about it at the top of the lift. Getting it right comes down to four things: mittens or gloves, the right size, the right warmth for the day, and gloves that stay on.
Squad Gore-Tex Mitt Jr and Squad Gore-Tex Glove Jr, $80. Gore-Tex protection sized for kids. The Gore-Tex waterproof/breathable membrane keeps snow and slush out, and a synthetic leather palm and Zone mapped Insuloft 160g insulation handle the rest. The mitt has finger channels, with lining and insulation between each finger for extra warmth. It’s rated warmer than the Scout, built for 20°F to -10°F (-7°C to -23°C), and both versions have a secure leash system. It’s the one for wet storm days, colder resorts and kids who spend more time in the snow than on it.
mittens or gloves for kids?
Mittens are warmer. Fingers share one insulated space and warm each other. For younger kids and kids whose hands run cold, start with a mitten like the Scout Mitt Jr.
Finger channels make them even warmer. The Squad Gore-Tex Mitt Jr and X-Change Jr Mitt have finger channels, so there’s lining and insulation between each finger. That adds warmth and gives a more natural grip.
Gloves give more dexterity. Older kids who carry poles, work their own buckles or ride in a ski program often like gloves better. The Scout Glove Jr and Squad Gore-Tex Glove Jr come in the same builds as the mitts.
Read more in Gloves or Mittens for Skiing?
getting the size right
A glove that fits keeps hands warmer. Measure around the palm of your kid’s dominant hand at the widest part, below the knuckles and not including the thumb. Then find the measurement below.
| Size | Juniors | Tots |
|---|---|---|
| XS | Age 3–4 · 5.7–5.9" | — |
| S | Age 5–6 · 5.9–6.1" | Age 1–2 |
| M | Age 7–8 · 6.1–6.3" | Age 3–4 |
| L | Age 9–10 · 6.3–6.5" | Age 5–6 |
| XL | Age 11–12 · 6.5–6.7" | — |
Ages are a starting point. The measurement is more reliable, and the Digital Size Finder can measure your kid’s hand with your phone camera.
easy on, stays on
If you’ve ever wrestled a mitten onto a three-year-old in a parking lot, you know why this matters.
- Zap Mitt Tots and Zap Glove have a long EZ-ON zipper that opens wide for a hassle-free fit.
- Spark Mitt Tots has an easy-on closure designed so kids can put them on themselves.
- X-Change Jr (glove, mitt), X-Over Jr (glove, mitt) and Squad Gore-Tex Jr (glove, mitt) all have a secure leash system so a glove doesn’t end up under the chairlift.
how warm do they need?
Match the warmth to the coldest temperature they’ll actually be out in.
- Warmer (30°F to 0°F / 0°C to -15°C): Zap Mitt Tots, Spark Mitt Tots, Scout Mitt Jr and Scout Glove Jr
- Extra Warm (20°F to -10°F / -7°C to -23°C): Squad Gore-Tex Jr (glove, mitt), X-Over Jr (glove, mitt) and X-Change Jr (glove, mitt)
See the full Warmth Ratings for details.
the pocket trick
The X-Change Jr (glove, mitt) and X-Over Jr (glove, mitt) have the same zippered utility pocket as the adult versions. On the coldest days, tuck a Swany Hand Warmer in. When they warm up, unzip the pocket to vent.
quick picks
For toddlers: The Zap Mitt Tots ($40) has 140g Insuloft insulation, a waterproof/windproof insert and the long EZ-ON zipper. For a first day on snow, the First Start Mitt Tots ($30) is soft, cozy and has a secure attachment system.
For a first season: The Scout Jr (mitt, glove, $50) has a soft shell, a synthetic leather palm and a Dryfinger waterproof/breathable insert.
For full days in real cold: The X-Over Jr (mitt, glove, $60) has Zone mapped Insuloft 160g insulation, Drivent waterproof/breathable protection and the utility pocket.
For Gore-Tex protection: The Squad Gore-Tex Jr (mitt, glove, $80) pairs a Gore-Tex membrane with a synthetic leather palm.
For kids who ski hard: The X-Change Jr (glove, mitt, $99) has a performance leather palm, Triplex insulation, Dryfinger and the utility pocket. It’s the same build as our adult gloves.
the bottom line
Warm kids ski longer. Pick mittens if they run cold, measure their hand instead of guessing, match the warmth to the day, and use the pocket when it’s bitter. Then you’re the one deciding when it’s time to go in.
Share: