The worst thing that can happen on a snowfield is your fingers getting wet, blue, and numb due to the wrong gloves. Therefore, it is essential to choose the best gloves for winter. Comfort is not the only thing and gloves are crucial to prevent heat loss and cold-induced illnesses, such as hypothermia or frostbite. Sometimes less experienced snowboarders make the mistake of thinking that the cheapest gloves are enough for them.

You need to keep in mind various factors before choosing from the best gloves for winter:
Climate: Climate of the locale where you will be snowboarding is an important point. You need better protection if you are snowboarding in Japan than in summer in New Zealand.

Style: Your style of snowboardingdownhill or cross-country is what decides the type of gloves you will require. Cross country gloves or the best ski gloves are made breathable due to the intensity of skiing and the sweating of the palms.

Insulation: Insulation keeps your hands warm. The insulating material is made suitable for the climate you plan snowboarding in. Materials like fleece, synthetic fill, and wool are used in the best gloves for winter, or sometimes a mix of all. Primaloft insulation is the warmest, while Enduroloft and Highloft are highly rated insulation material. Insulation needs to be breathable and able to dry the moisture.

Waterproofing:  Waterproofing protects your hands from elements like snow, wind, and rain. Waterproofing and insulation work together. Leather and Gore-Tex are the most common waterproofing materials that are used. If you have leather gloves, treat them to maintain their waterproof-ness.

Removable lining: The gloves come in double layers. This means that the outer layer will be removable and offers more warmth. They adapt to different conditions. Different layers mean they dry out faster.

Gloves or mittens: This is an old question which is often repeated. Gloves or mitten is a personal choice. Some people tend to prefer mittens as they offer more warmth and keep more heat trapped between the fingers. Gloves are needed if you are handling equipment like zips and straps.

Heating: Self-heating gloves are a lifesaver for skiers and boarders who face poor circulation. Some include a battery-powered heating device. The batteries add bulk to your hands. Other gloves contain zip-up pockets designed specifically to hold disposable hand warmers.

Touch screen capability: Everyone wants to use their phones to take selfies, video footage, use your phone, iPod, and camera without removing your gloves. These help in saving your fingers from freezing.

Gauntlet: A gauntlet is a piece of fabric that extends beyond the wrist to fit over your jacket sleeves. It helps prevent the snow from entering your gloves. They tend to be warmer and acts as extra protection over your wrist.