Nobody wants cold fingers while out on the mountain. Though most ski gloves keep your hands nice and toasty, there are times when you need some extra warmth. That is where liners come in to provide you with an added layer that prevents your fingers from freezing.
In my decades of skiing, I have seen nearly every winter condition imaginable. And I’ve used dozens of different liners to help boost warmth and protection against the elements. I know what to look for in the best options out there.
The Icebreaker Apex is my top pick for the best ski glove liners of the season. These are very warm and comfortable, thanks to a Merino wool construction. They are lightweight and will fit underneath just about any set of ski gloves.
There are a few other great options to choose from, and I’ll give you all the best ski glove liners in this post. Liners are good to have around even if you don’t use them very often. You can keep them in a pocket and use them when the temps turn frigid.
Let’s bundle up and get rolling.
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Who Should Get This
Liners are great for skiers who often find themselves on cold runs or in particularly freezing conditions. The mountain can be a chilly place, especially at higher elevations. As such, everyone in extreme areas will appreciate getting some extra heat on their hands.
Skiers who have naturally cold hands or find themselves getting cold quickly can also use a good liner. If you find that your regular gloves don’t cut it, the models in this guide will provide you with excellent results.
I think that every skier should have a pair of glove liners stuffed into their jacket or pants pocket, just in case the weather turns bad, and you need an extra boost of warmth. They are affordable, and even if you don’t use them, the peace of mind is priceless.
Should you wear glove liners when skiing?
You don’t have to always wear glove liners when skiing, but I recommend that every skier has a pair of them just in case they are needed. You can easily stash them in a pocket or your car for easy access if the temperature gets cold and your hands need extra warmth.
Do glove liners really work?
Glove liners do work by adding another layer of material to insulate and protect from the wind and cold. However, the trick is to use them before your hands get cold. If you wait until your hands are freezing, it’s always more difficult to warm them back up.
Can glove liners be used as gloves?
Yes, you can use glove liners as regular gloves depending on the conditions and your preferences. Most liners offer decent amounts of protection against the wind, and some are even waterproof. They can be used in the spring or any other warmer skiing conditions.
What is the best material for glove liners?
There are several suitable materials used for glove liners. I personally like Merino wool because I think it’s the most comfortable and warmest. But silk is another good option. Some synthetic materials work great as well.
Best Ski Glove Liners Reviewed
Here are my picks for the best ski glove liners of the season. All of the models here are recommended and built to offer reliable added warmth.
1. Best Overall: Icebreaker Apex
- Key features: Warm, comfortable, lightweight, odor-resistant, UV protection, slim fit
- Materials: 260 Grams Merino Wool
- Grip: Average
- Cost: $$
The Icebreaker Apex earns my pick for the best ski glove liners of the season. This is a very warm and comfortable option that will fit in nearly any type of ski glove. They will also last you for years of continued use.
A Merino wool construction gives you a lot of warmth. This material is also incredibly soft to provide additional comfort, and it has natural odor-resistant properties.
These come with a true-to-size fit and are available in multiple size options, so they should work for just about everyone.
They don’t have any added grip material, so they can be slippery if they get wet. You’ll also want to make sure you always wash these on cold, so they don’t shrink.
2. Also Great: ibex Glove Liner
- Best for: Lightweight Performance
- Key features: Lightweight, warm, durable, low profile, touch-screen compatible, many size options
- Materials: Merino wool, Lycra Elastane
- Grip: Good
- Cost: $$
The ibex Glove Liner is a great option that delivers lightweight performance that you can rely on. These liners work really well paired with a heavier outer glove or can be used by themselves on warmer ski days.
A Merino wool and Lycra Elastane construction give you the best of both worlds when it comes to comfort and warmth. The wool will insulate your hands even when it gets wet and the liners are slightly stretchy for a comfort-focused fit.
They also feature a low-profile stitching that helps reduce bulk, giving you an easy fit under your big ski gloves. A conductive layer on the thumb and index finger makes them touch screen compatible as well.
There isn’t much of a downside to mention here. They aren’t the cheapest option on the list, but they are still relatively affordable.
3. Most Comfortable: Alaska Bear Natural Silk
- Key features: Comfortable, slim fit, durable, moisture-wicking, breathable, soft
- Materials: Silk
- Grip: Average
- Cost: $
The Alaska Bear Natural Silk glove liners will give your hands a very comfortable experience no matter how or where you like to ski.
These have a long-strand mulberry silk construction that is exceptionally soft and smooth. Your hands will thank you when you are wearing them. They are a good option for anyone who deals with skin issues on their hands, such as dryness or itchiness.
They are also very breathable and have natural moisture-wicking properties to ensure your hands stay dry when you work up a sweat.
These aren’t the warmest glove liners on the list, and you’ll want to be careful with them to make sure they don’t pill up.
4. Best Functionality: The North Face Apex Etip
- Key features: Versatile, durable, radiometric articulation, silicone gripper palm, stretch fit
- Materials: Polyester and Elastane
- Grip: Great
- Cost: $$$
The North Face Apex Etip liners are a solid option for any skier who wants added versatility out of their equipment. These can be used as glove inserts or easily worn on their own in not as cold weather.
They have a synthetic construction of polyester and elastane that makes them very comfortable. This also enhances durability to get many seasons of reliable use.
A silicone gripper palm allows you to hang on tight to anything you need to, and the liners are also touch-screen compatible, so you don’t need to take them off to use a phone.
These can be a bit bulky if used with tight-fitting gloves.
5. Best Fit: Seirus Innovation Arctic Silk
- Key features: Great fit, soft lining, moisture-wicking, good grip, form-fitting
- Materials: Silk, Leather, Nylon
- Grip: Good
- Cost: $$
If you are looking for liners that simply fit great, the Seirus Innovation Arctic Silk is a highly recommended choice.
These have a form-fitting construction that works with the natural shape of your hand to create an easy to enjoy experience.
A leather, silk, and nylon construction give you a nice blend of comfort and performance, and the nylon palm increases grip.
These have a tight fit on purpose, so just be aware of that if you like more loose-fitting liners.
6. Most Durable: Mountain Hardwear Powerstretch Stimulus
- Key features: Durable, comfortable, touchscreen-compatible, 4-way stretch fabric, breathable
- Materials: Polyester and Elastane
- Grip: Good
- Cost: $$
The Mountain Hardwear Powerstretch Stimulus is one of the most durable ski glove liners you can find.
These have a synthetic construction of polyester and elastane that make them very resistant to abrasions, tears, or premature wear.
They are also touch-screen compatible to offer added convenience on the slopes and have a 4-way stretch construction for extra comfort.
These are somewhat expensive, and the wrist cuffs can fit a little tight.
7. Budget Option: Terramar Thermasilk
- Key features: Affordable, comfortable, quick-dry, odor-resistant, multiple sizes available
- Materials: Silk
- Grip: Average
- Cost: $
If you want a highly affordable but still very effective option, look at the Terramar Thermasilk liners.
These are made with 100% silk but still have an appealing price tag, which is a definite win for any skier on a budget.
They also come with a Quick-Dri technology that uses your body heat to speed up the drying time if they happen to get wet. The liners are also highly comfortable, as most silk options tend to be.
I wouldn’t really use these for anything other than liners. They aren’t very durable and can rip if you use them as standalone gloves for anything serious.
How to Choose Ski Glove Liners
Here are some essential factors to consider when choosing ski glove liners. While they might seem like simple items, there’s a significant difference between the average and the best models.
Comfort and Fit
You want to treat your liners like you would your regular gloves. As such, they need to feel comfortable on your hands. Ones that are too tight will constrict you while you ride, and if they are too loose, they will add on extra weight.
In addition, always check for any seams or edges that may rub against your skin, and try to find liners that, while warm, are thin in a way that still allows you to be flexible. You don’t want to struggle when putting your liners inside of your gloves.
Material
Liners are made out of many different types of materials. A lot of the options you’ll find on this list are made out of silk. While that might seem strange from a warmth perspective, this material actually does well to keep you insulated and comfortable.
Other common materials used included synthetic and wool. They can both function at high levels, and it just depends on your preferences. Merino wool is very soft and warm, while synthetic materials dry very quickly and offer added water-resistant properties.
Ventilation
Extra layers add warmth, but they can also bog you down. No matter what type of skiing you enjoy, chances are you’re going to sweat. Always look for liners that help wick away moisture in a way that allows your hands to breathe.
While they may look great, some models don’t have the materials needed to keep you fresh. Favor lighter materials, such as silk or Spandex, and focus on models that actively help you stay dry. You always want liners to dry out quickly, so they keep you warm.
Thickness
The point of a liner is to add warmth, but they don’t all need to act as a second glove. Some options are extremely thin, while others are a bit thicker. Get one that works with your glove, acting as a sub-layer that helps bring in warmth without suffocating your skin.
Also, make sure your liner protects your wrist. Many skiers overlook that part of the arm, which tends to get quite cold when the snow starts falling. Some liners come with an elastic cuff to help prevent snow from getting inside.
Useful Tips & Resources
The above liners are a great way to keep your hands toasty in all skiing conditions. However, they don’t do much for the rest of your body. If you want more tips on ways to keep warm out on the mountain, check out this guide.
Another tip for keeping your hands warm as you ski is eating a big breakfast full of carbohydrates. This will help stoke your metabolic furnace, which will increase circulation, resulting in warmer hands, feet, and everything else.
Liners are not necessary for every skier, but I think they are one of the ‘must-have’ accessories that every skier can benefit from. If you want to learn more about a few of the other accessories to consider on the slopes, check out the video below.
Final Verdict
The Icebreaker Apex is my pick for the best overall ski glove liners of the year. These are some of the warmest and most comfortable liners you can find. They also have a slim fit that will work with just about any type of ski glove.
Liners can make your ski day a lot better when the temperatures plunge and your extremities start to freeze. All of the models you find here are built to provide skiers with comfort, warmth, and an added layer of protection against the elements.
