Top 5 Snowboard Mittens for Winter Season

This year’s roundup of the best snowboard mittens features a mix of legendary staples and high-tech performers. For anyone who likes to snowboard, rides deep powder, and enjoys that loose, surfy feel, a pair of warm, comfortable mittens is a mandatory piece of kit.

We tested these mittens in the proving grounds of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Over the course of a long season, these mitts saw everything: early season biting cold, mid-winter negative temperatures, endless deep powder days, and even the wet slush of spring.

Mittens vs. Gloves: The Strategy
Here is how I approach my handwear system: I ride downhill with mittens for maximum warmth. However, when I am splitboarding in the backcountry (see our essential splitboard gear list here), I opt for gloves (check out our best snowboard gloves) on the way up. Gloves offer better dexterity for holding [splitboard poles] and managing transitions. But once it’s time to drop in, the mittens come out.

Whether you are a knuckle-dragger or a two-planker, keep in mind that all of these options work exactly the same for skiing and would easily top a list of the best ski mittens as well.

Here are our top 5 picks for the best snowboard mittens of the year.

Hestra Fall Line Mitt

The “Daily Driver”

The mitten I found myself rocking most often while riding this season—and honestly, for the last few seasons—is the Hestra Fall Line Mitt. This is my daily driver for a reason. Hestra brings nearly 90 years of manufacturing experience to the table, and you can feel it the second you slide your hand inside.

Constructed from impregnated cowhide, these mittens are incredibly durable. The Bemberg polyester lining with foam insulation provides a level of warmth that feels cozy without being overly bulky. I personally love the neoprene cuff with the Velcro closure; it slides under jacket cuffs easily for a seamless seal against the snow.

The Verdict: These are some of the softest snowboard mittens I have ever used. They handle the cold, they handle the abuse of grabbing edges, and they look better the more you wear them.

Black Diamond Mercury Mitts

The “Deep Freeze” Solution

When the thermometer in Teton Village drops to -20°F, the Black Diamond Mercury Mitts are the first thing I grab. These are widely considered the warmest patrol-grade mitts on the market.

What makes them a top contender for the best snowboard mitt in severe cold? It’s the combination of a fully waterproof BD.dry™ insert and the removable split-finger liner filled with PrimaLoft Gold insulation. The shell is lightweight but abrasion-resistant, and the high-loft fleece lining feels like a sleeping bag for your hands.

The Verdict: If you suffer from cold hands or ride in arctic conditions, these are non-negotiable. They are a bit bulkier than the Fall Line, but when it’s that cold, warmth is the only metric that matters.

Burton GORE-TEX Mittens

The “Versatile Workhorse”

You can’t write a list of the best snowboard mittens without including the Burton GORE-TEX Mitt. It is arguably the most popular mitten in snowboarding history, and for good reason: versatility.

This mitt features a 2-in-1 system. You get a guaranteed-to-keep-you-dry GORE-TEX shell, plus a removable four-way stretch fleece liner. On warmer spring days, I run just the shell. On freezing mornings, I use both. A huge bonus is the “Screen Grab” Toughgrip palm, which actually lets you check your phone on the lift without exposing your bare skin to the elements.

The Verdict: Reliable, waterproof, and tech-savvy. This is the Swiss Army knife of handwear.

Arc’teryx Fission SV Mitten

The “Technical Masterpiece”

If budget is less of a concern and performance is paramount, the Arc’teryx Fission SV (Severe Weather) is a beast. Arc’teryx applied their legendary outerwear tech to these mitts, using a mix of Fortius™ 1.0 softshell for durability and GORE-TEX for total weatherproofing.

Testing these in the Jackson backcountry, I was impressed by the warmth-to-weight ratio. They use Octa® Loft breathable insulation, which manages moisture incredibly well—meaning your hands don’t get clammy when you’re working hard. The premium leather reinforcements on the palm and fingers add grip and durability where you need it most.

The Verdict: These are likely the best ski mittens for alpinists and riders who demand high-output performance in the nastiest weather

The North Face Montana Ski Mittens

The “All-Rounder”

The North Face Montana Mittens have been a staple on the slopes for years. Updated recently with their proprietary waterproofing technology (often DryVent™ or FUTURELIGHT™ depending on the model year), these mitts are designed to keep moisture out while letting sweat escape.

They feature a longer gauntlet style that goes over your jacket cuff, which is great for deep powder days to prevent snow from creeping in at the wrist. They also include Etip™ functionality, allowing you to use touchscreen devices, and a high-pile fleece lining that feels instantly warm.

The Verdict: A solid, accessible choice that balances tech, warmth, and durability for the everyday resort rider.

Comparison Table: At a Glance

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right handwear comes down to your local conditions. In Jackson Hole, we need gear that can handle the full spectrum. Whether you grab the bombproof Black Diamond Mercury for the coldest days or stick with the stylish Hestra Fall Line as your daily driver, keeping your hands warm is the key to riding from first chair to last call.

Related Mittens We Tested Snowboarding

1. Burton GORE-TEX Mittens
2. Vermont Glove Chopper Mittens
3. Flylow Oven Mittens