So there you are, mid-mountain, poles slipping like wet spaghetti, trying to grab the rope tow without sliding back down like a cartoon character. You look down, and it hits you: your ski gloves are warm, sure, but slicker than an old iPod on a tiled bathroom floor.
And what’s skiing without grip? From carrying your skis through the parking lot to holding poles steady during a downhill charge, grip matters more than most people think. Lose it, and suddenly you’re fumbling gear, dropping lift tickets, or worse—struggling to hold that après-ski hot chocolate without burning your hands.
Honestly, I’ve been there. I once borrowed a friend’s gloves that looked brand-new but had all the grip of a bar of soap. Two runs later, I was ready to throw them off the lift.
So the big question: how do you add grip to ski gloves without trashing them? Let’s break it down.
Why Ski Glove Grip Fails
Well, gloves aren’t immortal. Over time, palms wear smooth, leather dries out, coatings peel away. Even brand-new gloves sometimes lack grip because manufacturers focus on insulation, waterproofing, or style over practical details.
And let’s not forget—the mountain environment is brutal. Snow, ice, wet metal chairlifts, plastic ski poles. All of it chews away at glove surfaces.
So if your gloves feel slippery, you’re not imagining it. They really are losing their hold.
Method 1: Grip Tape (The Old-School Fix)
Grip tape isn’t just for skateboards. You can use sports grip tape (like the kind for tennis rackets or hockey sticks) on the palm or fingers of your gloves.
How to do it:
- Cut strips of grip tape.
- Apply to key contact areas—fingers, thumb, palm.
- Press firmly, flexing gloves so they don’t stiffen.
Pros? Cheap, easy, removable. Cons? Doesn’t last forever, and if it’s abrasive, it can chew through fabric fast.
From my experience, hockey stick tape works better than skate grip tape because it’s tacky, not sandpaper-y.
Method 2: Silicone Add-Ons
So, here’s a fun one—silicone. You can literally buy silicone sealant (like the stuff for bathrooms) and dab patterns on your glove palms. Circles, stripes, grids—whatever design feels right. Once cured, the silicone adds a sticky, rubbery grip.
Pros: Waterproof, durable, customizable.
Cons: Messy to apply, takes hours to dry, and smells funky when fresh.
Pro tip? Use a toothpick to spread thin lines instead of blobs. Blobs harden into awkward lumps.
Method 3: Liquid Rubber Coatings
There are products like Plasti Dip or rubberized sprays made for tools. A light coat on your glove palms can restore grip and even add waterproofing.
Think of it like giving your gloves new skin.
But be careful—too thick, and your gloves feel stiff. Too thin, and it flakes. Always test on a small area first.
Method 4: Sew-On Grip Pads
This one takes more effort, but it’s worth it. You can sew patches of grippy material (like textured rubber fabric, neoprene, or even suede) onto glove palms.
Yes, it involves a needle and thread. And yes, it’s harder than just slapping on tape. But it lasts longer and looks cleaner.
Honestly, if you’ve got an old pair of climbing shoes or bike gloves lying around, cut pieces from them. Upcycling for the win.
Method 5: Duct Tape (Because Of Course)
Would this even be a real mountain guide without duct tape?
Wrap a strip around your palm or fingers for instant grip. It’s not elegant, but it works. Just know it peels fast, especially in wet snow.
I once taped the palms of my gloves with black Gorilla Tape during a trip in Colorado. Not only did it add grip, but it also made me feel like I was wearing tactical gear. Silly? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely.
Everyday Grip Boosters
Sometimes you don’t need a full DIY overhaul. Small tweaks help too:
- Chalk/dry hands: Keeps gloves from slipping when sweaty.
- Hand warmers inside gloves: Less moisture means better grip.
- Proper sizing: Loose gloves slip more than snug ones.
It’s not always about adding something—it’s about keeping conditions right.
Pros and Cons of Each Method
| Method | Pros | Cons |
| Grip Tape | Cheap, easy, removable | Wears off quickly, can be rough |
| Silicone Dots/Lines | Waterproof, customizable | Messy, long drying time |
| Rubber Spray | Waterproof, durable | Can stiffen fabric, tricky to apply |
| Sew-On Pads | Permanent, strong | Time-consuming, needs skill |
| Duct Tape | Fast, universal | Temporary, leaves residue |
Story Time: The Drop Incident
Flashback to 2009. Me and a buddy were skiing in Tahoe, and I had these slick nylon gloves that were about as grippy as glass. Mid-run, I lost hold of a ski pole—it tumbled all the way down the slope like a runaway lightsaber.
I had to ski down with one pole, looking like an amateur. Back at the lodge, I grabbed some cheap silicone bathroom sealant from the gear shop’s “emergency kit” bin. Dabbed dots all over my glove palms, let them cure overnight.
Next day? Problem solved. My gloves were ugly as sin, but my poles didn’t budge once. Sometimes ugly wins.
FAQs People Actually Ask
Q: Can I use super glue for grip?
Not really. It hardens sharp and uncomfortable. Stick to rubber or silicone.
Q: Will adding grip ruin waterproofing?
Depends on method. Silicone and rubber sprays can improve waterproofing. Tape and sewing may create weak spots.
Q: How long do DIY grips last?
Tape: a few runs. Silicone: weeks. Rubber spray: a season. Sewn pads: potentially years.
Q: Is there a quick fix for a single day?
Yes—hockey tape or duct tape wrapped around your palms. Not pretty, but effective.
Final Thoughts
So, adding grip to ski gloves isn’t rocket science. It’s about knowing your options—fast fixes, long-term solutions, or total glove makeovers. Sometimes you just need a strip of tape. Other times, a little silicone craft project saves the season.
But the real question is—are you the kind of skier who wants a clean, permanent fix, or the kind who laughs at their duct-taped palms and keeps charging downhill anyway?
Either way, you’ve got choices. Grip is fixable. And trust me—your ski poles, your hot chocolate, and your sanity will thank you.
