So there you are, halfway up a chairlift, the snow falling like confetti in an old Christmas movie, when you suddenly feel it — that icy trickle running down your wrist. One glove soaked through, your fingers stiff as popsicles. And then it hits you: “Why didn’t I pack a spare pair?”
Honestly, we all learn this lesson at least once. I remember my first trip to Whistler in the late 2000s — my gloves froze solid after a wipeout, and I spent two miserable runs trying to warm my hands by clenching them in my armpits. If I’d carried extra gloves, the day would have been saved. Instead, I sat in the lodge, watching friends ski powder.
So, how do you carry extra gloves on the slopes without feeling like you’re hauling luggage around? Let’s break it down.
Why Bring Extra Gloves in the First Place?
Gloves aren’t just accessories. They’re lifelines.
- Moisture happens: Snow sneaks in during crashes, or kids eat snow like it’s cotton candy, and suddenly gloves are soaked.
- Temperature shifts: Mornings can be frigid, but by afternoon you’re sweating.
- Emergencies: A ripped glove or lost mitten mid-slope is more than annoying — it can end your day.
- Kids: Gloves are the first thing they lose. Ask any parent.
Step 1: Choose the Right Backup Pair
Don’t just toss in another bulky pair. Think strategy.
- Liner gloves: Thin, light, barely take up space. Perfect if your main gloves get damp.
- Mid-weight spares: For warmer afternoons or spring skiing.
- Heavier backups: Only if you know the weather’s brutal.
From my experience, one light liner and one solid waterproof pair is the sweet spot.
Step 2: Storage Options on the Slopes
Here’s where creativity kicks in:
- Jacket pockets
Most ski jackets have deep inside pockets — perfect for liners or even a full-size pair if folded right. Just don’t overstuff or you’ll look like a marshmallow. - Backpack or side pouch
If you ski with a pack (hydration, avy gear, snacks), gloves slide easily into a side zipper. Pro tip: use a dry bag or Ziplock so they don’t get wet. - Carabiner clip to pack
Clip them outside your bag with a carabiner. Easy access, but not ideal in heavy snow — they’ll ice over. - Cargo pants pockets
Big ski pants with thigh cargo pockets? Goldmine. You can stash a spare pair there without noticing the weight.
Step 3: Keep Them Dry
No point in carrying extras if they’re damp when you need them.
- Use compression or stuff sacks.
- Line with a plastic grocery bag (old-school trick).
- Add a hand warmer packet inside to keep spares toasty.
Nothing beats pulling out a warm spare glove instead of a soggy one.
Step 4: For Parents — Kid Hacks
Skiing with toddlers or grade-schoolers? Double the gloves, double the chaos.
- Always pack at least two extra pairs per kid.
- Use a labeled pouch per child (so you’re not mixing sizes on the mountain).
- Keep mittens clipped to jackets when not worn.
I once saw a dad at Stowe pull three toddler mittens out of a single jacket pocket like a magician with scarves. Smartest move I’d seen all season.
Step 5: Minimalist Options for Extra Gloves
Don’t want bulk? Try this:
- Fold flat: Press gloves palm-to-palm, roll tight.
- Vacuum-seal bags: Pack flat, save space.
- Convertible mittens: Wear liners, carry mitten shells — easy swap.
It’s all about space management.
Step 6: When to Swap Gloves
Having extras doesn’t help if you don’t actually use them.
- Swap when gloves are wet, not when hands are frozen.
- Rotate pairs during lodge breaks so one can dry while you ski.
- Carry backups mainly on storm days — less needed for sunny groomer laps.
Story Time: The Two-Pair Trick
Back in 2013, I was skiing Jackson Hole. It dumped three feet in two days, and everyone was face-planting in powder. Gloves soaked in an hour. The locals had a trick: two pairs. One worn, one in the lodge drying, swap every run break. I copied it and skied all day while tourists gave up after lunch. Sometimes the simplest hacks are the best.
FAQs
Q: Are backpacks annoying on lifts?
Not if you wear a slim ski pack. Just take it off if the resort requires.
Q: Can you carry gloves in helmet straps?
Yes — shove them under the back strap of your helmet if heading into the lodge. Works short-term.
Q: Should I carry more than one backup pair?
For kids, yes. For adults, one spare is usually enough unless it’s a multi-day storm trip.
Q: Do glove liners really help?
Absolutely. Liners are lifesavers when primaries are soaked.
Final Thoughts
Carrying extra gloves on the slopes isn’t over-preparation — it’s insurance. Whether it’s a wet crash, a lost mitten, or just shifting temps, having a spare pair means longer, happier ski days.
So here’s the question: are you stuffing spares in your jacket pocket this season, or rolling the dice and hoping your gloves survive? Because once you’ve swapped into a warm, dry pair at 2 p.m., you’ll never ski without backups again.
