Ski Gloves Get Wet? 7 Easy Fixes to Keep Hands Cozy & Happy

Ski Gloves Get Wet? Yeah, we’ve all been there — halfway up the lift, fingers freezing, and your gloves feel like soggy sponges. It’s the worst feeling on the mountain, right? You start flexing your hands, hoping warmth magically returns, but it never does. The truth is, when your ski gloves get wet, your entire day can go downhill fast — literally and emotionally.

But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be that way. Over the years, I’ve learned a few game-changing tricks that can keep your hands bone-dry and toasty even when the snow’s dumping like it’s 2010 in Aspen. From my experience (and plenty of trial and error), the difference between misery and comfort often comes down to a few smart choices — not just the gloves you buy, but how you use and care for them.

So, in this guide, I’ll break down the real reasons why ski gloves get wet and what you can actually do to fix it — for good. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a powder chaser, or someone still learning how to clip into your bindings, you’ll walk away knowing how to keep your hands warm, dry, and ready for another run.

Honestly, it’s wild how simple tweaks can transform your whole ski day… ready to find out how?

Why Ski Gloves Get Wet in the First Place

Here’s the thing — when ski gloves get wet, it doesn’t automatically mean you bought bad gloves. Even the best brands on the planet (looking at you, Hestra and Burton) can turn into mushy messes if the conditions and care go sideways.

Most people think water just sneaks in from the outside, but honestly, it’s just as often coming from within. Let’s break it down.

1. Sweat buildup from the inside.

Your hands sweat way more than you think — especially when you’re carving hard or hiking for that perfect line. All that moisture has nowhere to go if your gloves don’t breathe well. Before you know it, that trapped sweat makes the insulation damp, and warmth escapes faster than a dropped glove on a windy chairlift.

2. Snow entering from the cuffs.

You know that puff of snow that sneaks in when you wipe out or adjust your boots? It melts right at your wrist and seeps down inside. If your cuffs aren’t tucked properly into your jacket — or if your gloves don’t have a snug closure — snow wins every time.

3. Membrane saturation (DWR wearing off).

Most waterproof gloves use a DWR coating or a membrane like GORE-TEX. But here’s the catch — that layer wears off after a season or two. Once it’s gone, your gloves start absorbing water instead of repelling it. It’s kind of like a raincoat that’s lost its “magic shield.”

4. Body heat melting snow into moisture.

This one’s sneaky. You fall, snow lands on your gloves, your body heat melts it, and suddenly the outer fabric is soaked. It’s not the glove’s fault — it’s basic science.

5. Poor drying or storage after use.

Ever toss your gloves in a bag after a ski day? Yeah, they never truly dry that way. Moisture lingers, mildew sets in, and the next day, they feel like cold sponges before you even start.

So, when ski gloves get wet, it’s not always a gear issue — it’s often a setup issue. Think of it like wearing rain boots with holes in the soles — sometimes, it’s not the product, it’s how everything fits together.

Once you actually understand where the water’s coming from, fixing it becomes way easier… and more permanent.

Fix #1 — Reproof Your Gloves

When ski gloves get wet, nine times out of ten, the real villain isn’t snow — it’s time. Specifically, time wearing down that invisible shield called DWR, or Durable Water Repellent. This coating is what makes water bead and roll off your gloves instead of soaking in. But like a favorite jacket after too many wash cycles, that protection fades faster than you’d think.

Once the DWR breaks down, your gloves start acting more like sponges than shields. The outer fabric absorbs water, it cools down, and suddenly, warmth is gone. From my experience, nothing changes a cold, soggy day faster than giving your gloves a fresh round of reproofing. Honestly, it’s like reviving them back to life — they look, feel, and perform almost brand new again.

Here’s how to bring that magic back:

Step 1: Clean your gloves properly.

Start by brushing off dirt or old wax. If they’re filthy, wash them with a glove-safe cleaner — not regular detergent (it leaves residue that blocks waterproof coatings). Let them air dry until just damp.

Step 2: Apply your DWR treatment.

Grab a quality reproofing spray or wash-in product. The top dogs? Nikwax Glove Proof, Gear Aid Revivex, and Grangers Performance Repel Plus. If you’re using a spray, coat the entire outer shell evenly — pay attention to seams and high-wear areas like the knuckles and fingertips.

Step 3: Activate the coating.

Once treated, tumble dry your gloves on low heat for 20–30 minutes. Heat bonds the DWR to the fabric, creating that slick, water-repelling surface again.

Step 4: Test and repeat.

Drip a few drops of water on your gloves. If they bead up and roll off, you’ve nailed it. If not, hit another light layer and dry again.

Pro Tip: Do this every few weeks if you’re skiing hard all season. The snow, friction, and sweat wear DWR away quicker than most people realize.

When you reproof consistently, your gloves stop soaking up water and start working with you again. Trust me — once you feel the difference, you’ll never skip it again.

Fix #2 — Dry Them the Right Way

If your ski gloves get wet, your first instinct might be to crank up the cabin heater or blast them with a hair dryer. Big mistake — and I say that from painful, slightly smoky experience. Direct heat might feel like a quick fix, but it actually wrecks the materials that make your gloves work. Leather stiffens, membranes warp, and insulation clumps together like old cereal. Once that happens, even the best gloves can’t keep you warm again.

I once ruined a $120 pair by leaving them too close to the heater overnight — woke up to something that felt like cardboard mittens. Rookie mistake, but hey, that’s how you learn.

So, here’s how to dry your gloves the right way and keep them working like new:

1. Air dry in a warm, ventilated room.

Lay your gloves flat or hang them with the openings down. Avoid direct sunlight or strong heat sources — gentle warmth and airflow do the trick. If your ski gloves get wet often, keep a small fan blowing nearby to speed things up without damaging the fabric.

2. Use a glove dryer or boot dryer.

These little machines are lifesavers. They push warm air through your gloves evenly, drying them from the inside out. Models from DryGuy or PEET are worth every penny, especially if you ski multiple days in a row.

3. Insert absorbent materials.

If you don’t have a dryer, old-school tricks still work. Stuff your gloves with crumpled newspaper, uncooked rice bags, or silica gel packs. They’ll pull out moisture fast — just remember to replace them after a few hours if they’re damp.

4. Pro tip: rotate between two pairs.

If you’re heading on a long trip, bring a backup pair. That way, one set can fully dry while you wear the other. Simple, but it saves you from waking up to soggy, freezing gloves on day two.

When ski gloves get wet, drying them properly makes all the difference between reliable warmth and constant frustration. Patience here pays off big — your gloves will last longer, smell fresher, and keep performing like they should.

And trust me, after that $120 heater fiasco, I’ve never gone near one again.

Fix #3 — Use Waterproof Liners

Here’s a truth most skiers learn the hard way — when ski gloves get wet, it’s not always the outer shell’s fault. Sometimes, it’s what’s missing inside. That’s where liners come in. They’re the quiet MVPs of glove performance — adding a moisture barrier, keeping sweat off your skin, and giving your hands that extra bit of warmth and protection every skier craves.

Think of liners as the buffer between chaos and comfort. They wick moisture away before it can soak the insulation layer, and if your outer gloves start to dampen, the liners buy you precious extra hours of dryness. Honestly, a good liner is like insurance — you don’t think about it until you need it.

Let’s break down the types worth trying:

1. Merino Wool Liners — Natural moisture control.

Merino wool is a legend for a reason. It’s soft, warm, and naturally antimicrobial, so it keeps your hands fresh even after hours of gripping poles. It wicks moisture like a champ, so even if your ski gloves get wet, your skin stays comfortably dry underneath.

2. Silk Liners — Light and thin.

Silk liners are perfect if you hate bulky layers. They slip easily into any glove, add a subtle warmth boost, and dry super quickly. Great for mild days or when you just want an extra layer without feeling restricted.

3. Synthetic Liners — Fast-drying and tough.

Made from polyester or spandex blends, synthetic liners handle sweat and moisture exceptionally well. They dry faster than wool, resist stretching, and work perfectly for skiers who push hard on the slopes.

4. Waterproof or Windproof Liners — For extreme conditions.

When temperatures drop into single digits or storms roll in, waterproof liners (like those from Seirus or Outdoor Research) can be a game-changer. They seal out snow while still allowing your hands to breathe.

Beyond keeping your hands dry, liners have another big perk — they make drying your gloves overnight way easier. You can pull the liners out, hang them by the fire (not too close, remember Fix #2!), and they’ll be ready for the next morning.

From my experience, once you start using liners, you never ski without them again. They’re lightweight, affordable, and make every pair of gloves perform better. When your ski gloves get wet, a liner can be the difference between numb fingers and one more perfect run down the mountain.

Fix #4 — Upgrade to Breathable Gloves

If your ski gloves get wet even when you swear they’re “waterproof,” it might be time to face an uncomfortable truth — cheap gloves trap more sweat than they block snow. They’re basically plastic bags for your hands. The problem isn’t always water sneaking in from outside — it’s moisture getting stuck inside, turning warmth into a clammy mess.

That’s where breathable membranes come in. These are the hidden heroes of high-performance ski gloves — thin, smart layers that let vapor escape while keeping liquid water out. Picture millions of microscopic pores, each smaller than a raindrop but large enough for sweat vapor to pass through. Science meets ski comfort.

Let’s break down the main membrane technologies you’ll see:

 Gore-Tex — The Gold Standard

The name says it all. Gore-Tex gloves are famous for balancing waterproofing and breathability. They can handle everything from blizzards to spring slush, keeping your hands dry from both snow and sweat.

 eVent — For Heavy Breathability

eVent gloves use a “direct venting” system that releases vapor faster than most membranes. Ideal for backcountry skiers or anyone who tends to overheat on the climb up.

Dermizax — Durable and Stretchy

Found in many Japanese and European brands, Dermizax is a non-porous, stretchy membrane that blocks water while maintaining flexibility. It’s a solid choice for all-day comfort.

OutDry — Seamless Waterproofing

Instead of layering a membrane inside, OutDry bonds it directly to the glove shell. That means zero water pockets between layers — perfect for wet, heavy snow conditions.

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose:

Brand	Waterproof Rating	Breathability	Ideal For
Gore-Tex	28,000mm	High	All conditions
OutDry	20,000mm	Moderate	Wet snow
eVent	30,000mm	Excellent	Backcountry

Bonus Tip: Look for gloves with vent zippers or removable liners. Vents give you quick cooling when things heat up, and removable liners make it easier to dry them between runs.

From my experience, once you switch to gloves with a true breathable membrane, you’ll never go back. When your ski gloves get wet, it’s usually because they can’t breathe — and that’s a problem the right membrane solves instantly.

Fix #5 — Keep Snow Out from the Top

When ski gloves get wet, people often blame leaks or poor insulation — but sometimes, the problem starts way higher up. Literally. Snow sneaking in from the wrist or cuff is one of the most common (and easily fixable) reasons gloves get soaked. Even the most waterproof glove on the market can’t do much if cold slush is slipping down your sleeve.

It all comes down to cuff design — and how you wear it.

Gauntlet-Style Cuffs — Over the Jacket

Gauntlet cuffs are long and wide, designed to pull over your jacket sleeve. Once you cinch the drawcord tight, they create a solid barrier that snow can’t breach. They’re perfect for powder days or deep snow runs when you’re bound to take a few tumbles.

 Short Cuffs — Under the Jacket

Short cuffs are sleeker and lighter. They fit under your jacket sleeve for a snug, movement-friendly seal. They’re great for resort skiing or anyone who hates bulky gear — but only if your jacket cuffs tighten securely over them.

Now, here’s where a lot of people mess up: improper layering. If your jacket sleeve sits inside the glove, or if there’s even a tiny gap between them, snow finds its way in fast. Once it melts, your inner layers get soaked, and suddenly your hands are freezing — even in high-end Gore-Tex gloves.

To avoid that:

• Use adjustable wrist straps to tighten the glove around your wrist.
  
• Pull gauntlet cuffs fully over your sleeve and cinch the drawcord tight.
  
• Double-check your jacket cuff Velcro or snow seal before every run.
  
• And for good measure, use glove leashes — they keep your gloves secure while adjusting gear so snow doesn’t sneak in.
  

Pro Tip: Always tuck and seal everything before you start skiing. Once snow gets inside, even the best materials can’t dry it out mid-day.

From my experience, once your ski gloves get wet from the top, there’s no turning back — your hands stay cold, and your day gets shorter. Or, as one ski buddy once said after face-planting into waist-deep powder: “Even the best waterproof glove can’t fight a wrist gap full of slush.”

Fix #6 — Use Heat Packs or Heated Gloves

Here’s a weird truth about skiing — when your hands are freezing, they actually start sweating. Sounds backward, right? But when ski gloves get wet from the inside, it’s often because your fingers are constantly switching between too cold and too hot. That temperature rollercoaster causes moisture to build up and condense, leaving your gloves damp even on clear, dry days.

The trick is to keep your hands consistently warm, not scorching hot. When your fingers stay at a steady, comfortable temperature, they sweat less — which means less trapped moisture and more lasting comfort.

You’ve got two easy routes here:

1. Chemical Heat Packs — The Old-School Lifesavers

These single-use packs (like HotHands or Grabber) are perfect for casual skiers. Slip one on the back of your hand or under the liner, and it’ll radiate warmth for hours. They’re inexpensive, simple, and surprisingly effective on bitter-cold days. Just don’t overdo it — one pack per glove is plenty.

2. Rechargeable Heated Gloves — The Modern Upgrade

If your ski gloves get wet often or you ski all season long, investing in a quality heated pair is a total game-changer. Brands like Hestra Power Heater, Savior Heated Gloves, and Outdoor Research AltiHeat use tiny carbon-fiber wires to spread gentle, even warmth through the glove. Most models have adjustable settings, so you can fine-tune the temperature to avoid overheating.

Consistent, even heat helps prevent the condensation that causes soggy insulation. Instead of sweating, your hands stay dry and cozy from lift to lodge.

Caution: Don’t crank the heat too high. Overheating your gloves can make your hands sweat even more — and then you’re right back where you started. Aim for a balanced, gentle warmth that maintains comfort without turning your gloves into saunas.

From my experience, heated gloves can be hit or miss. I once tried a cheap pair off Amazon — worked great for an hour, until the battery died mid-run. My fingers froze, and I swore I’d never skimp on quality again.

If your ski gloves get wet regularly, reliable heat control might be the smartest investment you’ll make all winter.

Fix #7 — Rotate, Air Out, and Store Smart

When ski gloves get wet, most skiers rush to dry them overnight — but the real secret to dryness starts between your runs. The biggest mistake? Treating gloves like something you only think about after the day’s over. In reality, smart rotation and airflow throughout the day can keep them fresh, dry, and ready for round two.

Here’s what I mean.

Midday Break Hack: Whenever you stop for lunch or coffee, don’t toss your gloves on the table or bury them in your bag. Instead, clip them to your backpack or hang them near a vent where air can circulate. Even 15–20 minutes of light drying can make a huge difference later in the afternoon. It’s like giving your gloves a breather between laps.

Then, after skiing, it’s time for the real care routine:

1. Open cuffs and remove liners.

This lets trapped moisture escape faster. Pull the liners out gently, spread the gloves wide, and let air flow inside. If your ski gloves get wet often, make this a nightly ritual — it extends their lifespan like crazy.

2. Air them overnight — not in a sealed bag.

Shoving damp gloves into a backpack or boot bag is like locking them in a mini sauna of mildew. Always dry them in an open, ventilated spot instead.

3. Store them flat or hanging in a dry area.

For long-term storage, avoid compressing your gloves under heavy gear. It flattens insulation and ruins the fit. Hanging or laying them flat keeps the shape intact.

4. Add silica gel packets.

Toss a couple into your glove bin or travel bag — they quietly absorb leftover moisture so your gloves stay fresh between trips.

5. Optional Upgrade: portable glove dryer.

If you travel or ski multiple days in a row, a mini glove dryer (like the DryGuy Travel Dry) is worth its weight in gold. It’s compact, gentle, and ensures your gloves are fully dry by morning.

From my experience, when ski gloves get wet, it’s often not because of what you do on the slopes — it’s what you don’t do afterward. Give your gloves time to breathe, dry, and recover, and they’ll last for seasons instead of months.

Plus, there’s nothing better than sliding your hands into a perfectly dry pair at sunrise — it’s like starting the day with a fresh cup of confidence.

Bonus Tips: What Not to Do

Alright, here’s the part nobody talks about — the mistakes that secretly destroy your gloves faster than any mountain ever could. If your ski gloves get wet often, chances are you’ve done at least one of these (I know I have). Let’s fix that.

1. Don’t use hairdryers or radiators.

It’s tempting, I get it. You come back from a long ski day, gloves soaked, and that cabin heater looks perfect. But direct heat ruins the leather, melts the glue, and cooks the waterproof membrane. I once left a pair too close to a space heater… let’s just say they turned into stiff little pancakes by morning. Air drying always wins.

2. Don’t wash too often.

Frequent washing strips away your gloves’ DWR coating and breaks down the inner insulation. Clean them only when absolutely needed — and use a glove-safe cleaner, never standard detergent.

3. Don’t ignore small tears or seams.

A tiny seam split or a pinhole might not seem like a big deal, but moisture will find its way in. Repair those little flaws early using waterproof seam sealer or patch kits. Think of it as glove maintenance — a small fix now saves you from soggy misery later.

4. Don’t wear cotton liners.

This one’s a rookie mistake. Cotton traps sweat and turns icy once it’s wet. Go for merino wool or synthetic liners instead — they wick away moisture and stay warm even when damp.

And the golden rule?
“If your gloves smell like a wet dog, something’s gone wrong.”

Seriously, that smell means bacteria and trapped moisture. Time to deep clean, reproof, and maybe rethink your drying setup.

When ski gloves get wet, prevention is always easier (and cheaper) than fixing damage later. Treat them right, and they’ll treat you right on every single run.

Weekly Glove Care Routine

If there’s one thing every skier should add to their routine, it’s glove care. Because here’s the truth — when your ski gloves get wet, it’s often not from bad luck, but from skipping the little stuff. A few simple habits can add seasons to their lifespan.

Post-ski inspection:

After every trip, take a minute to check seams, palms, and leather panels. Tiny cracks or worn stitching? They’re the silent killers of waterproofing. Fixing them early means your gloves stay dry longer and grip stays strong.

Clean and air gloves every few uses:

Even if they don’t look dirty, gloves absorb sweat and oils that slowly ruin the DWR coating. Lightly brush off dirt, wipe with a damp cloth, and air dry overnight. Never skip this — trapped moisture breeds bacteria and kills insulation.

Reapply DWR after 5–7 ski days:

That Durable Water Repellent layer doesn’t last forever. A quick spray or wash-in treatment every week or two brings it back to life. From my experience, gloves feel almost brand-new after a reproofing — smoother, drier, and warmer.

Store backup liners and reproofing spray in your ski bag:

Trust me, you’ll thank yourself when your main pair gets soaked mid-trip. Having a dry liner and a mini bottle of DWR spray on hand can save a weekend.

And here’s my little ritual: “I treat it like sharpening my skis — a quick 10-minute routine keeps everything in top shape.”

Because when ski gloves get wet, the best fix is the one you never have to use. Regular care doesn’t just protect your gear — it protects your hands, your comfort, and your good mood halfway up the lift.

Choosing the Right Ski Gloves

When your ski gloves get wet, it’s not always about poor quality — sometimes, it’s just the wrong glove for the wrong day. Matching your gloves to the weather is half the battle between warm comfort and frozen frustration.

Warm-weather skiing → go breathable.

If you’re skiing spring slopes or mild days, your biggest enemy isn’t snow — it’s sweat. Breathable shells or lightweight gloves with good ventilation will let moisture escape so your hands stay dry inside and out. Think softshells or gloves with zip vents.

Deep winter skiing → go insulated and sealed.

When temperatures drop and snow piles up, insulation is your best friend. Choose gloves with a synthetic or down layer and a waterproof membrane. You want warmth first, breathability second. Those thick, cozy gauntlets? Perfect for January blizzards.

Rainy climates → go full waterproof.

If you’re skiing in coastal or wet regions, like the Pacific Northwest, choose gloves with full Gore-Tex coverage or treated leather shells. Leather gloves, when properly conditioned, handle wet snow better than most synthetics — they shed water naturally and mold perfectly to your hand over time.

Here’s a quick guide to help you choose smart:

Condition	Ideal Glove Type
Wet snow	Fully waterproof
Cold & dry	Insulated leather
Mild temps	Breathable shell
Touring	Modular liner system

From my experience, getting this match right changes everything. The moment you start picking gloves based on conditions, not just looks or brand, you’ll notice your ski gloves get wet a lot less — and your hands stay warm a lot more.

So next time you gear up, ask yourself: what’s the mountain throwing at me today? Then pick your gloves like a pro.

Real-Life Story: The Day My Gloves Failed

One January morning in Vermont — cold, crisp, and full of false confidence — I thought I had it all figured out. Freshly waxed skis, brand-new gloves that claimed to be “100% waterproof,” and a mountain begging to be carved. Two hours later, I couldn’t feel my fingers. My ski gloves got wet, and not just damp — soaked.

At first, I blamed the gear. I remember standing by the lift, wringing out the cuffs like a sponge, muttering about false advertising. But the truth? It was my own mistake. I’d left a tiny gap between my jacket sleeve and the glove cuff, and that’s all it took for melting snow to sneak in. Every run made it worse — warm body heat turned snowflakes into moisture, and soon I was gripping the poles with mini ice packs for hands.

That soggy disaster taught me more than any product review ever could. I learned how layering really works — how breathable liners matter just as much as outer shells, how drying gloves properly makes a difference, and why even “waterproof” needs maintenance.

From that day on, I started treating glove care like a ritual. I reproof them regularly, store them open and aired out, and never, ever rush-dry them on heaters again. Funny thing is, those same gloves — the ones I nearly trashed — are still in my gear bin today. They just needed a little love.

Sometimes the best lesson on the slopes comes from discomfort. And if your ski gloves get wet, maybe it’s not a failure — maybe it’s just the mountain teaching you how to do it right next time.

FAQs — When Ski Gloves Get Wet

1. How can I waterproof old gloves again?

Easy — reproof them. Clean the gloves gently, then apply a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) spray or wash-in treatment like Nikwax or Grangers. Tumble dry on low to activate the coating. This restores the outer layer’s ability to bead water instead of soaking it up.

2. Why do my “waterproof” gloves still leak?

Even top-tier gloves can leak when seams wear out or when sweat builds up inside. Over time, DWR fades, and tiny cracks form in the membrane. That’s why regular maintenance and proper drying are key. Most of the time, it’s not the glove failing — it’s the waterproofing that needs a refresh.

3. Can I use leather conditioner on ski gloves?

Absolutely — and you should. Leather dries out fast in cold, wet conditions, which makes it crack and lose its waterproofing. Use a conditioner made for ski gloves (like Hestra Balm or Nikwax Leather Proof). It keeps the leather supple and water-resistant.

4. How long do waterproof treatments last?

Typically 5–7 ski days, depending on how hard you ride and how often your ski gloves get wet. Heavy use in wet snow means you’ll need to reapply more often. The rule of thumb? When water stops beading on the surface, it’s time for a fresh coat.

5. Are mittens better for staying dry?

In many cases, yes. Mittens trap heat better and have fewer seams where water can sneak in. But they can get sweaty if not breathable, so look for insulated mittens with a membrane like Gore-Tex or eVent.

When your ski gloves get wet, a little care and the right knowledge go a long way — dry hands aren’t luck, they’re maintenance.

Conclusion:Stay Adventurous, Keep Hands Dry

Here’s the thing — ski gloves get wet, but they don’t have to. Wet gloves aren’t some unavoidable curse of winter sports; they’re just a signal that something in your setup needs tweaking. Maybe it’s time to reproof. Maybe you’re drying them wrong. Or maybe you just need gloves that match the mountain you’re riding.

Build that habit — the one where you check your gloves after every trip, air them out, and reproof them like clockwork. Treat your gear with the same care you give your skis, and you’ll notice the difference instantly. Dry gloves, warm hands, better focus — and longer, happier days on the slopes.

Because honestly, nothing kills stoke faster than frozen fingers, right?

So, what’s your glove-drying ritual after a long day on the slopes? Do you air them by the fire, hang them outside, or swear by a glove dryer?

 Ready to level up your ski game?

Check out our latest guides on choosing the right ski gloves, how to layer for extreme cold, and the best glove dryers of the season — only on SkiGlovesUSA.com, where warm hands = happy runs.