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The Gordini Women’s Challenge XIV Ski Mitt is a mid-weight ski mitten that is designed to keep your hands toasty when the temperatures range from 10F to 32F. As a cold handed gal that lives in the mountains, I need mittens from mid October to May. The Gordini Women’s Challenge XIV Ski Mitt have been my go to for snowy runs when the temps are in the single digits or lower and on my uphill adventures in the backcountry. For cold, long resort days, the Challenge XIV Ski Mitt are not my first choice as they don’t provide enough insulation or wind protection. Fortunately, Gordini has some other options for cold-blustery days, such as the All Mountain Leather Mitt. Check out the review here.
Gordini Challenge XIV Ski Mitt Fabric and Features
The Gordini Challenge XIV Ski Mitt is low profile, meaning that it can easily be worn under the cuff of your jacket and you can maintain some dexterity. With the mittens on I am able to swap out my skins, transition to tour mode with both tech and frame AT bindings and fiddle with my helmet and goggles. This is a nice feature to keep some heat that you generate while skinning or hiking uphill.
The outer shell of the Challenge XIV Ski Mitt features a combination of GORE-TEX over the back of your hand and around the cuff, to keep your hands dry in wet conditions. I have worn these gloves in heavy snow and have had dry hands after a good 2-3 hours of solid snow. The mitt truly excels with moisture management on the inside; there is a Hydrowick lining that wicks moisture and does a great job even when wearing these mittens while running. My hands have yet to get all out sweaty, which is great because it avoids the inevitable cool, clammy, and then freeze cycle after the sweat. The mitt features Primaloft insulation and keeps my hands warm in temps in the mid teens without a liner, as long as I am moving and active. With a liner, I can wear these mittens in the single digits when I am moving around and getting my heart rate up.
Gordini Challenge XIV Ski Mitt Sizing
The Challenge XIV Ski Mitt is available in size small, medium, and large. To get the most accurate fit, measure around the widest part of your knuckles. If you ever wear a liner glove like I do, measure with that glove in place. Below is a run down of the size Gordini’s size guide:
Overall, the Gordini Challenge XIV Mitt is excellent for high aerobic activities in cold weather. They come at a fair price too, $60 per pair. For more info or to purchase, visit amazon.com/gordini.