You can use resort gloves for touring, but you will likely find them too warm and insufficiently breathable on the climb, leading to sweaty hands that get cold on the descent. Touring-specific gloves are designed to manage the dramatic temperature swings of human-powered skiing. If you tour occasionally, your resort gloves will work, but if you tour regularly, dedicated touring gloves are a worthwhile investment that significantly improves comfort and safety.
Ski Handwear · Backcountry / Touring Gloves
Do I really need a separate glove for touring, or can I use my resort gloves?
Related gear types
If this answer nudged you toward a different style, these guides compare specs and trade-offs.
Insulated Ski Gloves
$40 – $220
Fully fingered, insulated gloves providing warmth, waterproofing, and dexterity for all-mountain skiing.
Individual fingers for dexterityWaterproof-breathable membraneSynthetic or down insulation
Shell Gloves / Shells
$50 – $200
Uninsulated waterproof-breathable gloves designed as outer layers in a layering system or standalone in mild conditions.
No insulationWaterproof-breathable membraneDesigned to layer over liners
Liner Gloves
$15 – $55
Thin base-layer gloves worn under shells or alone in mild conditions for minimal warmth and moisture management.
Thin, close-fitting constructionMoisture-wicking materialsTouchscreen-compatible fingertips
More questions
- Should I get one glove or two for touring?
- How important is touchscreen compatibility for backcountry gloves?
- Can I use touring gloves for resort skiing too?
- What is the best way to dry touring gloves on a multi-day trip?