Wrist leashes—sometimes called "idiot cords"—are elastic or cord loops that keep your gloves tethered to your wrists when you pull them off. If you've ever watched a glove sail off a chairlift into the trees, you know exactly why they exist.
They're especially handy for resort skiers who frequently remove a glove to check a phone, adjust goggles, or zip a jacket on the lift ride up. In deep powder or high winds, a dropped glove can vanish instantly, and replacing a quality pair isn't cheap. The leash lets you slip your hand out without fully setting the glove down.
The tradeoff is minor bulk and the occasional annoyance of dangling cords. Some park riders and racers skip them for a cleaner feel. But if you're skiing anywhere that losing a glove would ruin your day, leashes are smart insurance—and you can always tuck them inside if you change your mind.