Gauntlet cuffs extend past your wrist and slide over your jacket sleeve, then cinch down with a strap or drawcord to seal out snow. They're the go-to choice anytime you're dealing with deep powder, backcountry conditions, or bitter cold—basically, any situation where snow working its way into your gloves would ruin your day.
The big advantage is that gauntlets create the best barrier against snow entry, and they also trap more warmth around your wrist. They're easier to slip on over a jacket sleeve too. The trade-off is bulk—gauntlets are noticeably larger and won't tuck neatly under a trim-fitting jacket cuff.
If you mostly ski groomers in mild conditions or prefer a low-profile look, short cuffs might serve you fine. But if you regularly chase powder or ride in cold, stormy weather, gauntlets are worth the extra bulk.