Forget Handwarmers. This Heated Gear Will Warm You Up on the Slopes

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I consider myself a queen of layering. So far this season, knock on wood, I’ve predicted my combination of base and mid layers relatively easily despite having no idea what the difference between 7 degrees and 13 degrees really feels like. Oh, and on that note, when the weather app points to the little feels like indicator? Forget it. I’m just guessing. I’m a Floridian, after all.

Still, even the best layering situation seems to be comfortable only 90 percent of the time. Inevitably, every gal will have a moment on the lifts, shivering or sweating, cursing the way she constructed her clothing. If she’s really lucky, she might even have some Hot Hands handwarmers on her to slip into her gloves and make up the difference. When it happens to me, I start thinking beyond the slopes—to shucking off my gear, slipping into a hot tub, and chugging a hot chocolate—and even that 10 percent occurrence can ruin the flow state of the ski experience.

If you’re a newbie, you might make some rookie mistakes especially in regards to your feet. No shame, we’ve all been there! But you should never double-sock (it cuts off the circulation and you’ll likely sweat, compounding your chill.) Your boots might also be too tight, reducing the blood flow that will keep your feet warm. You might put on too many layers up top, leaving you overheated and dehydrated when your body most needs the nourishment. Most of all, our first priority is staying healthy both on and off the lifts.

Lately, we’ve been thinking about the abundance of electric options out there, the ones that eradicate that moment of regret. Thanks to Bluetooth technology, and an emphasis on sustainability over throw-away warming packets, more brands than ever have smart boots, socks, gloves, reusable warmers, and more that can instantly change your temperature—and give you more time on your favorite runs. While you’ll notice price-point wise that these are all definitely splurges, the cost-per-use (or rather cost-per-love) makes them a resounding yes in our book for those looking to take the plunge.

Shop some of our favorite options below.

7 Editor-Picked Heated Boots, Socks, Gloves and More

1. Heated Boots—Rossignol Pure Pro Heat Ski Boots 2021/2022—starting at $390 (was $600).
2. Heated Boot Bag—Kulkea Thermal Trekker Heated Ski Boot Bag—$280.
3. Heated Glove Liner—Hestra Heated Liner Mitt—$320.
4. Heated Gloves—The North Face The Apex Heated Gloves—$110.
5. Heated Socks—Gobi Heat Tread Heated Socks—$180.
6. Heated Vest—Gobi Heat Dune Heated Vest for Women—$189.
7. Handwarmer—Zippo HeatBank 9s Rechargeable Hand Warmer and Power Bank—$52.

Rossignol Pure Pro Heat Ski Boots 2021/2022—starting at $390 (was $600).

This oft-loved Rossignol boot has been discontinued—so act quickly while certain sizing is 35 percent off! Don’t have yours in stock? No fear. The Rossignol site has other sizes available, but missing the discount. The 100mm last boots have merino wool liners connected to Bluetooth, so you can control the heat from your phone (or an in-boot button, so you’re not glued to your device.) And yes, they have gripwalk tread, so no slip-sliding down the icy après sidewalks.

Kulkea Thermal Trekker Heated Ski Boot Bag—$280.

While the Kulkea Thermal Trekker Heated Ski Boot Bag won’t help you on the slowest damn lift ever in the middle of a whiteout, it will help keep your boots toasty and dry when on the go, so you’re not squishing your feet into cold, wet conditions and starting the ski day on the (literal) wrong foot. Taking care of your gear between pow days can go a long way in keeping you comfortable! The bag has two boot pockets including warming mechanisms, in addition to plenty of internal organization that can carry all your gear.

Hestra Heated Liner Mitt—$320.

Love your existing mittens? There’s no need to swap them out entirely. Instead, add an electric lining. These mitt liners have heated coils embedded on the backhand. Hestra also offers the same upgrade in a five-finger style at the same price. Keep in mind that the technology may interfere with avalanche transceivers, so you should never use this type of warming mechanism while at-risk in the backcountry.

The North Face The Apex Heated Gloves—$110.

Maybe you are looking to upgrade your gloves, in which case this North Face pair will be a hit. As reflected in the lower price point, this battery-powered (but rechargeable) pair will last up to one hour in the elements, best for shooting a quick burst of heat to your digits on days that catch you by surprise rather than enjoying consistent, low-level warming. The gloves themselves are crafted from recycled polyester with a comfy fleece lining.

Gobi Heat Tread Heated Socks—$180.

Available in S/M and L/XL sizing, these 100 percent cotton Gobi Heat Ski Socks have a battery life of up to 12 hours on the low setting, 6 on the medium, and 4 on the high—enough to keep you taking laps until the lifts close. The heat uses steel fiber technology focused beneath your toes (and isn’t that where you normally go frigid first?) for ultimate efficacy. An attached keychain allows you to remotely control the heat settings, or turn your socks on and off. As a bonus, this wearable warmer also comes with a 1‑year limited warranty.

Gobi Heat Dune Heated Vest for Women—$189.

Well, we might as well throw another Gobi Heat option your way, right? The warming-focused retailer also offers a cozy nylon vest with integrated heating elements. While we’re often focused on our digits, keeping the torso warm for longer can go a long way in reproducing the *sensation* of warmth and comfort. This vest is available in four colors—black, purple, blue, and green—with various sizes available. Our ultra-compact battery has a promised 3‑times battery life versus competitors, and has a USB port for easy mobile charging (so if you forget until you get to the resort lot, all good! Throw it in the car charger.)

Zippo HeatBank 9s Rechargeable Hand Warmer and Power Bank—$52.

Keep it simple (and more affordable) with this reusable handwarmer that does double-duty as a power bank. The small, handy device has 6 different heat settings, an integrated LED flashlight, and a runtime of up to 9 hours. The curved appearance is designed to sit comfortably in your pocket, and the display will tell you battery life, current temps, and number of sides currently heating. You should note, however, that you can only use the heating or charging function at a given time, not both at once.