Cold hands, warm heart‚ isn’t that how the expression goes? It’s a sweet thought, but in my greedy, powder-hungry world, cold hands mean perpetual discomfort, unhappy companions, early departure from the slopes, or some combination of the three. Which is why, though I’m usually skeptical of high-tech answers to low-tech problems, Mountain Hardwear’s electrically heated Red Savina ($300) glove caught my attention. With a name borrowed from one of the world’s hottest peppers, the waterproof-breathable gauntlet glove incorporates flexible heat panels into the fingers and back of the hand, powered by extremely lightweight batteries that can crank for up to six hours. Like the thermostat in your living room, the glove automatically senses temperature fluctuations inside its chambers and adjusts the heat accordingly, kicking in when your paws start to chill and backing off before they get clammy. The system is more efficient than the $3 chemical heat packs I’ve always carried–and far more conducive to a happy heart.

Tagged as: apparel, skiing