One of the best skinning gloves I’ve owned, I purchased the Auclair Lillehammer compulsively while on a ski trip to Nelson, B.C., last winter. Unlike most vacation purchases, which reside, along with innumerable mate-less socks, in an alternate universe within my closet, the Lillehammer has become my go-to backcountry ski glove. While I primarily use them for uphill travel, I’ve found them to be versatile enough to leave them on for the downhill on all but the coldest (less than 10 F) days.

I was originally lured to purchase by its snug fit and luxurious, soft leather. After wearing them for over 25 days last season, their exceptional breathability and warmth rated higher than any uphill glove I’ve previously worn. What really surprised me, though, was their durability. Most soft leather gloves wear quickly, and I’m certain to get two or three long seasons out of these.

Made with a goatskin palm and polyester stretch fabric on the back, it shapes quickly to your hand and offers plenty of dexterity for fiddling with zippers, bindings, and buckles. The polyester wicks moisture and evaporates it quickly, which is certainly the key to their superior warmth, too. (Dry hands are warm hands.) An elastic strap on the wrist—streamlined so it doesn’t interfere with pole straps—also cinches nicely on your wrist to keep out the spindrift.

Canadians can find these most likely everywhere they sell ski gear. For those of us in the States, you can find them in big box stores like REI and evo and some specialty stores, or you can order online directly from Auclair.com.  $70 MSRP