My very old ski gloves from when I was a kid need to be replaced and I've been thinking that a pair of mittens designed for the extreme cold might be the way to go. I don't currently do any NH winter peak-bagging but I'd like them to be appropriate for that level of extreme cold if I ever decided to give that a try. I also occasionally ski and I'd like them to be appropriate for that if that factors into your thoughts. Basically when I shovel snow or go for a nice winter day hike I'd like to have some mittens that will keep my fingers warm and dry. I'd prefer synthetic and I think I'd like some sort of water proof outside layer.
Can anyone link the type of mitten you'd consider given this description? I'd suppose waiting to February/March to purchase them might give me a chance to get them on sale - any thoughts on that? I was looking at REI and the over $100 price tags makes me want to make sure I get this purchase correct. Do people generally wear a thin glove inside these mittens? I saw that some of them come with that. Do those that prefer lobster claws instead of mitten care to chime in why I should consider those over mittens? How key are the zippered pockets for putting in hand warmers or venting? How important are long gauntlet cuffs or wrist cinches?
Thank you in advance for any links or insights!