Abstract: A system and method are provided for automatically warming a grip surface, such as handlebars, of a vehicle in which the grip surface and a rider's hand are exposed to outdoor environmental conditions. The system has an electrical power source; a resistive heating element mounted to the grip surface for warming the grip surface; an automatic temperature controller having a switch electrically connected in series between the power source and the heating element for switching power on and off to the heating element in response to a temperature feedback signal; and, a temperature sensor electrically connected to the temperature controller for providing the temperature feedback signal and mounted on the grip surface at an interface between the grip surface and the hand, the grip surface and the hand being exposed to outdoor environmental conditions. The system is particularly useful for vehicles such as snowmobiles, snow throwers, ATV's and motorcycles.