Hestra
Hestra Ski Gloves – Swedish Leather Quality Since 1936
Hestra was founded in 1936 by Martin Magnusson in the Swedish village of Hestra (Småland) – originally as a glove manufacturer for lumberjacks. When a slalom slope was built on the nearby mountain Isaberg in 1937, Hestra began developing ski gloves. Now run by the third and fourth generations of the Magnusson family, the company produces over 2.2 million pairs of gloves annually, distributes more than 450 models, and supplies retailers in over 40 countries.
What sets Hestra apart is its consistent material quality: The most popular ski models use Army Goat Leather – a durable, impregnated leather originally developed for military applications – combined with weatherproof HESTRA Triton 3-layer polyamide on the back of the hand and G-Loft insulation, which keeps you warm even when wet and dries quickly. The removable inner lining significantly extends the lifespan and can be washed and replaced separately.
At Sport Adler in Ischgl, we carry the most important Hestra lines: the Army Leather Heli Ski in 5-finger, 3-finger, and mitt – Hestra's best-selling model, a classic for freeriders, mountain guides, and ski instructors since 1999. The Army Leather Extreme Mitt for extreme cold. The short freeride mitt Fall Line Mitt made of impregnated cowhide with G-Loft. The Army Leather Patrol Gauntlet with an extra long cuff for powder snow. Plus the Heli Ski Female and Leather Patrol Mitt Women with a narrow women's cut, as well as the Army Leather Heli Ski Jr. for children – with the same material quality as the adult model.
Sport Adler has been a family business since 1978 in Ischgl, Tyrol. Buy Hestra ski gloves online with delivery throughout Europe, including Switzerland, Norway and the United Kingdom. If you have any questions about choosing the right model or size, you can reach us directly by phone or email.
Frequent questions about Hestra ski gloves
Are Hestra Army Leather gloves waterproof?
The classic Army Leather models (Heli Ski, Patrol) without a membrane are water-repellent but not fully waterproof. Army goat leather and Triton fabric can withstand short-term moisture; however, in prolonged rain or slush, moisture may penetrate. For true waterproofness, choose a Hestra model with a CZone or GORE-TEX membrane.
Which Hestra ski glove is the warmest?
Within the ski line, mittens are generally warmer than 5-finger or 3-finger gloves because the fingers generate warmth together. The Army Leather Extreme Mitt is Hestra's warmest ski mitten option for severe cold. All models use G-Loft insulation, which effectively insulates even when wet and dries quickly.
How do I determine my correct Hestra glove size?
Measure the circumference of your hand just below the knuckles at the widest part of your hand, excluding the thumb. The value in inches corresponds to your Hestra size (example: 17.8 cm = size 7, 20.3 cm = size 8). It's best to measure in the afternoon when your hands are at their largest. If the circumference is between two sizes, choose the larger one. Women's models are narrower: Unisex size 7 corresponds to size 8 in women's models.
What is the difference between 5-finger, 3-finger, and mitten?
Mittens are the warmest because all fingers generate heat together. The 5-finger glove offers the most dexterity for precise pole use. The 3-finger glove is the compromise: significantly warmer than a 5-finger glove, more mobility than a mitten – popular with cold-sensitive riders and ambitious female freeriders.
What is the difference between Army Leather Heli Ski and Patrol Gauntlet?
Both models use Army Goat Leather and G-Loft insulation. The Heli Ski has a long cuff for standard piste and freeride use. The Patrol Gauntlet has an extra-long, wide cuff that extends far over the jacket sleeve and protects against deep powder snow – preferred by ski patrol, mountain guides, and deep-snow skiers.
How do I properly care for Hestra leather gloves?
Use Hestra Leather Balm with natural ingredients (beeswax, lanolin, carnauba wax, neatsfoot oil): massage a small amount into the leather with a soft cloth. Only suitable for goat and cow leather – not for deerskin. Always dry at room temperature, never on a heater or in direct sunlight. The removable lining can be washed separately at 30 degrees.
Can I replace the lining of my Hestra gloves?
Yes – in most Hestra ski models (Heli Ski, Patrol, Fall Line), the inner lining can be removed, washed separately, and replaced if worn out. This significantly extends the lifespan and allows for adaptation to different temperatures: a thinner lining for mild days, a thicker one for severe cold.
Does Hestra offer a warranty on ski gloves?
Hestra offers a three-year warranty on all gloves for manufacturing defects. Normal wear and tear is not covered. Even after the warranty expires, Hestra offers a repair service for damaged gloves – another reason that speaks for the long-term quality of this brand.
