Hestra Heli Ski Female 5-Finger Khaki/Offwhite

The Heli Ski Female is Hestra's go-to for skiers who spend long, cold days on the mountain. Built for women's narrower hands, it combines army goat leather on the palm with windproof, water-resistant Triton polyamide on the back, wrapped around a removable G-Loft insulation liner. It manages exertion better than a mitt: peel away the liner for the steep approach, clip it to the carabiner and switch to the full glove for the descent.

Why we rate it

The removable Bemberg fleece lining is the masterstroke. G-Loft stays warm even when damp, and pulling it out leaves you with a thin shell that breathes when you're working hard. The goat leather palm reads the snow and grips poles without slipping. Box-finger construction gives you slightly more dexterity than a mitt while keeping hands bundled together for warmth. Long handcuffs and a snow lock seal the gauntlet; the wrist strap with carabiner means you'll never lose a glove mid-hike or when switching to liner-only mode.

Who it's for

Women who tour, ski backcountry, or just spend whole days in the mountains. Anyone with narrower hands will appreciate the fit. This is not a glove for the living-room skier—it's for skiers who manage their own exertion and need a glove that adapts to it.

Key features

• Army goat leather palm — durable, sensitive to snow and pole feel, breaks in beautifully
• Hestra Triton backhand — windproof and water-resistant polyamide, breathable
• Removable G-Loft liner — ultra-thin insulation that works when wet, easy swap for hike/ski changes
• Bemberg fleece lining — soft, durable, removable brushed polyester backing
• Long handcuffs and snow lock — seal out powder when you're punching through deep snow
• Wrist strap and carabiner — clip to pack or wrist loop; never fumble with lost gloves
• Box-finger cut — slightly more dexterity than a mitt, still warm

Fit and feel

Women's cut with a slimmer profile for narrower hands. The 5-finger design sits snug but not restrictive; the removable liner means you can dial warmth to effort level. Handcuffs are long enough to overlap a mid-layer cuff without binding. The goat leather softens after a few days and feels increasingly supple.

From the fitting room: Size up half a size if you run cold or wear thick mid-layer sleeves, and buy the Heli Ski Female Liner separately if you plan serious touring—it lives in your pack for quick swaps on the hill.