LillSport is a Swedish brand for ski gloves, founded in Karlstad in 1984. With a focus on cross-country skiing, we develop ski gloves with high functionality, good fit and long durability – used by both exercisers and elite skiers at world cups and championships.

LillSport is currently run by the Granqvist family in Karlstad and is one of Sweden's leading brands in ski gloves for cross-country skiing. Production takes place in our own factory in Poland, opened in 2006, where over 300 employees work on the production of LillSport gloves. The close connection between development and production makes it possible to continuously ensure high quality and further develop the choice of materials, fit and function.

In addition to ski gloves, the range also includes roller ski gloves, outdoor gloves and gaiters – products designed to provide comfort and protection in various types of outdoor activities. LillSport gloves are currently used by skiers in ten different national teams and have been worn by some of Sweden's most successful skiers over the years, including Gunde Svan, Torgny Mogren, Thomas Wassberg, Marcus Hellner and Charlotte Kalla.

In addition to sports gloves, Granqvists Sportartiklar also manufactures special gloves for the military, fire department and police under the Granqvists® brand, with the same focus on quality, function and durability.

Lasse Granqvist's words about the way forward

The foundation of LillSport was laid out of a personal need. Our founder and long-time CEO Lasse Granqvist was himself an active skier who was annoyed that parts of his equipment did not work as they should. It started with a simple but crucial detail – a hat that did not fit properly and caused his ears to freeze. The solution was the product earflaps, which sat firmly and retained heat. Lasse himself brought materials to training camps and made them in the evenings.

The Norwegian outdoor company LillSport, which was then manufacturing backpacks, saw the potential and started selling the earflaps. Interest in product development grew, and soon Lasse took on the next challenge: ski gloves. Chafing seams and a poor fit made it difficult to grip the ski pole properly. The result was the first cross-country ski gloves under the LillSport brand, which were launched in 1980 – while Lasse was still competing himself.

From idea to international brand

The journey forward was far from straightforward. Production was moved between different countries and was located for a period in Belgrade, before the civil war of 1990–1991 forced LillSport to find new solutions again. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, Lasse saw the opportunity in Poland, with its proximity to Sweden and access to a solid leather industry. The choice fell on the city of Złotów, where production took off. At the same time, Lasse bought out the LillSport brand and became the sole owner of both the brand and production.

During this period, LillSport grew strongly among cross-country skiers and was carried by profiles such as Gunde Svan, Tomas Wassberg, Torgny Mogren and Björn Dählie. The tradition lives on today, with skiers such as Charlotte Kalla, Marcus Hellner, Stina Nilsson and Martin Sundby choosing LillSport.

Caring for our employees has always been a central part of the company's philosophy. Many of the employees who started in the 1990s are still working there. Glove making is an advanced craft that requires a long training period, and taking care of the skills is crucial. What was once a small collective in Poland has now grown to over 300 employees who manufacture quality gloves for sports, military, police and emergency services worldwide.

"I feel strongly for Zlotow and our employees here, they have stood up for me so now I stand up for them"

Lasse Granqvist