Karl Lenhart started LEKI in 1970. Having experience in aircraft construction, he knew how to process aluminum and composites. He used these raw materials to manufacture his first ski poles and launched them on the market in 1970 under the name LEKI, which stands for the owner and the company headquarters - Lenhart in Kirchheim. Based on the succes of the regular LEKI alpine poles, Lenhart expanded LEKI's product range 3 years after, to also feature cross-country poles. More succes followed and in 1997 LEKI built its new headquarter, and a year after, the Trigger System revolutionized the market, while also introducing the first line of LEKI Gloves. Since then the company has grown and is today a global company operating across the world selling poles, gloves and accesories for skiers. The brands six core values, enthusiasm, innovation, quality, partnership, excellence and responsibility is part of the LEKI DNA, which ensures high quality products focusing on a combination of safety and comfort with an appealing design.