How to Choose Ski Poles

Ski poles are the unsung workhorses of the ski gear ensemble. They need to be strong for assisting on uphill treks and planting turns, light so that your arms don't tire, and somewhat flexible so that a fall doesn't turn them into a pretzel.

If you're a beginner, a good ski pole is any pole that fits. As you become more experienced, you may want to try different materials for a better strength-to-weight ratio.

Pole Fit

To fit your ski poles to you, stand in your ski boots. With your poles upside down—grips touching the floor—grab the pole beneath the basket so that the top of your thumb touches the basket. Your elbow should now be at a 90-degree angle. If the angle is less than 90 degrees, get a shorter pole. If the angle is greater, get a longer pole.

The Strap

Strap design has involved some interesting variations over the years, but it always comes back to the flexible nylon wrist strap. During turns, if you lose your grip, the strap helps keep the pole where you planted it. If you fall, the straps keep your poles with you and not buried in the snow 30 feet upslope.

The Basket

The basket is the plastic disk (sometimes shaped like a snowflake) at the bottom of a ski pole. This device keeps your pole from sinking into the snow.

Two simple conditions apply:

1. In powder conditions, use a bigger basket.
2. On groomed slopes, use a smaller basket.

Some poles come with interchangeable baskets or additional baskets can be purchased separately.

Telescoping Poles

Telescoping poles are used by ski mountaineers because they can be lengthened for uphill cross-country climbs, then shortened for alpine descents. Some models can also be extended and vertically joined together for use as an avalanche probe.

If you choose telescoping poles, make sure they adjust from waist height for downhill skiing to just above your armpit for effective striding.

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