Ski Poles Are Essential for Balance

Ski poles are crucial gear for every skier. They offer balance when skiing and assist in moving around when hiking in the backcountry. The length and material of ski poles vary, but they all share the same basic components.

Every ski pole has a strap to create tension between the wrist and the pole for better pushes. Straps also ensure that the poles won’t be dropped easily while skiing. At the lower end of the pole, there is typically a round plastic disk that prevents the ski pole from sinking deep into the snow.

Alpine Ski Pole Materials

Alpine ski poles are made from various materials. The material of the ski poles determines their weight and durability. For many years, aluminum ski poles have been the most common type used by skiers. They are of good quality and come at affordable prices, making them a great choice, especially for beginners and recreational skiers.

Other popular materials include composite and carbon fiber. Carbon fiber ski poles are stiff and lightweight. This combination offers excellent performance on the slopes and the fast times needed for competitions, which is why they are often preferred by more advanced skiers. Composite ski poles are becoming more popular due to their comfortable handling and suitability for smooth turns.

How Long Should an Alpine Ski Pole Be?

Determining the right ski pole length depends on the skiing style and preference. As a general rule, it's better to choose slightly shorter ski poles rather than longer ones.

For park skiers, it might be beneficial to buy ski poles that are 10-20 cm shorter than usual. For ski touring, adjustable ski poles are recommended. Uphill ascents require different lengths, while downhill skiing requires shorter poles, making adjustable ski touring poles the perfect choice. You can also check our Ski Pole Length Size Chart for an indication of the correct length.

Are you a cross-country skier? If so, feel free to check our selection of Cross Country Ski Poles.