Double Poling Techniques

Double poling is the skiing technique that involves using both ski poles simultaneously, along with specific body motions, to maximize your forward momentum. A proper double poling technique is effective for high-speed skiing, while giving you a tremendous workout in your abs, back and leg muscles. Double poling may take you a little practice to master, but once you do, it will expand your skiing repertoire.

  1. Classic Double Poling

    • The classic double poling technique involves your planting your poles into the ground, outside of your feet, with your arms bent. You push downward with your arms as you bend at your waist. Keep the pressure on your poles through your entire motion, returning to a standing position only after a full stroke. This technique uses the weight of your torso to add pressure to your push. The downside of the classic double poling technique is the reliance on your torso weight.

    Double Poling

    • With the modern double poling technique, you lean forward at your ankles, push your hips and chest forward over your skis and push. You push downward with your arms, crunching your abs and back, providing the thrust to move you forward. You still bend at your waist, but the bend is very slight, no more than 45 degrees. The tight stomach crunch provides the primary thrust for this technique. This technique provides more thrust than the classic method, while you work out more of your muscles during each stroke.

    Double Poling with Kick

    • You can include a kick motion along with your double pole thrust to give you an additional thrust. This technique is helpful on slight uphill sections. You perform this technique by kicking one leg back and up as you raise your poles up into the traditional double pole position. Lower your leg back into position as you move through your stroke. This technique reduces the friction on your skis during your stroke, while providing the extra force of your kick to your thrust.

    Tricks

    • Begin your stomach and chest crunch early and really flex your core muscles during your stroke. This provides a large portion of your thrust. Lean your shoulders over your skis until you feel unbalanced from your position. Your goal is to get in position to fall into your skis. Once you have the motion perfect, work on lifting your legs during your pole-push motion.