How to Choose the Proper Height of Ski Poles

Skiing is the freedom of sliding on snow without motors. Cross-country skiing requires your own body power to push you across trails and tracks while gravity takes care of the propulsion in downhill skiing. Both styles of the sport require poles. As with the boots and skis, getting the proper size with your ski poles is essential to effective skiing. Get poles too short and you flounder trying to get them planted. Get poles too long and they are ineffective as you can't get a proper grip and purchase.

Things You'll Need

  • Ski pole sizing chart
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Instructions

  1. Downhill Poles

    • 1

      Take your height, in ski boots, and write it down. Consult a ski pole size chart and cross-reference your height with the recommended size.

    • 2

      Grab the poles, with your ski boots on, and stand still and plant the pole-tips on the ground while holding the grips.

    • 3

      Check the angle of your elbow. As a general rule, the best angle to have at the elbow when the pole tips are planted is 90 degrees. As your skills increase on the slopes, decrease the pole size by 1/2-inch to an inch.

    Cross Country - Traditional

    • 4

      Grab the ski poles out of the selection. Hold the grips and plant the tips.

    • 5

      Select poles that are slightly higher than your chest level. Because the poles are used to push and propel, they need to be slightly longer than downhill poles. Look to see if your hands and the ski pole grips align with the lower part of your chin.

    • 6

      Select a slightly shorter pole than chin level if you are a beginner skier.

    Cross Country - Skating

    • 7

      Take your current height with the skate ski boots on. Consult a sizing chart for the recommended skate ski size.

    • 8

      Grip the poles and place the tips behind you as in the skate pole position. Look for a long extension off the back with the tip planting just slightly in front of the rear foot's ankle.

    • 9

      Use slightly shorter poles if you are a beginner skate-skier.