How to Select Ski Poles

Ski poles play a large role in weight distribution on the skis. The proper ski pole length will aid in correct skiing technique and give you more control on the snow.

Things You'll Need

  • Ski gloves
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the correct ski pole length. Stand up straight with arms at sides. Turn the ski pole so the handle is resting on the ground. Grasp the pole beneath the basket. If the arm is parallel to the ground, at a 90-degree angle, the fit is perfect. If you find the arm tilting up or down, try another size.

    • 2
      Plastic grip ski poles

      Wear ski gloves and grasp the ski pole grips. Ski poles are designed with plastic grips that wrap around the hands or with straps that loop around the wrists. Try the different styles to find which is more comfortable. Ski poles with straps will stay with the skier during a fall.

    • 3

      Choose a basket size. Find out what type of snow your ski area usually has. When you ski on soft, powdery snow, a bigger basket is better. A smaller basket is fine on hard-packed ski surfaces.

    • 4

      Decide on a material for your ski poles. Aluminum poles are the most affordable but can bend or break during a hard fall. Graphite poles are more expensive because they are strong, lightweight and don't bend. Composite ski poles are in the middle price range, won't bend because of the composite shafts, and last longer than aluminum poles. Composite poles are not as lightweight as graphite poles. An aggressive skier may want a graphite pole, for instance, because of its strength and relative light weight. If price is an issue, a composite pole is a great alternative. Beginners can get away with an aluminum pole but should realize the pole most likely will bend and need to be replaced in time.