Best Ski Poles of 2024
Having the right pair of ski poles makes all the difference
Backcountry skiing while testing Black Diamond and Atomic ski poles. By Jon Stockwell
January 24th, 2024
Home > Gear Reviews > Ski & Snow
Ski poles may not be the first gear item you think of when hitting the slopes, but these sticks are an important piece of equipment, just like the ones under your feet.
Ski poles help with balance, form, and getting around on the slopes or skinning uphill, and having the right pair for the job can make all the difference. Pole planting helps to initiate turns and makes you a better skier overall. Using poles helps with control on the slopes, and they’re crucial for moving uphill in the backcountry.
To find the best ski poles, we considered weight (aluminum and carbon poles), height adjustability, float of powder baskets, price, comfort of grips, and fit and release of straps.
To find the best ski poles, we tested some models over a decade of use skiing all across the West and in Alaska, Canada, and Japan. We used them for committing all-day and overnight backcountry ski objectives and on days carving groomers and skiing chutes and cirques at the resort. We researched and tested the top ski poles on the market so that you can find the best ones for you.
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COMPARISON TABLE
| SKI POLE | TREELINE AWARD | BEST FOR | SHAFT | BASKETS | WEIGHT | LENGTH (CM) | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leki Detect S | Best for Resort Read review |
Resort, All-around | Aluminum | Regular and powder baskets | 500 g | 110, 115, 120, 125, 130 | $100 |
| Black Diamond Traverse | Best for Backcountry Read review |
Backcountry | Aluminum | Powder | 592 g | 95-145, 105-155 | $115 |
| Atomic Backland FR SQS | Best for Freeriding Read review |
Touring, All-around | Aluminum | Powder | 580 g | One size | $120 |
| MSR Dynalock Ascent Carbon Backcountry Poles | Best for Splitboarding Read review |
Splitboarding, Backcountry | Carbon | Powder and trekking | 482 g | 100-120, 120-140 | $190 |
| Black Crows Meta | Best Affordable Read review |
Resort | Aluminum | All-terrain/small powder basket | 480 g | 110, 115, 125, 130 | $60 |
THE WINNERS
BEST POLES FOR RESORT SKIING: LEKI DETECT S
Price: $100
Shaft: Aluminum
Basket: includes regular and powder baskets
Weight per pair: 500 grams
What we liked: lightweight, good swing weight, comfortable grip, durable
What could be better: snug straps take some getting used to
The ideal ski poles are simple and also have the right balance of practical features. Ski poles, after all, should not be terribly complicated pieces of gear. But, something more than just a metal stick is required to truly perform. Leki seems to have found that balance with the Detect S pole. We tested these poles while carving fresh groomers and skiing steep, high alpine terrain in Breckenridge. These poles were the best ski poles with a weight similar to more high-end poles with the added durability and price advantages of aluminum.
LEKI DETECT S
Skiing in Breckenridge with the Leki Detect S. By Jon Stockwell
The Detect S poles have all the features we’d want for the resort, from mellow groomers to steep, off-piste (ungroomed) terrain, without overcomplicating things and remaining light and nimble. A light yet durable aluminum shaft, a smart strap design, comfortable grips, and two basket options make these our favorite poles for downhill skiing at the resort.
The Detect S poles are made with a fixed-length aluminum shaft that’s both light and durable (available in sizes from 110-135 centimeters). Weighing around 250 grams per pole, these are comparable in weight to many higher-end carbon poles but boast the long-term durability and better affordability of aluminum.
They include two different sizes of baskets—one smaller for groomed terrain and wider powder baskets for soft and deep snow. While it’s nice to have the smaller baskets, we almost exclusively used the powder baskets in testing and found they performed well across the entire mountain.
The straps on the Leki Detect S fit snugly over large mittens. By Stasia Stockwell
One of the unique features of the Detect S is the removable strap system. The straps click in and out easily, so you can choose to ski with or without them. But this feature offers more than just convenience. The straps are designed to clip away from the pole in the event of a rough crash, aiming to minimize the risk of injury. We (thankfully) did not test this feature in a fall, but found that the straps were reliable and did not slip off accidentally. They were also easy to remove when we wanted them off.
The release system for the straps on the Leki Detect S poles. By Stasia Stockwell
There was only one downside we encountered with the Leki Detect S poles. While we appreciate the removable strap feature, we found the straps to be snug and cumbersome at first. This more form-fitting design is intentional, and after a couple of uses, it was not an issue. But, if you use particularly thick gloves or mittens, getting the adjustment right may take a little time.
Overall, the Leki Direct S poles have an excellent design and helped to give stability and control across a variety of terrain. Once we had the straps dialed, it was easy to forget about the poles and just focus on the skiing—always a good sign with gear. The Detect S poles also landed on Switchback Travel’s best ski poles list with their reviewers echoing many of our sentiments. We also appreciate that Leki offers a 2-year warranty for aluminum poles, in the event that the shaft breaks.
And though these poles lean on the pricier side for aluminum poles, we think they offer great value. The durability and features are excellent, and though there are lighter poles on the market, these are far from heavy. It’s a pole we’d choose for any day of riding chairlifts and skiing any part of the mountain.
BEST POLES FOR BACKCOUNTRY SKIING: BLACK DIAMOND TRAVERSE
Price: $115
Shaft: Aluminum
Basket: powder baskets
Weight per pair: 592 grams
What we liked: extremely durable, good balance of weight to durability, easy adjustment
What could be better: secondary grip could be improved
Before testing the latest version of the Traverse poles, I had a pair in my personal quiver for nearly a decade. They’re still functioning perfectly after hundreds of days on skis from Colorado to Alaska to Japan and back again.
While weight savings is a crucial component of backcountry ski gear, we’d argue that durability trumps all. When you’re deep in the mountains, you need gear that’s first and foremost reliable. And these poles have been the most reliable companion in my entire ski gear closet. If you’re looking for a functional, durable, adjustable pole for skiing anywhere, these do it all without being costly.
BLACK DIAMOND TRAVERSE
Approaching a couloir in Colorado while using the Black Diamond Traverse poles. By Jon Stockwell
The Traverse poles are not complex, but they have all the features necessary to excel on backcountry tours. They have a length adjustment range of 50 centimeters, with one size option topping out at 145 and a longer option at 155. This range is more than enough for skiers of most heights and for use on a variety of slope angles. The Fidlock adjustment is easy to use, even with thick ski gloves on. The locks are reliable, and the poles never slip accidentally.
Powder baskets on the Black Diamond Traverse. By Stasia Stockwell
The poles come with one set of powder baskets, which is all you need for backcountry skiing. The straps are simple but perfectly functional.
The extended grips on the Black Diamond Traverse poles are useful for ski touring. By Stasia Stockwell
We also appreciated the extended grip feature, which is essential for backcountry poles that are designed for going up and downhill on skis. The Traverse poles have an extra rubber grip a couple of inches below the top grip. This is helpful when the poles are extended for longer uphill sections with variable slope angles and terrain so that rather than adjusting the whole pole, you just swap between grips.
The only thing that’s changed with these poles in the most recent update is an upgrade to the Fidlock latch (it’s easier to unlatch with the current version) and a more ergonomic grip, which is both comfortable and made of durable material.
Adjusting the length on the Black Diamond Traverse poles. By Stasia Stockwell
While we appreciate that there are extended grips, they could be slightly larger and taper off more smoothly to accommodate a wider variety of grip positions. But that’s hardly a deal breaker.
Backcountry skiing in late spring near Breckenridge, CO with the Black Diamond Traverse poles. By Jon Stockwell
Super weight-conscious skiers may be put off by the fact that these poles weigh nearly 300 grams per pole. If you’re out to set speed records, consider a carbon pole instead. But if you want a durable and reliable pole that can help propel you uphill and then charge back down, this is the one.
The newest version of the Black Diamond Traverse pole (left) next to the author’s 10-year-old pair (right). By Stasia Stockwell
We tested these poles over a decade of use skiing all across the West and in Alaska, Canada, and Japan. We used them for committing all-day and overnight backcountry ski objectives and on days carving groomers and skiing chutes and cirques at the resort. If a backcountry workhorse is what you’re looking for, then these are the poles for you.
BEST FREERIDE SKI POLES: ATOMIC BACKLAND FR SQS
Price: $120
Shaft: aluminum
Basket: powder basket
Weight per pair: 580 grams
What we liked: built-in screwdriver, lightweight aluminum, durable
What could be better: secondary grip would be nice for touring
Freeride skiing often means that you may be a little harder on your gear, and for that you need both durability and functionality. After testing the Atomic Backland poles on stormy backcountry days and while skiing the steeps and deeps in the resort, we think these poles are ideal for freeriders who want only one pole to do it all, that performs in and out of bounds. The durable aluminum construction paired with thoughtful features like built-in screwdrivers makes these poles our top pick for skiers who never want to quit.
ATOMIC BACKLAND FR SQS
Skinning with the Atomic Backland poles. By Jon Stockwell
The Backland poles have an aluminum shaft that adjusts between 100 and 130 centimeters in length. They have comfortable foam grips and straps that offer just the right amount of snugness on the wrists. Additionally, the straps do break away from the pole with enough force, to help prevent injury in a crash.
Ski touring with the Atomic Backland FR SQS poles. By Stasia Stockwell
These poles come with powder baskets, and they’re the largest of any in our test, making them ideal for deep and soft snow. These poles have the durability of aluminum, but maintain a relatively low weight and comfortable swing weight, especially given the features they offer.
The Backland poles have screwdrivers built into the top section of the telescoping poles. By Stasia Stockwell
One of those stand-out features is the built-in screwdrivers that nest into the bottom half of the pole—one a Phillips and one a flathead. These make adjustments for bindings or other gear easy to do on the fly should you not have a multitool on hand, and can save a bad day in the backcountry – all without making the poles heavy.
We love the large powder baskets on the Backland poles—the largest in our test. By Stasia Stockwell
For all the great features these poles have, we wish there was a secondary grip on the poles or an extended grip for touring. If that’s a priority for you, consider the Black Diamond Traverse poles instead, which have a longer range of adjustment. But, the Backland poles are lighter than the Traverse, and we love the straps and large powder baskets on the Backland poles, too. For a backcountry-specific workhorse, the Traverse may be a better option. But if you want one pole to do it all well–both in and out of the resort–the Backland is ideal.
Skiing powder with the Atomic Backland poles. By Jon Stockwell
Given the features included with the Backland poles, we think they offer a good value overall, especially given that the aluminum construction should last many seasons on the slopes. Tt’s become our go-to pole and we think it’s the ideal option for freeride skiers.
BEST SPLITBOARD: MSR DYNALOCK ASCENT CARBON
Price: $190
Shaft: carbon
Basket: powder and trekking
Weight per pair: 482 grams
What we liked: light, packable
What could be better: expensive, not good for downhill use
Splitboarders have different priorities when it comes to ski poles than their two-planking friends. While splitboarders may occasionally use poles for getting back down the hill, their primary function is to go up and then be stashed away when it’s time to ride. That means that, first and foremost, poles for splitboarding should be light and packable. And the MSR Dynalock Ascent Carbon poles are just that. After testing on backcountry splitboard tours in the Tahoe area, these poles became a favorite for our tester. We love the packability and how well they lock into place, making them ideal for use on the uphill for backcountry adventures.
MSR DYNALOCK ASCENT CARBON
The MSR Dynalock Ascent Carbon ski poles are both the lightest and most packable in our test. They weigh about 100 grams less per pair than both of the other telescoping options we tested thanks in part to their carbon construction. And, rather than just telescoping, these poles actually fold up and collapse into three pieces, making them easy to stash in a pack for the downhill.
The Dynalock Ascent Carbon poles have a comfortable main grip and also have an extended foam grip just below that. The poles have two length options—one maxing out at 120 centimeters and a longer option at 140—and both have an adjustment range of 20 centimeters. While we found the poles a little tricky to assemble with mittens on, locking them into place was easy when wearing gloves. The straps on these poles are simple yet comfortable, and they come with powder baskets as well as smaller baskets designed for trekking.
There is one main downside with these poles: they’re expensive. But, for the price you get an option that is far lighter and more packable than almost all other ski poles on the market. And while the adjustment range on these poles is not as wide as others, that’s not as necessary for splitboarders who won’t likely need to adjust them for the downhill anyway. Additionally, if you want poles that can also be used for downhill skiing and not just the uphill, consider a different option as these are not really built for that. But, we do love that MSR has a limited 3-year warranty along with offering repairs.
If you’re a splitboarder looking for a pole that’s designed specifically for the uphill that won't weigh down your pack when it’s time for the descent, you’d be hard-pressed to find a pole that’s lighter and more packable than these.
BEST AFFORDABLE RESORT SKI POLES: BLACK CROWS META
Price: $60
Shaft: aluminum
Basket: all-terrain/small powder basket
Weight per pair: 480 grams
What we liked: good value, fun colors, durable
What could be better: straps
If you’re looking for a simple and reliable pair of ski poles for the resort, the Black Crows Meta poles cover the basics, and they do it with style. These simple aluminum poles come in a slew of fun, bright colors, and offer functionality and durability – all at a great price. We tested these poles resort skiing in Colorado and even brought them into the backcountry for a couple of days. If you’re looking for a solid pair of ski poles on a budget, opt for the Meta.
BLACK CROWS META
Skiing at Breckenridge Resort with the Black Crows Meta poles. By Jon Stockwell
The Meta poles have an aluminum shaft and come in a fixed length (with options from 110-135 centimeters). The poles come with what Black Crows considers an all-terrain basket, so it’s larger than baskets made for on-piste (groomed) skiing, but not quite as wide as some of the true powder baskets on other poles in our test. This makes the poles versatile in all types of conditions.
Our testers love the angular grip on the Meta poles. By Stasia Stockwell
These poles are quite light for their aluminum construction and have a comfortable swing weight. And, because they’re made with a single aluminum shaft that’s on the wider side, they offer great durability and longevity.
The angular grips on the Meta poles are comfortable. By Stasia Stockwell
We also like that the poles are available in a variety of fun color options, true to Black Crows’ signature style. We found the uniquely angular grips on the Meta poles to be very comfortable, and they proved to be some of our favorite grips in the test.
All-terrain powder baskets on the Black Crows Meta poles. By Stasia Stockwell
While these poles function well, they are still basic overall. The straps, in particular, are simple and not as easy to slip gloves or mittens into as others. And, these poles do not have some of the features that others in our test do, like the removable straps on the Leki Detect S, but you’ll have to pay nearly double the price to get a pair of poles with a larger feature set.
If you want a simple pair of ski poles that will be durable and functional while keeping budget as a top priority, the Meta poles are our top choice. Their comfortable grips, quality construction, and fun style come together to make for a pair of poles that offer great value.
BEST ECO-FRIENDLY SKI POLES: GRASS STICKS ORIGINAL
Price: $110
Shaft: bamboo
Basket: powder basket (also available with small and medium powder baskets)
Weight per pair: 510 grams
What we liked: Eco-friendly design, fun style
What could be better: expensive, lacks additional features
If you’re looking for a pair of ski poles that uses more sustainable and natural materials than high-tech carbon or aluminum, bamboo is another classic material used for ski poles. Bamboo poles are fairly light, flexible, durable, and have a fun pop of style while using materials that will eventually decompose faster than their metal and carbon counterparts. Grass Sticks makes a simple and classic bamboo pole that is a favorite among skiers.
GRASS STICKS ORIGINAL
The Grass Sticks Original ski poles are made with a bamboo shaft and have a comfortable rubber grip and a simple, non-adjustable strap. The bamboo material makes these poles flexible and resistant to snapping, while also keeping them responsive when initiating a turn. Additionally, bamboo is widely regarded as a sustainable material that is both easier on the environment to produce and offers good durability overall.
The downside to these poles is that they are expensive for how simple they are. While they’re eco-friendly and stylish, they do not have any special features like other poles in our test. But, if sustainability and style are more important than budget for you, these are poles worth considering.
OTHER SKI POLES WE TESTED
BLACK DIAMOND WHIPPET
Price: $150 (for one pole with pick)
Shaft: aluminum
Basket: powder basket
Weight per pair: 452 grams (for one pole with pick)
What we liked: useful tool for ski mountaineering adventures in steep and consequential terrain in the backcountry
What could be better: heavy, not versatile
The Black Diamond Whippet pole is a unique and specialized tool for ski mountaineers navigating steep and technical terrain. Designed to replace the need to carry an ice axe on ski mountaineering adventures, the Whippet is a telescoping ski pole with an ice axe head. This means that, when booting up steep couloirs, swapping one pole for an ax is often unnecessary.
BLACK DIAMOND WHIPPET
But the main advantage of this pole is that for the downhill, you can maintain the ability to self arrest without giving up the functionality of having two ski poles.
The ax head on the Black Diamond Whippet ski pole. By Stasia Stockwell
If you’re a skier who spends a lot of time in steep and consequential terrain in the backcountry, this might be worth adding to your gear list. (Though it should be noted that you should not use a pole like this in the resort or anytime it’s not totally necessary.)
Price: $180
Shaft: aluminum
Basket: all-terrain/powder basket
Weight per pair: 490 grams
What we liked: continuous extended grip
What could be better: expensive for the amount of features, main grip point lacks any shape
The Duos Freebird poles are an aluminum adjustable pole designed specifically for touring. They have a simple design overall, with an adjustment range of 110-140 centimeters and a long extended grip.
BLACK CROWS DUOS FREEBIRD
We tested these poles on ski tours in Colorado’s central mountains. While we like how far down the grip extends and the idea of a continuous grip (rather than two separate ones), the overall ergonomics of the main grip is lacking. There is no real shape to the grip—it’s just a straight stick with foam over it. And, for an aluminum pole without many extra features, these are expensive. But, if you like that simplicity, this is a solid pole for backcountry touring.
Ski touring with the Black Diamond Traverse poles. By Stasia Stockwell
TYPES OF SKI POLES
Ski poles are distinctly different than trekking poles and hiking poles you’d use in non-snowy or light snowy conditions. They are designed to be more durable and less brittle in cold conditions and to prevent snapping when twisted in deep snow. They are also designed to take more force so you can use your poles to push off the ground while skiing.
RESORT
Ski poles made for downhill resort skiing are typically a fixed length and can be made of aluminum, carbon, or bamboo. They can have different-sized baskets and often include smaller baskets for on-piste skiing and powder baskets for use in deep snow. There is typically one molded hand grip at the top of these poles made of a softer material like rubber, foam, or cork.
BACKCOUNTRY TOURING
Ski poles designed for backcountry ski touring are often adjustable and are typically made of aluminum or carbon. The adjustable length is ideal for skier preferences on the uphill vs. the downhill and can help when you need to stash poles on a pack.
Unlike resort ski poles, many touring poles have extended grips along with the main hand grip to accommodate different hand placement when traveling across varied terrain. Poles for touring almost always have large powder baskets since deep or variable snow is typically what is encountered in the backcountry.
NORDIC (CROSS-COUNTRY)
Nordic ski poles are meant to be much longer than downhill ski poles. They often have different basket styles meant for fast movement on groomed tracks. They are also often made with lighter materials and a narrower shaft and should be used just for Nordic skiing as they are not as durable and are often too long for use when downhill skiing.
We tested multiple pairs of ski poles for this story. By Stasia Stockwell
BUYING ADVICE / WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN SKI POLES
LENGTH
Whether you opt for fixed length or adjustable, ensure that the poles are the right size for your height by measuring before you buy. When holding the pole upside down just under the basket, your elbow should be at a 90-degree angle.
FIXED LENGTH VS. ADJUSTABLE
Fixed length and adjustable ski poles both have their own advantages. Fixed length poles are often simpler and more durable, since there are no moving parts or locking mechanisms to break. But, having adjustable ski poles allows you to change the length based on your needs, which is especially helpful for backcountry touring when a different length is often preferred for the uphill and the downhill.
SHAFT DIAMETER
The shaft diameter of your ski pole is worth considering for weight and durability. A smaller diameter can save weight, but it also makes the poles less durable. Consider what is most important to you when buying.
WEIGHT
The weight of your ski poles matters for any type of skiing, but especially for backcountry touring when you have to use those poles to help propel you uphill, often for many hours. Weight and durability are often inversely related, so it’s best to find a balance between the two.
SNOW BASKETS
The type of baskets you want on your poles will depend on the terrain you most often ski. Smaller baskets are ideal for on-piste, groomed trails, while larger, wider baskets are needed for skiing off-piste in deeper snow. If you stick to the groomed slopes, powder baskets add unnecessary swing weight. But, if you like to ski powder, whether in the resort or the backcountry, you’ll want larger baskets to keep your poles from sinking too far into the snow.
SHAFT MATERIALS
These are the most common materials used for ski pole shafts.
ALUMINUM
Aluminum is the most common and popular material for ski poles, given its affordability, light weight, and durability. It has a good balance of these three things and is very functional.
CARBON FIBER
Carbon fiber poles are often lighter than their aluminum counterparts, but that typically comes at a cost both in price tag and in durability. This weight savings can be nice for higher performance or when weight savings in the backcountry is crucial.
BAMBOO
Bamboo is a material that’s used in ski poles that are both vintage and brand new. It’s a more environmentally-friendly material because it’s made primarily from natural fibers that will decompose more quickly. Bamboo poles are usually simpler than others and will not have adjustability like many aluminum or carbon ones.
GRIPS
A comfortable grip is a key component to a good pair of ski poles. Grips are often made of rubber, foam, or cork and usually have molded finger placement. Because hands come in all different shapes and sizes, it’s a good idea to test the grip on the poles yourself before buying, if possible.
STRAPS
The vast majority of ski poles have straps that wrap around the wrist to prevent losing a pole on the slopes. Some straps have additional features, like a super-secure fit or the ability to detach from the pole in the event of a crash. Other pole straps are simple but adjustable bits of nylon webbing that still function very well. Consider what strap features are important to you when buying.
OTHER FEATURES
While ski poles are a fairly simple piece of gear overall, there are often extra features worth considering. One common feature for freeride and touring poles is an extended grip area. This means that you can more easily and comfortably adjust the placement of your hand on the pole and is helpful when skinning uphill.
On rare occasions, ski poles have unique features like the Atomic Backland poles, which include a built-in flathead and Phillips screwdriver in each pole—a handy tool whether you’re in the resort or the backcountry.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE PROPER SKI POLE LENGTH
Ski touring with the Black Diamond Traverse poles. By Stasia Stockwell
Finding the proper ski pole length is quick and easy. Flip the pole upside down and grasp it just below the basket. The proper length pole should have your elbow at a 90-degree angle. If you don’t have poles handy to measure this, you can use a measuring tape. Lengthen the tape so it reaches the floor with your elbow bent at a 90-degree angle, and the measurement is how long your ski poles should be.
HOW DO SKI POLES IMPACT PERFORMANCE AND COMFORT?
Ski poles may seem like the least important piece of gear, but they are a crucial tool for skiers. Pole planting helps to initiate turns and makes you a better skier overall. Using poles helps with control on the slopes, and they’re crucial for moving uphill in the backcountry.
MAINTENANCE AND CARE OF SKI POLES
REGULAR INSPECTION FOR DAMAGE
Give your poles a look over before hitting the slopes. Notice if there are any bends or dents in the poles that could lead to the pole snapping altogether. In general, if your poles are bent, it’s best not to try and bend them back (especially for carbon fiber—this material is far more rigid than aluminum). If your aluminum poles are bent and you want to attempt to straighten them, never do it while they’re cold. Take them to a shop if you can, or wait until you’re home and the poles are at room temperature or a little warmer.
CLEANING AND STORAGE TIPS
Store your ski poles in a dry place where moisture won’t accumulate, and snow can quickly melt off. If they’re dirty, clean them with water or a rag before storing them to increase longevity.
REPLACEMENT CONSIDERATIONS
If your poles are bent badly or have major dents in the shaft, or if the grips have worn out, it’s time to replace them. But, in general, ski poles should be one of the longest lasting and most durable items in your gear closet.
Skiing in Breckenridge with the Leki Detect S. By Jon Stockwell
FAQ
WHAT IS THE BEST MATERIAL FOR SKI POLES?
Ski poles are most commonly made with either aluminum, carbon, or, in some instances, bamboo. Aluminum is the most common thanks to the combination of durability, affordability, and relative light weight that the material offers. Because of this, aluminum is often the best material for ski poles.
If weight savings is a priority, then carbon ski poles may be the best option. They are typically lighter than aluminum poles but are also more expensive and often less durable.
Lastly, bamboo poles are less common than aluminum and carbon but offer an option made from natural materials that is considered more sustainable and have a fun pop of style to boot.
HOW MUCH SHOULD A SKI POLE WEIGH?
Most ski poles weigh somewhere in the range of 400 to 600 grams, or roughly one pound for a pair and a half pound each. Lighter poles are nice for performance, but balancing performance and durability is key.
IS IT BETTER TO SIZE UP OR DOWN IN SKI POLES?
In general, if you are in between sizes, it’s best to go with the shorter pole. This helps with overall maneuverability.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY SKI POLES ARE TOO LONG?
Hold your pole upside down just below the basket. Your elbow should be at 90 degrees. If the angle is smaller, then a shorter pole is likely needed.
WHAT IS THE BEST WHAT TO USE SKI POLES?
Ski poles are incredibly useful. They help to initiate turns when pole planting, and help with overall balance, control, and style while skiing. When backcountry skiing, poles are also helpful for balance and power as you climb uphill.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR / WHY YOU SHOULD TRUST US
A true mountain dweller, Stasia feels far more at home on a high alpine ridge than on a busy city street. She’s worked as a backpacking guide in Southeast Alaska, has held a WFR cert, AIARE 1, AIARE 2, and Avalanche Rescue certifications, and is working to become an avalanche education instructor. She’s now a full time freelance writer and editor working primarily in the outdoor recreation realm. Her bylines can be found in Backpacker, 5280, and REI’s Uncommon Path, among others, and she’s been testing and writing about gear for nearly a decade. She is also the managing editor of the new print zine, Trails Magazine.
Stasia has been skiing since she could walk, and after all those years on the slopes she’s used dozens of different ski poles while riding chairlifts at the resort and when touring deep into the backcountry. Additionally, she spent time working in a backcountry ski shop in Breckenridge, Colorado, where she helped customers find the right size and type of ski poles on a daily basis.
Stasia has been testing and writing about ski gear for over a decade. When she’s not skiing and testing gear for work, you’ll find her out just about every day in the winter making turns in the resort and the backcountry or nerding out at home with a cup of good coffee studying avalanche safety and snow conditions, or listening to an in-depth podcast on ski gear and boot fitting.
