Best Ski and Backcountry Ski Poles

How to Choose Ski Poles

Like most ski equipment, there are aspects to consider before deciding on the best ski poles. Make sure to review the points below so you can find the perfect set of ski poles. 

Pole Length

A ski pole that’s too long will impact the ground before you’re ready, leading to awkward pole touches and busted ski rhythm. A ski pole that’s too short will force you to adjust your body position to be able to make a pole touch. Length is the first and arguably most important ski pole metric.

The ideal pole length can be obtained by grabbing a ski pole and flipping it upside down. With your arm bent at roughly a 90-degree angle, see if you can grab the ski pole just below the basket. If you can, while keeping your arm bent at around 90 degrees, it’s within range.

Poles specifically for deep powder should come with powder baskets and can be a little shorter to help you maintain a fluid pole-touching motion. For terrain park skiers, the ski length can be even shorter, which helps maintain motion over obstacles and prevents your poles from dragging when you ski switch.

Fixed vs. Adjustable Poles

If you’re not growing anymore and you know what your height and ski pole preferences are, a fixed ski pole is fine. In fact, many fixed poles are often cheaper than adjustable ones. 

Adjustable ski poles have a lot of benefits for people still growing, as you can easily adjust the size. It’s also nice to purchase because ski pole length, while pegged to conversion charts, ultimately depends on your comfort. It’s nice to have a piece of equipment you can adjust to find the perfect feeling for you, which may not be obvious right away.

The downsides to adjustable ski poles are their pricing and locking mechanism. Eventually, and that could be years down the road, the locking mechanism will either need to be tightened or will fail. An adjustable ski pole that won’t adjust or hold position means you’ll have to buy another one.

Construction, Materials, Weight, etc.

Aluminum is used in a lot of ski poles and is generally seen as a cost-saving option. Higher-end performance ski poles use carbon fiber. Carbon fiber poles create a lighter more durable ski pole but at a much higher price. Ultimately, how often and where you use the ski poles will matter.

For downhill resort-focused skiers, a simple aluminum pole will work 99% of the time. For dedicated backcountry skiers, carbon fiber poles mean more durability on longer touring expeditions. Compare prices, construction and implied durability before settling on a choice.

Wristband System

Pole straps are there for a reason. If you plant a pole and it gets stuck, the ski pole stays put while you keep skiing. This leads to, at best, an annoying reclimb to grab the ski pole. Using a wristband system helps keep your ski poles close and minimizes a ton of extra effort.

Baskets

Baskets are the attachments at the bottom of a ski pole. For hard-packed snow and groomers, you want smaller baskets. Extra wide baskets are ideal for deep, soft powder. Without the baskets, the ski pole would sink right through the snow. Baskets help keep pole touches consistent, which in turn helps you maintain rhythm.