There are many different models of alpine poles! The right poles make a bigger difference than you might think. They affect balance, rhythm, and the feel of every turn. Whether you ski on-piste, all-mountain, or freeride, it's important to choose the right length, material, and grip. Here, we guide you to the poles that best suit your skiing style.
Choose the right length
Correct pole length is crucial for good balance and rhythm in turns. A pole that is too long interferes with your position, while one that is too short provides less support. Therefore, it is important to find the right length from the start.
A simple way to measure is to turn the pole upside down and hold it under the basket. Your arm should then form a 90-degree angle. This gives you the right length for piste and all-mountain skiing.
If you do a lot of freeride or powder skiing, you can choose a slightly shorter pole. This provides more freedom of movement and makes it easier to handle uneven terrain. For pure piste skiing, you can instead go up a couple of centimeters for extra stability.
If you don't have a pole to measure with, you can:
- Stand up straight
- Hold your arms at your sides and make a 90-degree angle between your upper and lower arm.
- Measure the distance between the floor and your hand
- Take the measurement you get and add a few centimeters
Also keep in mind that grips and pole tips can slightly affect the total length between different brands. Feel free to try them in a store or compare manufacturers' size charts to be sure.
Material - weight and feel
The material affects both the weight, durability, and feel of the poles. The most common materials are aluminum, carbon fiber, and composite, and all have their advantages depending on how you ski.
Aluminum poles are the most common and handle impacts and shocks well. They are durable and affordable, but can bend under heavy load. The advantage is that they rarely break completely, making them reliable in varied conditions.
Carbon fiber poles are significantly lighter and provide a fast, responsive feel on impact. They are suitable for skiers who prioritize low weight and precision. The disadvantage is that they do not withstand hard impacts as well and can crack if they receive a strong blow.
Composite poles combine different materials to provide low weight and good stiffness. They are often stiffer than aluminum, but can break rather than bend. They are suitable for skiers who want a light alternative with quick response but do not ski in the toughest environments.
In summary: choose aluminum for durability and affordability, carbon fiber for a light feel and precision, and composite if you want a light and stiff intermediate option.
Handles and straps
The grip affects both comfort and control while skiing. A good grip allows you to hold the pole relaxed, without clenching your hand. Grips are available in several different materials, such as rubber, foam, and cork. Rubber provides the best grip in all weather, while foam and cork offer better insulation against cold and moisture.
The shape of the grip also matters. Ergonomic grips follow the shape of the hand, making it easier to hold the pole steadily even with gloves.
The strap should fit comfortably around the wrist and provide support without chafing. It should be easy to adjust and preferably have a quick-release mechanism so you can detach yourself from it if needed. On some models, especially for freeriding, there are safety straps that release in case of a fall – this reduces the risk of getting caught in the pole.
In short: choose a grip that feels natural in your hand and a strap that is easy to adjust. This will give you better grip, higher comfort, and more control in every turn.
Snowshoe and tip
The basket affects how the pole performs in different snow conditions. It is located at the bottom of the pole and prevents it from sinking into the snow. Small baskets are best suited for groomed slopes, where the surface is hard and even. They provide a precise pole plant without unnecessary resistance. Larger baskets, on the other hand, are better in powder and looser snow as they offer more flotation and do not sink as deeply.
For those who ski both on-piste and off-piste, interchangeable baskets are available, making it easy to adapt the pole to the conditions.
The tip should be sharp enough to provide grip even on icy surfaces. Most alpine poles have steel tips that offer good grip and durability. For softer snow, carbide tips also work well – they are durable and long-lasting.
In short: choose small baskets for groomed slopes, large ones for powder, and make sure the tip is sharp and durable. This provides better grip and stability with every pole plant.
Alpine poles
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Alpine skiing/piste skiing
The classic type of pole for piste skiing is a straight pole often made of carbon fiber, composite or aluminum. The different materials provide slightly different durability, weight and flexibility. Composite materials and carbon fiber make the pole lighter and thus more agile while skiing.
To choose the correct length for alpine poles, you should do the following:
- Stand up straight.
- Keep your arms at your sides and create a 90-degree angle between your upper and lower arm.
- Measure the distance between the floor and your hand.
- Take that measurement and add 3–5 centimeters.
- This measurement is a good length for a pole for piste skiing!
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Freestyle/park riding
For those who do freestyle/park skiing, it's common to have an alpine pole made of aluminum. It's usually a bit shorter than a pole for piste skiing, making it easier to handle when skiing on rails and during rotations.
To choose the right pole length, consider the following:
- Personal preference for pole length.
- Alternatively, a pole that is approximately 60% of your body height. (Can be cut shorter in a workshop if desired.)
- Feel for what length feels right; it's often shorter than a piste pole.
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Touring
Touring poles are usually telescopic and typically offer a length between 95–145 centimetres in a single pole. This means that most lengths are covered, and you can adjust the pole to the length you need, even on the mountain. It also saves your shoulders as different terrains and surfaces require different pole lengths.
To choose the right length:
- Stand straight and measure from the floor to your armpit. This measurement is a classic length for a touring pole. If you need a shorter pole, move your hand down.
- A telescopic pole is a good recommendation, as you can adjust the length smoothly.
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Off-piste
If you enjoy off-piste skiing, you should have a similar pole to the one used for on-piste skiing. The difference is that an off-piste pole has a wider basket, which provides better float in loose snow. You can also choose a shorter pole than for on-piste skiing, as this type of pole doesn't sink as much into the snow.
To choose the correct length for your alpine poles for off-piste skiing:
- Stand up straight.
- Keep your arms at your sides and form a 90-degree angle between your upper arm and forearm.
- Measure the distance between the floor and your hand; this measurement is a good length for off-piste.
