Ski Pole Buying Guide

Choose the right length

The right pole length is key to good balance and rhythm through your turns. A pole that's too long throws off your stance, while one that's too short gives you less support. That's why it's important to get the length right from the start.

An easy way to measure is to turn the pole upside down and hold it just below the basket. Your arm should then form a 90-degree angle. That's the right length for on-piste and all-mountain skiing.

If you do a lot of freeride or powder skiing, you can go for a slightly shorter pole. It gives you more freedom of movement and makes uneven terrain easier to handle. For pure on-piste skiing, on the other hand, you can go up a couple of centimetres for extra stability.

If you don't have a pole to measure with, you can:

• Stand up straight
• Hold your arms by your sides and bend them so there's a 90-degree angle between your upper arm and forearm.
• Measure the distance from the floor to your hand
• Take that measurement and add a few centimetres

Bear in mind that the grip and tip can affect the overall length slightly from brand to brand. Feel free to try poles in the shop, or compare the manufacturers' size charts to be sure.

Material – weight and feel

The material affects the weight, durability and feel of the poles. The most common materials are aluminium, carbon fibre and composite, and each has its advantages depending on how you ski.

Aluminium poles are the most common and handle knocks and impacts well. They're tough and good value, but can bend under heavy loads. The upside is that they rarely snap completely, which makes them reliable in varied conditions.

Carbon fibre poles are considerably lighter and give a quick, responsive feel on the pole plant. They suit skiers who prioritise low weight and precision. The downside is that they don't cope as well with hard knocks and can crack if they take a heavy impact.

Composite poles combine different materials to provide low weight and good stiffness. They're often stiffer than aluminium, but are more likely to snap than bend. They suit skiers who want a lightweight option with quick response but don't ski in the very toughest conditions.

In summary: choose aluminium for durability and value, carbon fibre for a light feel and precision, and composite if you want a light, stiff option in between.

Grips and straps

The grip affects both comfort and control while you ski. A good grip lets you hold the pole in a relaxed way, without tensing your hand. Grips come in several different materials, such as rubber, foam and cork. Rubber gives the best grip in all weathers, while foam and cork insulate better against cold and damp.

The shape of the grip matters too. Ergonomic grips follow the shape of your hand and make it easier to hold the pole steadily, even when wearing gloves.

The strap should sit comfortably around your wrist and give support without chafing. It should be easy to adjust and ideally have a quick-release fastening so you can get out of it when needed. Some models, particularly freeride poles, have safety straps that release in a fall – reducing the risk of getting caught up in your pole.

In short: choose a grip that feels natural in your hand and a strap that's easy to adjust. You'll get a better grip, more comfort and more control in every turn.

Basket and tip

The basket affects how the pole performs in different snow conditions. It sits at the bottom of the pole and stops it from sinking into the snow. Small baskets work best on-piste, where the surface is hard and even. They give a precise pole plant without catching unnecessarily. Larger baskets, on the other hand, are better in powder and looser snow because they give more flotation and don't sink as deep.

If you ski both on-piste and off-piste, there are poles with interchangeable baskets, making it easy to adapt your pole to the conditions.

The tip should be sharp enough to grip even on icy surfaces. Most ski poles have steel tips, which give good purchase and are hard-wearing. Carbide tips also work well in softer snow – they're tough and long-lasting.

In short: choose small baskets for the piste and large ones for powder, and make sure the tip is sharp and hard-wearing. That gives you better grip and stability with every pole plant.