What are ski poles for and why do we need them?
Often a question asked by beginners as they are handed an item of equipment which on the face of it seems unnecessary.
Certainly some beginners are taught without poles at first, especially children as learning to ski without relying on the support of a pole can be beneficial in the long run. But ski poles are an essential tool that enable us to balance, support and time our turns on the slope. In modern day downhill skiing we use two poles, one in each hand.
Balance:
Look at any Alpine or Freestyle ski racer and you will never see them without ski poles. Our balance is enhanced by the length of the poles extending away from our bodies. Skiing is a dynamic and athletic sport which means our bodies are constantly moving and adjusting to compensate for the potential loss of balance. Our skis poles provide an extra aid, to our natural abilities, to keep us in balance.
Support:
When we learn to ski, our ski poles can help us to stay upright when in a stationary position. But we must not rely on them as a general support tool. They can never be used as a brake or a direct aid to change direction. More advanced skiers can use a pole as support in moguls or steep slopes. In moguls, the pole is ‘planted’ on the mogul as a timing device but also provides a minimum amount of support and stability. On steep slopes, a pole can be used as support when making a turn.
Timing:
Skiing is all about turning in balance. Our poles provide an essential timing device that initiates the turning process. Aspiring expert skiers must learn to use their poles as a timing device to progress further technically.
Parts of the ski pole:
Grip/Handle:
Most grips are made with plastic or reinforced rubber. They have small slots for the fingers and some have a larger plate on the top to stop potential eye injuries and the same on the bottom to prevent hands sipping down. Personally I prefer the slim reinforced rubber type without these plates as I place my thumb on the top of the grip.
Strap:
The strap is there to stop the pole from slipping away from the hands. Your hand must go up through the strap and then hold both the strap and the grip. Most straps are integrated into the pole handle although there are some makes which have a special release strap which stays on your ski glove.
Baskets:
The primary role of the basket is to prevent the pole driving down into the snow too far. The basket is situated at the bottom end of the pole, about 3 cm’s from the tip. They come in various circumferences depending on the general depth of snow expected. Most poles have a standard circumference.
Types of Ski Poles:
In most cases, ski poles are ski poles!
One of the most important factors is the length of the poles:
For most adults, the range is anything between 110cm and 135cm, with the average pole length being 120cm for men and 115cm for women. This length depends on your height and the most common and basic way of measuring the correct length of your pole is to take the pole, turn it upside down, hold it directly under the ‘basket’ with the handle on the ground. Your elbow should be at right angles when tucked into your body.
More expensive poles are lighter whilst retaining their strength. They are made with composite materials such as carbon fibre. Cheaper ski poles which are often used for rental purposes, are made from aluminium.
The weight of the pole is only really important for skiers that use their poles to the full extent. Ski racers use various different shapes which aid aerodynamics and contour to the body. Most ski poles are straight and that is the way you should try and keep them!
Ski Tourers use telescopic poles that can extend to walk up slopes and reduce in size when skiing down. They also have larger baskets to stop the poles driving into the snow.
Some manufacturers that make high quality ski poles include:
Scott Sports: Good all round poles for general, Freeride and racing use.
Leki: Makers of the ‘trigger’ system, click and go
Black Diamond: Great backcountry and ski touring poles