Calculating the right length for ski poles

When calculating the right length for ski poles, it depends primarily on your height and where you plan to use the poles most of the time. If you ski almost exclusively on groomed slopes, the poles you use should tend to be longer than those used by freeriders who often ski deep snow or moguls. Freestylers in the park even use much shorter poles. Here, poles with a length of around 100cm are standard equipment.

Pole length configurator

With two clicks to the optimal ski pole length: Just tell us your height and where you want to use the pole most - our pole length configurator will determine the optimal length of your ski poles!

You got the right size? >> Here you will find a wide selection of ski poles

90° Rule: How do I know if the length of the poles fits me?

When you are on the slopes, you can quickly check if the poles are right for you. To do this, hold the pole upside down, i.e. place the handle on the ground and hold the pole below the basket. If your forearm forms a 90° angle with your upper arm, the poles fit (for normal use on the slopes).If you like to do mental arithmetic, you can also approximate the length using the following formula: 

What to consider for ski poles for children?

The same formula applies to the length of poles for children as for adults. However, the shaft of the pole is usually a little thinner and the handles are specially adapted for children's smaller hands. Children should always make their first attempts at sliding on skis without poles. Only when they are experienced enough and the poles no longer interfere with skiing on lifts, children should also ski with poles to further improve their technique. >> Here you can find our selection of ski poles for kids

Do ladies need special ski poles?

No. The same formula for determining the length applies to women as to men. However, women often choose poles that are specially designed for women. These are characterized by a feminine design and slightly narrower handles. >> Here you can find our selection of women's ski poles

Carbon or aluminum - a question of faith

Carbon: Carbon poles are becoming increasingly popular. Carbon is very light and, due to its high bending strength, is characterized by almost optimal swing behavior. However, carbon poles are also significantly more expensive than their aluminum counterparts. Unfortunately, there is still no uniform guideline, from which percentage of carbon a ski pole may be labeled as a carbon pole.However, with brand manufacturers such as LEKI, the customer can be sure that the pole shaft is made almost entirely of carbon and that only high-quality HM carbon (high-modulus fiber - also called aramid carbon) has been used. 

Aluminum: The advantages of Alumium are known from the body construction for cars. Aluminum poles are robust, absolutely rust-free and highly stable. Although carbon is again a tad lighter, aluminum is still one of the lightest metals. For the average skier, an aluminum pole is usually quite sufficient.

Carbon composite: In carbon composite poles, the shaft is made of a carbon aluminum fiber composite. The aim is to combine the robustness of aluminum poles with the light weight and optimized swing behavior of aluminum poles.

(Photos: Leki)