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By use
What will you use them for?
Piste
For the piste, an aluminium pole with a small basket and a safety strap is enough. Length: your height times 0.7, so 126 cm if you are 180 cm tall.
- Height × 0.7
- Small basket
- Safety strap
Freeride
In deep snow you need poles with bigger baskets that do not sink in. Many freeriders use them slightly shorter than on the piste.
- Big basket
- Slightly shorter
- Often adjustable
Ski touring
For ski touring, choose adjustable poles. Set them a little longer for the climb and shorter for the descent; a bigger basket helps in soft snow.
- Adjustable
- Bigger basket
- Extended grip
Kids
Kids only need poles once they turn confidently. Check the length as for adults; adjustable models grow with them.
- Short and light
- Small grip
- Adjustable
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Guide
Ski Poles
Find the right length with your ski boots on: turn the pole upside down, grip it below the basket, and your forearm should be level. As a rule of thumb, your height times 0.7 gives the length, so 126 cm at 180 cm.
Key points
- Rule of thumb: height × 0.7, so 126 cm at 180 cm.
- Measure in ski boots: forearm level.
- Try length, grip and strap together while wearing gloves.
Which poles for which use?
| Use | Choice | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Piste, family days, frequent skiing | ChoiceAluminium ski pole | LimitHeavier than carbon |
| Sporty skiing, hard pistes | ChoiceCarbon ski pole | LimitCan snap when overloaded |
| Deep snow, terrain off the piste | ChoiceFreeride pole | LimitNot needed on the piste |
| Ski touring, snowshoeing | ChoiceAdjustable touring pole | LimitMore parts, a little heavier |
| Kids who turn confidently | ChoiceKids' ski pole | LimitOften not needed on the first days |
Types compared
Aluminium ski pole
Tends to bend rather than break.
- Advantage: Forgives knocks
- Drawback: Heavier than carbon
Carbon ski pole
Light and shock-absorbing, for frequent skiers.
- Advantage: Light in the hand
- Drawback: Can snap when overloaded
Freeride pole
Bigger basket for deep snow.
- Advantage: Sinks in less
- Drawback: Not needed on the piste
What to check before you buy
| Question | In short | Why |
|---|---|---|
| How long should my ski poles be? | In shortHeight × 0.7 | WhyAt 180 cm tall, that is 126 cm. Check it in ski boots: turn the pole upside down and grip it just below the basket. If your forearm is level, the length is right. |
| Aluminium or carbon? | In shortAluminium for most | WhyAluminium tends to bend rather than break. Carbon is lighter and absorbs knocks on hard snow, but can snap when overloaded. |
| Which strap suits me? | In shortCheck the exact system | WhyRelease systems and operation vary. Read the exact model’s instructions and check that you can use the strap while wearing gloves. |
Frequently asked questions
Do beginners need ski poles?
Not for your first slides; many ski schools start without poles. Once you link turns and need to push along flat sections, they help with rhythm.
How do I hold a ski pole correctly?
Put your hand up through the strap from below, then grip handle and strap together. That way the strap takes some of the load.
Which poles for ski touring?
Adjustable poles with bigger baskets. Set them a little longer for the climb and shorter for the descent. An extended grip below the main grip helps on traverses.
Do kids need different ski poles?
Yes: shorter and lighter, with a grip for small hands. Check the length as for adults: pole upside down, grip below the basket, forearm level.
Last updated: October 2026