Black Diamond Downhill Skiing

What type of skiing will you be doing?

• Downhill ski poles: Poles for alpine skiing help with balance and timing turns. Many are fixed length; some are adjustable.
• Backcountry ski poles: Opt for adjustable poles so you can lengthen poles when going uphill and shorten them when descending.
• Cross-country ski poles: Longer and lighter, designed to help you glide forward efficiently. Poles for skate skiing are longer than for classic skiing.

Find the right length

When looking for proper fit, consult the brand's sizing chart. For downhill skis, wear your boots and turn the poles upside down. Grip the poles just below the basket. Your elbow should form a 90° angle. If the angle is less than 90°, try a shorter pole. If the angle is greater, get a longer pole.

Pole features

• Straps: Wrist straps help retain poles during turns and falls. Some models have detachable straps for quick transitions.
• Baskets prevent poles from sinking into the snow. Choose a standard basket for most conditions, and use a larger basket for powder skiing.

What is an avalanche transceiver?

• If recreate in snow in the backcountry, a transceiver is an essential safety device, along with a probe and shovel.
• Transceivers help you locate a person buried in an avalanche or others find you if you’re buried.

What features should I look for?

• Analog or digital: Most modern transceivers are digital, though some are both digital and analog.
• Multiple burials: Enables searchers to pick up multiple buried victims. Most brands offer multiple burial tracking, even in basic models.
• Marking function: Allows the searcher to mark or "flag" the location of each buried person.
• Display screen: Shows direction and distance to a buried person. Premium models may have larger, high-contrast screens.
• Range: Brands will list in meters the circular range (typically 40 to 70) in which one transceiver can sense others’ signals.