What type of skiing will you be doing?
- Downhill skiing: Helps balance and time turns; most are fixed length
- Backcountry skiing: Adjustable poles let you lengthen for uphill travel, shorten for descents
- Cross-country skiing: Longer and lighter, designed to help you glide forward efficiently. Poles for skate skiing are longer than for classic skiing.
Sizing downhill poles:
- Stand in your ski boots on a level floor
- 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.
Basket type:
- Standard: for most conditions
- Powder: for deep snow
- Powder and standard: Interchangeable baskets
Read full article: How to Choose Ski Poles
