How to choose skialp poles?

Ski poles are an essential part of every skier's equipment. They help with walking uphill, provide stability on the downhill and can also be used as a support during avalanche rescue. There are several factors to consider when choosing skialp poles, from the material of the poles, your height, the terrain you will be traversing and your preferences.

Important parameters of skialp poles

Length of skialp poles

The length of a pole is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing one. The poles should be long enough for you to lean on when walking uphill, but not so long that they get in the way when going downhill.

For normal climbing in softer snow and on longer straight sections, it may be useful to have poles that are a little longer, similar to cross-country skiing. Shorter poles are better when you are climbing up a very steep frozen slope, or vice versa on a steep descent.

Telescopic or fixed?

Fixed poles are used less often and more for racers at suitable situation for races.

Most skialpinists reach for telescopic poles, which offer more adjustment options according to the terrain and use. The two most common solutions are:

• two-part telescopic poles - the tube is divided into two parts, the smaller diameter tube goes into the wider one and the poles offer a variable length adjustment. This solution is the most common when choosing, pay particular attention to the quality of the locking mechanism or lock used, the solution must allow for a tight locking so that when leaning into the sticks the lock does not loosen.
• three-piece telescopic poles - they can be shortened to the minimum length, so they fit better on or even in a backpack. The disadvantage is more mechanisms, which delays handling and can also put you at greater risk of damaging some of the components.

How to choose the right length of skialp poles?

The telescopic mechanism of the poles always allows the length of the poles to be adjusted within a range of a few cm, which makes the choice more difficult.

A simple test can be used to determine whether the ski poles are the right length. Stand up, turn the stick downwards with the grip and grasp it under the plate, the wrist should remain horizontal and the arm should be at right angles at the elbow.

If not, loosen the telescope stick locking mechanism and adjust the length of the stick until the hand is at right angle at the elbow. At this point, we have the correct length for downhill and all that is left to do is to check whether the telescope of the poles allows the poles to be further shortened or lengthened for uphill and flat transfers. If this is the case, we have chosen the ideal length of skialp poles.

Material

Skialp poles are made from a variety of materials, including aluminium, carbon and composite materials. Alternatively, it may be a combination of these materials.

Aluminum poles are durable but are usually relatively heavy. They rarely break in a fall, you usually just bend them, which can usually be straightened out on a slope. Their lower price may also be a plus. In contrast, carbon poles are light and strong, but can be more fragile. They can be at risk of breaking in a fall.

More demanding skialpinists mostly choose carbon poles. In addition to the low weight, they appreciate that when you lean on them, the energy is transferred directly to the slope and you can go/ride better in the forward direction. Even among carbon poles, however, there is a difference in material quality and therefore in price. It is always better to choose carbon poles from a proven manufacturer and in a higher quality/strength material.

Sometimes a combination of materials is also used in skialp poles, where aluminium is used in the more loaded areas to protect the poles from damage from ski edges, rocks or stones on the trail.

Grip so called handle

Ergonomically shaped handle provides a comfortable grip and helps prevent hand fatigue.

This is important because in skialp you often change the position of your hand on the poles depending on the situation.

In addition to the classic grip, as is common in downhill skiing, you have several other options to choose from. Sometimes it is useful to grab the poles by the top of the grip and lean on them. Holding between the grip and the pole tube and holding under the grip are also common. This option is great for when you are climbing steeper hills or traversing. You don't have to shorten the poles with the telescopic mechanism lock at such times and you save time, Just for a better grip at such moments some skialp poles are equipped with an extended cork or softened foam grip, by which the poles are easier to hold. If the poles are equipped with this, it is definitely an advantage.

Pole loop

The loop helps to prevent you from losing the poles when going downhill. However, it should also be equipped with a safety mechanism that will release your hand from the loop if the pole gets caught on a tree branch or other obstacle during the descent.

Ski pole baskets

The baskets at the end of the poles prevent the poles from digging into the snow. The size of the baskets depends on the type of snow you will be in. Larger baskets are suitable in deep snow and smaller plates in hard snow.

You may also find articulated plates on ski poles that adjust to the slope of the terrain, which can be an advantage in some situations.

Manufacturers reckon that the plates can get lost or damaged, so it is usually possible to have the option to buy plates from the better manufacturers. It's not a bad idea to do this when you buy your poles. You can then carry a spare basket with you in your backpack.

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If you have any further questions, our customer support is at your disposal. For e-shop orders, you have up to 60 days to return and exchange goods with us. Our trained specialists are available in store and you will find a selection of ski mountaineering poles from the best brands on the market.