Using Ski Poles

The ski pole — an essential piece of ski equipment?

I believe ski poles are overrated and overused by beginner skiers. And underrated and often underused by advanced skiers.


First Time Out

As a beginner, you have so much new gear to get used to that poles can be a nuisance.

Children
When children are complete beginner skiers they probably shouldn't have poles. This helps them to focus on their skis and body position.

And they're more likely to learn to skate (walk on skis) well if they don't have poles.

Adults
Most adults want to start out with poles. And, they are useful until you can stop using the wedge or snowplow.

After you get comfortable skiing in a wedge, it is good to get rid of poles for a while. This helps you to focus on your skis and body position. Plus, beginner nerves while learning to ski often result in gripping poles really tightly which just creates more stress in the body. And that's not good!

It is, however, a personal choice. Do what suits you!


Starting to Use Poles

Once you're starting to get the hang of skiing, you can and should return to using ski poles.

Ski poles can help beginner skiers in a variety of ways:

• with balance.


• with slowing down and stopping (along with the wedge or snowplough).


• with moving on flat sections of slopes.


• And they give you something to do with your hands!

They do a lot more too but you'll get to that when you become an intermediate/advanced skier.

Before using ski poles, make sure they're the right length by visiting our Ski Poles page under Ski Equipment. (Ski Poles)


Holding Ski Poles

There are 2 ways to hold your ski poles using the straps but one is safer. First though, the straps are there for a reason so use them. You won't leave the pole behind you uphill if you let go of it, which often happens when you fall.

Now, the safe way to hold the pole.

Don't just stick your hand through the loop and grab the handle. Why? If you fall your thumb may get caught in the strap.

Instead, hold the strap horizontal to the pole. Put your hand UP through the loop. Then grab the ski pole handle. The strap should be between your hand and the pole so you hold both together. This way, when you fall or let go, the pole will fall away from your hand.


What's Next?

You're ready to start moving on skis. If you're at a resort where the beginner area is accessed by a lift, check out Ski Lifts for Beginners. Or get straight into Starting to Move on Skis.

• (Ski Lifts)
• (Starting to Move on Skis)