Ski poles are an essential part of any skier's equipment, whether for alpine, touring or cross-country skiing. Whether you practice downhill, freeride or freestyle skiing, ski poles play a vital role in performance and balance. Find our selection of poles from leading brands such as Rossignol, Salomon, Volkl, Leki, Black Crows and Black Diamond in our store.
Ski poles have several functions in downhill skiing. On downhill runs, when you're on the move, they play a major role in keeping the skier's balance. On the flat or on slight ascents, ski poles are very useful as they allow you to push on your arms and help you move around on your skis.
The first thing to consider when choosing your ski poles is their size. Hold the pole upside down: if your arm forms a right angle, you have the right length. For women skiers between 160 and 170 cm tall, a 115 cm pole is recommended. For skiers between 170 and 175 cm, opt for 120 cm poles. For cross-country and touring skiers, pole size may vary slightly according to skiing style and individual preferences.
Ski poles are chosen on the basis of a number of criteria, including budget, ability and skiing style: alpine, freeride, ski touring or cross-country. For example, the washers (attached to the bottom of the poles) must be adapted to the practice. For downhill skiing, small washers are sufficient. On the other hand, for off-piste or ski touring, larger washers are recommended to float better on powder snow. Cross-country ski poles are often longer and fitted with special washers for compact snow.
Wrist straps keep the poles attached to the wrists, providing better control and more efficient pushing, without the risk of losing the poles in the event of a fall or sudden movement. In downhill skiing, they help keep poles close together on fast descents, while in cross-country and touring skiing, they optimize every effort by making it easier to release and retrieve the pole without letting it go completely. It's important to choose adjustable, comfortable straps, especially for long days on the slopes or off-piste.
Ski poles can be made from a variety of materials. In general, they are made of aluminum. But they can also be made from carbon fiber. Carbon fiber poles are thinner and lighter, yet very strong. But they are also more expensive than aluminum poles.
If you have any questions or need personal advice on ski poles, don't hesitate to contact Speck's specialists, who will guide you in your choice of poles adapted to your type of practice.
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