Skis and poles are used for balance, coordination, and rhythm when skiing. They aid in the creation of spins and forward progress on flatter slopes. Poles are required equipment for all types of skiers, with the exception of those who have never skied before.
I started this blog to provide skiers with useful information about the activity. I have years of expertise on the mountain and a deep understanding of many of its elements.
Ski poles are explained in this article. I’ll show you why they’re so beneficial for skiers and why they’re a must-have equipment item. Most skiers aren’t conscious of it, so it’s useful to know.
Ski Poles in Action
Ski poles have a variety of beneficial functions on the slopes. I’ll go through each of these in this part, so you can understand what they’re for.
Turning
One of the most essential functions of ski poles is turning. When you wish to start a turn, they are the first point of contact in the snow. As a result, each and every turn you execute will rely on the poles.
This helps the rest of your body lean into the turn when you make a pole plant. Poles give you a little more grip, which helps you get forward and around the pole to complete an effective turn.
When you’re turning, the majority of the time you won’t consider your poles. But pay attention to how much your poles help you turn on future trips up the mountain. You’ll be shocked.
Balance
Poles are said to be an extension of your arms. They give you more balance, which is advantageous on the slopes. In all sorts of situations, from simple turns to extremely difficult terrain, this added balance comes into play.
Consider crossing a balance beam or a street curb when you do so. Your arms stretch out to each side for better balance while walking across a balance beam or a street curb. When you ski, your poles aid in keeping you in command.
Rhythm
Poles also aid in the creation of timing and rhythm. When you observe a superior skier from the chair lift, you’ll notice how all of their spins are in time. They’re all fairly equivalent, which is possible because to their poles.
Developing a good rhythm can help you improve your skiing. It’s an important element of ski racing, but it also applies to a variety of on-snow situations.
Forward Motion
Your skis will also assist you in moving forward on the snow. When you don’t have gravity working for you on a flat slope, having poles is quite beneficial. You’ll be relieved to have poles if you get caught on a long catwalk or at the bottom of a bowl.
You may use your poles to help you go faster if you wish. This can be useful for all types of skiing, whether it’s just for fun or to get a boost before tackling a large feature in the terrain park.
Why Are Ski Poles Bent
Although the majority of poles are straight, if you’re reading this article, you’ve undoubtedly noticed bent poles on the mountains. These poles are also known as racing poles and are made for competitive ski racers.
When skiers attempt to go as fast as possible, the bent poles’ curved form aids in the reduction of drag. When skiers are tucked, the poles match the ski racer’s profile. They’re more aerodynamic and might shave milliseconds off their times thanks to this.
Skis with curved poles are designed to be as aerodynamic as possible. Ski races are frequently won by milliseconds, and athletes will seek for any opportunity to go a little bit faster. This is why bent ski poles were developed in the first place, and they are still popular today.
My guess is that some ski racers were fiddling with their equipment or an engineer figured out that straight poles caused a little more drag, slowing things down.
When Should You Use Bent Ski Poles?
Unless you’re a competitive ski racer, bent ski poles are pointless. During a typical day on the slopes, the average skier will not notice any difference in speed or performance.
If you want to be a ski racer, you should start experimenting with bent poles to get used to how they feel. Everyone else, however, should stick with straight poles.
You won’t notice a few milliseconds of increased speed, and you may not even be aware of the best form to capitalize on the aerodynamic benefits of bent poles.
The Importance of Ski Pole Length
Skis and skier poles are often used interchangeably, but ski poles provide balance, stability, and timing for alpine skiers. They’re necessary for making turns and can help you develop a skiing rhythm that works well.
For nordic skiers, poles are an important aspect of how they move on the snow. They propel you ahead and complement your skiing technique in pushing you down the slopes.
If the pole length isn’t correct, you’ll run into a slew of issues. You will have trouble remaining balanced if they are too short, affecting your turning skills. If they are too long, they might create other problems such as shoulder discomfort.
It’s simple to determine the correct length of pole for your height if you take the time to find out.
How Long Should Alpine Ski Poles Be?
The vast majority of skiers are alpine skiers. Alpine skiing is also known as downhill skiing, and the ski poles used in this sport are shorter than those used in Nordic skiing.
To figure out how long your alpine skis should be, you’ll need a variety of sizes of poles.
Grab a pair of poles that you think look like the right size or that you intend to buy or rent.
Turn the poles upside down and grab a hold of them roughly two inches below the basket. The plastic-covered round section at the top of the pole is approximately two to three inches in diameter.
When you’re holding the poles upside down, make a 90-degree angle with your elbows. This is the optimum length and will enable you to utilize the poles most effectively.
Experiment with various pole sizes until you discover one that produces a 90-degree angle.
How Long Should a Nordic Ski Pole Be?
Nordic skiing is a traditional form of skiing that is both enjoyable and beneficial to your health. If you haven’t tried this sort of skiing before, I highly recommend it. It’s not as trendy as alpine skiing, but it’s still lots of fun.
Nordic skiing may be divided into two categories: Classic and skate. Traditional Nordic skiing is similar to alpine touring in that you move your skis in a walking motion across the snow. Skating on ice skates is comparable to Nordic skiing.
Each of these styles has a distinct technique for determining the optimum length, which is considerably longer than alpine pole lengths.
The height of cross country ski poles should be about the same as the length of your arm. The easiest method to verify this is to lay the poles beneath your arm. If they reach up into your armpit, they are too long.
Skate poles should be longer than traditional poles. This will provide you more power to propel and thrust yourself forward in the snow. Choose a length that reaches up to your nose as the first step toward determining this out.
If you want to be more precise about obtaining a skate pole size, you can utilize a formula to calculate it out, and it’s how many Olympic athletes and serious skiers do it:
Your height in centimeters X 0.89
Conclusion
Skis are a fun and exciting way to enjoy the outdoors, but they do require some essential ski equipment. Poles allow you to stay upright on slopes with little or no incline and help you move forward on level ground. They also aid in balance, timing, and stability during skiing.
Ski poles that are bent allow ski racers to travel at a faster speed and improve their race times. The curved design offers a more aerodynamic form that can decrease air drag and slightly increase speeds.
It’s crucial to get the appropriate ski pole length, regardless of what kind of skiing you prefer.
FAQs
Here are some short answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about ski poles.
Do ski poles do anything?
Skis and poles aren’t required for everyday skiing, but when combined with boots and a helmet, they give you the control needed to take on challenging runs. Skis and poles are particularly useful for providing balance, stability, and control while skiing. Poles are used to start turns and help people progress up flat slopes.
When should I use ski poles?
Skis are only for experts, but all skiers, except beginners, should use ski poles. Because newbies need to acquire the sensation of simply standing on their skis before using poles, many people avoid doing so at first. You’re ready for poles once you’ve finished bunny hilling.
Can you fix a bent ski pole?
If the pole isn’t completely bent, you may sometimes straighten it out. It all depends on the quality of the pole. The pole grows weaker with each bend or straightening. This might eventually cause it to break.
What do you do with a bent ski pole?
Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do with a ski pole that is severely bent and unsuitable for skiing. I’ve seen people modify bent poles into artwork or other gadgets like a stick shift for their cars.
Are shorter or longer ski poles better?
A pole should not be too long or short. For your height, they must be sized correctly. This is relevant for both alpine and cross-country skiing styles, and it may make a significant difference in your enjoyment in the snow.
How long should ski poles be classic?
Cross country ski poles should be at least as tall as your shoulder. To see if the poles are high enough, grasp them beneath your armpits. If you hold the poles straight up and then touch your armpit, they’ll come to a stop against your armpit.