Apart from ski jumping, ski poles are an important tool for every skier in all types of skiing. Ski poles are needed to push and support when changing direction as well as to get back up after a fall. Even experienced skiers use ski poles on slopes for balancing and balancing the lateral forces during turns. In the beginning there was a ski stick from a slender wooden or bamboo stick. The snow plate was a metal ring that was connected to the stick with narrow leather straps. And to secure it was at the top of a simple leather loop. The ski poles of that time did not offer more. Depending on the type of skiing, today’s ski poles are subject to much higher and very different requirements. Downhill and cross-country poles differ on the one hand in length and on the other hand also in the shape of the shaft, the shape of the snow plates and the materials used for the tips at the bottom. The lowest possible weight combined with high strength is a feature common to all modern ski poles. A basic criterion when choosing the right ski poles is the length of the poles.

Determine the correct length of the ski poles

So that the length of the ski poles fits your own height, you can easily determine the correct length. This is the chosen ski stick turned over and put on the ground with the handle. Then you include the stick below the snow plate. This ensures that the part of the ski pole that is in the snow during skiing does not distort the length determination. Of the ski stick has the perfect length when the upper arm and forearm form a right angle in a relaxed but upright posture. When determining the length, care should be taken that these are carried out with skis and skis on the feet. Shoes and skis increase their own size by a few inches, which can affect the result. The length determined in this way is ideal for hobby skiers for downhill skiing. Ski poles for cross-country skiing and for ski hikes should be selected around 10 cm longer. Due to the slightly longer length, the repelling force of the arms during cross-country skiing can last longer. The propulsion is thereby improved.

Size and shape of the snow plates

The snow plates on the ski poles differ considerably depending on the type of skiing. Normal snow plates on ski poles for downhill skis have a diameter of about 10 cm. The diameter may be slightly larger or smaller depending on the manufacturer. This size is usually sufficient for the groomed slopes.
However, if you want to drive on areas with deep snow, the selection of significantly larger snow plates is recommended. The larger surface distributes the pressure evenly and prevents too fast and deep sinking into the loose snow. Snow plates for deep snow therefore have a diameter of up to approx. 15 cm and are usually star-shaped.
The snow plates on cross-country poles have another size and shape. These plates are usually smaller in diameter, than those for downhill skiing. The shape of these snow plates is also not round, but rather triangular. This means that the snow plate is round in the back and runs more or less pointed towards the front in the direction of movement. The special shape has the advantage that less plate surface must be pulled out of the snow when the stick is swung from back to front during cross-country skiing or ski-hiking.

Ski poles for men and women

Although all types of ski poles can be used by both men and women, gender-specific ski poles are now available. Differences exist mainly in the size of the handles and the weight. The handles on ski poles for women are thinner and shorter than the handles for men. Thus, the manufacturers take into account the fact that women usually have much smaller hands than men. Due to the smaller handles, women’s ski poles can be better held and guided. Often, the weight of the ski poles for women is lower. Overall, special ski poles are an advantage.