Ski poles are often overlooked, yet they play an important role in how you move across the mountain. The right pair helps maintain rhythm and balance whether carving on fresh powder, weaving through trees, or pushing across flat terrain. Choosing ski poles is part of getting this season’s ski essentials, and finding gear that fits well and supports your skiing style makes a real difference in comfort and performance.
Today’s ski poles come in lightweight aluminum and carbon options designed for specific uses ranging from alpine runs to backcountry touring. Some are adjustable, while others are fixed-length, but all aim to support stability and efficient movement on snow. As you refine your setup, pairing your poles with quality accessories such as ski gloves can also improve overall comfort in changing conditions.
This guide covers the best ski poles available now, along with how to size them correctly and what to consider when comparing materials, grips, and baskets. Whether you’re gearing up for the first time or upgrading pieces for the season, essentials like a reliable pole setup and a merino wool base layer help create a more comfortable, efficient, and enjoyable experience on the mountain.
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The Best Ski Poles at a Glance
- Best Overall: LEKI Detect S
- Best Lightweight Aluminum: Atomic AMT
- Best Woman’s Ski Pole : LEKI Women’s Bliss
- Best Backcountry Adjustable: LEKI Helicon Lite
- Best Budget Pick: Rossignol Tactic
- Best Versatile Aluminum: LEKI QNTM
- Best Budget Women’s Ski Pole: Rossignol Electra
- Best Value Entry Pole: 5th Element Shadow
Ski Pole Chart Size
Choosing the right ski pole length helps maintain balance and rhythm. The ideal pole allows your elbow to form a 90-degree angle when holding it upside down with your hand under the basket. Use the chart below to find your recommended size based on height.
| Skier Height (cm) | Skier Height (ft/in) | Recommended Pole Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| 145–150 | 4’9″–4’11” | 105 |
| 151–155 | 5’0″–5’1″ | 110 |
| 156–160 | 5’2″–5’3″ | 115 |
| 161–165 | 5’4″–5’5″ | 115 |
| 166–170 | 5’6″–5’7″ | 120 |
| 171–175 | 5’8″–5’9″ | 125 |
| 176–180 | 5’10″–5’11” | 130 |
| 181–185 | 6’0″–6’1″ | 135 |
| 186–190 | 6’2″–6’3″ | 140 |
| 191+ | 6’4″ and up | 145 |
Best Ski Poles
The LEKI Detect S poles are engineered for skiers who demand reliability and performance in every condition. A sturdy 16mm aluminum shaft provides strength without sacrificing weight, while the Trigger S ProG grip allows for quick strap release and reattachment. Includes both alpine and powder baskets for versatility in changing snow.
Key Specs:
• Material: Aluminum (HTS 6.5)
• Grip: Trigger 3D ProG
• Strap: Trigger Frame Mesh
• Basket: Big Mountain, Cobra Alpine
• Lengths: 110–135 cm
• Weight: 8.5 oz (120 cm)
A solid, all-mountain performer, the Atomic AMT poles feature high-tensile aluminum shafts built for strength and reliability. The ergonomic AMT grip offers a natural feel, while adjustable straps keep the poles secure during aggressive skiing.
Key Specs:
• Material: Aluminum
• Grip: Ergonomic AMT 1K Grip
• Strap: Adjustable Essential Strap
• Length: 35 inches (extended)
• Best For: All-mountain skiers
The LEKI Bliss poles are designed for female skiers seeking performance and comfort. The PAS V2 grip and lock security strap keep poles secure and comfortable for all-day skiing on firm snow and groomers.
Key Specs:
• Material: Aluminum (TS 5.0)
• Grip: PAS V2
• Strap: Lock Security Nylon
• Basket: Alpine
• Lengths: 105–125 cm
• Weight: 7.5 oz (115 cm)
For those who venture off-piste, the Helicon Lite poles provide backcountry performance with adjustable length (110–145 cm) and an extended foam grip for secure handling on steep ascents. The Big Mountain Binding Basket includes edges for adjusting bindings and clearing snow.
Key Specs:
• Adjustable Length: 110–145 cm
• Material: Aluminum (HTS 6.5)
• Grip: Extended foam
• Strap: Lock Security Nylon
• Basket: Big Mountain Binding
• Weight: 9.2 oz
The Rossignol Tactic poles balance lightweight construction with durability for dependable downhill performance. The bi-injected grip absorbs vibration, providing comfort and stability through variable snow.
Key Specs:
• Material: Dural aluminum shaft
• Grip: Bi-injected vibration-dampening
• Weight: Lightweight construction
• Best For: Resort and downhill use
Affordable and built to last, the LEKI QNTM poles deliver excellent value for beginners or casual skiers. They feature durable aluminum construction, a soft grip, and adjustable straps for a secure fit.
Key Specs:
• Material: Aluminum (TS 5.0)
• Grip: EVOCON
• Strap: Lock Security Nylon
• Basket: Alpine
• Lengths: 110–135 cm
• Weight: 8.3 oz (120 cm)
Designed with women in mind, the Electra poles feature a smaller, vibration-dampening grip that enhances comfort without compromising control. The lightweight aluminum shaft provides a reliable feel across groomers and variable snow.
Key Specs:
• Material: Aluminum
• Grip: Women’s-specific ergonomic
• Feature: Vibration-dampening design
• Best For: Female downhill skiers
Built for durability without extra weight, the 5th Element Shadow poles feature aluminum shafts that deliver strong and balanced performance. A molded rubber grip and adjustable strap enhance comfort and control, while standard snow baskets and steel tips ensure consistent performance across all terrain types.
Key Specs:
• Material: Aluminum
• Grip: Molded rubber, adjustable strap
• Basket: Standard snow basket
• Tip: Steel
• Best For: All-mountain skiing
How to Choose Ski Poles
Start with the ski pole chart size above and then test poles in your ski boots. To do the quick measurement test simply flip the pole and test to see if your elbow makes a right angle. Choose adjustable poles for touring or mixed use. For downhill use, pick a fixed length that matches the chart.
Consider grip shape and strap comfort. Padded or ergonomic grips reduce hand fatigue, and secure straps prevent slipping during pole plants.
Materials and Durability
Aluminum poles are reliable and cost effective. They bend rather than break and handle impacts well. Carbon fiber poles are lighter and have lower swing weight but can fail under strong impact. For most recreational skiers, aluminum offers the best balance of cost and durability.
Check basket type (the disk at the end of the poles) and tip material. Steel tips last longer on hardpack. Powder baskets help in deep snow but add weight and drag on groomed runs.
Fit, Comfort, and Maintenance
Measure pole length with your ski boots on. Replace worn baskets and check straps each season. Store poles indoors to avoid corrosion and wipe down tips after wet days. If a pole bends, replace it; straightening can weaken the shaft.
For adjustable poles, confirm locking mechanisms are secure before each outing. Loose locks can collapse under load and cause falls.
FAQs about Ski Poles
How do I choose the right ski pole length?
Use the ski pole chart size above and test with the elbow method. Adjustable poles can be shortened or lengthened for touring.
Are carbon poles better than aluminum?
Carbon poles are lighter and have good vibration damping but can break under severe impact. Aluminum is more durable for most skiers.
Do I need different baskets for powder?
Yes. Use larger powder baskets to prevent sinking in deep snow and use smaller baskets for groomers to reduce drag.
Can I use ski poles for hiking or snowshoeing?
Adjustable poles with removable baskets work well for snowshoeing and winter hiking. Fixed alpine poles are less versatile for hiking.
