What Size Ski Poles Do I Need? How to Measure Ski Pole Length
Choosing the right ski pole length is important for balance, rhythm, body position, and effective pole plants. To find the correct ski pole size, stand in an athletic ski position, turn the pole upside down, and grip the shaft directly below the basket. When the pole is the correct length, your elbow should form approximately a 90-degree angle.
Ski poles generally come in two styles: fixed length and adjustable. The best option depends on where you ski, the terrain you prefer, and how much versatility you need.
How Do You Measure Ski Pole Length?
You can determine the correct ski pole length in a few simple steps.
- Stand with your feet approximately shoulder-width apart.
- Bend your knees slightly to simulate a natural, athletic skiing position.
- Turn the ski pole upside down with the grip resting on the floor.
- Grasp the pole directly below the basket.
- Check the angle of your elbow. Your elbow should form approximately a 90-degree angle when the pole is the correct length.
Why measure with hand below the basket instead of above?
When skiing, the pole tip and the portion of the shaft below the basket penetrate the snow. The basket more closely represents the point where the pole engages with the snow surface. Holding the pole directly below the basket therefore provides a better representation of its functional length while skiing.
Why Is the 90 Degree Elbow Angle Important?
A 90-degree bend at the elbow provides a reliable starting point for determining ski pole length because it places your arms in a comfortable position for balance and pole plants while maintaining an athletic skiing stance.
Skiing style and personal preference can influence your final pole length, so the 90-degree guideline should be viewed as a starting point rather than an absolute rule.
What Size Ski Pole Should I Choose If I Am Between Sizes?
If you fall between two ski pole sizes, choosing the shorter pole is generally the better option.
A slightly shorter ski pole can encourage a more athletic stance and help keep your body forward and centered over your skis. This can be especially beneficial when skiing bumps, trees, steeps, or more aggressive terrain.
Another option is to purchase the longer size and have a qualified ski shop shorten the shaft to create a length between the two standard sizes.
Most fixed-length ski poles are available in 5 cm (approximately 2-inch) increments (42", 44", 46", 48", 50", 52").
Can I Determine Ski Pole Length From My Height?
Yes. Your height can provide a good starting point for selecting ski pole length, particularly when buying ski poles online. However, physically checking your elbow angle is the best way to confirm your ideal size because body proportions and skiing preferences vary from person to person.
If you are shopping online, use the LEKI Pole Length Advisor to determine your recommended ski pole length.
Find Your Ski Pole Size With the LEKI Pole Length Advisor
Should I Choose Fixed Length or Adjustable Ski Poles?
| Best For | Advantages | |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed Length | Traditional lift-served alpine skiing |
|
| Adjustable | Backcountry skiing, freeride skiing, and skiers who regularly encounter changing terrain |
|
The primary advantage of an adjustable ski pole is the ability to change its length based on the terrain.
When Should You Shorten Your Ski Poles?
Shorter ski poles can be beneficial when climbing, skiing bumps, navigating steep terrain, or whenever you want to maintain a lower, more athletic body position.
For backcountry skiing, shortening your poles during steep climbs can make uphill movement more efficient and comfortable.
Some resort skiers also prefer slightly shorter poles in moguls and steep terrain because they require less reach during the pole plant and can help maintain a more compact skiing position.
When Should You Lengthen Your Ski Poles?
Longer pole settings can provide additional support when traveling across flat or rolling terrain and during certain backcountry descents.
Backcountry skiers may adjust their poles several times during a tour, using different lengths for climbing, traversing, descending, and traveling across flatter terrain.
On long sidehill traverses, adjustable poles can also help compensate for the difference in slope height between the uphill and downhill sides.
Are Adjustable Ski Poles Better for Backcountry Skiing?
For most backcountry skiers, adjustable ski poles offer significant advantages because terrain and body position change throughout a tour.
A skier may want a shorter pole while climbing steep terrain, a different hand position while traversing a sidehill, and a longer setting for descents or flatter approaches.
This ability to adapt is one of the primary reasons adjustable poles are so popular for ski touring and backcountry skiing.
Does Ski Pole Length Really Matter?
Yes. Ski pole length can affect balance, rhythm, body position, and the mechanics of your pole plant.
Poles that are too long can encourage a skier to stand too upright or move their weight backward. Poles that are too short can make effective pole plants more difficult and require unnecessary movement to reach the snow.
The correct ski pole length should allow you to comfortably plant your poles while maintaining a balanced, athletic skiing position.
What Is the Best Ski Pole Length?
The best ski pole length is one that creates approximately a 90-degree bend at your elbow when you hold an upside-down pole directly below the basket.
From there, consider your skiing style and terrain. Recreational resort skiers will generally be well served by this standard measurement. Aggressive skiers may prefer a slightly shorter pole, while backcountry skiers can benefit from an adjustable pole that allows the length to change throughout the day.
Whether you are learning your first turns, skiing groomers with friends, navigating bumps and steeps, or heading deep into the backcountry, the right ski pole length can improve balance, positioning, and overall performance on snow.
