How to Fit Ski Poles

Ski poles serve three distinct purposes. Beginning skiers use them for balance. Advanced downhill skiers use them for steering, and cross-country skiers use ski poles to provide forward movement. The procedure for selecting the best ski poles depends on your height and the type of skiing you plan to do.

1. Select a ski pole that matches your type of skiing. Alpine skiers ski downhill, often as quickly as possible. Cross-country skiers use a skating motion to travel across terrain with varying slopes. Classic skiing combines both techniques.


2. Determine the correct length for an alpine pole. Bend your elbow at a right angle and hold your upper arms at your sides. Bend your knees slightly in the stance you will use when skiing. An assistant will measure the distance from the ground to your thumb. This distance will be the length of your ski pole. The length of a ski pole is typically provided in centimeters, so you will need to make your measurements in centimeters.


3. Select the best length for cross-country ski poles. Stand straight and measure the distance from the ground to your nose. These poles are much longer than those used for alpine skiing because cross-country skiers use their ski poles to push against the ground.


4. Obtain the ideal length for a ski pole used for classic skiing. Stand straight and allow an assistant to place a ruler across your back to indicate the position of your shoulder blades. Measure the distance from the ground to the ruler. This measurement will be the length of your ski pole.