How to Use Ski Poles

Ski poles are a necessary piece of equipment to be used when skiing.  Poles can be used to help with turns and keep balance when you think you may fall over.  Also, ski poles allow you to move yourself along flat terrain by pushing the poles against the ground and moving yourself along.

• Use ski poles to move yourself over flat terrain.  Place your poles in the snow and push off the ground to move across flat snow sections.  This is done when you need to position yourself at the top of a hill or move along the bottom of the slope.


• Use ski poles to help you when you turn.  Place your left ski pole into the ground during a right turn and the right pole into the ground during a left turn.  This will help you to keep balance while you are turning and also keep your body in a position to turn correctly.


• Ski poles can be used to help you get back up after a fall.  Put your body in a position to comfortably get off of the ground and place your hands on the handles of the ski poles.  With the ends of the poles in the ground push down on them to give yourself leverage and balance to get up.


• Use poles to keep your balance when you think you may fall over.  Plant ski poles in the ground when you feel wobbly to keep yourself standing up straight.  This will keep you from falling over as well as give you the opportunity to regain your balance.


• Ski poles can be used as leverage if you need to adjust your skis or ski boots.  Lean on one pole and bend down to adjust your skis.  This will keep you from falling into the snow while you are making adjustments.