There's more to a ski pole than its size. From the handle to the basket, here are the features will help you find the right one for your next ski trip.
There’s no skiing without ski poles – you need them to stay upright, they help with speed and direction on the slopes, and they’re handy for hoisting yourself back to your feet if you fall. Even if you aren’t strapped into skis, they’re useful for getting through the snow around your resort. But, the all-important question: how do you know which ones to buy? Here's all you need to know…
Decathlon UK Advice: How to choose your ski poles...
Helpful, friendly advice from our skiing and snowboarding brand.
Choosing your ski poles isn’t tricky. You need to consider three things: size, the handles, and the basket (that’s the ‘basket’-shaped bit that fans out around the bottom of the pole).
To see if a ski pole is the right size for you, turn it upside down so that the grip is touching the floor and hold it vertically with your hand under the basket – basically, form an angle of 90° with your forearm. We recommend that you do this with your knees slightly bent while wearing your ski boots. If the angle is less than 90°, try a shorter pole. If the angle is greater, get a longer pole.
Good for durability
Easy to grip
Better up/down versatility, ideal for ski touring
A small basket is best for skiers who love speed and groomed slopes because it’s light and offers good precision.
With a medium-sized basket, it’s easy to switch between all-mountain and groomed slopes, slope edges, and powder.
The best way to remember what this one is good for? Go big or go home! If you’re a powder fan, a large basket will stop you from sinking in the snow.
We've got a wide range of ski poles for you to choose from, featuring different brands, designs, sizes and more. Find your fit in the Decathlon collection below.
