Ski Pole Buying & Sizing Guide
Published 1st Jan 2024
Ski poles are often overlooked, but a well-fitted pair can serve you reliably for many seasons. Designed to be both durable and lightweight, choosing the right alpine ski poles doesn’t have to be complicated. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to size them properly and highlight a few solid options to help narrow down your choice. While wearing your ski boots or shoes, flip the pole upside down so the grip rests on the floor and your hand is positioned just beneath the basket.
SKI POLES
Buying & Sizing Guide
PLANT YOUR TURNS WITH CONFIDENCE
Ski poles are often overlooked, but a well-fitted pair can serve you reliably for many seasons. Designed to be both durable and lightweight, choosing the right alpine ski poles doesn’t have to be complicated. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to size them properly and highlight a few solid options to help narrow down your choice.
HOW TO SIZE SKI POLES
While wearing your ski boots or shoes, flip the pole upside down so the grip rests on the floor and your hand is positioned just beneath the basket. Your elbow should form a 90° angle. If the angle is less than 90°, try a shorter pole; if it’s greater than 90°, go for a longer one. Most ski poles are sized in 5 cm increments, and if your ideal length falls between two sizes, it’s generally best to choose the shorter option.
| Skier Height | Pole Length (inches) | Pole length (cm) |
| 6'7" + | 56 | 140 |
| 6'4"-6'6" | 54 | 135 |
| 6'1"-6'3" | 52 | 130 |
| 5'10"-6'0" | 49 | 125 |
| 5'7"-5'9" | 48 | 120 |
| 5'4"-5'6" | 46 | 115 |
| 5'1"-5'3" | 44 | 110 |
| 4'9"-5'0" | 42 | 105 |
| 4'5"-4'8" | 40 | 100 |
| 4'1"-4'4" | 38 | 95 |
| 3'9"-4'0" | 36 | 90 |
| 3'5"-3'8" | 34 | 85 |
| <3'4" | 32 | 80 |
STRAP
Ski pole straps are designed to keep your poles secure—whether your grip slips mid-turn or you take a fall, the straps help prevent your poles from getting left behind uphill. Most are made from flexible nylon and feature adjustable tabs for a snug fit.
To wear them properly, slide your hand up through the loop and then grip the handle over the strap. When trying on poles or adjusting the straps, be sure to wear your ski gloves or mitts to make sure the straps fit comfortably and can be easily slipped on and off.
BASKET
The basket is the plastic disk located near the tip of the ski pole, designed to stop it from sinking too deeply into the snow. Larger baskets are ideal for powder conditions, while smaller ones perform better on groomed runs. Some poles include interchangeable baskets, but they can also be bought separately if needed.
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Still have some questions? We've got an extremely knowledgeable and friendly team at Corbetts. Visit us at our retail location or give us a call and we'll help you find the perfect ski poles to fit your needs.
Need help with more snowboarding gear? Check out our other Ski Buying & Sizing Guides.