If you have ever watched a beginner ski lesson, you might notice something missing: the poles. Most instructors take them away on day one. This leads to a very common question among new skiers (and even some intermediates):
"If I can ski without them, what exactly are these things for?"
Are they for balance? Speed? Or are they just expensive accessories to hold while you wait in the lift line? The answer is all of the above, and a little bit more. Here is the breakdown of the real purpose of ski poles.
1. Propulsion (Moving on the Flats)
The most obvious use for poles is mobility. Gravity does the work when you are going downhill, but ski resorts have plenty of flat areas—cat tracks, lift lines, and the path from the lodge to the snow.
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Skating: Poles allow you to push yourself forward while "skating" on your skis.
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The Poling Push: When the terrain is too narrow to skate, you use your poles to double-pole and drag yourself forward. Without them, you are stuck waddling like a penguin.
2. Balance and "Proprioception"
Even when you aren't actively planting them, poles act as a balancing tool. Think of a tightrope walker holding a long bar.
Holding poles out to your sides helps stabilize your upper body. It also helps with proprioception—your body's awareness of where it is in space. Knowing you have that extra point of contact available mentally allows you to commit more to your edges.
Tip: If you see a skier flailing their arms wildly, they usually aren't using their poles correctly. Quiet hands usually mean good balance.
3. Timing and Rhythm (The Pole Plant)
This is the "secret sauce" that separates intermediate skiers from experts. In technical skiing, the pole is a timing device.
Before you initiate a turn, you perform a pole plant (briefly touching the tip of the pole to the snow downhill from you). This serves two distinct purposes:
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The Trigger: It signals your body that it is time to shift weight and change edges.
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The Pivot: It momentarily stabilizes your upper body, allowing your lower body to rotate around that invisible axis.
In moguls or steep terrain, this rhythm is essential. It keeps you flowing down the hill rather than traversing back and forth.
4. The "Swiss Army Knife" Factor
Beyond skiing technique, poles are incredibly useful tools for general mountain life. Experienced skiers use them to:
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Release Bindings: You can use the tip to press the release lever on your heel piece without bending over.
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Clear Snow: Use them to knock heavy snow off your boots so you can clip back into your bindings.
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Touch Check: In deep powder, you can probe the snow to see if there are hidden rocks or stumps below the surface.
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Communication: Pointing out a run to your friends is much easier with a 4-foot extension of your arm!
When Not to Use Them
It is important to note that using poles incorrectly can actually hurt your skiing.
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The Death Grip: Tensing up and clutching poles too tightly stiffens your whole body.
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The Lazy Drag: Dragging poles behind you acts as a brake and throws your weight into the "backseat," making it harder to turn.
Summary
Ski poles are your throttle on the flats, your metronome in the turns, and your multi-tool in the lift line. While you don't strictly need them to slide down a hill, you absolutely need them to ski with rhythm, grace, and efficiency as an intermediate to advanced skier.
So, next time you grab your gear, remember: those sticks are your best friends on the mountain. Use them wisely!
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Written by Bryce Bagley
