Touring ski poles
How to choose the right ski touring poles?
Traditional single-piece ski pole or telescopic pole – the choice often comes down to personal preference. The telescopic touring pole has the advantage of being adjustable, allowing it to suit any skier and all snow conditions. It can also be used in summer and adjusted differently for the uphill and the downhill. Among all existing models, the telescopic ski pole is by far the most versatile. The traditional fixed-length touring pole, on the other hand, offers unmatched durability and has proven its reliability on demanding backcountry outings.
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Equally practical for hiking, snowshoeing or ski touring, Guidetti's Horizon 2 Black Yellow telescopic poles combine sturdiness and comfort.
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The Salomon Mtn Alu S3 freeride pole is lightweight and durable with an S3 strap for safety.
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The Movement Freeski One Black White pole is ideal for freeride outings thanks to its reliable 7075 aluminum construction, dual-density washers and rotating handle.
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The Furtis Black White from Black Crows is a single-strand carbon ski pole, light and resistant, designed for versatile use in rando and freerando thanks to its long grip.
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Fabricated in aluminum and equipped with ergonomic handles, the Guidetti Horizon Névé Black Blue poles are seductive for their sturdiness and lightness.
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A single-strand model, Lacal's Screwdriver Stick Black Orange trekking poles feature a long grip that allows you to place your hands at different heights, whether on slopes or uphill
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The Salomon Mtn Alu S3 Echo Evening Haze telescopic ski pole offers sturdiness, versatility and safety for rando and freerando enthusiasts.
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Designed for competition, Movement Race Pro Alu Black Grey ski-mountaineering poles are ideal for fast climbs and challenging descents.
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Designed in aluminum and carbon, Salomon's Rainy Day telescopic Steep Vario S3 (100-135cm) poles are a highly efficient accompaniment to all your ski touring outings.
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Why choose dedicated touring poles?
Telescopic or one-pieces: the advantages
Choosing between telescopic and one-piece poles is a bit like choosing between a Swiss Army knife and a sabre – it all depends on your skiing style! Telescopic poles adapt to every situation thanks to their ability to adjust to flat terrain as well as steep slopes. You can set the length in seconds depending on the gradient and then pack them neatly into your backpack for mountaineering sections.
One-piece models focus on strength and lightness. Fixed-length poles withstand the toughest stresses without flinching. Competitive skiers and committed freeriders trust them for their absolute reliability. No mechanisms to maintain, no risk of freezing – simplicity and performance guaranteed for mountain skiing.
Carbon vs aluminium: the material showdown
Two schools of thought exist when it comes to materials for your carbon or aluminium poles. Aluminium 7075 remains a benchmark for demanding riders: impact-resistant, affordable, and dependable on all terrain. You can rely on it to handle rocks and heavy use without complaint.
Carbon changes the game with its outstanding lightness and vibration damping. This premium material halves fatigue on long climbs while offering exceptional responsiveness with every plant. The only drawback: a higher price and greater sensitivity to side impacts.
Grip choice and feel often go hand in hand with the material: dense foam on carbon for comfort, textured grip on aluminium for security. It’s up to you to decide whether you prioritise pure performance or all-terrain versatility!
What length of backcountry poles should you choose?
The basic rule for sizing your ski touring poles: multiply your height by 0.7 to get the ideal length. If you’re 175 cm tall, aim for poles around 125 cm. This formula works perfectly for one-piece poles.
For telescopic poles, add 5 cm to this reference measurement. This extra length optimises your efficiency during ascents, where every push helps keep energy. Adjustable models like the Leki Haute Route can be set from 110 to 150 cm, covering all body types.
Check the adjustment by holding the pole upside down beneath the basket: your elbow should form a perfect right angle. This position ensures an ideal balance between effective propulsion and comfort on all terrain.
Adjustment according to body type
Your body shape directly influences the ideal length of your touring poles. If your arms are long relative to your height, reduce the calculated length by 2–3 cm to avoid an overly upright stance. Conversely, shorter arms require adding a few centimetres to maintain an efficient push.
Your weight also plays a role: stronger skiers can opt for slightly longer poles that provide better stability during kick turns on steep inclines. Lighter builds will prefer standard lengths to maintain agility and precision in movement.
Always test your adjustment in real conditions: with your arm bent at 90°, the grip should naturally sit in your hand without forcing your posture.
On-terrain adjustments: uphill and downhill
Telescopic poles truly show their worth when the terrain gets challenging! On the climb, shorten them by 5 to 10 cm from your base setting: this lower position improves stability and prevents unnecessary shoulder fatigue on steep gradients. Models featuring a long grip, such as some poles from Leki, even allow you to hold the shaft higher without changing the length.
For the descent, extend your poles by about 5 cm. This extra reach compensates for the slope and provides better support to control your speed, especially in powder where the large basket prevents sinking. One-piece poles require more adaptation: hold them below the grip on descents or simply opt for the versatility of a telescopic model if you frequently alternate between climbing and descending during your tours.
Leki, Black Diamond: leading brands
At Glisshop, we’ve selected three industry leaders dominating the world of ski touring poles, each with a strong identity! Leki leads the way in innovation with its legendary Trigger system and ultra-high-performance carbon poles. This German brand focuses on precision and comfort, whether for telescopic poles or competition-grade one-piece models.
Black Diamond embodies the genuine mountain spirit with poles built for serious commitment. Their models such as the Traverse and Expedition appeal to riders seeking strength and reliability in the harshest conditions.
Quick-release straps and baskets: added features
The quick-release strap enhances your safety in the mountains: no more shoulder injuries when your pole gets caught on a branch or rock! Systems like Salomon’s S3 or Leki’s Trigger automatically release your wrist under heavy pressure, preventing unnecessary injuries during falls or unexpected snags.
Interchangeable baskets adapt to your riding conditions: wide for floating in powder, compact for firm snow. This versatility takes you from glacier to rocky couloir, optimising support according to the terrain. A simple clip lets you switch from a piste setup to a powder configuration in seconds.