Telescopic ski touring poles
Does my ski touring pole have to be telescopic?
Although telescopic ski poles have become increasingly popular thanks to advances in equipment design and the wider availability of high‑performance materials, they are by no means essential for ski touring. Some skiers, particularly racers, prefer fixed‑length poles for reasons of weight, speed, and efficiency. Nevertheless, most ski tourers still favour telescopic models for their many advantages: adjustable length depending on the gradient, compact size when stored, and so on.
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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 Salomon Mtn Alu S3 freeride pole is lightweight and durable with an S3 strap for safety.
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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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Two‑section and three‑section telescopic touring poles – what’s the difference?
Be careful not to confuse telescopic poles with folding poles – these are two distinct features:
- A telescopic ski pole can be adjusted in length but does not necessarily fold.
- Two‑section and three‑section poles are made up of two or three parts but are not always adjustable once assembled.
- A telescopic ski pole can be adjusted in length but does not necessarily fold.
What are the pros and cons of two‑section, three‑section, and telescopic poles?
Folding poles with two or three sectionsThe advantage of poles that can be split into two or three parts is that, once folded, they take up far less space. They can easily be stowed inside a backpack without being cumbersome. This makes them a smart choice for ski tourers who also practise mountaineering and may need to switch from skis and poles to crampons and ice axes, or for those who do splitboarding or snow‑kiting.
We generally recommend two‑section poles rather than three‑section ones, as each joint adds a potential weak point. Except for specific uses or requirements, two‑section poles are usually more than adequate.
In addition to being slightly less durable, a folding pole is also a little heavier than a fixed‑length model made from the same material. For those seeking the best strength‑to‑weight ratio, a one‑piece pole remains the optimal choice.
Telescopic polesThe main advantage of a telescopic pole is its ability to adapt to the slope angle, allowing the skier to maintain the most efficient and comfortable posture at all times.
Its main drawback is that, as with folding poles, the mechanisms that allow the sections to slide add both weight and potential weakness compared with a fixed‑length design. Consequently, for those prioritising durability and lightness, a one‑piece pole is still the best option.
How to choose the right length for a telescopic and/or folding touring pole?
Since the length of a telescopic pole is adjustable, you don’t need to worry too much about the exact size. However, skiers taller than 1.85 m should opt for poles that extend up to around 1.50 m. This prevents having to use the pole at its maximum extension, which can weaken it and increase the risk of breakage.
For a folding but non‑telescopic pole, we recommend choosing a model around 5 cm longer than your standard alpine ski pole. This will provide better efficiency during uphill sections.
What is the best material for ski touring poles?
Whether you’re a piste skier, cross‑country skier, ski tourer or mountaineer, you can choose poles made from aluminium, fibreglass composite, carbon fibre, or a hybrid aluminium/carbon construction.
These materials are selected to achieve the best balance between strength and lightness. Carbon offers the highest strength‑to‑weight ratio but is also the most expensive. Aluminium is more affordable, reliable, and robust, though slightly heavier. Your choice will therefore depend on your budget and performance priorities.