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Ski Pole Size Chart


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Ski poles that are the correct length for you will help you ski better (long live pole plants!) and keep you from getting stuck on those flat slopes. Ideally, when you flip a ski pole upside down and grab it below the basket, your elbow will bend to a 90-degree angle (check out the image below). If you don't have a ski pole handy to check your sizing, dive into our expert crafted ski pole size chart below. But if you've been skiing with chest-height poles for 40 years and would sooner take up snowboarding than size down, disregard our advice.


Powder7's Ski Pole Size Chart

Skier Height in Feet and InchesPole Length in InchesPole Length in Centimeters
3'4" and shorter3280
3'" to 3'8"3485
3'9" to 4'0"3690
4'1" to 4'4"3895
4'5" to 4'8"40100
4'9" to 5'0"42105
5'1" to 5'3"44110
5'4" to 5'6"46115
5'7" to 5'9"48120
5'10" to 6'0"50125
6'1" to 6'3"52130
6'4" to 6'6"54135
6'7" and taller56140

HOW TO MEASURE

ski pole size graphic illustrating 90 degree angle

Some considerations

- For downhill skiing, most of us at the shop like to err on the short side of our recommended length. This encourages a more forward stance, and keeps the poles from getting in the way while shredding. If you spend a lot of time in the park or spinning in the air, even shorter poles (or no poles at all!) might be appropriate. If you're cross country skiing or alpine touring a lot, long poles with an extended foam grip (like our Powder Poker ski poles) will give you better stability on hikes and climbs.

- Peep the baskets, and make sure they suit the terrain you like. If you like to shred deep powder pillows, you'll need baskets with a greater surface area, such as those on the Black Crows Meta Poles. These powder baskets will keep your pole from sinking away into a snowy abyss, never to be seen by humans again... Or, if you mostly ski on groomed runs and east coast hardpack, you'll be fine with resort baskets, such as the baskets on the Powder7 Groomer Gripper pole.

Your preference is the biggest consideration when it comes to choosing poles. Be a Comfort Queen and make sure the grip is comfortable. Just grab what feels good, get out there, and have some fun!

Backcountry Ski Poles:

Backcountry skiers have two important options when it comes to poles. On a tour, you need to be able to adjust your grip between your ascent and descent. When you're going up, you need a shorter pole due to the pitch of the slope. When you're going down, you still want a standard pole length. Rather than carrying two poles, you can choose between an adjustable pole or a fixed pole with an elongated grip.

Many skiers prefer adjustable poles because they are especially comfortable and compact. Just extend or shorten your pole with a simple tab. Our favorites include the G3 Via, Atomic Backland FR, and of course, the Powder7 Ridge Roamer.

A fixed pole with an elongated grip also works in place of an adjustable pole. Rather than adjusting you're the pole itself, just adjust your grip! Some skiers prefer fixed poles because, generally, they are more durable and simpler to use.


Still not sure how to size your poles? Take it from this lady:



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