Is it better to ski with poles or not?

Advanced skiers find a pole plant beneficial in timing and balance, particularly on steep slopes and in moguls. But strictly speaking, skiing at any level can be done without poles. With poles, you can reach out to get your balance and your body doesn’t change position.

Do freestyle skiers use poles?

Freestyle Skiers In most terrain that skiers will tackle, poles are a big help. The main exception is the park. Many freestyle skiers go pole-less, to free up their whole body for tricks. Jumps are a lot cleaner when the skier can focus on landing a big, complex air without poles flying around.

Do Olympic skiers use poles?

If you’ve been tuning into Olympic downhill skiing, you may have noticed something a little funky about the athletes’ poles. Instead of the straight, picturesque sticks featured in kitschy ski decorations, Olympic downhill ski poles are often bent. The reason why can be explained by simple science.

What are ski pole straps for?

Ski pole strap The strap is important because it allows you to create tension between your wrist and the pole when holding the handle and can minimise your risk of injury when you fall.

Why are pro skiers poles bent?

Curved ski poles help the skiers to accelerate safely while moving downhill in the tuck position. The poles fit around the skier nicely and save the person from crashing against the gates. When the players tuck, the poles bent around the body to provide more aerodynamics.

Do you ski without poles?

Throughout my childhood and frequently during my years competing, my coaches would have us ski without poles. Skiing without poles forces the skier to focus on and master proper turn initiation and form. My rule of thumb?

When should I introduce poles for my young skier?

Last week we received the question: When should I introduce poles for my young skier. I will attempt to shed light on this tricky question! The truth is, there is no magic-bullet answer. So much of this decision depends on child’s ski technique, ability to multi-task, handle added responsibility, and also their desire.

Why do older kids wear trekking poles?

I’ll be honest, this is mainly due to peer-pressure. Older kids want to look like older kids, not like the toddlers on the bunny hill. The poles will also help them move on flat terrain and get up when they fall. Older kids have the added ability of multi-tasking. And lastly, it comes down to desire.

How can I get my child to use a pole?

NOT correct pole holding, but hey, sometimes those poles need to be silly antennae to raise morale! If you child wants to use poles because they see other kids using them, I’d suggest giving them some tangible goals that they can work towards to “earn” the use of poles.