Ski poles can feel like a no-brainer for seasoned skiers, and a total mystery for beginners. Do you really need them? Can skiing without poles actually help you learn faster? And how do you choose the right poles when you’re ready?
At Sun & Ski Sports, we outfit skiers of every level, from first-time learners to powder-chasing experts. Let’s break down when ski poles help, when they don’t, and how to choose the right setup for your skiing style, terrain, and performance goals.
Table of Contents
What Do Ski Poles Actually Do?
What are ski poles used for?
Ski poles aren’t just accessories, they’re tools. When used correctly, they support lightweight performance and quality movement across a wide range of slopes by help with:
- Balance and stability, especially on steeper or uneven terrain
- Timing and rhythm, particularly during turns
- Propulsion, such as skating on flat terrain or traversing cat tracks
- Confidence, giving skiers a better sense of body position, control, and balance
That said, poles are only helpful if they’re used properly. For some skiers, especially beginners, poles can slow progress instead of improving technique.
Beginners: Should You Ski With or Without Poles?
Do beginners need ski poles?
Short answer: Most beginners are better off starting without poles. When you’re learning to ski, your focus should be on:
- Proper stance and balance
- Turning with your legs and edges
- Controlling speed safely
A pair of oles can become a distraction at this stage. New skiers often lean on them, drag them behind, or use them for balance instead of developing strong lower-body skills and edge control.
Why skiing without poles helps beginners:
- Encourages correct posture (athletic stance, hands forward)
- Builds balance and edge control faster
- Reduces the temptation to rely on poles instead of technique
As a former certified ski instructor, I often taught beginners to ski without poles for this very reason. I recommend focusing first on custom-fit rental boots and beginner-friendly skis designed for durability, quality, and easy turn initiation. Our Outdoor Experts can outfit all your rental needs at any of our 30+ locations! Once your turns feel natural, poles can be added to your setup.
Intermediate Skiers: When Poles Start to Matter
Are ski poles necessary for intermediate skiers?
As you move into intermediate terrain, blue runs, variable snow, and longer days on the mountain, ski poles become more valuable.
Benefits for intermediate skiers:
- Improve turn timing with light, controlled pole plants
- Help maintain rhythm and balance on steeper runs
- Assist with flat sections, lift lines, and transitions
At this level, poles are less about support and more about refinement. Learning proper pole use can smooth out your turns, improve balance, and boost confidence on new terrain.
Gear matters here. Lightweight poles made with durable materials and well-designed features can make a noticeable difference in performance. At Sun & Ski Sports, we carry trusted brands like Rossignol, Atomic, Salomon, and K2, with options built for all-mountain, durability, and consistent performance.
Advanced & Expert Skiers: Poles Are Essential
Do advanced skiers need ski poles?
For advanced skiers, poles are non-negotiable. As an advanced skier myself, poles make skiing tough terrain much easier. Charging groomers, skiing moguls, dropping into steeps, and floating through powder all rely on precise pole use.
Why experts rely on poles:
- Precise pole plants for quick, controlled turns
- Stability in moguls and technical terrain
- Balance in powder and off-piste conditions
- Support during hiking, traversing, and boot packs
Advanced skiers also benefit from specialized pole designs with performance-focused features, such as:
- Adjustable poles for backcountry skiing and travel
- Carbon or composite poles for reduced weight
- Powder baskets for deep snow days
Our in-store experts can help match pole length, material, and basket type to your terrain and skiing style.
What About Skiing Without Poles as an Expert?
Even experienced skiers sometimes ditch poles for drills, park skiing, or technique work.
- Terrain park skiers often ride without poles for spins and grabs
- Skill drills without poles can improve balance and edge awareness
But for all-mountain and off-piste skiing, poles remain an essential part of performance and safety.
How to Choose the Right Ski Poles
How do I choose the right size ski poles?
When you’re ready for poles, getting the right fit matters.
General sizing rule:
- Turn the pole upside down and grip it just under the basket
- Your elbow should form roughly a 90-degree angle
Other factors to consider:
- Material: Aluminum for durability and value, carbon for lightweight performance and premium quality
- Grip: Rubber for resort skiing, ergonomic or extended grips for added versatility
- Straps: Adjustable straps improve comfort, control, and balance
At Sun & Ski Sports, our team can size you in-store and recommend poles that pair perfectly with your skis, boots, and bindings.
The Bottom Line: Do You Need Ski Poles?
- Beginners: Not right away, focus on fundamentals first
- Intermediates: Yes, poles enhance rhythm, balance, and confidence
- Advanced skiers: Absolutely, poles are critical for performance and control
No matter where you are in your skiing journey, having the right gear makes all the difference.
Trust Sun & Ski Sports for Expert Advice
From first chair to last run, Sun & Ski Sports is your destination for expert ski knowledge and premium gear. Our curated selection of skis, boots, poles, and accessories is backed by passionate staff who ski the same mountains you do.
If you’re just getting started, we have family-friendly resort recommendations (insert blog link once it’s live), and suggestions of which men’s (insert blog link) and women’s (insert blog link) ski jacket you need this season! Stop by one of our locations or shop online to find the right ski poles and everything else you need for your best season yet.
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About the Author, Allie Cheney
Hello there :) Allie Cheney here! I'm a Texan turned mountain enthusiast with a twist. After a year of croissants and conjugations in France where I completed an MBA, I traded baguettes for mountain air and moved to Colorado. As a Copywriter and Content Creator for Sun & Ski Sports I'm thrilled to share my 6 years of outdoor industry knowledge with you! Living in a converted van, I'll be skiing along the Rocky Mountains and West Coast this winter. My aim is to deliver content that is not only accurate and genuine but also provides valuable knowledge and insights into your favorite hobbies, the latest trending styles, and cutting-edge products. Let’s explore together! For questions feel free to email me at ACheney@sunandski.com or contact an Outdoor Expert at any Sun & Ski Sports store location near you!