To pole or not to pole...

[canadianskier]

If you want to become a better skier pole planting is a must. You will find balancing very difficult in bumps and off piste terrain if you don't plant poles properly. But.... there are also some benefits to skiing without them. When I teach I will take poles away from clients to get them to balance, if you can't rely on your poles to tell you where you are you have to balance by using a good solid stance. I like doing my first couple of runs on any day without poles, and my boots undone so I have to centre myself and stand over the skis. Then I get my poles and shred. A solid pole plant in the bumps and harder terrain helps stop rotation from the upper body from twisting you around and throwing you sideways down the hill. Just some thoughts............................

[jrullo177]

all cons i hat seeing skiers without poles you need them they will make you a better skier way more balanced and you will fall much less often you need them

[mortabunt]

Poles are net necessary, I do not need to use poles, and I have done my best skiing without them.

[snobeach]

Originally Posted by canadianskier

If you want to become a better skier pole planting is a must. You will find balancing very difficult in bumps and off piste terrain if you don't plant poles properly. But.... there are also some benefits to skiing without them. When I teach I will take poles away from clients to get them to balance, if you can't rely on your poles to tell you where you are you have to balance by using a good solid stance. I like doing my first couple of runs on any day without poles, and my boots undone so I have to centre myself and stand over the skis. Then I get my poles and shred. A solid pole plant in the bumps and harder terrain helps stop rotation from the upper body from twisting you around and throwing you sideways down the hill. Just some thoughts............................

Excellent points! When we used to teach, it was encouraged to spend a day in rental boots and skiis to get a better idea of what newbies were experiencing as well.

Balance is key and you're right, learning how to properly use poles will curb the tendancy to ski with your upper body. Too often you'll see skiers flailing as they attempt to turn without any purpose. Pole plants initiate a turn and if you encorporate a rhythm you'll find you develop smooth turns and expend much less energy.

If you watch any of the ski films or races it is a rarity to see the pros without poles. Besides what else are you going to lean on while waiting in line?

[mortabunt]

I seriously never needed poles, and I always skied with my legs, which as a result are immensely strong.

[wallstreetjazz]

Here lies the difference between most (and I do say most) mid-western skiers and skiers that have been to world class ski hills. The ones who have skied on the better hills know how to pole plant. In my opinion learning how to use poles is a great technique to learn, but just because you know the technique doesn't mean you have to use it every time. I would suggest you learn how to pole plant and then do either depending on what mood your in.

[mortabunt]

My dad learned to ski in europe in places like france because he's english. He's told me that poles are only useful for balancing, holding your place in lift ques, and fighting off line breaking germans. I've tried poles, and I don't notice a diferent.

[kawake]

Poles really only help me when I'm in line for the chairlift!