How to Size Cross-Country Poles

The right poles can make cross-country skiing a more enjoyable experience. In both classic and skate-style skiing, you use your poles to help power your motion over the snow. Having poles that are the right size allows you to take full advantage of your skiing motion.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Find a pole with a comfortable hand grip. If you will use your poles for skiing in groomed tracks, they can be made out of a light-weight fiberglass or, preferably, aluminum. If you want to take your skis into the back country, make sure they have big baskets and sturdy shafts.

2. Hold your poles in each hand.

3. If you will use your poles for traditional Nordic skiing, they should hit you somewhere between the middle of your chest and your armpit.

4. If you are using your poles for skate skiing, they should come up to somewhere between the top of your shoulder and your mouth.

5. Generally, the short end of the spectrum of measurement is used for light-touring and track-skiing purposes. Longer poles should be used in back-country conditions.