Just like in hiking, poles offer numerous benefits for alpine skiing or snowshoeing. But before heading out into the snow, properly preparing and knowing how to use your poles is essential—explore all our tips.
How to use your hiking poles in the snow?
As with summer hiking, using poles when ski touring gives you two extra points of support. This distributes the load more evenly, improves your balance and engages almost every muscle in your body while easing the strain on your legs and thighs. In deep powder, even when snowshoeing, you may sink in a little; poles help you stay upright. On hilly terrain, they also help you handle descents, climbs and obstacles. On traverses, they can improve your balance and help you feel steadier and more secure.
If you already hike in summer and want to walk in the snow, you do not necessarily need new poles. You can use your usual hiking poles for a snowy outing, provided you make a few adjustments. Here are our tips for preparing your poles before setting off on a ski tour or snowshoe hike.
- Fit your poles with winter baskets: if you are using your standard hiking poles, the first essential step is replacing the summer baskets with winter ones. Their wider diameter will prevent the poles from sinking too deep into the snow.
- Adjust the wrist straps: if you already use your poles for hiking, your wrist straps are likely standard rather than gauntlet-style. That is a plus! In the snow, you will be wearing mittens or thick gloves that you do not normally use. You will therefore need to adjust the wrist straps by loosening the webbing.
- Check the length of your poles: your ski boots may be a different height from your hiking boots. Make sure your poles are set to the right height, so your arm forms a right angle at the elbow. Alternatively, set them slightly longer if you want a greater range of movement for faster walking on flat ground.
- Opt for a lever-locking system: if you choose adjustable telescopic poles, opt for a lever-locking (clip) system rather than a twist-lock. A external clamp lever is much easier to operate in high-mountain weather conditions. Tightening and loosening a screw-lock can prove tricky with mittens or thick gloves.
