What Size Ski Poles Do You Need for Skiing?
14 August 2026
A ski pole that is too long feels awkward on cat tracks, gets in the way on steeper runs and can throw off your rhythm. Too short, and you will be reaching for every plant. If you are wondering what size ski poles to buy, getting the length right is simple: start with your height, then confirm the fit in ski boots.
For most alpine skiers, poles should create roughly a 90-degree bend at the elbow when you stand upright with the pole tip on the ground. It is a quick check that works for first-timers heading to Hotham and experienced skiers chasing fresh turns overseas alike.
What size ski poles should I get?
The fastest way to choose ski pole length is to multiply your height in centimetres by 0.7. Round to the nearest available pole size, usually in 5 cm increments. For example, a skier who is 170 cm tall will generally suit a 120 cm ski pole.
This is a reliable starting point, but it is not the final word. Your skiing style, terrain and proportions can all affect the best choice. Pole sizing is about finding a natural position for your hands, not forcing your body to match a number on a chart.
| Skier height | Typical ski pole length | | — | — | | 120-130 cm | 85-90 cm | | 130-140 cm | 90-100 cm | | 140-150 cm | 100-105 cm | | 150-160 cm | 105-110 cm | | 160-170 cm | 110-120 cm | | 170-180 cm | 120-125 cm | | 180-190 cm | 125-135 cm | | 190 cm+ | 135-140 cm |
If you land between two sizes, the shorter option is usually the safer choice for recreational alpine skiing. Shorter poles are easier to manage while learning, and they are less likely to catch in the snow when conditions get choppy.
The ski pole sizing test that matters
Charts get you close. The upside-down test tells you whether the poles actually fit.
Put on your ski boots if possible, then turn a pole upside down with the grip resting on the floor. Hold the pole just underneath the basket, where the shaft enters it. Your forearm should sit close to horizontal and your elbow should form about a right angle.
That position mirrors how your arm sits when planting a pole while skiing. A small variation is fine. If your elbow is noticeably more open than 90 degrees, the pole is likely too short. If your hand sits high and your elbow is tightly bent, go shorter.
Do not judge pole length while standing in runners. Ski boots add height and change your stance, particularly if you are trying poles on for a child. If you are buying online, use the height chart, then check the fit once the poles arrive before removing any packaging you may need for a return.
Why the basket matters in the test
The basket is the round or shaped piece near the bottom of the pole. It stops the pole sinking too far into snow. Holding beneath it for the upside-down test accounts for the usable length of the pole, rather than only measuring from tip to grip.
Standard alpine baskets suit groomed runs and the packed snow most Australians ski. If you are heading into deeper snow, a wider powder basket gives better float. It does not normally mean you need a different pole length.
Choose length for where and how you ski
Most skiers want one versatile pair of poles for resort skiing. Choose the length that passes the 90-degree test and you are set for groomers, school holiday laps and the occasional soft-snow day.
Freeride and powder skiers sometimes choose poles 5 cm longer. The extra reach can help when skiing deep snow, negotiating flatter sections and moving around off-piste. The trade-off is that a longer pole can feel less nimble in tight trees, bumps and steep terrain.
Park skiers often prefer a slightly shorter pole, especially when learning jumps, riding switch or working on spins. It keeps the poles out of the way and reduces the chance of a pole catching on a feature. There is no need to go dramatically short – one size down from a standard fit is generally plenty.
For racing and aggressive carving, pole length is more specific. Slalom racers often use shorter poles because they ski in a lower, more forward stance. Giant slalom and downhill racers may use longer, bent poles for aerodynamics and gate clearance. If you are joining a race program, follow your coach’s recommendation rather than relying only on a general sizing chart.
Getting kids’ ski pole size right
Kids grow quickly, which makes it tempting to buy ski poles well oversized. Resist the urge. A pole that is too long makes it harder for young skiers to balance, turn and learn a clean pole plant. It can also catch behind them when they are getting on and off lifts.
Use the same upside-down test as you would for an adult, with the child wearing ski boots. If they are between sizes, choose the shorter pair. A correctly fitting, affordable pole will help their skiing far more than a pair intended to last three seasons.
For very young beginners, poles are not always essential on day one. Instructors often focus first on stance, sliding, stopping and turning. Once kids are linking turns confidently, poles help them develop rhythm and balance. If your child’s lesson provider suggests leaving the poles aside initially, that is completely normal.
Fixed-length or adjustable ski poles?
Fixed-length aluminium poles are the easy choice for most skiers. They are dependable, simple and available in a broad range of sizes. They are ideal for families, beginners and anyone who wants a solid setup without overthinking it.
Adjustable poles are handy if more than one person will use them, if you travel between resorts and backcountry terrain, or if you want to fine-tune length for touring. They do cost more, and locking mechanisms need to be checked regularly. For standard resort days, their versatility is useful but not essential.
Carbon poles are lighter and can reduce swing weight, which keen skiers notice over a long day. Aluminium poles are generally better value and often cope more predictably with knocks. Neither material changes the sizing rule. Fit first, then choose the construction that suits your budget and skiing plans.
Common ski pole sizing mistakes
The most common mistake is measuring from the top of the grip to the tip and treating that as the full answer. Brands measure poles differently, so use the stated pole length and the upside-down test instead.
Another is buying longer poles because they look more advanced. Longer is not more technical. If you have to lift your hands to plant the pole, your upper body will become tense and your turns can lose flow. A relaxed hand position, held in front of your body, is what you are chasing.
Also check that the wrist straps fit properly. Slip your hand up through the bottom of the strap, then bring the strap over the back of your hand before gripping the handle. This supports your wrist and lets you release the pole safely if needed. Do not wrap straps tightly around your wrist or hand.
At Mac’s, the best result comes from pairing the right pole length with boots that fit well and skis matched to your ability. Bring your ski boots in if you can, try the pole test properly and ask for straight-up advice before you gear up for winter.
A good pair of ski poles should disappear into your skiing. When the length is right, your hands stay natural, your pole plants feel easy and you can focus on the part that matters: making the most of every run.
