The Best Ski Poles of 2021-2022
Hitting the slopes this winter? Our team of mountain-loving experts has found the best ski poles for 2022-2023.
Though high-quality materials and innovative design have improved the performance of today’s ski poles, the basic concept remains the same. A pair of ski poles is helpful for balance, rhythmic turning, and propulsion on flat terrain.
On this list, we’ve compiled the best ski poles of the 2022-2023 winter season. From resort-friendly downhill poles to lightweight and minimal touring poles, we have included models and styles to suit all types of skiers.
The models below include ski poles for alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, splitboarding, and backcountry ski days.
For in-depth advice on how to select the best ski poles for you, be sure to check out our buyer’s guide, FAQ, and comparison chart at the end of the product list.
Otherwise scroll through our top picks or jump to a category:
- Best Overall Ski Poles
- Best Budget
- Best Women’s-Specific Ski Poles
- Best Backcountry Ski Poles
- Best Splitboarding Poles
- Best Nordic Ski Poles
- Best Ski Poles for Kids
- Best of the Rest
The Best Ski Poles of 2022-2023
Best Overall Downhill Ski Poles: Leki Neolite Airfoil
The Neolite Airfoil ($85) from Leki features a simple and sturdy classic aluminum design. For all-mountain downhill skiing, these one-piece poles are lightweight workhorses.
Though the Neolite Airfoil is slightly heavier than similar poles made from carbon fiber, it more than makes up for this with an affordable price tag and long-term durability. A classic neoprene strap system offers broad comfort around your hands and can be adjusted by sliding the strap through the grip then it remains in place.
An integrated security release means that if you take a tumble or get hung up on the chair lift, your poles won’t become a hazard.
The primary touch point to a ski pole is the grip, so we appreciate this one’s streamlined, ergonomic, and soft composite so that our hands stay secure and comfortable through every run. One drawback is that there are not many size options in this ski pole.
Overall, we strongly recommend the Neolite Airfoil ski poles to all-mountain resort skiers of all levels.
Specs:
- Weight per pole: 7.4 oz.
- Shaft material: Aluminum
- Baskets: Performance alpine, the universal and standard size
- Sizes (cm): 115, 120
- Tip material: Carbide
Pros:
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Innovative
Cons:
- Limited range of sizes
Best Budget Ski Poles: Black Crows Meta
For just $55, the Meta from Black Crows is a high-functioning and aesthetically pleasing ski pole. These poles are made from impressively strong aluminum. If you plan to launch off side hits and drops, the Meta poles are more than capable of handling the abuse.
Black Crows outfitted these 18mm poles with wide powder baskets that thrive on soft conditions. If you tend to ski on hardpack and ice, you may want to look elsewhere.
Overall, the Meta is an affordable and well-rounded all-mountain ski pole.
Specs:
- Weight per pole: 8.1 oz.
- Shaft material: Aluminum
- Baskets: Powder
- Sizes (cm): 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135
- Tip: Steel
Pros:
- Affordable
- Durable
- Nice-looking
Cons:
- Actual color isn’t as bright as advertised
Check Price at evoCheck Price at Black Crows
Best Women’s-Specific Ski Poles: Leki Artena Airfoil 3D
The Leki Artena Airfoil 3D ($140) is a classic, precise pole for skiing on piste that’s built specifically for ladies. The fixed length has a 14mm shaft, which is lightweight and sturdy.
For all-day comfort, the Trigger 3D SL Grip is shaped with finger grooves and a supportive shape inspired by race poles.
Leki’s Trigger S system allows you to remove the mesh wrist strap from the pole, and the setup is compatible with various gloves and mittens. Or you can use one of Leki’s gloves with Trigger S construction — a small, strong loop is built into each glove or mitten (between the thumb and forefinger) so you can directly clip into your poles with an easy-to-use release button.
We really like the Xplore S Women’s glove, which is one of the warmest, most comfortable pairs of gloves we’ve used for resort turns.
But if you’re rounding out powder laps, look for a different pole; the Artena Airfoil has a performance basket with a smaller diameter.
Specs:
- Weight per pole: 8.5 oz.
- Shaft material: Aluminum
- Baskets: Performance
- Sizes (cm): 105, 110, 115, 120, 125
- Tip: Carbide
Pros:
- Ergonomic strap
- Durable
Cons:
- Not ideal for deep snow
Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Aspen East
Best Backcountry Ski Poles: Black Diamond Razor Carbon Pro
When touring in the backcountry, lightweight and adjustable ski poles are hard to beat. With its innovative combination of aluminum and carbon fiber components, the Razor Carbon Pro pole ($180) from Black Diamond finds the ideal balance between durability, weight, and overall performance.
The Razor Carbon Pro is one of our favorite backcountry poles on the market. Black Diamond’s FlickLock Pro adjustment system makes it easy to change the length of these poles without concern of slippage. With or without gloves, the Razor Carbon Pro poles choke up or extend with ease.
The 14mm upper aluminum segment of these poles is thick and very sturdy, but the 12mm lower carbon section is far more fragile. Though these poles are strong and solid for their low weight, users should be careful not to allow the carbon section to come in contact with rocks and trees.
Specs:
- Weight per pole: 10.5 oz.
- Shaft material: Aluminum and carbon fiber
- Baskets: Powder
- Sizes (cm): 125, 140
- Tip Material: Unknown
Pros:
- Easy to adjust
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Fairly fragile
Check Price at REICheck Price at Black Diamond
Best Splitboarding Poles: Voile Camlock 3 Touring Poles
Finding the right type of poles for backcountry splitboarding in variable terrain with precisely the best features for countless transitions isn’t an easy task. Somehow the Voile Camlock 3 Touring Poles ($115) checks all the boxes.
Each three-section pole has two cam levers, where the pole can be lengthened or shortened to a 25-inch packable size, which straps down and hugs the side of a backcountry pack well on the descent. Below the EVA foam hand grips is a generous 7.5-inch grip that extends down the shaft, which is comfortable to grab on ascents up the skin track.
The integrated scraper is there just when you need it: two precise rounded corners can help lower or flick up heel risers on the go. The scraper’s flat edge can remove ice built up around the splitboard bindings and pucks or clear the bottom of the split skis before pulling on skins.
We’ve used these splitboarding poles for more than 5 years in both mellow, powder-filled terrain and steep, rough conditions. The wear and tear is really only visible on the shaft where the length of the pole is marked with paint, which has rubbed off. Otherwise, the poles are still functional.
Specs:
- Weight per pole: 11 oz.
- Shaft material: Aluminum
- Baskets: Powder
- Sizes (cm): Adjust from 65 to 135
- Tip Material: Unknown
Pros:
- Scraper is conveniently located on the top of a hand grip
- Durable
Cons:
- Not the most ergonomic hand grips
Best Nordic Ski Poles: Leki PRC 750 Pink
The PRC 750 ($200) from Leki is a high-quality, durable option for nordic skiers looking to train hard.
With its 100% carbon shaft, hardened steel tips, super race baskets, and quick-release hand straps, this pole is all about speed and the long haul.
The cork grip is comfortable for long days or doubles, too. If you’re looking for a streamlined, precise-fitting nordic pole for action, the PRC 750 is probably the best ski pole for you.
Specs:
- Weight per pole: 2.7 oz.
- Shaft material: Carbon
- Baskets: Super race
- Sizes (cm): 140, 145, 150, 155, 160, 165, 170
- Tip material: Carbide
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Comfortable grips
Cons:
- Pricier end of nordic poles
Best Ski Poles for Kids: Salomon Kaloo Junior Ski Poles
These aluminum alloy poles from Salomon are perfect for young skiers. Salomon has crafted these poles without opting for cheap materials or flimsy construction. The Kaloo Junior Ski Poles ($25) are every bit as sturdy as the adult-size poles on this list.
Aside from their general excellence, these poles don’t have any exceptional features. The small ergonomic plastic grips are sturdy and properly sized. A standard basket performs well in all sorts of snow conditions.
Though these Kaloo poles are mostly built for resort skiing, they’d work in a pinch for occasional backcountry missions.
Specs:
- Weight per pair: 9 oz.
- Shaft material: Aluminum
- Baskets: Standard
- Sizes (cm): 76, 91, 96.5, 101.6, 106.7
- Tip material: Steel
Pros:
- Specifically made for kids
- High-quality materials
- Affordable
Cons:
- Length does not adjust
Check Price at evoCheck Price at Amazon
Best of the Rest
Black Crows Furtis
For alpine skiers: The Furtis poles ($165) from Black Crows are made from premium carbon composite material. As a result, these poles are lightweight and sleek. Like all carbon poles, the Furtis is more delicate than an aluminum pole, but its 22mm diameter gives it enough structure to handle plenty of abuse.
We like that the baskets on these poles pivot to accommodate steep terrain. Black Crows claims the Furtis poles are ideal for soft snow and powder, though we find them excellent in just about any conditions.
The only real downside to these poles is their price tag. All carbon poles are pricey, but the Furtis is near the very top of the scale at $165. Still, they’re some of the best ski poles money can buy.
Specs:
- Weight per pole: 8.8 oz.
- Shaft material: Carbon
- Baskets: Powder
- Sizes (cm): 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135
- Tip: Tungsten carbide
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Durable for carbon poles
Cons:
- Expensive
Check Price at evoCheck Price at Black Crows
Custom Meier Handmade Ski Poles
For alpine skiers: With the compression strength of concrete and the tensile strength of steel, bamboo is impressively durable. Though many brands make ski poles from bamboo, we love Meier’s customizable and U.S.-made product ($110) for its overall high quality.
These poles feature an ergonomic soft rubber grip, recycled polyester strap, and simple 4-inch baskets. You can select your favorite grip and basket color from a wide variety of options.
From a sustainability standpoint, bamboo has an impressive profile. Compared to most trees, bamboo absorbs more carbon dioxide and produces more oxygen. Though bamboo poles don’t offer the precise performance characteristics of carbon fiber, they do possess a nice balance of flexibility and rigidity.
Specs:
- Weight per pole: Unknown
- Shaft material: Bamboo
- Baskets: Standard (4″) (and interchangeable)
- Sizes (cm): 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130
- Tip: Unknown
Pros:
- Customizable
- Well-made
- Durable
Cons:
- Not the most durable straps
G3 Pivot Aluminum Ski Poles
For splitboarders: In 2020, G3 launched the Pivot pole for splitboarders. The following year, the brand upgraded the design for use in winter and in warmer months as a trekking pole.
The three-piece G3 Pivot Aluminum Ski Poles ($161) extend at two junctures on the shaft. The poles fold as short as 14 inches for compact carrying on the side of your backcountry pack while bootpacking with an ice axe in hand or on descents.
The sections wrap around the handle, and the All Mountain Basket clicks around the shaft’s diameter to lock in place. To help adjust risers on the skin track, the 85mm all-mountain basket is stiff, has articulated points along the edge, and features a recess for grabbing and pulling.
For other bindings and conditions, the notched utility tab on the nose of the handles helps clear snow from the bindings or snap the heel risers up or down.
So far, our team has found these G3 poles to be a super durable, functional, and comfortable option for splitboarding.
Specs:
- Weight per pole: 10.5 oz.
- Shaft material: Aluminum
- Baskets: All Mountain Baskets (sold separately, $10)
- Sizes (cm): 105-125 or 115-135
- Tip Material: Unknown
Pros:
- Comfortable ergonomic hand grips
- Useful utility tabs on handles
Cons:
- Does not include an integrated scraper on the grip
- Magnets are not functional
Check Price at Cripple Creek Backcountry
Swix Elite Sonic Touring Poles
For nordic skiers: These high-quality nordic poles offer good features for less than $50. At this accessible price point, the Elite Sonic Touring Poles ($45) are the best on the market.
Like all fully aluminum poles, the Elite Sonics are stiffer and more durable than most carbon-shafted poles. One of our expert testers recommends pairing these Elite Sonic poles with a small basket for skiing on groomed trails. For skate-style nordic skiing, these are a bit on the heavy side.
Specs:
- Weight per pole: Unavailable
- Shaft material: Aluminum
- Baskets: Swix Touring Basket
- Sizes (cm): 135, 140, 150, 155, 160
- Tip material: Unavailable
Pros:
- Affordable
- Durable
Cons:
- Heavier material for skate skiing
Ski Poles Comparison Chart
| Ski Pole | Price | Weight per pole | Shaft material | Sizes (cm) | Tip material |
| Leki Neolite Airfoil | $85 | 7.4 oz. | Aluminum | 115, 120 | Carbide |
| Leki Artena Airfoil 3D | $140 | 8.5 oz. | Aluminum | 105, 110, 115, 120, 125 | Carbide |
| Black Crows Meta | $55 | 8.1 oz. | Aluminum | 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135 | Steel |
| Black Diamond Razor Carbon Pro | $180 | 10.5 oz. | Aluminum and carbon fiber | 125, 140 | N/A |
| Voile Camlock 3 Touring Poles | $115 | 11 oz. | Aluminum | Adjust from 65 to 135 | N/A |
| Leki PRC 750 Pink | $200 | 2.7 oz. | Carbon | 140, 145, 150, 155, 160, 165, 170 | Carbide |
| Salomon Kaloo Junior Ski Poles | $25 | 9 oz. | Aluminum | 76, 91, 96.5, 101.6, 106.7 | Steel |
| Black Crows Furtis | $165 | 8.8 oz. | Carbon | 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135 | Tungsten carbide |
| Custom Meier Handmade Ski Poles | $110 | N/A | Bamboo | 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130 | N/A |
| G3 Pivot Aluminum Ski Poles | $161 | 10.5 oz. | Aluminum | 105-125 or 115-135 | N/A |
| Swix Elite Sonic Touring Poles | $45 | N/A | Aluminum | 135, 140, 150, 155, 160 | N/A |
Why You Should Trust Us
Our GearJunkie gear testing team includes a range of skiers from intermediate to expert who explore ski areas around the world, venture into the backcountry, and hike uphill at the resort. We enjoy cross-country terrain, and the splitboarders among us need ski poles, too.
Beyond our field tests and personal experience, we determined the best ski poles based on a variety of metrics, including performance, quality, longevity, and value. These ski poles serve a range of athletes, applications, and budgets.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose Ski Poles
Most skiers — especially beginners — don’t put a whole lot of thought into their pole selection process. When it comes time to purchase ski gear, poles are often an afterthought.
While your poles may not be quite as important as your skis or boots, they’re an essential part of your kit that can truly make or break your time on the mountain. Fortunately, picking out the right pair of poles is a fairly simple and straightforward process.
Ski Pole Length
It’s essential to select a ski pole that fits your height and preferred skiing style. If you end up with poles that are too long or too short, your skiing ability and experience will be compromised.
Properly fitted ski poles are essential for feeling balanced and smooth while moving down the mountain and transitioning between turns. Most manufacturers provide charts that will recommend a ski pole length based on your height. While these charts are helpful guidelines, they lack a bit of nuance.
If you plan to primarily ski groomers, your elbows should be bent at a 90-degree angle when the poles are straight up and down and the grips are in your hand. If you need to determine your ideal pole length without using an actual pole, assume the position and use a measuring tape to find the distance between your hand and the ground. We recommend wearing ski boots while you measure for maximum accuracy.
In the backcountry, skiers commonly use slightly shorter poles. For this reason, many backcountry skiers prefer adjustable poles.
While hiking uphill, the slope of the terrain demands a diminished pole length. When it comes time to enjoy the thrill of gravity, poles should be extended back to their optimal downhill length.
In the terrain park, most skiers prefer poles that are shorter than the standard downhill length. When setting up to hit a rail or huck a backflip, long poles simply get in the way. If shredding the park is your thing, we recommend poles a few cm shorter than normal.
Adjustable vs. Fixed-Length Ski Poles
For classic downhill skiing at the resort, fixed-length ski poles are the way to go. If you plan to use your poles for backcountry touring, we recommend a pair of adjustable poles.
When hiking uphill, the angle of the terrain calls for a slight decrease in pole length. Adjustable poles typically have a simple mechanism that allows you to change the total length in an instant.
When traversing across the fall line of a steep slope, you may want your downhill pole to be longer than your uphill pole. When it comes time to go downhill, quickly adjust your poles back to your default length and send it!
If you plan to use your poles for ski mountaineering or other activities that may call for you to put your poles away entirely from time to time, be sure to select a pair that can fit into or onto a backpack for easy storage.
Most adjustable poles feature relatively fragile carbon fiber components, so remember to avoid major impacts.
Ski Pole Weight
All of the ski poles on this list are pretty similar in total weight. With that said, even an ounce can make a difference in an object you’ll be carrying in your hand all day long. In general, we recommend the lightest poles that fit your needs and budget.
Total pole weight depends on the diameter and material of the shaft. Thin carbon fiber poles will be the lightest but also the most fragile. Thicker aluminum poles represent the heavier, more durable end of the spectrum. Ultimately, the right balance between durability and weight depends on your personal skiing preferences and objectives.
Nordic Skiing
When cross-country skiing, it’s important to use the right kind of poles. Cross-country terrain requires skiers to use their poles to actively propel them along the trail. Cross-country poles are also important for timing, power, rhythm, and balance. Like downhill poles, cross-country poles can be made from a variety of materials, including aluminum, carbon, and bamboo.
The main difference between cross-country poles and downhill poles is length. Cross-country poles tend to be a bit longer than downhill poles. This added length provides propulsion as you’re skating across flat surfaces.
Backcountry Splitboarding
Splitboarders need unique features in their poles for safety, efficiency, and ease of movement in backcountry terrain.
Three-piece pole designs are ideal, so the poles can be broken down and buckled or strapped to the outside of your backcountry pack while bootpacking or on descents when poles are not needed.
If poles are helpful for a portion of a descent, it’s easier to ride with a folded-up three-piece pole in one or both hands, which can quickly extend if you get stuck or lose speed.
Utilizing articulated features on the handles or baskets, like on the G3 Pivot Trek Poles, to help adjust splitboard bindings on the skin track is a key gear-assisted technique for splitboarders.
Other features, like the integrated scraper on the Voile Camlock 3 Touring Poles, can scrape and clear the ice and snow off the pucks, bindings, and bottom of the split skis before putting on skins.
Parts of a Ski Pole
Shaft
Almost all ski pole shafts are made from aluminum, carbon fiber, or bamboo. Each of these materials has its own pros and cons. Thanks to its convenient balance of durability and relatively low weight, aluminum alloy is by far the most common ski pole shaft material.
However, not all aluminum poles are created equal, and some are much less durable than others. In general, aluminum bends before it breaks, and aluminum poles can often be repaired after skiing-related damage.
The strength and weight of aluminum poles depend on the grade and thickness of the material. High-quality aluminum offers a better strength-to-weight ratio than cheap, fragile, and heavy stuff.
Perhaps the biggest benefit of aluminum is its low cost. For $50-100, skiers of all levels can purchase a high-quality pair of aluminum poles.
Carbon fiber ski poles are becoming increasingly popular — especially among backcountry skiers. Of course, carbon fiber is extremely lightweight, which makes it ideal for long, arduous days in the mountains.
Even though many of the best ski poles on the market are made from carbon fiber, the material does have some unfortunate downsides. Unlike aluminum, carbon fiber is prone to splintering and shattering under high impact. If you like to ride on rough terrain filled with obstacles such as rocks and trees, carbon fiber poles may be too fragile.
Additionally, carbon poles are far more expensive than aluminum poles. Some backcountry-specific poles combine aluminum and carbon fiber in their design to create the perfect balance of weight and durability. For a high-end pair of fully carbon fiber poles, expect to pay $100-200.
Bamboo
Skiers have been using bamboo ski poles since long before the advent of the chairlift. Still, only recently have bamboo poles enjoyed a resurgence among downhill skiers.
There are numerous benefits to bamboo. First, it just looks really cool. More importantly, bamboo poles are strong, light, and relatively low-impact to manufacture.
Though bamboo poles don’t offer the precise performance characteristics of carbon fiber, they do possess a nice balance of flexibility and rigidity. Bamboo poles typically cost $50-150.
Baskets
Baskets are circular pieces of plastic that wrap around the lower part of the shaft to prevent the pole from fully sinking into the snow. There are two primary types of ski pole baskets: standard and powder.
Powder baskets have a greater circumference than standard baskets because they’re designed to be used in light and soft snow conditions. Standard baskets are better for groomed trails and hardpack. While some poles allow you to swap out the baskets depending on the snow conditions, others are fixed.
Grips
Ski pole grips are made from plastic, cork, or rubber that’s been molded to fit comfortably into the palm of the hand.
Grips should fit your hand size and feel generally comfortable enough to hold on to all day long. When trying out different grips, we recommend you wear ski gloves to get an accurate sense of how they will feel on the mountain.
Some backcountry ski poles come with secondary grips located partway down the shaft. When hiking or traversing along steep terrain, these secondary grips can be quite handy.
Straps
Ski pole straps have the simple job of keeping your poles wrapped around your wrists throughout the day. Most straps are made from a loop of sewn nylon webbing.
Certain manufacturers attach their straps to the grips via a spring that will separate the pole from the strap in case of a snag or major impact. These spring-loaded designs may be helpful safety features when skiing through the trees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do I Need Ski Poles?
It’s possible to downhill ski without poles. However, there are a number of fundamental reasons why poles are the norm for almost every style of skiing.
Perhaps the most important benefit of ski poles is improved balance. For beginner skiers, the downhill pole can be used as a “pole plant,” providing a fixed point to turn around when executing tight turns. As skiers progress from beginner to intermediate, poles are crucial for developing refined technique and parallel turns.
On flat and uphill terrain, ski poles can be used to push off of and generate momentum. Skiers typically use their poles to push themselves along on low-angle cat tracks and in the lift line.
What Are the Best Ski Poles for Beginners?
Beginner skiers should have properly fitted poles that are both durable and comfortable. Generally, it’s not necessary for beginner skiers to own expensive carbon fiber poles. A simple pair of fixed-length aluminum poles will do the trick — just make sure they’re the correct size.
What’s the Difference Between Backcountry and Resort Ski Poles?
Backcountry ski poles are generally lightweight and adjustable. When hiking uphill on a skin track, it’s nice to be able to shorten your poles to the length the terrain calls for. Once it’s time to ski downhill, adjustable poles can extend to the optimal length.
Because backcountry skiers spend a significant amount of time traveling uphill, minimal weight is a plus. As a result, most high-end backcountry ski poles are made from carbon fiber components.
Additionally, some backcountry poles have a secondary grip that can be used to choke up on the pole when hiking uphill or traversing across a steep slope. Resort ski poles tend to have a fixed length and are usually made from robust aluminum or bamboo.
Do Carbon Fiber Ski Poles Break Easily?
Carbon fiber ski poles are generally more fragile than aluminum poles. While aluminum poles will bend before they break, carbon fiber is prone to splintering and shattering upon significant impact.
Modern carbon fiber ski poles are plenty strong for most people’s needs. However, if you plan to huck huge cliffs and ski fast between trees and boulders, you should be cautious with carbon poles.
Do I Need a Basket on My Ski Poles?
A ski pole basket keeps the pole from sinking deep into the snow. For this reason, baskets are very important, and we don’t recommend skiing without them. If you plan to ski powder, be sure to use baskets with a large diameter that will keep your poles from penetrating too deep into the snowpack.
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