Ski poles: using and repairing them. : instructions, repairs

REF: 8588531, 8618943, 8618944, 8618945, 8767066

Ski poles: using and repairing them.

2024

Like all ski equipment, ski poles are used for a short period of the year before being put away until the following winter.

Do you have one or more pairs and would like some advice on how to look after them or repair them? We’ll explain it all here.

A few quick questions to get you started?

Are ski poles really different for different types of skiing?

While all poles have the same purpose of supporting your skiing, there may be variations that will improve the way you feel doing different types of skiing.

  • For alpine skiing, poles are made from a single piece and are strong enough to allow you to get up in the event of a fall and to give you the right impetus at every turn on the piste. Their tapered shape improves aerodynamics, even if they are less technical than racing ski poles.
  • In freestyle skiing, you do tricks one after the other, and so you require a good deal of speed. The poles are also single-piece, lighter, easier to handle and strong enough to hold on to. They are similar to those used for alpine skiing, but in a lighter material.
  • For freeride skiing and ski touring, adjustable poles are preferable. You can adjust them so that your poles are fairly short ascents (for ski touring) and longer for descents. When freeriding, you can put the shortened poles on your backpack if you’re walking up, with your skis on your back, before using them for the descent.

Which basket for which pole?

Ski pole baskets are not different sizes for aesthetic reasons but for practical purposes. If you need to replace them, it’s best to use a suitable basket and know which one suits your skiing style.

  • The small diameter is designed for alpine skiers. It’s a lightweight basket that provides precision.
  • The medium diameter is suitable for skiing on"all" sorts of terrain, whether that be on the piste, the edges of the piste or light powdery snow.
  • The large diameter is designed for outings in fresh, powdery (ungroomed) snow, since they prevent you from sinking into the snow.
  • The half-round basket allows you to move more easily when going uphill on touring skis. The poles can be planted effectively on the slope if the gradient is steep. The half basket will help you to not sink into the snow.

What length poles? Is it possible to adjust them?

To find the right ski pole length, turn the ski pole upside down, hold it upright with your hand placed underneath the basket so that it forms a 90° angle with your forearm.
Alternatively, measure your height in centimetres and multiply it by 0.7. The result will give you an approximate of the ski pole length you need in centimetres. if you're 1.80 m tall (i.e. 180 cm), your poles should be approximately 126 cm long (180x0.7).
For ski touring, the poles are generally longer because they need to give you a good boost when you’re climbing. You use the same calculation as for alpine ski poles, but you need to add 20–30 cm from your height.

Looking after and storing your ski poles.

Looking after your ski poles is neither complex nor time-consuming, but it will help make them last longer and make them more efficient. As far as storage is concerned, make sure you store them in a dry place, and if they are retractable, leave the locks open so that they retain their clamping power.

If you want to wash your poles after a day on lightly covered slopes, it's quite straightforward. If you have retractable poles, pull all the pieces out of each other. Our poles are designed with this in mind, so there’s no risk of damaging them. Then clean both the outside and inside of the pieces. You can use a toothbrush to clean the mechanisms. If they seem greasy, you can degrease them with soap before rinsing with clean water. Wait until your poles are dry before reassembling them.

Ski poles: using and repairing them. : instructions, repairs

Repairing your ski poles yourself.

If your poles are broken after a great day on the snow, don’t worry: it’s perfectly possible to repair them yourself (depending on the extent of the problem, of course). Click here to see our range of spare parts.

  • Ski poles: using and repairing them. : instructions, repairs

    The strap: the 500 strap is compatible with our boost 500 safety and boost 900 safety alpine ski poles, as well as our freeride and ski touring poles.
    Product reference: 8758899.

  • Ski poles: using and repairing them. : instructions, repairs

    Medium-diameter baskets: kit of 2 screw-in baskets, compatible with all our ski poles as well as hiking poles.
    Product reference: 8758898.

  • Ski poles: using and repairing them. : instructions, repairs

    Slim, aerodynamic baskets for alpine ski poles: kit of 2 screw-in baskets for packed and transformed snow, compatible with all our ski poles.
    Product reference: 8809110.

Ski poles: using and repairing them. : instructions, repairs

Have your ski poles repaired by a professional.

If you don’t have the right equipment, or if you’d prefer to leave the repair of your poles to a professional, don’t hesitate to visit one of our shops, where our teams will be able to meet your needs.

My poles can’t be repaired: how can I recycle them?

Got no other solution but to throw away your poles? Don’t put them in the rubbish bin or in the recycling. Instead, take them to a waste collection centre so that they can be reused. Mainly made of aluminium, this pole can go in the metal section, while the baskets go into plastics.