Ski pole size advice with easy to use size charts

March 30, 2022March 30, 2022 by Thomas Vandepitte

What are ski poles and why is a good ski pole size important?

Ski poles, also called sticks or stocks, are used by skiers to offer stability, balance, and propulsion while skiing in snowy areas. Ski Poles are mainly used in Alpine Skiing, Freestyle Skiing, and Cross-Country Skiing, but are not used by ski jumpers. A standard size ski poles size range is a length of 44”-52” (110-130 cm) and pole diameter of .75” (19.1 mm) averagely, Ski Pole weight (or mass) is between 10.23-13.05 oz (290-370 g). In the Ski Pole size chart, we’ll explore the parts of the ski pole, (like the basket and grip elements). The basket is designed to stop the pole from sinking too deep into the snow and the grip slips over the wrist of the skier. The length and material of Ski Poles depend on the preferences of the skier.

Pieces of equipment used by skiers are boots, Socks, Gloves, poles, Helmets, skis, and binding. Mostly underestimated, but the most important tool is the ski pole since it boosts one’s performance and offers rhythm, balance, and perfect timing during turns.

There are three types of ski poles derived from the materials they made them from they include;

Aluminum poles – are one of the cheapest ski poles and have longer durability.
Composite poles – are best suited for hard snow because of their ability to absorb shock.
Carbon poles – are quite expensive because they are flexible lightweight and tapered.

Sizing is an important factor for skiers while skiing because if the pole is too short pole planting on the ground will be difficult affecting your turning and if it’s too long skiing interference is experienced

Therefore, one has to find a suitable size to match their body height. If you find the correct size, your elbow should form a 90-degree angle.

ski poles size chart ski poles sizes for children men and women — ski poles size chart by size-charts.com

Ski Pole dimensions summarized

As a quick overview, you can start with these ski pole sizes

Ski Pole Width: .75” – 19.1 mm
Ski Pole Length: 44”-52” – 110-130 cm
Ski Pole Weight: 10.23 – 13.05 oz – 290-370 g
Basket Diameter: 2”-4” – 50.8-101.6 mm
Materials: Carbon fiber, graphite, Aluminum

Skier Heights compared to Ski Pole length

Children 4′ – 5’1″ skiers height: 26- 42″ – 66 – 105 cm
Children/women 5’1”-5’3” skiers height: 44” – 110 cm
Youth/women 5’4”-5’6” skiers height: 46” – 115 cm
Youth/Women/Men 5’7”-5’9” Skiers height: 48” – 120 cm
Youth/Men 5’10”-6’ skiers height: 50” – 125 cm
Youth/Men 6’1”-6’6” skiers height: 52” – 130 cm

Discover the Ski Pole Size Chart

The table below illustrates a downhill ski pole size chart. The size chart starts from children’s height until adult height in cm and inches

Skier Height in inches	Skier Height in centimeters	Pole Length in inches	Pole Length in centimeters
4’	122 centimeters	26 – 34 inches	66 – 88 centimeters
4’4’’	132 centimeters	28 – 36 inches	71 – 91 centimeters
4’8’’	142 centimeters	30 – 38 inches	76 – 96 centimeters
5’	152 centimeters	32 – 40 inches	91 – 101 centimeters
5’4’’	163 centimeters	34 – 40 inches	96 – 106 centimeters
5’6’’	168 centimeters	36 – 44 inches	101 – 111 centimeters
5’8’’	173 centimeters	38 – 44 inches	106 – 116 centimeters
5’10’’	178 centimeters	40 – 48 inches	110 – 120 centimeters
6’	183 centimeters	42 – 50 inches	117 – 127 centimeters

The table below shows a pole length chart of a Salomon ski pole size chart.

Your height	Pole length in inches	Pole length in centimeters
3’4’’	32 inches	80 centimeters
3’8’’	34 inches	85 centimeters
4’0’’	36 inches	90 centimeters
4’4’’	38 inches	95 centimeters
4’8’’	40 inches	100 centimeters
5’0’’	42 inches	105 centimeters
5’3’’	44 inches	110 centimeters
5’6’’	46 inches	115 centimeters
5’9’’	48 inches	120 centimeters
6’0’’	50 inches	125 centimeters
6’3’’	52 inches	130 centimeters
6’6’’	54 inches	135 centimeters
6’7’’	56 inches	140 centimeters

The table below represents different size ski poles in comparison with skier height and style in a cross-country size chart.

Skiers height	Classic style	Skate style	Touring style
2’ 9’’	84 centimeters	70 centimeters	80 centimeters	70 centimeters
3’	91 centimeters	75 centimeters	85 centimeters	75 centimeters
3’ 3’’	99 centimeters	80 centimeters	90 centimeters	80 centimeters
3’ 6’’	107 centimeters	85 centimeters	95 centimeters	85 centimeters
3’ 9’’	114 centimeters	90 centimeters	100 centimeters	90 centimeters
4’	122 centimeters	95 centimeters	105 centimeters	95 centimeters
4’3’’	130 centimeters	100 centimeters	110 centimeters	100 centimeters
4 6’’	137 centimeters	105 centimeters	115 centimeters	105 centimeters
4’7’’	140 centimeters	110 centimeters	120 centimeters	110 centimeters
4’8’’	142 centimeters	115 centimeters	120 centimeters	110 centimeters
4’9’’	145 centimeters	115 centimeters	125 centimeters	115 centimeters
4’10’’	147 centimeters	120 centimeters	125 centimeters	115 centimeters
4’11’’	150 centimeters	120 centimeters	130 centimeters	120 centimeters
5’	152 centimeters	125 centimeters	130 centimeters	120 centimeters
5’1’’	155 centimeters	125 centimeters	135 centimeters	125 centimeters
5’2’’	157 centimeters	130 centimeters	135 centimeters	125 centimeters
5’3’’	160 centimeters	130 centimeters	140 centimeters	130 centimeters
5’4’’	162 centimeters	135 centimeters	140 centimeters	130 centimeters
5’5’’	165 centimeters	135 centimeters	145 centimeters	135 centimeters
5’6’’	167 centimeters	140 centimeters	145 centimeters	135 centimeters
5’7’’	170 centimeters	140 centimeters	150 centimeters	140 centimeters
5’8’’	172 centimeters	145 centimeters	150 centimeters	140 centimeters
5’9’’	175 centimeters	145 centimeters	155 centimeters	145 centimeters
5’10’’	178 centimeters	150 centimeters	155 centimeters	145 centimeters
5’11’’	180 centimeters	150 centimeters	160 centimeters	150 centimeters
6’	182 centimeters	155 centimeters	160 centimeters	150 centimeters
6’1’’	185 centimeters	155 centimeters	165 centimeters	155 centimeters
6’2’’	187 centimeters	160 centimeters	165 centimeters	155 centimeters
6’3’’	190 centimeters	160 centimeters	170 centimeters	160 centimeters
6’4’’	192 centimeters	165 centimeters	170 centimeters	160 centimeters
6’5’’	195 centimeters	165 centimeters	175 centimeters	165 centimeters
6’6’’	198 centimeters	175 centimeters	175 centimeters	165 centimeters

How to choose the right ski poles size?

Although size is an important factor to consider when choosing a pole other additional features are imperative in the selection process for example;

Materials– the shaft of a ski pole affects its longevity, price, and weight, carbon ski poles are desirable because of their lightweight but are quite expensive and they damage easily if hit on a hard surface fortunately there are several aluminum ski poles that are affordable, strong and great for trekking

Basket – a ski pole basket ensures the pole doesn’t submerge in the snow as you pole plant.

Straps – ski pole straps range from a detachable strap to an adjustable nylon strap. When falling they assist a skier to prevent an injury.

Grips – Some poles have ergonomic grips for users that offer comfortability.

How do you measure ski pole height?

An alpine ski pole size follows certain criteria to get the correct size for the user;

Your arm should be straight on the side of your body and the elbow has to bend for your arm to stick out at a 90-degree angle. Wear a ski boot or shoes with platforms for you to be above the ground and avoid having shorter poles.

Use a tape measure with your other hand and let it drop to the ground write the dimension ensuring it’s an even number even it’s an odd number round it off to an even number.

The addition of two inches is necessary because measuring a pole stick is from where it begins to its end. Once you have your personal perfect ski pole size, you can visit a shop and purchase your desired choice with its dimension nearest to yours.

How do you choose ski pole size?

First, the height of the pole should correspond with the type of skiing you like and also suit your personal preference. Use a measuring tape to get the approximate length of the pole by placing it on the handle to the tip of the stick.

Once you get the correct measurement a ski pole height chart guide will help you choose the one that matches your height. In addition, some have adjustable poles therefore, one can change the height to fit their activity. The different types of Ski Poles and their sizing include Racing Poles, Super Giant Slalom Poles, and Nordic Walking Poles.

Ski Pole Sizing explained

All you need to know on the right choice of ski pole length by Paul Lorenz

Conclusion

Whether it’s for a beginner who is training on the basics of skiing or an advanced skier who uses it for mobility or to fine-tune their turning and balance on challenging terrain, ski poles are an important tool for them to master their craft in the snow.

Choosing the perfect ski pole size will depend on the ski style they prefer and also the type of terrain. Ski poles are made of different materials therefore your budget will determine which type of pole you will buy.

Since there exists a number of skiers whether experienced skiers or average skiers assistive features like straps baskets and grips are an imperative mechanism for them since they offer safety.

In conclusion, sizing helps in choosing the correct ski pole length, and also one can measure by themselves in the comfort of their homes or visit a ski shop that offers a size guide.

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