TOP OVERALL DOWNHILL-SPECIFIC SKI POLE

If you’re looking for a high quality ski pole for all-mountain skiing, the sturdy aluminum Leki Detect S is sure worth consideration.

Leki constructed the Detect S poles from aluminum so that the poles would be more prone to pending than breaking and still be lightweight to carry, as opposed to carbon fiber alternatives. The S in the name indicates that the pole features the brand’s Trigger S system, which allows you to separate the strap from the pole itself. One final thing to note is that the slim race-style grips are super ergonomic and easy to hold on to.

What I like most about these poles is that there is a built-in spring release on the strap that will release it from the pole in the event of upward force, making for an added degree of safety.

BEST DOWNHILL SKIERS ON A BUDGET

If you’re primarily a weekend skier looking for a solid downhill ski pole on a budget, take a look at the $60 Phantasticks.

Volkl designed this quality budget pole with an 18mm diameter shaft. These poles are cut to order, available in sizes as short as 90 centimeters. One of this pole’s standout features is its availability in a wide variety of flashy colors, including bright red, aqua, and blue — and matching grips to go with each color.

What I like most about the Phantasticks is how tough and durable they are thanks to a solid alloy construction.

BEST FOR: BACKCOUNTRY SKIERS ON A BUDGET

This pole provides for unprecedented performance in an astoundingly affordable package.

The Traverse is a high-performance two-section pole that boasts many of the same features as more expensive poles on this list. The comfortable upper grip is designed for skinning while the secondary lower grip features sticky rubber that comes in handy when you’re side-hilling.

What I like most about these ski poles is that they are very durably constructed and should last a long while.

BEST FOR: SPLIT BOARDERS

The nature of splitboarding demands a sport-specific pole — and the Carbon Compactor is one of the leading products on the market.

The Carbon Compactor features a collapsible z-pole design, which makes these easy to stash away when not in use. When you do pack them away, they break down smaller and slimmer than any other pole on this list. It comes with a solid powder basket and is designed to break down fast during transitions, which saves precious time. Because this pole is designed specifically for skinning uphill, it doesn’t offer the same performance on the downhill, which is something to keep in mind.

What I like most about the Black Diamond Carbon Compactors is how lightweight they are, weighing in at just eighteen ounces.

BEST FOR: ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS SKIERS

Though they may seem like a novelty, these bamboo Grass Sticks poles are here to stay. Instead of using materials like aluminum and carbon that are mined from the Earth to construct their poles, Grass Sticks has chosen bamboo, a regenerative material that absorbs more CO2 and produces more oxygen than any other plant. The straps are also made of 100% recycled polyester, making these poles one of the most environmentally conscious products on the market. In addition to the environmental benefits of purchasing these poles, they also feature an incredible weight to strength ratio, making them the perfect accompaniment to any terrain that you decide to ski.

BEST FOR: NO FUSS PERFORMANCE

The Rossignol Tactic All Mountain ski poles are all about no fuss performance. Without the bells and whistles of some of the poles in the same category, these poles may seem overly simplistic, but that judgment would miss the benefits of this kind of simplicity. A carbon fiber construction allows for lightweight performance without compromising on durability, and a specially designed ergonomic grip promises all day comfort on any terrain at the resort. Finally, it’s hard to beat the value that comes with these poles for the price. A low price tag gets you all the performance that you need to enjoy and maximize a ski day at your favorite resort.

BEST FOR: EXPLORING THE MOUNTAIN

K2’s Power Composite ski poles offer the best in ski pole construction design and materials without over-complicating the features of the pole. The 100% composite shaft offers the perfect balance of weight, durability, and strength, so these poles are designed to last and live up to whatever you send their way. From trees to groomed trails and beyond, these poles will get you there. The 60 millimeter baskets will keep your poles floating through powder and will also power through the icy crud in the springtime. Finally, the performance rubber grips and adjustable straps help you to customize your fit for long-lasting, all-day comfort at your favorite ski resort.

BEST FOR: BOLD AND BRIGHT STYLE

The most standout feature of the K2 Freeride 16 poles is their bright color choices. Your friends are sure to not lose you on the slopes with your choice of either hot pink or highlighter orange ski poles. In addition to their flashy style, these poles also feature lightweight, strong aluminum shaft construction that will hold up to any terrain on the resort, including the terrain park. Finally, these poles also include reduced grip circumference, making them perfect for young teenagers or those with smaller hands so that they can better hold on to the poles without worrying about dropping them or their hands getting too tired.

BEST ULTRALIGHT POLES 

Weighing in at just 10.4 ounces for the entire pair, the Black Diamond Vapor Carbon ski poles are the lightest backcountry ski poles on the market. What makes these poles so light, yet incredibly strong, is their carbon fiber construction. For those who don’t realize, carbon fiber is 10x stronger and 3x stiffer than steel. 

The tops of the poles, just above the grips, interestingly feature a “sticky” rubber grip that when turned upside down can be used to adjust bindings and snow boot buckles. This makes minor and quick adjustments much easier than having to balance and bend down. 

One potential drawback of these poles is their lack of compact adjustment as many backcountry skiers prefer a pole that can be packed away easily. However, the one-piece design is what makes these poles so incredibly light that most people will be able to overlook this.

BEST MULTI-SEASONAL POLES

Are you a multi-sport adventure enthusiast? Do you take to hiking when there’s no snow but trade in your hiking boots for skis once the snow season has commenced? Then the Black Diamond Expedition 3’s are your best investment. 

No need to double dip the wallet and buy two sets of poles when these crossover poles can tackle both sports! Designed for all-season use, the Expedition 3’s are meant to be swapped between 3-season hiking and snow season skiing. Just change out the powder baskets (the collar near the pole tip) for a smaller basket when the weather warms up.

These poles also pack down extremely well, with locking mechanisms that let you adjust the height in two places. This is ideal considering you’ll need your poles to be different lengths for both hiking and skiing.

BEST POWDER AND OFF-PISTE POLES

When hitting fresh powder and backcountry runs, the Dynafit Speed Vario 2.0 are the best ski poles you can possibly have in your arsenal. Crossing the intersection of lightweight and durable, these poles are a mad scientist mix of Dynafit’s best poles.

Made from carbon, a super lightweight yet strong material, the Speed Vario 2.0’s deliver a responsive touch in harsh conditions. The low weight combined with the adjustable length push-button system make these poles ideal for backcountry pursuits. 

Lastly, these poles also have extended grips, giving you a wider range of grip area for the climb up the mountain. They feel more like walking sticks than fancy hiking/ski poles – in a good way!

BEST MULTI-USE POLES

If you were a wizard, this would be Gandalf’s staff. It can do practically anything, from mountaineering to hiking, and even skiing. Though it’s only a single pole (rather than a set) many skiers opt for a more minimal style anyways, using the single pole for turns on certain backcountry conditions. 

The top of the staff, I mean pole, is where the magic is: a removable steel ice pick that assists when traversing especially icy and dangerous conditions. This optional piece can easily be removed with the click of a dial and stowed safely when skiing downhill, thereby removing any potential for interference. 

Also of importance is the ¾ basket (disc-like collar) found near the tips of the pole. While it sports a powder-specific basket that’s wide enough to plant in deep snow, it cleverly reduces the overall weight and footprint by shaving down the sides. Whizz on, wizard!

BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK POLES 

Easy on the wallet and packed with features, the Atomic Backland FR ski poles are truly the best bang for your buck. Light and thrifty, they will support any backcountry skiing adventure you have in mind. 

The telescoping poles are adjustable in length, allowing you to shorten them for your ascent and lengthen them for downhill skiing. The poles can also be pulled apart (beyond their maximum telescoping length) to reveal a Phillips screwdriver at the end of one shaft and a flathead screwdriver at the end of the other. These nifty tools are sure to be useful for quick gear adjustments as you traverse the backcountry. 

Finally, the wrist straps on the Atomic Backland FR’s feature padding for increased comfort and adjustments for proper sizing.