Ski poles serve many functions, which have evolved throughout the centuries. Their technical use changes in accordance with technological advancements in ski design. Vail ski instructor Allen Smith, equipment editor for "On the Snow," explains that ski poles can either make or break your technique. Knowing how and when to use your poles is crucial to success and safety.
History
Author Bob Soden presented a paper on ski pole history at the March 2009 Ski History Congress. Soden cites research that traces the first ski poles to Norway, where archaeologists found a 6,000 year old cave carving depicting a person on skis, holding a singular pole. The singular ski pole prevailed throughout the centuries. Soden refers to Stan Cohen's "A Pictorial History of Downhill Skiing," which describes the ski racing racing during the California Gold Rush in the 1860s. The racers slowed themselves down by dragging a single ski pole.
Time Frame
Two-pole skiing became popular in the early 20th century. Soden quotes Vivian Caulfield's book titled "How to Ski." Caulfield explain that the two poles should be used for assistance when climbing hills and for speed control. He cautions that using poles for balance or for steering is poor form. By 1972, Paul Valar, chairman of the Professional Ski Instructors of America Technical Committee, had revised the American system of ski teaching. Instructors then advised students to plant their poles downhill as a means of signaling turn initiation.
Misconceptions
Novice skiers may have misconceptions about ski pole use. Some skiers use them as a stopping mechanism, which may be dangerous in some circumstances. Instead, reduce your speed by turning your skis up the hill, until you come to a complete stop.
Function
Modern skiers use their poles to signal turn initiation and to keep their body facing down the hill. Ski poles also play a key role in mogul skiing. Plant your pole on top of the bump before skiing over it. This helps you devise a strategy, while creating an even rhythm throughout the mogul field. Your poles also help improve proprioception, which is your body's awareness of its position in space. This is particularly helpful in Colorado and Utah ski resorts, which are prone to whiteout conditions. Instructors in these areas may advise skiers to drag their poles through the snow to enhance their awareness of their environment.
Warning
Dr. Carl Ettlinger of the Vermont Ski Safety organization warns that keeping the upper pole behind your body encourages an alignment that keeps your weight on the tails of your skis. This "back seat" position makes you susceptible to knee-damaging backward falls. Moving down the hill is one of the ski pole's main purposes. Keep your poles in front of your body.
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