What To Look For
When looking for ski poles for powder snow, the most important factor is the basket on the end of the pole. This aids in keeping the pole floating so that when you plant the pole it does not go too far down in the snow. Large baskets are the best for powder snow. Baskets on the poles can usually be switched out so if you have a particular pole you like, you can often make it good for powder by changing the basket. The most important factor when choosing a pole is finding the one that is the right height for your stature.
Common Pitfalls
One of the most common mistakes is to measure a pole on solid ground by holding the end and making sure your arm is at a 90-degree angle with the point on the ground. You should really grab the pole just under the basket while the pole is upside down and place the top of the handle on the ground. This should make the right angle of your arm and elbow. The reason behind doing it this way is the bottom of the pole, the tip, will be sunk into the snow so if you measure it the other way your pole will be too short to work effectively.
Where To Buy
You can purchase ski poles at any specialty ski shop and in season at most of the big sporting goods stores. Big 5, Ski Chalet, Sports Chalet, Dick's Sporting Goods, and REI all often have a great selection in a range of prices. To get the best deal, buy ski poles at the end of the season for the following year as the shops are usually trying to clear out inventory for the summer products.
Cost
Ski poles tend to range in cost from $40 to $120. Aluminum poles tend to be less expensive. Composite poles tend to be stronger and longer lasting, but if the poles do break, they cannot be fixed. Aluminum poles can bend, but they can be straightened. It really is just a matter of preference and cost. Composite poles are also lighter but both work the same in the powder snow.
Comparison Shopping
K2 and Rossignol both make popular poles in all sizes. You can often get these types of poles included in a ski package when purchasing a set of skis and bindings. K2 and Rossignol offer different size baskets, to be used on almost all of the poles they manufacture. This gives you many options when it comes to preparing for powder. Scott also makes a fairly popular pole, but the company does not make skis. Scott also sells different size baskets for the pole tips.
Accessories
Wrist straps are key in the powder. If you happen to take a fall, a pole can easily go to the bottom of the snow. If you have the straps the poles will stay attached to you as you go down. This not only keeps you from losing the pole, but also having the poles handy after a spill makes it easier to right yourself when getting up from deep powder.
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