Cross Country Ski Poles & Accessories

Do I Need Poles for Cross Country Skiing?

In cross country skiing, poles have a significant impact on your performance. Therefore, it's crucial to get poles that suit your specific style and body.

The various components that make up a cross country ski pole, including grips, straps, baskets, tips, and shaft, all contribute to the overall performance characteristics of the poles. Let’s take a closer look at some of the things you will need to consider when you are looking to purchase the ideal cross country poles for you.

Essential Tips for Choosing Cross Country Ski Poles

The length is the first thing to consider. For classic cross country, choose poles that are approximately 30 cm shorter than you, and for skate cross country skiing, choose poles that are approximately 20 cm shorter than you.

Stiffness is another influential aspect that you need to keep in mind. The stiffer the pole, the more effectively it transfers power with each stroke. If endurance is crucial for your style of nordic skiing, you may want poles made of slightly softer materials to absorb some of the impacts that go from the ground and up to your hands and arms.

Wrist straps and grips play an important role in comfort as well. Wrist straps that fit properly will allow you to push harder without straining your hand muscles. To reduce the risk of blisters, it is also important to find a pole with a soft and grippy grip in a size that is perfect for your hands.

If you’re wondering whether regular downhill ski poles will work for cross country skiing, the answer is no. In cross country skiing, poles play a central role in gaining momentum and transferring energy, whereas in downhill skiing they’re mainly used for balance. For this reason, you need poles that are specifically designed for cross country skiing.

Now, head over to our Cross Country Ski Poles to find the ones that suit your needs! If you are looking for new straps or other spare parts, feel free to browse our assortment of Accessories for Cross Country Ski Poles.

To get even more in-depth information on poles for Nordic skiing, including backcountry, head over to our Buying Guide for Cross Country Ski Poles.