One Hot Minute | How to Choose Your Pole Length for Telemark Skiers

There are some simple ways to find a basic measurement that will work for your ski pole length, but TeleTay gives you his take on how he does it.
Often times Telemark skiers may choose to use a shorter ski pole length due to the nature of the turn that takes their body closer to the ground. Of course this is all personal preference, but many freeheelers will tell you that they prefer shorter poles over longer poles for the descent.
Video & Editing: Josh Madsen
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[@mccraigerp6865]

Yes. This is exactly how I like to set up my poles for Telemark. Adjustability on some Backcountry side slopes make this style of pole a great choice

[@FreeheelLife]

Right on! - Madsen

[@rogerpalin5864]

I just use my alpine poles. Tried all sorts of lengths over the years. Going short makes you ski lower than you need to and potentially fold at the waist also. The pole doesn’t need to be vertical when planted anyway, so if you end up lower just flare the poles out to the sides. If your a slam your pole into the snow and turn round it type skier, then you need to look at improving your pole plant first. Adjustable poles obviously provide flexibility but you can’t change them on the move. Also pretty expensive. Tour I use adjustables, but on piste then fixed length poles, which at 198cm tall l use 135 or 140 poles. Never get in the way or cause problems 😀

[@fedegoeswoods3142]

Very interesting! Coming late to telemark from alpine and doing mostly Backcountry, i used to have my poles at 130cm. I actually hold the poles way lower than you do, because i like the fact that going uphill one can use them better that way...

[@FreeheelLife]

Thanks for sharing! - Madsen