Skiing’s unsung piece of ski gear.
The ski pole. A perceivably useless piece of ski equipment. It looks awkward when you carry it, serves as a great sword in epic snowball fights, and invokes the age-old question: “Just what exactly am I supposed to do with it on the chairlift??”
But the ski pole has been around as long as skiing and serves as an integral tool in helping skiers from beginners to experts. So here are a dozen fun facts about the ski pole;
its history, Sun Valley’s most popular models, and a few tips about that ever-debated pole plant from local experts.
1. The earliest depiction of a skier, found in a cave in Norway, is an estimated 6,000 years old. The figure is clearly standing on a ski-like object and is holding a single ski pole in his hand. It is believed that this ski pole evolved from a walking stick and was made from a hunting bow.
2. Modern-day aluminum ski poles were invented by Sun Valley’s very own skier racer and inventor Ed Scott. He launched the SCOTT brand in 1958 and the company still has a headquarters in Ketchum.
3. During the Colorado Gold Rush, skis were used primarily as a form of transportation and the ski pole merely as a means of stopping movement. These days, ski poles are no longer supposed to be used for stopping.
4. Ski guru and Sturtevant’s ski and snowboard guy, Olin Glenne, says that where he stands at the pole plant vs. no pole plant debate, is right in the middle. “First, what makes skiing great is that you can do what works for you. But the pole plant is useful primarily for the timing of the turn and if done correctly it can properly open your hips and shoulders in anticipation of the next turn. Also, the pole plant should be used (or not) based on terrain (steep, technical terrain demands pole plants more than flat, smooth terrain), and speed (slower speeds are more conducive to planting than high speeds).
5. In the 1820’s, Norwegian soldiers would embark on expeditions fully outfitted in ski gear, poles and all.
6. In 1912, Vivian Caulfield wrote the book, “How to Ski” where he describes the primary uses of ski poles, or “sticks” as they were still sometimes called. In it, Caulfield refers to removable ski baskets and pole straps at the top, which are still vital parts of the modern day ski pole.
7. Local ski shop, Sturtevant’s, sells Scott, Black Diamond and Line ski poles. But their biggest seller is the Scott Pro Taper ($100, Carbon Fiber).
8. According to the SVSEF J1/J2 Head Coach, Nate Schwing, the pole plant has recently become increasingly important in the alpine racing world. He says, “In alpine skiing, the pole plant is becoming more and more necessary due to the recent trends in course setting. Courses are getting tighter and athletes aren’t as easily able to go arc to arc through the courses. To help with the release of the turn, athletes need to pole plant now more than ever.”
9. When purchasing poles, the general rule is to hold the pole upside-down, gripping underneath the basket and when your elbow is at 90 degrees, you have the right size. (Olin adds that if there is any question, buy longer, you can always cut them down.)
10. Olin’s pole-planting tip: A pole plant is a flick of the wrist at the very, very end of a turn. A pole plant does not help when they are performed with a big arm movement. And, the plant should be in front of your body, next to the tip of your downhill ski as opposed to, off to your side and down the hill.
11. Nate’s pole-planting tip: Use the pole plant as a timing mechanism that signifies the end of the old turn and the beginning of the new turn. Your pole plant should re-center you so you can initiate the new turn balanced on your outside ski.
12. For years, some clever (and thirsty) skiers have boasted “Cold Poles.” Ski poles with grips that screw off, and hollow shafts that allow you room to store 8 ounces of your favorite bevy. Maybe one of the best inventions of skiing!
Bonus Tip: For skiers on a budget, the Gold Mine sometimes has the best deals and the best finds on wicked ski poles, including this writer’s very favorite pair of old school, pink, purple, and green poles.
