Are Poles Necessary?

I received the following question by PM. My answer follows, but what do the team think?

Is it bad to ski without poles? I ski all of the time without them and I think that I do better.

Is it bad to ski without poles?

No, absolutely not! But it does depend on the type of skiing you aspire to, and the level you want to achieve.

In fact, skiing without poles often forms part of an instructor's drills - to get you to focus on your legs and your skis.

Poles definitely have their uses but they're a lot less necessary (for piste skiing, at least) than they used to be. With old-style skinny skis, pole-plants were almost essential to help un-weight the ski (prior to rotation) and to give you rhythm. Modern shaped skis just don't need the same input (on piste), and can be ridden very effectively without poles.

Aside from assisting you on the flat (if you don't skate), poles are still very relevant on steep trails, in the bumps, and away from the piste. Effective use of poles is an essential skill for anyone looking to ski the whole mountain.

But for the many people who are perfectly happy sticking to the piste (the "groomers"), I think poles are a matter of preference.

Just MHO, of course,

I definately prefer poles, I can do it without obviously, but i feel far more comfortable with the poles. Im no expert skier, like some on this forum, so when a turn goes slightly off balance poles are handy to rely on.

Note the question, "is it bad to..."

All past rules and past techniques in regards to skiing are now changing.

I use poles as "feelers" while skiing and support aids in flat or hors-piste skiing.

It is not a question of good or bad but of enjoyment! The day you have to go up a small rise or traverse a snowfield you will thank your poles.
Yes you can ski without poles but skiing to me involves all sorts of terrain so the motto should be, "be prepared"

Let us start a string of messages on the unusual uses of poles.

Pavel