page_title: Ski pole
section_title: Alpine skiing
hierarchical_section_title: Ski pole / Pole types / Alpine skiing
caption_attribution_description: Deutsch: Der österreichische Skirennläufer Michael Sablatnik während des Slaloms der FIS Super-Kombination in Spital am Semmering, Österreich am 11. März 2008. English: Austrian alpine skier Michael Sablatnik during the slalom run of the FIS super combined in Spital am Semmering, Austria on 11 March 2008.
context_page_description: Ski poles, also referred to as poles, sticks, or stocks, are used by skiers for balance and propulsion. Modern ski poles are most commonly made from aluminum and carbon fiber, though materials such as bamboo are still used. Poles are used in alpine skiing, freestyle skiing, and cross-country skiing. Ski jumpers do not use poles.
context_section_description: Poles are used in alpine skiing to add propulsion and to aid in controlling upper body position at turn initiation.
  Racing poles have their own unique distinctions. Super giant slalom, downhill, and speed skiing poles are designed to bend around the skier's body while in a tuck position to minimize drag. In slalom skiing, straight poles are used due to the reduced speeds and increased reliance on poles. Slalom poles will often come with a guard attached to the grip for the purpose of deflecting gates.
  Giant slalom skiers choose a straight or bent pole based on personal preference and situation; giant slalom courses can vary greatly in speed and in the case of slower courses, aerodynamic drag does not have as great a factor.
caption: Note straight carbon-kevlar slalom poles with guards and small baskets
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