Ain't no skiing without poles - for any length of time, that is. Although skiing without poles is a proven method for practicing the correct weight shifting rhythm, poles are an integral part of skiing technique. For classic style, choose poles that are 0.85 x your height, and for free style skiing go for ones that are 0.9 x your height. Advanced skiers may have preferences that differ from this rule of thumb, but this formula gets you in the ballpark.
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