Best Ski Poles
Whether you’re carving through fresh powder or navigating challenging backcountry terrain, having the right ski poles can make a real difference in your performance and comfort. We’ve analyzed eight top ski poles across various price points to help you find the perfect match for your skiing style.
Discover the best ski poles of 2025
More than just pointy sticks, poles can really improve your stance and comfort.
SKI POLES
More than just pointy sticks, poles can really improve your stance and comfort.
1. ATOMIC BACKLAND FR SQS – £150
Lengths (cm): 110 – 135
A great option for ski touring poles, this adjustable model has a comfy EVA foam grip, releasable safety strap, and grippy carbide tip. The real party trick is inside: slide the top section out to reveal a large flat-head screwdriver on one pole and a 9mm cross-head on the other. Nifty!
atomic.com
2. BLACK CROWS OXUS – £100
Lengths (cm): 110 – 135
One of the best ski touring poles, the Oxus comes in a few colours, is lighter than the carbon Furtis, and £50 cheaper. We’ve used it for seasons, and it’s still going strong. We remove the strap (one screw) to make it easier to shove into the snow during backcountry manoeuvres. The long foam grip is fab.
black-crows.com
3. BLACK DIAMOND CARBON WHIPPET – £150
Lengths (cm): 99 – 140
Arguably the most specialist adjustable pole out there, but worth the cost when needed. It has a carbon lower shaft and an aluminium upper with a classic carbide tip. A mini ice-axe pick, called the Whippet, is attached to the handle for extra safety on steep slopes. Tool-less removal and attachment allow stashing the pick in your pack when not needed.
blackdiamondequipment.com
4. BLACK DIAMOND TRAVERSE PRO – £120
Lengths (cm): 100 – 155
One of the top ski touring poles, the new adjustable Traverse Pro features a long dual-compound grip with a flat edge for moving snow off skis, a beak for adjusting heel risers, 10cm markings for snow measurement, and an adjustable metal ring for your uphill hand when traversing. A 1.5mm hex and PH3 screwdriver are hidden in the shaft.
blackdiamondequipment.com
5. FACTION FACTION – £69
Lengths (cm): 110 – 135
Not a typo! The Faction Faction is a solid choice for ski touring poles, with a sleek rubber grip extension down the shaft for better touring comfort. The large, metal-ringed 80mm power basket nods to the past while being highly effective. Great value and super versatile.
uk.factionskis.com
6. K2 LOCKJAW CARBON – £110
Lengths (cm): 90 – 145
You get a lot of pole for your money with K2’s adjustable Lockjaw Carbon, making it a strong contender for ski touring poles. Available in a couple of length options, both with a 40cm range, the upper is carbon with aluminium below, and it has a long, plush EVA grip. The integrated bubble inclinometer removes guesswork when assessing slope angles.
k2snow.com
7. LEKI AIRFOIL 3D – £110
Lengths (cm): 110 – 135
The race-inspired teardrop profile is good, but the standout feature is the Trigger 3D SL grip. Fit the wrist harness over your glove to intuitively clip into the pole, or use one of Leki’s gloves with an integrated loop. Unclipping is a simple press of the top button, and there’s an auto safety release.
leki.co.uk
8. SCOTT SEA – £45
Lengths (cm): 105 – 140
Scott’s Team Issue is one of our go-to poles. The SEA shares the same shaft and handle but lacks the carbide tip and strap-release system. It’s lighter, half the price, and available in a range of colours.
scott-sports.com
Quick Comparison: Top Ski Poles of 2025
| Brand | Model | Price (£) | Length Range (cm) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATOMIC | BACKLAND FR SQS | 150 | 110-135 | Technical skiing |
| BLACK CROWS | OXUS | 100 | 110-135 | All-mountain |
| BLACK DIAMOND | CARBON WHIPPET | 150 | 99-140 | Backcountry |
| BLACK DIAMOND | TRAVERSE PRO | 120 | 100-155 | Touring |
| FACTION | FACTION | 69 | 110-135 | Resort skiing |
| K2 | LOCKJAW CARBON | 110 | 90-145 | Versatile use |
| LEKI | AIRFOIL 3D | 110 | 110-135 | Racing |
| SCOTT | SEA | 45 | 105-140 | Beginners |
