The 10 Best Ski Poles of 2022-2023
By: Jordan Sunshine: Ski Buyer | November 2, 2022
If you thought ski poles were just some sticks that you hold onto while you’re skiing, you’re dead wrong. Okay, maybe not totally wrong. Actually, you’re mostly pretty much right. But not all sticks are created equal. With options in adjustability, weight, durability, and functionality, the best ski poles on the mountain turn out to be as varied as the skiers who hold them. Whether you’re looking for an ultralight backcountry tool, a colorful accessory, an aerodynamic piste planter, or an indestructible powder day partner, read on, we’ve got something for you when choosing ski poles .
New This Year:
One pole we’re particularly excited about this year is the all-new Salomon MTN Carbon S3. Built for ski mountaineer extraordinaire Cody Townsend, these might just be the most perfect touring pole we’ve ever seen. They’re carbon fiber and adjustable, and they’re fitted with powder baskets, releasable straps, and extra-long padded grips. Also, speaking of grips, our partner brand Season Eqpt. has upgraded its in-house poles with new cork grips for a sleek, ergonomic style.
evo Overland Carbon
It's about time your poles got in on this whole lightweight thing. The evo Overland Carbon Ski Poles are so light you might just forget you're carrying them, but they punch well above their weight for strength and durability. Made from featherlight carbon fiber paired with super comfortable EVA grips, they're the perfect tool for everyday resort ripping.
Our in-house carbon ski poles are just the thing for riders looking to cut weight without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for a high-quality carbon fiber stick, this is one of the most affordable options you’ll find.
| Material | Adjustable | Baskets | Original Price |
| Carbon | No | Standard | $79.95 |
Season Adjustable
When it's strength and dependability you seek, look no further than the Season Adjustable Ski Poles. With naturally insulating cork grips and a strong, durable anodized aluminum locking mechanism, these poles are perfect for the backcountry explorer tearing up their local skin track.
| Material | Adjustable | Baskets | Original Price |
| Aluminum | Yes | Standard | $119.00 |
evo Lil Send'r Adjustable - Little Kids'
Lil shredders and parents alike will love the evo Lil Send'r Adjustable Ski Poles. Durable, with 25cm of adjustability to keep up with those growth spurts, the Lil Send'rs are the perfect introduction to poles for your up and coming rider.
| Material | Adjustable | Baskets | Original Price |
| Aluminum | Yes | Standard | $49.95 |
BCA Scepter
Pole straps or not has long been a heavy debate amongst serious skiers. On the one hand, they could mangle your hand if you fell in just the wrong way. On the other hand, they're pretty useful for not dropping your poles and stuff. Well, the debate is finally over with the BCA Scepter Ski Poles. In addition to the multi-function baskets and grips (perfect for fiddling with risers on touring bindings), the Scepter also has releasable wrist straps designed to break away before your hand does. So you can have your poles, and keep them too.
The Scepter is a standout option for backcountry skiers who value durability above all else. Keeping the solid one-piece aluminum construction of a downhill pole, they add surprisingly useful functionality with a special basket and grip designed to help you flip the risers on your touring bindings without bending down.
| Material | Adjustable | Baskets | Original Price |
| Aluminum | No | Powder | $79.95 |
Black Crows Stans
A new, narrow diameter carbon pole, the Black Crows Stans Ski Poles are light, quick, and reek of French style. Even if your name is not "Stan," this is a great solution for the problem of what to hold in your hands while skiing.
| Material | Adjustable | Baskets | Original Price |
| Carbon | No | Standard | $89.95 |
evo Merge
Throw on your blinkers, check those mirrors, and get ready to merge onto the skiing superhighway. The evo Merge Ski Poles are strong, durable, and feature comfortable EVA foam grips to keep you pole planting with a smile all day long.
If you don’t care much for fancy features, and you just want a pair of ski poles, you can stop reading here and snag a pair of these. They’re industry standard poles done the evo way, with a sleek look, great durability, and an accessible price point.
| Material | Adjustable | Baskets | Original Price |
| Aluminum | No | Standard | $39.95 |
Black Crows Meta
Seamlessly complement your Black Crows quiver with one or more of the Black Crows Meta Ski Poles, available in 6 awesome colorways to match many of the Black Crows skis. Oversized 18mm 5083 Aluminum construction, and ergonomic grip, and 90mm powder baskets complete the package.
| Material | Adjustable | Baskets | Original Price |
| Aluminum | No | Powder | $54.95 |
evo Way Up Adjustable
The evo Way Up Adjustable Ski Poles come with durable Aluminum Alloy shafts and a healthy 16" of adjustability, perfect for resort skiers who like to dabble in the backcountry.
Our in-house touring pole is a powder day specialist, complete with adjustability to fine-tune your touring day, plus sturdy aluminum shafts and big powder baskets to help you bash your way down.
| Material | Adjustable | Baskets | Original Price |
| Aluminum | Yes | Powder | $99.95 |
Leki Peak Vario 3D Adjustable
Featuring Leki's new trigger 3D grip system and Speed Lock+ adjustment system, the Leki Peak Vario 3D Adjustable Ski Poles are some of the best on the market. With an aluminium upper section and a carbon composite lower, these poles are super sturdy but not heavy enough to give you a second thought. You'll feel prepared for any touring trip with the Leki Peak Vario 3D Adjustable Ski Poles in your hands. Just don't forget your skins!
| Material | Adjustable | Baskets | Original Price |
| Carbon | Yes | Powder | $169.96 |
Armada Legion
Built with strong and light 7075 Aluminum for the ultimate in response and durability, the Armada Legion Ski Poles feature an extended rubber Bike Grip, burly 18mm shafts, and 80mm powder baskets.
If you specialize in getting rad, these are the poles for you. Bucking the trend of everything being more lightweight and adjustable, these are overbuilt with a bigger shaft, a bigger basket, and a sweet handgrip for extra durability and style.
| Material | Adjustable | Baskets | Original Price |
| Aluminum | No | Powder | $69.95 |
Learn More With Our Other Ski Guides:
Skis - Kids' Size Chart and Buyer's Guide
Skis - Rocker Technology Explained
Ski Bindings – How to Choose & DIN Setting Chart
Ski Boots - Sizing & Buyer's Guide
Ski Boots - Boot Sole & Ski Binding Compatibility
Ski Boots – How to Make Your Boots Fit Better
Ski Poles - Size Chart
Skiing - Beginner Skiing Tips
Skiing - How to Fly With Skis
Skiing - How to Get in Shape
Ski Maintenance - Base Repair
Ski Maintenance – How to Store for the Summer
Ski Maintenance – How to Tune
Ski Maintenance – How to Wax
Gloves & Mittens - How to Choose
Goggles - How to Choose
Goggles - Wearing Goggles with Glasses
Helmets - How to Choose & Fit Guide
Outerwear - What to Wear Skiing & Snowboarding
Outerwear - How to Wash Waterproof Jackets & Clothing
Outerwear - Regional Ski & Snowboard Guide
Ski Socks - Sizing & Buyer's Guide
Avalanche Probes - How to Choose
Backcountry - Choosing an Avalanche Airbag Pack
Backcountry - Choosing an Avalanche Beacon
Backcountry - Climbing Skins Size Guide
Backcountry - Dynafit / Tech Binding Basics
Backcountry - How to Buy Alpine Touring Bindings
Backcountry - How to Buy Alpine Touring Ski Boots
Backcountry - How to Choose an Avalanche Shovel
Backcountry - How to Choose Climbing Skins
Backcountry Backpacks - How to Choose
Backcountry Basics - How to Get Started
Discover Our Favorite Gear:
The Best Women's Skis
The Best Beginner Skis
The Best All Mountain Skis
The Best Powder Skis
The Best Touring Skis
The Best Carving Skis
The Best Park Skis
The Best Intermediate Skis
The Best Freeride Skis
The Best Ski Bindings
The Best Touring Ski Bindings
The Best Men's Ski Boots
The Best Women's Ski Boots
The Best Touring Boots
The Best Ski Socks
The Best Beginner Ski Boots
The Best Value Skis
The Best Ski Poles
The Best Kids' Skis
The Best Kids' Ski Boots
The Best Cross Country Ski Boots
The Best Ski Boot Liners
The Selection Process:
Our ski buyers have an endless amount of knowledge on all things skiing stemming from years of experience in the ski industry in tandem with their countless hours spent on slopes everywhere from groomers to the remote backcountry around the world. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.
Jordan Sunshine
I was born and raised in northern Vermont and moved west as soon as I turned 18. I bounced around the PNW for a while eventually following evo’s store openings to Denver where I have called home since and although I will always take even the wettest of pow days, have come to appreciate any day skiing in the sun, be it with friends or my kids.I have been skiing since I was 2 and started working in a ski shop when I was 14, which was way more fun than washing dishes. Over the years I have worked as a ski tech, boot fitter, liftie, product copywriter, and eventually came to manage evo’s Portland and Denver stores. Now I am the Ski Buyer, overseeing ski hardgoods and backcountry accessories.