As with just about every other aspect of backcountry/telemark equipment, your choice of poles is more complex than for light touring because the ideal pole depends on the wider variety of conditions you're likely to encounter.

For Nordic downhill at a downhill ski area, the best poles are downhill skiing poles. To find the right size, turn the pole upside down and grab the shaft directly below the basket. With your elbow at your side, your forearm should be parallel to the ground. You can also use such poles for backcountry touring in variable terrain. In terrain where the pole feels too short, eke out a few inches of added length simply by pushing on the top of the grip with your palm, rather than using the grip.

Adjustable poles, which telescope from downhill ski pole length to armpit height-and anything in between — are a good all-around choice. They're more expensive than fixed size poles, but you can get by with one set of poles rather than several. With any pole you choose for backcountry/telemark skiing, strength is a key factor. The strongest poles are made of aluminum, followed by epoxy-resin fiberglass, then cheaper fiberglass.

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