Choose cross country ski poles by your primary technique: classic poles reach your armpits, skate poles hit between chin and lips, and touring poles fall below the shoulder.
Getting the right cross country ski poles comes down to one decision first: how you’ll ski. Classic technique, skate technique, and touring each call for a different pole length, and mixing them up makes every stride feel wrong. The good news is that sizing follows simple height-based rules you can apply at home, then confirm with a quick physical check.
Classic vs Skate vs Touring: What Length Do You Need?
Classic poles are the shortest of the racing options because your arms move in a lower, more forward motion. Skate poles run longer to match the higher, more vigorous arm swing of skating. Touring poles sit shorter than classic poles for easier maneuverability on varied terrain.
Most sizing guidance starts with your height. For classic, subtract about 30 to 35 cm from your height, or multiply your height in cm by 0.84. For skate, subtract about 20 to 22.5 cm, or multiply by 0.89.
How Do I Confirm the Right Pole Length?
The surest check happens on level ground with your ski boots on. Stand upright, place the pole tips on the floor beside your feet, and look at where the grips land. REI’s fit guidance says cross country poles should reach your armpits when set up this way.
For technique-specific sizing, target these body landmarks:
- Classic: grips reach your armpits
- Skate: grips land between your chin and lips
- Touring: grips sit below your shoulder
If you fall between sizes, choose the shorter pole for easier control or the longer one for more power, depending on your preference and fitness level.
Competition Rules and Other Sizing Factors
Racers need to know FIS equipment rules before buying. FIS measures pole length from the bottom of the pole to the highest attachment point of the strap, not the top of the grip.
These competition limits matter only if you race. Recreational skiers can pick the length that feels best. Youth skiers should use dedicated youth sizing charts, which go down to about 70 cm for the smallest racers.
One caution: the formulas above apply only to cross-country poles, not downhill ski poles. Downhill poles use a completely different fitting system, so don’t mix the two sizing methods.
Narrowing Down Your Final Choice
Once you know your length, the main decision left is the pole itself. Your technique determines the length, but your terrain and budget will guide material and grip choices. If you’re ready to compare specific models, our roundup of the best cross country ski poles breaks down top picks for every discipline.
Before you buy, measure your height in the boots you’ll ski in, as some brands size by body length with boots on. Test the grip height against the correct landmark for your technique, and you’ll walk out with poles that make your next outing feel effortless.
References & Sources
- FIS. “Guidelines, Equipment, Cross-Country Poles.” Official competition pole length limits and measurement method.
- Swix. “Find Your Size: Poles.” Brand sizing formulas and body-length measurement guidance.
- REI. “How to Choose Cross Country Ski Poles.” Retailer fit check and technique-specific sizing landmarks.