Pole Planting

I never did understand pole planting. It always seemed an odd thing to do and yet good skiers always say how important it is.

I always felt a bit guilty because I just let my poles trail along the floor but then a couple of years ago I saw a display by the instructors in Livigno. They were fantastic and generated speed down an easy blue run that I was amazed at, but they definitely were not planting poles.

This was at the back of my mind and kind of justified my not bothering.

Anyway today I was watching the giant slalem from Val D'Isere and guess what? They were trailing their poles along the floor just like me!!!

By the way I have found a benefit when skiing moguls but I can't see it on the piste.

Deep down I know I'm probably wrong but I don't get it. Any thoughts?

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=TTboYL8CjaU&feature=related

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=I3BnqtQhmwA&feature=related

The first is a video of some of the best (past and present) Canadian skiers.. they might not make a solid pole plant but the move is there. THe second is one of the best skiers about just now racing GS.. what? Pole plant.

Get some decent lessons and it should be something your ski instructor actively encourages you to do.. if not something is up. If you are not pole planting it can block numerous natural moves. There are certain occasions where pole planting may not be suitable (I doubt you will encounter these judging by what you have said) but the move is essential in maintaining natural consistency to your skiing.

Hi,

Thanks for that, love the name.

Clearly I'm missing something. I've watched the videos and it just shows how I see it. They are moving their arms into position but they're not planting the pole in front of them?

I am going to have some lessons this year, maybe I'll get it then but at the moment???

A pole plant does not have to be a completely solid connection.. a pole "touch" can do the trick. As you progress it will become an integral part of your skiing, you are probably turning your skis with your shoulders just now which will make a pole plant super awkward.

Planting the pole will generally get the body in the correct position to make an accurate turn.
Trailing your poles for a recreational skier is likely to result in the shoulders rotating, affecting balance and throwing the turn out.

Racing adjusts the technique, and because the skiers are so good the plant s either not obvious, o doesn't happen, but the body is in the right position.

IMO,Pole planting, and skiing around the planted pole, encourages a better turn. It's probably a bit 'old hat' especially in this age of carving, but still good practise.

Added benefit is that skiers behind can see early, which way you're gonna turn.

That is incorrect. Pole planting does not put you in the right position to begin a turn. Stand in your living room with your poles out and see how many different ways you can reach out and plant, it can often lead to the shoulders being far too open to make an efficient turn. Also a whole load of "tipping" can take place which can lead to being stuck on the "inside" ski through the final phase of the turn-not pretty.

Ski racers are not always technically "good" either, just fast, so I guess it is probably a pretty bad reference point.
Depends what you want from skiing I guess.

Oops, already failed on the "how to make friends and influence people" plan by telling someone they are wrong but you are

Planting in the right position does get you in the right stance to make the turn.

I also think you'll find the vast majority of top racers are excellent technical skiers, but when pushing the boundaries to the limits, the technique might not always show through.