It depends on your touring style. Telescopic poles offer infinite adjustment within their range and generally feel stiffer and more reliable on the descent—ideal for skiers who spend significant time skiing downhill in the backcountry. Folding poles pack down much smaller (35-45 cm vs. 55-70 cm), making them better for ski mountaineering where you frequently stow poles on your pack for technical climbing. If you primarily do up-and-down day tours without technical climbing, telescopic poles are usually the better choice. If you do technical mountaineering or want poles that fit inside your pack, go with folding.
Ski Poles · Backcountry/Touring Poles
Should I choose telescopic or folding poles for ski touring?
Related gear types
If this answer nudged you toward a different style, these guides compare specs and trade-offs.
Adjustable/Telescoping Ski Poles
$40 – $220
Multi-length poles with telescoping sections for versatile use across varying terrain and conditions.
Telescoping sectionsQuick-adjust clampsVariable length range
Folding Ski Poles
$80 – $300
Compact poles that fold into short sections for easy packing in ski mountaineering and travel.
Folding sections (3-5 pieces)Internal cord systemUltra-compact packed size
More questions
- Do I really need adjustable poles for backcountry skiing, or can I just use my resort poles?
- Are carbon fiber touring poles worth the extra cost, or should I save money with aluminum?
- How do I properly adjust my pole length for uphill versus downhill touring?
- What should I do if my adjustable pole slips or collapses under load?