What should I do if my classic poles break on the trail?

Unfortunately, broken carbon poles cannot be field-repaired. If a pole snaps, you'll need to ski back using the remaining pole and your legs for propulsion—focus on diagonal stride without poles or use a single pole on the opposite side of the broken one. This is why some skiers carry a small roll of duct tape for emergency temporary repairs, though this rarely works on carbon. Consider carrying a spare pole on very long backcountry tours, and always carry a cell phone for emergencies.