It is better to size correctly or slightly down rather than up. Poles that are too long force children to raise their shoulders and disrupt their balance, actively harming technique development. If you are concerned about outgrowing poles, consider adjustable telescopic kids' poles that can extend 20–30 cm, or simply accept that you may need to replace fixed poles every 1–2 seasons—the low cost of kids' aluminum poles makes this manageable.
Ski Poles · Kids/Junior Ski Poles
Should I buy poles a size up so my child can grow into them?
Related gear types
If this answer nudged you toward a different style, these guides compare specs and trade-offs.
Alpine Ski Poles
$25 – $180
Standard fixed-length poles designed for resort downhill skiing and general on-piste use.
Fixed lengthStraight shaftStandard basket (50-60mm)
Racing Ski Poles
$80 – $350
High-performance poles engineered for competitive alpine racing with aerodynamic profiles and maximum stiffness.
Curved/aerodynamic shaftCarbon fiber constructionStiff flex profile
More questions
- What length ski poles does my child need?
- When should my child start using ski poles?
- Are adjustable kids' ski poles worth it?
- Can I just cut down adult poles for my kid?