Adjustable poles are highly recommended but not strictly required. They are valuable if you tour uphill on telemark gear (longer poles for ascending, shorter for descending), if you're still developing your technique and your ideal length may change, or if you share poles between users of different heights. If you exclusively ski lift-served telemark with an established stance, fixed-length poles offer simplicity, lower weight, and better durability. Most experienced telemark skiers who tour prefer adjustable poles.
Ski Poles · Telemark Ski Poles
Do I need adjustable poles for telemark skiing?
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)
Backcountry/Touring Poles
$60 – $280
Adjustable-length poles designed for uphill skinning and downhill skiing in backcountry terrain.
Adjustable length (2-section or 3-section)Extended gripsPowder baskets
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
More questions
- How much longer should telemark poles be compared to my alpine poles?
- Can I use regular touring poles for telemark skiing?
- Why do telemark skiers prefer powder baskets?
- Are telemark-specific poles worth seeking out, or should I just buy good touring poles?