THE POLE PLANT

The pole plant is a maneuver where the skier touches the snow with the ski pole to aid in timing of a turn, as well as stability.

In Photo 1, a skier is cruising on intermediate terrain, performing long radius turns. In Photo 2 the skier prepares for the turn by allowing the skier's left pole to swing forward. In Photo 3 the left pole is touched on the snow surface and then brought back to the skiing position.

Figure 4 shows the turn to the right with the skier's right hand preparing for the pole plant. Photo 5 shows the right pole swinging forward. Figure 6 shows the pole touching the snow, the right turn having been initiated. Planting the pole during intermediate terrain skiing uses a light touch and is almost unnecessary for the skilled skier.

There are other situations where a more aggressive pole plant is required as shown in Photos 7 and 8. On steep terrain, an aggressive pole plant helps in pivoting of the skis quickly and helps control speed.

BACK TO ROBERTS SKI AND SNOWBOARD INSTRUCTION HOME PAGE