Can I use my normal trekking poles for ski touring in Glenshee?

Glenshee, in the Scottish Highlands, is a popular destination for ski touring – climbing uphill on skis to enjoy untouched descents. If you already own trekking poles, it’s tempting to simply use them for your tour. However, the short answer is no – normal trekking poles are not suitable for ski touring in Glenshee or anywhere else. Using them can lead to poor technique, back pain, and even dangerous situations. Here’s why, and what you should use instead.

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Why trekking poles are wrong for ski touring

1. Length is critically different

For ski touring, your poles must be significantly longer than trekking poles. When you are on skis, the distance from your hands to the snow surface is increased because you are standing on thick skis plus perhaps a few centimetres of snow. The correct length for ski touring poles is roughly armpit height – about 20–30 cm longer than a typical trekking pole’s maximum extension. Trekking poles max out at around 135 cm; many ski tourers need 140–155 cm. Using short poles forces you to bend over, straining your lower back and reducing your ability to push efficiently.

2. Baskets are too small

Trekking poles come with small summer baskets (4–6 cm) or optional snow baskets (7–8 cm). Ski touring requires extra‑large baskets (10–12 cm) that provide flotation in deep powder. Without large baskets, your pole will sink to the grip with every plant, exhausting your arms and providing no propulsion. Even large trekking snow baskets are smaller than dedicated ski touring baskets.

3. Strength and durability

Ski touring involves dynamic, forceful planting – you push hard to propel yourself uphill. Trekking poles, especially lightweight carbon or thin aluminium, are not designed for this repeated high‑load lateral stress. They can snap, bend, or have locks fail. Ski touring poles are built with thicker walls and stronger materials (often 7075 aluminium or high‑modulus carbon) specifically to handle the forces of poling on snow while carrying skis.

4. Grip and strap design

Ski touring poles feature a quick‑release strap or a full glove‑like system (e.g., for cross‑country ski touring). This allows you to free your hand instantly for transitions or emergency self‑arrest. Trekking pole straps are simple loops that are not designed for quick release and can be dangerous if you fall.

What happens if you try?

• Back strain: Bending over to plant short poles will cause lower back pain within a few hundred metres.
• Inefficiency: You’ll sink with every plant, waste energy, and progress slowly.
• Breakage: A snapped pole on a remote ski tour leaves you with no support and a long walk back.
• Safety risk: If you fall and have a trekking pole strapped to your wrist, you could injure your arm.

What you need for ski touring in Glenshee

Invest in dedicated ski touring poles (also called alpine touring poles). Look for:

• Length: Adjustable from 110 cm to 145 cm or more. Many touring poles have a “power lock” or “FlickLock” for secure extension.
• Baskets: Large (10–12 cm) and interchangeable (smaller baskets for spring touring).
• Material: 7075 aluminium or thick‑wall carbon.
• Grip: Ergonomic with a quick‑release strap (e.g., Black Diamond “FlickLock” with a wide, padded strap).
• Tip: Carbide or steel, often with a removable tip for touring on mixed conditions.

Top ski touring pole models

• Black Diamond Traverse Ski Poles – adjustable, aluminium, large baskets, quick‑release strap.
• Leki Trekking / Touring hybrid – Leki’s “Cross Trail” or “Sherpa” series – check length range.
• Komperdell Powerlock – durable, easy to adjust, available in long lengths.
• Decathlon Simond Ski Touring Poles – budget option (but ensure length goes to 140 cm+).

Can you rent at Glenshee? Yes, many ski shops in the area rent ski touring equipment, including poles. Perfect for a trial.

Final verdict

No, normal trekking poles are not suitable for ski touring in Glenshee. They are too short, have inadequate baskets, and are not built for the forces of touring. Using them risks injury, equipment failure, and a miserable day. Invest in proper ski touring poles or rent them. Your back, arms, and safety will thank you. Now go enjoy the pristine runs of Glenshee – with the right gear.