How to use trekking poles on steep grassy slopes after rain in Campos do Jordão?

For steep, wet grassy slopes in Campos do Jordão, lengthen poles by 5–10 cm and use a double-plant braking technique: plant both tips ahead, push down through straps, and take short, controlled steps with your weight slightly back. Remove rubber tips – carbide grips better on wet grass. If the slope is very steep, traverse diagonally rather than descending straight down, planting the uphill pole as a brake and using the downhill pole for balance. Take short steps and test each plant before committing your weight. Good footwear with aggressive tread is essential – poles are a support aid, not a substitute for grip.

1. The challenge of wet grassy slopes

Campos do Jordão, in the Serra da Mantiqueira, is one of Brazil's most popular winter destinations. Its hills and valleys are covered in lush green grass. After rain—which is frequent in this region—these grassy slopes become treacherous. The combination of water, blade orientation, and a hard underlying surface creates a low‑friction environment, particularly on steep slopes. A misstep can result in a rapid slide, often with little warning. Descending wet, steep grass is a challenge that requires caution, correct technique, and the right equipment.

2. Equipment preparation

Before you even start the descent, ensure your equipment is set up correctly:

a. Pole length – Lengthen your poles by 5–10 cm compared to your flat‑ground setting. This allows you to plant the pole ahead of your feet, creating a braking effect. On very steep slopes, you may lengthen them further.

b. Tip type – Use bare carbide tips. Rubber ferrules (tip protectors) have no grip on wet grass – they slide. Remove them before you start the descent.

c. Baskets – A small mud basket can help prevent the pole from sinking into soft ground, but on grassy slopes, they are not necessary and may catch on grass. Remove them if you find them snagging.

d. Locking – Ensure your lever locks or twist locks are fully tightened. On steep, wet ground, a slipping pole can be dangerous.

e. Footwear – Poles are not a substitute for good footwear. Wear boots with an aggressive tread that can bite into the grass surface. Soft, worn soles are a hazard.

3. The core technique – double‑plant braking

a. Plant both poles ahead – On steep grassy descents, the standard alternating rhythm is less effective. Use a double plant: plant both poles together ahead of your feet, shoulder‑width apart. This gives you maximum braking and stability.

b. Push down through the straps – The load should go through your wrist straps, not your grip. Your hand should be relaxed. Push down firmly to increase the friction between the tip and the grass surface.

c. Short steps – Take short, deliberate steps. On steep, wet grass, a long step increases the risk of a slip. Keep your feet close to the ground.

d. Lean back – Keep your weight slightly back, leaning into the hill. This reduces the risk of your feet sliding forward. Your torso should be upright or slightly leaning back, not leaning forward.

e. Test each plant – Before committing your weight, test the ground with the pole tip. If the tip skids on the grass, the surface is very slippery – consider a different line or traverse diagonally.

4. The "traverse" technique

On very steep, long, or slippery slopes, consider descending diagonally (traversing) rather than straight down.

• Approach – Descend at a 30–45° angle to the slope, stepping sideways and down.
• Poles – Plant the uphill pole (the one on the slope side) as a brake, and use the downhill pole for balance.
• Why it works – A diagonal descent reduces the force of gravity acting directly down the slope, making each step less prone to sliding. It also allows you to use the uphill pole more effectively as a brake.

5. Common mistakes to avoid

• Using rubber tips – A frequent and dangerous error. Rubber ferrules have no grip on wet grass and should be removed.
• Planting too far ahead – Overreaching can cause you to lose balance if the pole slips. Plant close to your feet.
• Leaning forward – Leaning forward shifts your weight onto your front foot, increasing the risk of a slide. Keep your weight back.
• Ignoring the warning signs – If you feel your feet starting to slide, stop, plant your poles firmly, and reassess the descent.
• Rushing – Descents on wet grass require patience. Take short, controlled steps.

6. What to do if you start to slide

If you feel your feet starting to slide:

• Plant both poles firmly – Push down hard through the straps to create a braking effect.
• Sit back – If you are losing balance, sit back on your heels. This is safer than falling forward.
• Stay calm – Panic increases the risk of a fall. Keep your weight back and move slowly.

7. Equipment after the descent

After the descent, check your poles:

• Tips – The carbide tips may have picked up grass or mud. Wipe them clean.
• Locks – Check your lever locks for any moisture. Dry them if necessary.
• Shaft – Inspect the shaft for any damage from planting on rough ground.

8. Campos do Jordão specific tips

Campos do Jordão is a popular destination for winter hiking. The trails can be wet and muddy. Here are a few specific tips:

• Check the weather – Rain is common. Be prepared for wet conditions.
• Wear appropriate footwear – Boots with an aggressive tread are essential.
• Use a double plant – On steep grassy descents, the double plant is the most effective technique.
• Traverse diagonally – On very steep sections, traversing is safer than descending straight down.

9. Final verdict

Descending steep, wet grassy slopes in Campos do Jordão is a challenge that requires caution, correct technique, and the right equipment. Lengthen your poles, remove rubber tips, plant ahead, and push down through the straps. Take short steps, keep your weight back, and use a double plant on very steep sections. On the most slippery slopes, descend diagonally. Good footwear is essential. With the right approach, you can descend these slopes safely and without injury, making your walk in the hills a more enjoyable experience. Happy hiking!