POLE PLANT // Types and styles (for advanced and expert skiers)

Pole plants are awesome!
How to plant the pole is often up for debate in ski technique discussions. I only see opportunity and options that create different results!
On the fundamental level, the pole plant has so much potential for connecting your whole body and improve your overall skiing. But it is so much more! You can use it to create a desired outcome. But what is even more exciting is that you can flavour your skiing and add some personal style with the pole plant.
In this video I share my thoughts on different pole plant types and styles you can try, to make your skiing more creative and fun.
I hope you will enjoy the video and get some inspiration for your own skiing!
/Janus
**********************************
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
If you appreciate our free content and want to say THANK YOU! you can:
* Give our videos a "like"
* Tell us in the comments
* Show us some love with a Superthanks
* Spread the love and share the video with a friend
We really appreciate all of your support! Thanks, you are awesome!
**********************************
GET A FREE MINI GUIDE FOR BETTER BALANCE ON SKIS
If you want to transform your skiing and take the next step on your skiing journey with us, have a look at our mini guide, Learn to Turn With Balance. It is packed with actionable tip and exercises that can help you improve your balance on skis - no matter your current level.
Click on the link to get your copy www.inspirationalskiing.com/l...
**********************************
AFFILIATE LINKS AND DISCOUNT CODES
These are some of the brands we work with because we truly believe in the products, and we love what they can do for your skiing experience.
If you choose to buy using the links and promo codes below, you will get a favorable discount and and support the channel (we earn a commission), so we can create more amazing content for you.
Thanks, you are awesome!
****************
CARV DIGITAL SKI COACH
Get world class ski tips based on your ski performance measured by your Carv soles.
Check out Carv: getcarv.com/?rfsn=6241962.482...
Get a favorable discount with our promo code: CARVLIKEJANUS
Read our article about CARV on our website:
www.inspirationalskiing.com/b...
****************
CARDO PACKTALK SKI COMMUNICATION SYSTEM
Check out Packtalk Ski on Cardo's website: cardosystems.rfrl.co/zxjm5
Get a 25% DISCOUNT by using our promo code at checkout: JANUS25.
Check out our Packtalk Ski reviews here:
VIDEO REVIEW PART 1- My experience and use cases: • Cardo Packtalk Ski REV...
VIDEO REVIEW PART 2 - Technical details and stress tests: • Cardo Packtalk Ski REV...
WRITTEN REVIEW on our website: www.inspirationalskiing.com/b...
**********************************
THUMBS UP ICON
www.freepik.com Designed by starline / Freepik

[@Evanturar]

FINALLY FINALLY! Wonderful! So many skiers these days completely neglect pole planting and this is absolutely the best set of examples available. Well done!

[@InspirationalSkiing]

Thanks for this absolutely uplifting comment, Elliot Skultin. I am happy you appreciate the video and my efforts to bring some attention to the importance and nuances of the pole plant. Have a nice day! /Janus

[@MarcoFD]

@1:51 such a relief to see this as a valid technique. recently got told i shouldnt move my arms at all after it took me a couple of months to self teach it so felt kinda bummed about it, just using the wrists like the basic technique feels so unnatural compared to the blocking pole plant technique

[@lisezeuthen9978]

I appreciate your way of explaining with words, body and text. Easy to understand. 🌹

[@InspirationalSkiing]

Thanks for your nice comment, Lise Zeuthen. We are happy, you like our video. Have a nice day! /Janus

[@gogglebro9421]

Janus, this is the most comprehensive explanation of pole planting techniques I've seen. I appreciate that you relate the technique to intention (tactics). I've been mystified by how to touch at higher speeds without disrupting my flow and I'll employ touching the baskets instead of the tips as you demonstrated.

[@InspirationalSkiing]

Thanks for your kind comment, Goggle Bro! Great that you found the video helpful. Many instructors promote the one correct way to pole plant, which can be helpful for sure. But in this video I wanted to share some of the technical options that you can choose from in relation to your skier level and intention, exactly like you said. I am really glad you appreciate this in my message. I want to expand your options instead of reduce your options. A greater tool box for greater skiing - and more options to reach individual goals and have fun. Have a nice day! /Janus

[@gogglebro9421]

@@InspirationalSkiingJanus, I have a teaching question. When a beginning student asks you what the poles are used for, how do you respond? / Marshall

[@InspirationalSkiing]

@@gogglebro9421 Hey Marshall! This is a really good and relevant question. The pole plant can really seem like an unnecessary and weird move once you start experimenting with it. It can even feel counterproductive to begin with, most likely because it is performed in an unhelpful way, like planting the wrong pole (which will feel pretty disharmonious). What I tell them is basically this: 1. It helps your balance (because it gives you a touch point, when you go from one turn to the other). 2. It will make it easier to start the next turn (because it helps you create a good rhythm). 3. (Balance again) It will help you keep a good middle position (because it functions as a counter move to the natural tendency to be pushed into the back seat at the end of the turn). 4. The most important thing is, though, is that it - if performed in a good way - coordinates upper and lower body, so they work together. Practicing a good pole plant can then function as a "gateway" to getting rid of unhelpful upper body movements and positions, like swinging your arms or keeping then too far back, dragging you into the back seat. I go more into this in our other video about the pole plant, How to do The Basic Pole Plant in Skiing. For many people the pole plant is one of those things that seem weird to begin with, but really has the potential to transform a skier into a way higher level, where the whole body is working together. I have seen that in my students several times, and it is awesome to see each and every time. In most cases, it takes some deliberate practice to begin with to get it right. To answer your question more directly: What I tell my students when they ask depend on the individual student and where they are on their journey, but I draw mainly on the reasons mentioned above. I hope this helped. /Janus

[@InspirationalSkiing]

I should add, that I always teach The Basic Pole Plant to begin with. So my reasons above relate (mostly, but not exclusively) to The Basic Pole Plant. The other options are more inspirational for advanced and especially expert skiers, and these options have their own benefits, which I talk about in this video. /Janus

[@gogglebro9421]

@@InspirationalSkiing Thanks for the most insightful answer to my question. Tailoring an answer for beginners, my impression is that talking about the pole plant as helping with the timing of turns, balance and support, and propulsion on the flats areas, and the like, would be a straight forward explanation. I feel bad when there's a puzzled expression on a student's face. I'll refine my explanation for the purpose of the pole plant with practice. / Marshall

[@charlesavino3903]

Solid instruction. Thank you.

[@anqingzheng7482]

Thanks a ton for showing the dynamic of pole plants, especially in such a articulated fashion!

[@InspirationalSkiing]

You are very welcome, Anqing Zheng! I am happy you liked the video and the way I present this topic. I think there are many great options with the pole plant to be explored in different situations. I hope you will have fun trying the different ways to do a good pole plant and that it will help you improve your skiing. /Janus

[@ilipika4105]

as an intermediate skier progressing upward, i learn much from the video. thanks a lot

[@InspirationalSkiing]

This is very good to hear, teresa chan. You are welcome. We are happy you learned something from the video. Have a nice day! /Janus

[@ilipika4105]

its v difficult to find videos with clear and elegant demonstration with clear but not long-winding explanation😜 thank you so much

[@InspirationalSkiing]

@@ilipika4105 Thanks again, we want to keep the explanation as clear as possible and give as good a demonstration as I possibly can, so I am glad you appreciate the result :-)

[@zeb747]

Outstanding videos 👍👍 I've been skiing for years but your videos are very much appreciated. Thanks very much.

[@InspirationalSkiing]

Thanks for letting us know, Z E! It is always highly motivating to get feedback like this. We really want to create a lot more videos for you, and we have some interesting ones lined up in the near future, so stay tuned. /Janus

[@zeb747]

Just purchased the ebooks!

[@InspirationalSkiing]

@@zeb747 Thats awesome, Z E! Thank you and congratulations! I hope you will enjoy them and learn some valuable lessons from them! Please let me know if you have any questions. /Janus

[@yourfreeskicoach]

This is really well explained. Thank you

[@InspirationalSkiing]

Thanks for your comment, OKO! I really appreciate it. Have a nice day! /Janus

[@jimbosaul3996]

good video my man!! you explain things very well ! thank you !

[@InspirationalSkiing]

Thank you, Jimbo Saul! I am happy you think so. Have a nice day! /Janus

[@williamspostoronnim9845]

Спасибо. что заострили внимание на этом важном, но обычно не упоминаемом элементе техники - работе рук.

[@InspirationalSkiing]

(сообщение было переведено Google Translate). Большое спасибо за ваш комментарий, Уильямс Посторонним. Мне очень приятно получить сообщение от российского лыжника на русском языке. Здорово, что катание на лыжах может объединять людей со всего мира, и я горжусь, что этот канал на KZbin может этому способствовать. Я желаю вам хорошего дня и надеюсь, что у вас будет возможность кататься на лыжах там, где вы находитесь. / Янус

[@InspirationalSkiing]

These are some of my favourite ways of doing the pole plant and why I like them. Now I am curious to hear from you. What is your favourite way of doing the pole plant and why? Let's all learn from each other! /Janus

[@vivolexadvokatfirma1114]

nice 360 in the start of the video... Please make a video with tips to refine slopestyle moves and jumps :-) I Know you are the best.

[@InspirationalSkiing]

Thanks, Vivolex Advokatfirma! Sure would love to make some videos about basic freestyle and slope style moves for beginners. I have put it on the wish list :-)

[@wjames2000]

Great video! I like blocking pole plant when doing a rounded short turn which helps your skies shoot out into the next turn. Do I do it right?

[@InspirationalSkiing]

Thanks for your comment and question, James Wang! Yes, you can definitely use it like that. I think my turn at 2:14 is an example of that happening. I do feel, though, that the blocking pole plant is difficult to use that way, because your timing has to be really good to make it work. The risk is that it creates too much of a "block" that will push you out of balance and disturb the flow in your skiing. It is exciting though, when you manage to make it work and you get some extra push back from the ground that "blocks" the upper body while the legs shoot out to the side in the beginning of the new turn. I don't use it often like that, but it is fun to experiment with and something you can practice to master, if you like this type of skiing. I do recommend, that the legs should first be able to create a good round turn - without relying on the help from the blocking pole plant to do it. Once the legs work well independently, the blocking pole might then be used to emphasise this "blocking" of the upper body and the subsequent shoot out of the skis at the beginning of the turn. I hope this helped. /Janus

[@emilferent23]

Thanks a lot for this! Question about the blocking pole plant: isn't it meant to stop your upper body to counter (too much) after the wind-up (the anticipation)? Regards

[@InspirationalSkiing]

Thanks for your question, Emil Ferent. In my understanding of the blocking pole plant it blocks rotation of the upper body (opposite of counter), since doing a pole plant at this part of the turn (skis over the fall line, but well before edge change) creates an impulse (a push) from the ground, that will encourage a more wind up/countered/upper body towards the valley position. This countered position is only a snap shot in a movement of releasing the new turn. It is the peak of the wind up, which will help release the new turn due to the release of torque from the wind up position. If I understand what you are saying correctly, I would say that a basic forward/down the hill oriented pole plant with a timing more around edge change will help with not countering too much. I hope this clarifies. /Janus

[@greedytoski]

I guess 3rd one does not worth to be named a "pole plant" type at all. The most used and important are 2nd and 1st. You might also want to say that doing a pole plant assist you to keep your upper body facing down the hill rather than turning it in direction where the skis go. Anyway this is a very good video showing to beginners how important is pole planting.

[@InspirationalSkiing]

Thanks for your comment and inputs, @greedytoski! In agree, the third one is more a touch than a plant, hence why I call it a "Racing style pole touch", because this is what you will see racers do (if they have a pole touch at all). It is correct, that a pole plant assist you to keep your upper body face down the hill, which is a good point and important in short turns. I do mention that the blocking pole plant "helps you stay countered", which supports your point. I hope you will have a great ski season and have fun with the different variations of the pole plant/touch. /Janus

[@thomasmedeiros5722]

You don’t mention the possible different pole lengths. Some professional demonstrations have been using shorter poles to adapt to their style. I have dropped 5cm from the traditional length. I experimented with my BC poles. Then reset my fixed length poles.

[@InspirationalSkiing]

Thanks for your comment and input, thomasmedeiros5722! This is a very import topic, and the pole length can definitely influence your options and skiing style. This actually requires a whole video in itself, so this has been put on our request list. I like the idea of being able to do (almost) everything with the same equipment (a philosophy popular amongst the elite ski instructors in Austria who will ski deep powder on their GS skis). My own current pole length is 115cm (I am 180cm tall). This is kind of a a compromise, which sometimes is a bit too short and sometimes a bit too long, but I can make it work in every situation. I just like the freedom to be able to ski all over the mountain and move in a variety of ways without having to change equipment too often. But I certainly follow the idea of adjusting your equipment to your desired style and purpose. I hope you will have wonderful ski season! /Janus

[@TARiiiQmusic]

how important do u guys find poles? I only used them first few times I went skiing but I haven't in years. id say im intermediate/advanced. can hit most jumps , basic box tricks, most terrain black etc. im not high level tho and I wonder if maybe getting good with poles will elevate me or if at this point I dont need them

[@anton.profe.candela]

Nice explanation! Just curious, what ski area is that? Looks incredible

[@InspirationalSkiing]

Thanks, El Profe Candela! Most of the footage is from Trysil in Norway, including the shots where I am speaking. It is a very nice place indeed. A few shots are from Hemsedal/Norway and Matrei/Austria. Have a nice day! /Janus

[@albusfr]

I have a friend that’s refusing to learn the pole plant, it’s his third season skiing. He doesn’t think it’s needed for skiing, is this correct?

[@InspirationalSkiing]

Thanks for your question, albusfr. The pole plant is not necessary for skiing. But I believe that skiing with a good pole plant will help most advanced skiers achieve better skiing than skiing without a good pole plant. This message - as well different ways to do a good pole plant - is what I try to explain in this video and the other video, I made about the Basic pole plant. In the other video I also share a good way to learn The basic pole plant. So your friend is not wrong, in my opinion. But I believe he is missing out on some potential benefits from having a good pole plant. I hope this helped clarify. /Janus

[@jayishere74]

Did Arnold Schwarzenegger just do the robot?

[@InspirationalSkiing]

Haha, that’s hilarious, jayishere74! “Get down to the chopper..!” 😅 /Janus

[@JB91710]

No matter how you plant your pole, the key is the stable position of your hands, arms, chest and shoulders that gives you proper balance no matter which foot you are standing on. An unstable upper body will destroy that balance because if you move it in a natural way which is into the turns, you will end up standing on the wrong foot. Notice his upper body is locked in a completely stable and unmoving position as his skis turn under him. 5:00 Listen here, this is important, especially at speed.

[@InspirationalSkiing]

Good points, JB91710. I see many people end up in poor balance due to an unstable upper body. I have some videos in the pipeline helping with that issue. Have a nice day! /Janus

[@CostantinoLenzi]

Your voice is the same of the priest of my church

[@InspirationalSkiing]

Funny coincidence😀 Is he a passionate skier as well? /Janus

[@CostantinoLenzi]

@@InspirationalSkiing yes he is , for sure he told me in paradise there are many ski resort

[@InspirationalSkiing]

@@CostantinoLenzi That sounds about right to me! 😀

[@rogerpalin5864]

As the pole plant movement initiates the start of the movements into the next turn (or the end of the last turn, if you prefer), which is what you describe, the fact that you extend your legs before the pole plant shows you’re not demonstrating what the correct movement is. Timing is everything and yours is too late!