Halfpipe skiers use poles mainly for balance, rhythm, and getting speed into the pipe, even if they barely touch them once they’re in the air.

Why halfpipe skiers use poles

  • Push at the start: Poles help them push and skate to build speed before dropping into the halfpipe, especially from a nearly flat start area.
  • Balance in the air: Having something in both hands keeps their upper body symmetrical , which can make spins and flips feel more stable and controlled.
  • Rhythm and timing: Ski poles are traditionally used for “pole plants” to time turns; that habit carries over, helping with rhythm as they pump transitions and set up tricks.
  • General skiing between runs: Riders still have to ski the course, traverse, and move around on flats; poles make that much easier for mobility and balance.
  • Comfort and style: Many skiers simply feel more “complete” with poles in their hands and prefer how their grabs and arm positions look on camera or in competition.

Some top freestylers do compete without poles and find they actually like the freedom, but most still use them for that mix of speed, balance, and familiar ski feel.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.