– The Backcountry Ski Touring Blog
  • Avalanches
  • Gear Reviews
    • Ski Reviews
    • Boot Reviews
    • Binding Reviews
    • Snowboard Splitboard
    • Book Reviews
    • Avalanche Beacon Reviews
    • Airbag Backpacks
    • Backcountry Electronics
    • Misc Gear Reviews
  • Podcast
  • Tips & Tricks
    • Ski Touring Basics
    • Boot Fitting
    • Fitness & Health
    • Gear Mods
  • Trip Reports
    • Fourteeners
    • Huts – Cabins – Lodges
    • Denali McKinley
    • 8,000 Meter Skiing
  • Stories
    • History
    • Humor Backcountry
    • Land Use Issues
    • Evergreen Ski Touring
  • Resources
    • All Posts Listed
    • 100 Recent Comments
    • WildSnow Ski Weight/Surface Comparison Chart — And More
    • Backcountry Skiing & Ski Touring Webcams
    • Archives of WildSnow.com
    • Ski Weight Comparo Charts
    • Ski Touring Bindings
      • Museum – Backcountry Ski Bindings
      • Trab TR2 Index and FAQ
      • Salomon Guardian & Tracker
      • Naxo Backcountry Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Silvretta Pure Backcountry Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Marker F10-12 Duke Baron
      • G3 Onyx Ski Binding FAQ
      • G3 ION Ski Touring Binding
      • Fritschi Backcountry Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Fritschi Diamir Frame Bindings Mount DIY
      • Fritschi Diamir Bindings FAQ
      • Fritschi Tecton FAQ
      • Atomic Salomon Backland MTN
      • Dynafit Tri-Step Binding 2001-2003
      • Naxo randonnee alpine touring AT ski binding FAQ
      • Dynafit Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Dynafit Binding Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
      • Dynafit Beast 16 FAQ Review 1
      • Dynafit Beast 16 FAQ Page Two
    • History
      • Trooper Traverse Intro & Index
      • Randonnee Ski Touring “AT” ski gear — What is Hip?
      • Chronology
    • Backcountry Skiing Core Glossary
    • Gear Review Policy & Disclosures

– The Backcountry Ski Touring Blog

Banner
  • Avalanches
  • Gear Reviews
    • Ski Reviews
    • Boot Reviews
    • Binding Reviews
    • Snowboard Splitboard
    • Book Reviews
    • Avalanche Beacon Reviews
    • Airbag Backpacks
    • Backcountry Electronics
    • Misc Gear Reviews
  • Podcast
  • Tips & Tricks
    • Ski Touring Basics
    • Boot Fitting
    • Fitness & Health
    • Gear Mods
  • Trip Reports
    • Fourteeners
    • Huts – Cabins – Lodges
    • Denali McKinley
    • 8,000 Meter Skiing
  • Stories
    • History
    • Humor Backcountry
    • Land Use Issues
    • Evergreen Ski Touring
  • Resources
    • All Posts Listed
    • 100 Recent Comments
    • WildSnow Ski Weight/Surface Comparison Chart — And More
    • Backcountry Skiing & Ski Touring Webcams
    • Archives of WildSnow.com
    • Ski Weight Comparo Charts
    • Ski Touring Bindings
      • Museum – Backcountry Ski Bindings
      • Trab TR2 Index and FAQ
      • Salomon Guardian & Tracker
      • Naxo Backcountry Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Silvretta Pure Backcountry Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Marker F10-12 Duke Baron
      • G3 Onyx Ski Binding FAQ
      • G3 ION Ski Touring Binding
      • Fritschi Backcountry Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Fritschi Diamir Frame Bindings Mount DIY
      • Fritschi Diamir Bindings FAQ
      • Fritschi Tecton FAQ
      • Atomic Salomon Backland MTN
      • Dynafit Tri-Step Binding 2001-2003
      • Naxo randonnee alpine touring AT ski binding FAQ
      • Dynafit Skiing Bindings – Info Index
      • Dynafit Binding Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
      • Dynafit Beast 16 FAQ Review 1
      • Dynafit Beast 16 FAQ Page Two
    • History
      • Trooper Traverse Intro & Index
      • Randonnee Ski Touring “AT” ski gear — What is Hip?
      • Chronology
    • Backcountry Skiing Core Glossary
    • Gear Review Policy & Disclosures
   

Double Pole Plant — Throwback or Modern?

by Lou Dawson June 23, 2016
written by Lou Dawson June 23, 2016
Double pole plant was viable in the 1960s, what about now?

Double pole plant was viable in the 1960s, what about now? It perhaps has some coaching uses as an exercise, and displays your well developed glutes to maximum effect, what more?

I’ve got a few double pole planter friends. You know who you are. I always wondered why you guys persisted. I mean, isn’t the double technique so 1969? (Yeah, 1969 was a very good year, but…)

Skiing History Magazine May June 2016.

Skiing History Magazine May June 2016. What is it about magazines? The discipline of publishing on an extended timeline? The time taken to edit and massage the writing? Whatever, Skiing History has really been stepping up. This cover is a 1920 lithograph by Milivoj Uzelak, a Croatian who was influential in the ‘modern’ art world around 1920. Recommended.

Latest issue of Skiing History Magazine devotes a page to the nefarious double. Author Ron LeMaster harkens back to 1969 for the technique being touted as a “trick” that puts skiers back on their feet when they’re having a bad day. But LeMaster brings it all to the present and says that in 2016 the double pole plant is still a “reliable presence in the standard coaching toolkit.” He goes on to explain that planting both poles at the beginning of the turn is a great training exercise for a lot of reasons, perhaps most importantly because it helps keep skiers forward going into the turn, fighting the insidious habit of dropping the uphill hand.

Is the double pole plant something for EVERY turn as I see some guys use it during steep backcountry descents? Not sure. In my experience it can add complexity and something to trip up on if you’re timing isn’t perfect. It’s also a little weird when the angle really kicks up, say past 45%.

What do you readers think?

27 comments
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
previous post
Hut Squatters and Eiger Flyers – Ski Touring News Roundup June 2016
next post
Five Things Dynafit did for Ski Touring

27 comments

Matt Kinney June 23, 2016 - 11:06 am

I use my helmet cam at times and if I double-pole, I screw up the next turn in some way. As soon as I notice what I’m doing I try to stop it. The double pole usually pops up while cruising moderate terrain for no reason. It’s a coordination issue.

Reply
Lou Dawson 2 June 23, 2016 - 11:18 am

Some of the technicality is that using a double pole plant doubles the weight of the arms out in front of you, which when combined with leverage exert substantial force on your stance, causing you to want to drop your rear etc. to compensate, IMHO.

You can do a “dry land” stance test that bears this out. Stand on level floor in a simulated ski stance that’s balanced on your feet front/back. Motion one arm forward straight as if pole planting, you’ll feel a slight compensation in your balance, knee bend, etc. Then do the same with both arm simultaneous and you’ll feel a very obvious difference in how you compensate.

Reply
Scott Allen June 23, 2016 - 12:01 pm

Wow! I just had 1969 dry land flash back…thanks for the “Experience!”

Reply
ptor June 23, 2016 - 12:03 pm

Coombs would put in a few double pole plants now and again which made me realize it’s a good club to have in your bag.

Reply
Rod June 23, 2016 - 12:22 pm

Always use it when skiing steep terrain that requires to stop at each turn, 50 degrees or so.

Also, on the first turn from stop in steep terrain.

Remy lecluse recommended it on every turn, because if you have inconsistent snow, planting just the downhill pole can make you fall forward, unrecoverable fall.

I also find that pushing off both poles makes it much easier to retract your feet and get your skis across immediately.

Btw, when you plant both poles, the downhill one is below your binding, add the uphill one above and behind the tip of the uphill ski

So it doesn’t move your weight back.

This is not like the double pole plant in the picture.

If you look at videos from steep stuff in chamonix, most of the turns have a double pole plant, unless it’s hero powder conditions.

Reply
XXX_er June 23, 2016 - 2:45 pm

Double plant the odd time it’s not the end of the world and usually nobody is watching

I regularly ski with a lapsed level 4 instructor who uses and recommends it in the bc but again not every turn

Reply
Will Derrick June 23, 2016 - 5:05 pm

I did a lot of monoskiing this year for a laugh, on piste, the double pole plant seemed rather pointless but in moderate powder, WOW, I felt like twice the man.

Reply
Lou Dawson 2 June 23, 2016 - 5:31 pm

I can’t wait for next winter! Double plant revival in the Dawson house!

Reply
Andrew June 24, 2016 - 7:14 am

Next year all we are going to see is people double pole planting all over the place and we can thank Lou for once again changing the landscape of skiing in America

Reply
Jim Milstein June 24, 2016 - 8:09 am

I planted double poles this spring, but only one came up.

Reply
Derek June 24, 2016 - 2:16 pm

Tomba made it work much later. He was/is a pretty strong skier.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_3q0Cj2nkM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_1ivF87q7k

I also find my self using it when things are very steep and conditions are uncertain.

another tool in the box.

Reply
See June 24, 2016 - 8:20 pm

Just watched those videos. I’m not really seeing a lot of pole planting. Whatever works is fine with me, but I try not to rely too much on my poles when going downhill. Some interesting pole action here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tpmv0HS6maM

Reply
Doug Hill June 25, 2016 - 6:55 am

Hmmmm….Seems like the double pole plant is still plenty relevant. Many racers / competent on piste skiers use a variation of of it while free skiing, people who still ski 3 pins, with leather boots and long skis seem to find it as hard to put away as their ancient equipment, where it really shines is starting jump turns in variable snow. It seems to help keep your weight out front through the turn/ transition. Pierre Tardievel, Seb Monatz, Killian Jornet all use it if you can find videos of them.

Reply
See June 25, 2016 - 8:19 am

I don’t mean to suggest that my idiosyncratic technique is superior to Tomba’s, Tardivel’s or anyone else’s. But for me, using arms/poles for weight distribution/timing/etc. is preferable to planting poles and pushing on them. For one thing, actual pole plants can be kind of hard on wrists, arms, etc.. Of course, one does what one has to do in serious situations.

Reply
Maciej Pike-Biegunski June 25, 2016 - 11:40 am

On steep, consequential terrain, the double is a good technique. This is particularly true in steep, narrow couloirs where the only safe way down is to make a series of tight, precise hop turns. Once or twice I’ve also double poled to get a little more boost when I had to clear a gap.

It’s not a skill for every turn or even every day, but sometimes makes the difference between skiing safely and in control in challenging terrain or flailing (and maybe falling) downhill.

Reply
Lou Dawson 2 June 25, 2016 - 12:18 pm

Good thoughts you guys, I’m hearing from quite a few folks that this innocent little post has expanded their technique horizon, myself included.

I’m just waiting for one certain guy to chime in.

Lou

Reply
mike June 25, 2016 - 4:40 pm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2soYD8LX7YI here’s an interesting steep skiing turn called the pedal hop turn

Reply
See June 25, 2016 - 6:30 pm

That Vallencant video pretty much defines the the super steep turn, in my opinion. But I guess I’m old school.

Reply
Bob Perlmutter June 25, 2016 - 9:59 pm

OK Lou, I’ll take the bait. Having been known to incorporate the double pole plant from time to time, I am guilty as charged. I’ll take any association I can get with Tomba, Coombs(the best technical skier I have ever skied with beyond World Cup skiers) et all regardless of how distant, vague and outright inaccurate. I have the Marolt brothers to blame for introducing me to this arcane technique sometime back in the latter half of the 80’s. I have been trying to kick the habit ever since. They can’t help themselves as it’s part of their DNA.

In all seriousness, the double pole plant does have it’s place in a skiers bag of tricks. Be it hop turns on really steep terrain and/or helping lift your skis out of difficult snow on steep terrain where absolute control of turn radius and speed can be a matter of life and death. Note the first couple of turns in this attached video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ev3rL1AbJE

That said, more often than not, what I call a “double pole touch” is often confused as an actual double pole plant. Note the two videos of Tomba. As an aside, look at how much his technique changes from “88” to “92”. In “88” he is utilizing a lot of up/down vertical motion and by “92” it’s almost all lateral motion. The evolution of technique and the evolution of equipment go hand in hand. I mention this because with today’s modern gear, a lot of the exaggerated motions of the past are needed far less often if at all. Thank goodness because I was getting tired of all those double pole plants.

Reply
Lou Dawson 2 June 26, 2016 - 7:46 am

Hey Bob! Thanks for stopping by, appreciate it. I like your point about “touch” vs the “plant.” Now we need to see if a Marolt chimes in here. Lou

Reply
Ron June 27, 2016 - 11:17 am

double pole plant works well with the telemark turn, adds balance when tired

Reply
Jack June 27, 2016 - 11:53 am

Ok, I’m about 1/4 the skier as some mentioned above and *rarely* double pole plant. Generating power and uplift in really crappy snow, on the steep, I do a decisive uplift/near jump turn. My pole plant technique, esp. on steep, first turns is to do an air plant that puts my body in the right position. Going too far forward or down seeking real plant is very unbalancing. I’ll try some doubles this winter. Do I have to say “Huut” at each plant?
[I hate slipping and tripping over a planted lower pole – avoid!]

Reply
Pete Anzalone June 28, 2016 - 11:24 pm

Great, fun reading, very entertaining. Thanks Lou and all you creative, double pole planting contributors.

Reply
Lou Dawson 2 June 29, 2016 - 8:55 am

Pete, come clean. You double or not? Lou

Reply
JCoates June 29, 2016 - 10:33 am

Not sure about Tomba, but I’ve been trying for years to perfect Rémy Lécluse’s double pole plant on steep terrain. I still haven’t been able to ski a 10% as beautiful as him. Not sure what he is saying in this video but it doesn’t matter. His skiing is perfection.

http://m.epictv.com/video/skiing/how-make-steep-turns-remy-lecluse

Reply
BenL July 4, 2016 - 4:52 pm

Are you going to break out the mono ski Lou (or unscrew it from the picket fence)

Reply
jasper December 30, 2016 - 6:37 pm

Check out the French ski film ‘Te’s Pa Bien Lá (Downside Up)’ for some double pole plant inspiration.

Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Anti-Spam Quiz:

Promotion Image

Gear Reviews

  • WildSnow Women’s Boot Roundup 2019-20

    November 21, 2019
  • Fritschi (Black Diamond) Xenic 10 Binding Technical Review

    November 11, 2019
  • FutureLight vs. Gore-tex — Ultimate Sweat Test

    October 17, 2019

Recent Comments

  • XXX_er on DIY Boot Fitting Tricks for Ski Touring
  • Chris on Dynafit TLT-7-P Ski Boot Technical Review
  • Ben on DIY Boot Fitting Tricks for Ski Touring
  • Bill on Beacon Guidebooks in the Age of Information
  • Manasseh on Beacon Guidebooks in the Age of Information

Trip Reports

  • Trip Report — Early Turns in Jumbo, BC

    November 8, 2019
  • Denali 2019 — What Worked, What Didn’t Part I

    November 4, 2019
  • Early Season Turns and Mid Season Instability

    November 1, 2019

Totally Deep Podcast

  • Blake Gordon Comes Down From the Himal — TDP 69

    November 20, 2019
  • Angus Morrison Splitboard Car Talk – TDP 68

    October 30, 2019
  • Skiing the Lhotse Couloir — TDP 51 & Short Film

    October 23, 2019

Tips & Tricks

  • Field Treatment for Climbing Skin Failure

    December 3, 2019
  • Travel Tips for Your Next Ski Trip

    December 2, 2019
  • Ski Crampons — When To, When Not To and How

    November 26, 2019

Ski Touring Stories

  • Taking a Ski Mountaineering Course…Online

    November 29, 2019
  • Confessions of Snowman

    November 23, 2019
  • A Grand Traverse Gone Awry

    November 15, 2019

Newsletter Sign-Up

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • About Lou Dawson
  • Authors Page
  • About
  • Contact
  • Copyright & Legal
  • Website Security

@2019 - All Right Reserved. Designed and Developed by WildsSnow


Back To Top

Read alsox

Beacon Guidebooks in the Age of...

December 13, 2019

Ski Touring News Roundup December 2019

December 11, 2019

PNW Snow Report — More, Please

December 9, 2019