Use Poles to Adjust Risers

When ski touring over long distances it is crucial to conserve your energy.  Not only to help get to your objective, but also to have enough energy to enjoy the ski down! 

Lunging, squatting, or bending over to adjust your risers will use up an unnecessary amount of energy.  This energy waste is amplified when you are carrying a heavy backpack as well.  So, learning to use your ski pole to adjust your risers is a great way to save energy.

Keep in mind that not all ski poles work with all riser designs.  Most poles that are designed for ski touring will have some form of hook or protruding nub on the handle.  However, depending on how that shape fits with your particular bindings, this could make adjustments to the risers easy or impossible. 

Therefore, when picking your ski touring poles, make sure they will work well with your touring bindings (not the other way around – I consider the binding design to take priority).

Stay safe, stay Savvy, and get out there!

Avi Kleiman
Founder, Savvy Touring Company Ltd.
For Life in the Backcountry

P.S.
As a side note, since we are discussing risers, don’t always jump to your high-risers unless it is absolutely necessary.  In the interest of conserving energy, oftentimes staying on low or no-risers will use much less energy.  This is because you will be able to maintain a lower heart rate and keep a consistent pace over a long period of time.  So, learn to (safely) read the terrain and opt for the path of least resistance.