If you’re in timber country, a bomber ski pole fix is easy. Here’s the method I use. Takes 10 minutes max. All blog readers out there, comments and ideas always appreciated!
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| First, whip out that Gerber or other multi-tool and fix the crimped ends so they’re as circular as possible. |
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| Find a tree branch that’s slightly larger than inside of pole. Strongest wood is a dead branch that’s still on a tree. Cut a piece of branch about 4 inches long, then whittle down this dowel so it’s a hair larger than inside of pole. |
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| Pound one end of your dowel into the pole using a rock, side of an ice axe head, or whatever makes a good whacker. Stick the other pole on the wood dowel and pound it on as well, so the broken ends of the pole mate. The idea here is to get a good tight “press-fit” of the dowel. |
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| Find another tree branch that’s about finger diameter and make 3 pieces, each about 6 inches long. Tape these struts on the outside of the repair, approximately equidistant from each other. After a preliminary tape job to locate the struts, tape them super tight. Add compression with a few ski straps if you have them. The tape is key as it keeps the struts from sliding up and down the pole, but good compression is also important — you don’t want any play in the repair that could wallow out the fit. If done well, this repair is amazingly strong and keeps your pole at its original length, although the added weight will feel like you’re carrying a Sioux war club. |
If you don’t have trees available, simply overlap the two ski pole ends by about 6 inches, then use copious tape and ski straps. If you’ve got adjustable poles, extend them to compensate for the repair. If you’re above timberline you’ll have to use the overlap method. Hose clamps are best for that — they’re a good addition to any extensive repair kit, but tape and straps will do the job.
The list:
10. Jump start a car without blinding yourself.
9. First-aid a serious laceration.
8. Rip skins in the wind without giving your scalp a bikini wax.
7. Fix a broken ski pole with duct tape and pocket knife.
6. Do a jump turn in the face of danger.
5. Start a fire in the snow while you’re shivering.
3. Quickly dig a person out of an avalanche.
1. Practice a humble mindset so caution rules the day.
WildSnow.com publisher emeritus and founder Lou (Louis Dawson) has a 50+ years career in climbing, backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering. He was the first person in history to ski down all 54 Colorado 14,000-foot peaks, has authored numerous books about about backcountry skiing, and has skied from the summit of Denali in Alaska, North America’s highest mountain.
