How Snow Skiing Equipment Works

Some people name their cars; if you're looking to name your ski poles, you might consider the names Georg Bilgeri and Ed Scott. Both men were incredibly influential in the development and use of ski poles.

Georg Bilgeri was an Austrian army official, a co-worker of the famed ski instructor Mathias Zdarsky. Zdarsky taught Austrian troops to ski with just one pole, which was standard prior to the year 1905 [source: Fry, "1905"]. Zdarsky believed that a good skier needed just one pole, which would serve both as a propelling force and as a steering device. Bilgeri countered that a pole in each hand would allow for more efficient turns. Zdarsky treated Bilgeri with derision, even challenging him to a duel [source: Fry, "1905"].

Bilgeri's method won out, but we have Ed Scott to thank for making ski poles user-friendly. Ski poles used to be extremely heavy; Scott said they were "as heavy as a croquet mallet" [source: Fry, "Poles Apart"]. Scott created a thinner, lighter pole that makes fast turns as simple as pie.

But are poles completely necessary? Not necessarily -- you could ski without them, and some ski instructors believe that misuse of poles can encourage bad habits, such as not using the lower body to initiate and make turns [sources: Nelson; Rogan, Campbell]. When used properly, however, ski poles can provide stability, momentum and balance on the slopes.

Every ski run presents many threats to your eyes. Sunlight and the glare from the snow can be blinding, as can falling snow and a blustery wind. That's why it's important to wear goggles on the slopes. When it comes to goggles, though, one size doesn't fit all, and it's important to wear the pair that fits well and is designed for the conditions you'll be skiing in. Wearing a pair of ill-fitting goggles can be just as dangerous as not wearing goggles at all.

When shopping for ski goggles, consider where and when you'll be doing most of your skiing. Some goggles are designed for bright light, so they tint accordingly, while others are meant for low-light conditions. Bring along the hat or helmet you'll be wearing while skiing to ensure a proper fit, and if you wear glasses, look for goggles designed to fit over your lenses. A good-fitting pair won't have any gaps where snow or moisture could get in. When trying on goggles, ensure that you have a wide field of vision; you'll need that vital peripheral vision to spot skiers veering into your path.

Goggles that fit well have a lesser chance of fogging up, but look for a pair with antifog coating or a ventilation system (such as a tiny fan) to ensure that they don't. In addition to antifog coating, goggles should also provide protection from UV rays. With the right pair of protective goggles, you'll always have the finish line in sight.