Bob Peters, Ski Instructor and Guide, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort wrote:OOOPS! I fell.
Now I've grabbed one pole a bit above the basket with one hand while holding the handle with the other. I'm starting to apply as much pressure as i can to dig in the basket of that pole:
Now, I've shifted my "basket" hand down as close to the basket as I can and I'm applying every bit of leverage on that basket that I'm capable of. My feet are in the air (trying to show that the skis aren't necessary in this process), and you can see the groove my pole is leaving above me.
Here, I'm driving that pole and basket into the snow as if my life depended on it.
Now I've already slowed pretty substantially. I've got a huge amount of bend in that pole, which is an indication of how much pressure I'm applying (thank God for Black Diamond poles ):
Thanks to Bob Peters!
The only point to consider is whether or not to disengage with the straps of the ski poles before acsending, traversing or descending in no-fall terrain. I mention this because the angle of attack is better with the upper hand about halfway down the pole with the lower hand right against the basket.
I wonder if the Leki quick release straps would release the upper hand strap in the haste and vigor of ski pole self-arrest???