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Don't Use Pole Straps

Mark Staples
Director, Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center


A standard practice that often gets lost in avalanche education is to not wear wrist straps on ski poles when riding in avalanche terrain. It's not an intentional omission, but there is just so much to learn and only so much students can absorb in a course.
The reason not to wear pole straps is that if you're caught in an avalanche, the snow will pull on your poles and pull your arms away from your body. They can also drag you deeper into the debris. Skis or snowboards will do the same thing. They are almost like a boat anchor.  You want to be able to let go of your poles and have your skis come off your feet if you are ever caught in an avalanche. 
So, one great option is to remove the wrist straps from your poles permanently. Get used to holding your poles without straps. Some poles have detachable straps that can pop off when pulled hard enough. Regardless of whether you keep your pole straps or not, don't wear them when you are in avalanche terrain.