How do ski poles help you balance?

Answer 1

Ski poles only help you balance when you are a beginner. Beginners who rely on their ski poles for balance end up learning some bad habits of form, some ski areas won't even give students poles until they're an intermediate skier! Ski poles are more about rhythm, and when you're in difficult terrain, like moguls, they help you with unweighting. (They are also very handy for unhooking bindings and for pointing to things in the distance ;-) ) If you are relying on your poles for balance, or dragging them while you ski because that makes you feel secure, you might want to try skiing without them for awhile. You'll develop balance much faster without them.

Answer 2

Ski poles help you balance by providing additional points of contact with the snow, allowing you to push against or lean on them as needed. They also help you maintain stability while skiing by helping you initiate turns and controlling your speed.