Trail Poles Clinic

Learn the technique. Test the gear. Find your ideal setup.

With trail running poles from Mountain King.

Trail running poles can make a huge difference on steep climbs, long trails and technical terrain — if you know how to use them correctly.

In this hands-on clinic of about 2 hours you learn not only how to use trail poles efficiently, but also which length, type of pole and carry system suit you.

No trail poles yet? Perfect.

Test poles and different carry systems are included during the clinic. So you don't have to buy gear first only to find out afterwards that you made the wrong choice.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN IN THE CLINIC?

01 — Understanding your gear

We start with the basics: which pole suits you and why?

Why and when to use trail poles?

Different types of trail poles

Fixed, folding and adjustable systems

Carbon versus aluminium

Determining the right pole length

Using grips and straps correctly

Different ways to carry poles

Single and double quivers

Attaching to a trail running vest

You'll see different systems and can try them out yourself.

02 — Walking & power hiking with poles

Then we head out onto the terrain.

We start with the basic technique and build on it step by step.

Among other things, you learn:

Alternating pole technique

Correct pole placement

Timing and rhythm

Efficient power transfer

Power hiking with poles

Recognising and correcting common mistakes

03 — Steep climbs

When the terrain gets steeper, your technique changes too.

We practise:

Double pole technique

Steep climbs

Adjusting your stride length

Switching between techniques

Choosing the right technique for the terrain

04 — Running with trail poles

Once the basic technique is in place, we move on to trail running.

You practise:

Running with poles

Coordination between arms and legs

Rhythm while running

When to use your poles

When to stow them

Quickly taking poles out and stowing them again

Working with a quiver on the move

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER ON THE TRAIL

We end the clinic with a short trail course where you combine all the techniques you've learned.

Here you won't be told each time which technique to use. You learn to read the terrain and make decisions yourself.

Use poles or stow them?
Alternating or double pole technique?
Run or power hike?
When do you switch?

The ultimate goal is not simply being able to run with poles.

The goal is learning when and how to use them efficiently.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Duration
approx. 2 hours

Group size
Maximum 6 participants

Gear
Use of test poles and carry systems is included in the price.

So you don't need your own trail poles to take part.

Don't have your exact length available as a trail running pole? Then we use an adjustable carbon pole so we can set the correct length and teach the technique perfectly.