Built for freeskiers who spend their days off the groomers, the Salomon Steep Pro S3 Ski Pole is a durable aluminum freeride pole. A strong alloy shaft, an extended rubber grip, and a wide powder basket are joined by a strap with a built-in safety release. That adds up to a pole you can choke down on for steep traverses, plant confidently in deep snow, and trust when things get sketchy.

Why we like it:

The extended rubber grip. Being able to slide your hand down the shaft on a sidehill traverse or a short bootpack is a small thing that makes a big difference, and here it's built right in.

Features and Functions:

Salomon starts with a 7075 series aluminum alloy shaft, which it rates 40% stronger and 10% lighter than standard aluminum, in a sturdy 18mm diameter that holds up to rocks, lift ramps, and everything else a freeride day throws at a pole. Beneath the grip, a rubber sleeve extends down the shaft so you can grab lower on traverses and climbs without your hand slipping. The S3 Comfort strap is Salomon's auto-release safety design, built to let go in sketchy situations rather than tethering you to a snagged pole. A 95mm freeride basket provides extra lift in powder so the pole doesn't sink to the grip on deep days.

Bottom Line:

The Steep Pro S3 is a freeride pole for skiers who split time between powder, trees, and steep terrain and want gear that never needs babying. It's a reliable, do-everything off-trail pole with safety built into the strap.