Grassticks Ski Poles – Functionality, Durability and Great Looks

Michael Clemente

As high peaks in Colorado received an early season dusting of snow this past week and the air is turning crisper, the excitement for ski season is building. While ski season is still a couple of months away, some of us are getting our gear ready. Amidst all the gear you might be considering upgrading, ski poles are often an overlooked essential. With that in mind, I want to share my experience with Grassticks ski poles and why I”m stoked about them in terms of functionality, durability, and of course, their unique look.

Grassticks Ski Poles review

Over the years, countless conversations on lifts have revolved around gear (and skiing in general) and one item that consistently receives compliments is my Grasssticks ski poles. The standout feature? They are crafted from bamboo, which not only boasts an eye-catching cool factor but also remarkable durability. I’ve been using mine for 3+ seasons, and they show no signs of giving up. This longevity is particularly impressive when you consider the wear and tear of my most gear endures due to exposure to the elements and given my frequent use.

Made in Steamboat, Colorado, Grasssticks is a local company with an amazing team. As someone who values supporting small, local businesses committed to sustainable practices while also delivering a top-notch product, I’m a big fan of Grasssticks.

I discovered Grasssticks poles a few years ago, and their unique appearance immediately caught my attention. These poles, crafted from bamboo, offer a ton of customization options. You can select preferred grips, basket colors, wrist straps, and even have your name or a tagline etched into them. No two pairs are alike, making them a conversation starter on the slopes.

But more importantly than looks, what’s impressed me is the durability. Over the years, I’ve experienced a fair share of bent and broken aluminum ski poles. Grasssticks poles offer the perfect blend of flexibility and durability, preventing permanent damage. They’ve accompanied me on some big skiing adventures, both in resorts and the backcountry, and I anticipate their longevity for seasons to come.

Moreover, these poles feel incredibly natural, both in terms of materials and while skiing inbounds and in the backcountry, thanks to their bamboo construction. They are lightweight with a comfortable swing weight, instilling confidence every time I plant them for a turn.

Throughout the season, Grasssticks often hosts events around Colorado where you can have custom poles made on the spot. My experience involved purchasing them at an event at Highside Brewing in Frisco, CO. The team made them to order as I enjoyed time with friends at the brewery after a day of skiing, and I had them in hand, ready to ski the following morning. Ordering them online is equally efficient, with custom-made poles typically ready and shipped out in just a few days.

I opted for baskets that match my skis and boots and chose cork grips. While aesthetics aren’t everything, these poles perfectly complement my skis and boots, enhancing the overall look.

In terms of value, Grasssticks ski poles are reasonably priced at approximately $110 to $130 for a pair, depending on your customization choices. Considering the durability, use of sustainable materials, customization options, and unique style, this price range is more than justified.

What’s also notable is Grasssticks’ focused lineup. For winter, they produce the exceptional ski poles discussed above, while in summer, they offer customized SUP and canoe paddles, as well as trekking poles, all crafted from bamboo, providing that same distinctive look on the water during warmer months.

Lastly, the company also has a sense of humor. Grasssticks even offers a funny home accessory, a bamboo plunger. I’d imagine this was initially conceived as a gag, but is a real product available on their website. Same grip as their ski poles, but with a familiar plunger on the other end. For ski enthusiasts looking to add a touch of amusing ski aesthetics to their home, this quirky item fits the bill. With skis and poles hanging on my wall, having a matching bamboo pole by the porcelain throne adds a playful touch to my ski-themed home decor. Hopefully, it’s the only Grasssticks product I won’t need to use for pole planting anytime soon.

Michael Clemente

Michael loves to ski. No, seriously,  Michael loves to ski. Let’s qualify this.

Growing up on the East Coast he found NYC and DJ culture. While working for a massive tech company during the day he played and mixed electronic music at night. Somewhere amid this excess, he found skiing. It was enough to inspire a transfer to Denver. And, after driving over Loveland Pass on his way to ski at Arapahoe Basin for the first time, he realized how good his decision was. He also took up yoga.

60lbs lighter and tons of fun later he recognized how skiing had started him on a journey. He gave up the corporate job, bought a truck and a multi-resort ski pass and took off. #trucklife is like #vanlife only smaller and more frugal. A winter touring the US, Canada, and AK was inspiring. But, he wanted to be home in Colorado, so he moved to Summit County and started working in Outdoor Retail.

Did you guess you can find him skiing in the winter? Backcountry or resort its all good. In the summer he is thinking of skiing, riding a mountain bike, or hiking in the mountains.

You can find out more about his trip skiing 22 resorts or some of his other adventures at www.othersidemtn.com or Instagram @michaelclemente