KID-EASE  POLE-BAR

  
 

The pole-bar may be attached temporarily to a ski pole just above the basket.  The pole-bar can be positioned either flush to the ski pole (called  the "closed" position") or transverse (called the "open" position)  to the ski pole, as shown below.

 
   
  When in the closed position, one may ski normally since the pole bar is lightweight and does not interfere with the normal use of the ski pole to which it is attached.  In the open position, the pole-bar can be used to pull small children on skis, either by having the child grasp the bar with his/her hands, or by putting the pole-bar behind the child (like a T-bar) and pulling.  

Below are several pictures.  The left one shows an Alpe d'Huez ski instructor using the pole-bar to pull a child towards the ski lift.  Note how the child grasps the ski pole shaft, resulting in a comfortable and stable situation for the child as well as the adult.  On the right is a ski instructor at Courchevel using the pole to provide support for a child.  In this case, the pole-bar serves to prevent the child from sliding away from the instructor (note that without the pole-bar, the instructor needs to lift up the far end of the ski pole to prevent the child from sliding outwards, a gesture that can cause back problems for the instructor).

  
 

 
   

The pole-bar may also be used to control the speed of a child, as shown in the pictures below. 

Two children can be pulled with a single pole bar, as shown below on the left.  For confident parents skiing with two children, the use of two pole bars (one on each ski pole) is possible for pulling or, as shown below on the right, restraining two children.  Click here to see more pictures of the pole-bar in use.

  
 

To attach the pole-bar to a ski pole, place the ski pole shaft into the gap in the block (part 1 in the drawing below).  With the ski pole shaft parallel to the axis of the gap, slide the lock (part 2 in the drawing below) into the gap.  Once the lock is in place, simply raise the block on the ski pole shaft as high as it will go.  At this point the pole bar is ready for use and may be placed in the open or closed position.
 

 
 

 

Click on the images below to download a short video clips of testimonials and of the pole-bar in use.

This clip shows an Alpe d'Huez ESF ski instructor using the pole bar with a child approximately 3 years old, as well as a testimonial of a mother who used the device with her 8 year-old daughter.
This clip shows Gareth Roberts, Technical Director of the Supreme Ski School at Courchevel, using the device with a 10 year-old student.
This clip shows a testimonial from the director of Magic In Motion ski school at Courchevel.
This clip shows Dave Hooper using two pole-bars (one on each pole) with his two daughters, aged 3 and 5.  In the first section of the clip, he is pulling his daughters behind him, and in the second clip he is controlling their speed from behind as they ski down a hill.
This clip shows the use of the pole bar with a 30 month old boy who has only been on skis four times previously!
This clip shows the use of the pole bar with a 3 year old boy to restrain his speed as he descends a slope.
 

More pictures of the pole-bar in use are available here.

A user's manual for the pole-bar is available here.

For more information on the pole-bar, contact Brett Kraabel.