A ski pole assembly that includes: a ski pole, which defines a cavity; an extension, which is at least partially received by the cavity and is configured to traverse the cavity along a longitudinal axis of the ski pole; and a mounting mechanism that is configured to removably couple an attachment to the extension.

A ski pole holder is provided. The ski pole holder is positioned toward a toe side of a ski footwear, to secure a portion of the ski pole within a channel of the ski pole holder. The ski pole holder includes a housing with the channel that extends towards the skier. When the skier is riding a ski lift, the ski pole is received within the housing to retain the ski pole. Fasteners within the channel secure the ski pole to the ski pole holder. The housing also includes a front sidewall and guides to help ensure that the tip of the ski pole is easily positioned within the channel. A lateral sidewall includes an open slot to provide for removal of snow that accumulates within the channel. The ski pole holder is attachable to the upper side of the ski footwear or is permanently integrated.

A ski pole hook assembly is provided. The assembly includes a clamp having an arcuate clamp body and a hook having an arcuate hook body. The arcuate clamp body has a first free end and a second free end, with an open space between the first free end and the second free end. The hook has a free hook end and an attached end defining a space, with a gap between the free hook end and the attached end. The attached end is attached to the clamp body between the first free end and the second free end.

A variety of ski and hiking poles are described. In one aspect, magnets are provided on the pole handles and baskets to facilitate magnetic coupling a pair of poles together in a state suitable for carrying. In some embodiments, a pair of magnets are provided on each side of the handle. In some embodiments, a basket alignment piece is attached to the pole shaft. The alignment piece helps facilitate attachment of the basket to the pole shaft in an orientation that aligns the basket magnets relative to the handle magnets. In another aspect novel wrist straps are described.