18 Ways To Repurpose Ski Poles In Your Home & Garden

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If you're an avid winter sports lover, there's a good chance that you have skied frequently enough to have bought your own ski set. But sometimes we move, experience lifestyle changes, have extras or broken ones laying around, or lose interest, leaving us with these long, thin poles and skis. While there are many useful ways to repurpose the skis, you can't forget about the poles. From building lamps to using them as a plant trellis, don't toss those ski poles. Instead, repurpose them in your home and garden.

Ski poles can be made from many different materials, such as aluminum, carbon fiber, composite, and wood, like pine and bamboo. This skiing necessity is composed of the (adjustable) grip, hand guards, strap, shaft (including curved ones), and basket. The top section includes the grip, hand guards, and straps where you hold the staff. Below that is the shaft, and at the bottom is the basket — the disk that stays on the surface of snow. Different types of poles have different purposes for other styles of skiing, including all-mountain, backcountry, freeride, cross-country, and freestyle. Ski poles have been around for centuries, but the most common ones you'll come across or already have are vintage or contemporary versions. Some projects will consist of you cutting through the stick's material as well as only using specific parts, so plan accordingly based on the type of pole you have.

A useful project some people are doing with their old ski poles is turning them into toilet plungers. Every bathroom needs one, so grab your staff and cut it down to around 18 to 25 inches and attach a plunger head. The rubber should easily suction to the stick, but you may need to adjust it or apply adhesives like super glue until it is securely in place. If you utilize the plunger quite a bit, make sure to replace the head at least once a year and sanitize the handle.

Take those poles and make use of them to build a lamp. For this project, you'll be using the staffs as the legs. The length of the legs will vary depending on the size of the lamp you want. If you want a taller light source, you may need to work with multiple poles. Cut your shafts down and leave a diagonal cut at the top. Sand the cut and attach the legs to the lamp base. Follow electrical instructions before attaching the lighting source as well as a shade.

Get creative and practice sustainability by using your collection of ski poles as customized stair railings. For this remodeling feature, you'll need to remove the handle and basket from the gear, leaving only the shaft. Cut those sticks into the size of your railing opening and install. While it can be a fun DIY, you also can contact a professional team to help you bring your vision to life.

Those extra ski poles you have lying around can work very well as a part in a shelving project. Achieve this organizational tool by keeping the shaft at its normal height or cut it down until you get your desired length. You may need to work with multiple ski sticks, especially if you want larger shelves. Move the baskets down as feet for the furniture piece. Utilize skis, sleds, or a different flat board and attach the poles to create shelves. Set it out as your every day décor or use during the holidays.

Tie together your ski poles to create a tent or tepee shape as an impromptu trellis. You'll need three to four ski shafts. Once built, place it in your garden and let your plants do the work. Plant cucumbers, pumpkins, or melons as some of the perfect plants for using with a trellis. Just remember that your sticks may rust or degrade over time due to exposure to sun and the weather. Replace once it breaks or store in a dry, covered area until you need it again.

Every bathroom needs a place to store extra toilet paper rolls; therefore, get your restroom in shape by converting your ski poles into a roll holder. You'll want to keep the handle and basket but shorten the shaft to where it is tall enough to make it comfortable to reach as you replace the roll. Don't forget to adhere a base at the bottom of your stick to easily hold the toilet paper and to ensure the tissue doesn't get dirty from the ground. Once you finish making it, set out near your toilet.

Grab your ski poles and turn them into makeshift curtain rods in your home. Depending on the size of the holes on your curtains, you may have to remove the basket and grip to easily slide the shaft through. Once you get the stick through, it becomes a rod alternative and you can set it back in place. If you have a ski theme or don't want to lose the pieces, you can reattach them. If not, you also can reuse these two pieces in other DIYs.

A cool way to hang tapestry and other wall art is to combine it with your ski poles. This is an excellent option for macramé, tapestry, or any pieces that have hooks or tie-backs. Attach the two items together and then dangle above a couch or even a bed. Depending on the design, you can incorporate it into a gallery wall. If you want to easily suspend it on the wall, remove the basket and handle, or you can keep them on if it matches the overall vibe.

If you are a crafty individual or a woodworker, you can easily transform your skis and poles into a drink can holder. For this project, you'll grab your skis or a plain board and your poles and cut them into even pieces. Take your wood pieces and put them together until you have the bottom and sides set up. Then attach your hollow sticks on the front and back. You also can add a handle with wood or twine or keep it open. Then, easily carry your drinks wherever you go.

For a truly unique project, use the handle and strap of ski poles to fabricate a bottle opener. Remove the grip from the shaft and keep the extra parts for a different repurposing DIY. Operate your drill and produce a hole at the end of your grip. Take Ohiyoo steel bottle opener inserts and screw one into the grip. Once securely in place, easily use it to pop open a cold one. Since these skiing tools come in a pair, you can make a matching set as a fun, handmade gift.

If you take the bottom section of your ski pole with the basket, it can turn into an interesting dangling ornament. However, while you can make it any length, keep it on the shorter end, so it can swing freely. Attach a hanging hook or twine to make it easy to install where you want this decorative element. You also can embellish it with paint, stickers, beads, or other creative additions. Then, attach it to a hanging plant, tree, wind chime, or bird feeder.

Worried about burning yourself or your kids getting hurt every time you guys roast marshmallows or hotdogs over a fire? Not anymore when you can take your ski poles and turn them into roasting sticks. Remove the basket at the bottom of the gear and then cut the shaft to your desired length. Slide a fork into the hole and adhere it to the long baton. Once attached, it is ready for you to begin roasting food. Clean the stick after each use.

Because you use your ski poles in the snow, they can seamlessly work with your holiday and winter décor. There are many ways you can utilize these gear essentials into your decorations. For example, you can create a snowy scene by combining the sticks with other ski gear and winter elements. You also can cut the shafts down to fit other ornamental elements. You can even keep it as is and use it to hang stockings. Some ski pole designs and colors can even match your festive decorations.

Keep the basket of your ski pole as a feature in a DIY drink stirrer. When it comes to this project, you will not be using the whole piece, just the basket at the bottom. You'll remove it and then attach it to a plain metal stirrer as an ornamental feature. Before adding your disc, make sure to thoroughly disinfect it before using it near your beverages. This is a great statement piece in a bar that has a cozy ski lodge feel.

You can build a tranquil Zen garden in your yard by repurposing your ski poles as a wind chime. To easily craft this feature, you'll cut your ski shaft down to the bottom section with the basket. Don't toss out the rest of the piece — keep it for a different repurposing project. Then, attach a twine and add other decorative elements to take your wind chime to a new height. Once finished, hang it outside to naturally bring music into your outdoor space.

Take your ski poles and transform them into a towel rack for your kitchen or bathroom. This is a fun way to display cool designs or popular logos. Before setting it up, you'll need to measure your space and grab your skis or another board and brackets. Drill the brackets onto your board. For easier installation, add hanging brackets or hooks on the back. Cut your ski gear to fit the bracket. Suspend the organizational tool on the wall and then drape your towel or wash cloth.

Easily dry clothes without a machine by using your ski poles as an air drying tool. For this hack, remove the grip and baskets. Then, hang the sticks in your garage or between two walls. Once secure, suspend your clothes or sheets to dry. Remember to take the poles down and put them away after every use. While you don't have to cut the shaft, you can make it shorter for more permanent solutions (like if you install it in your utility room).

When in doubt, reuse your ski poles as chic home décor. You can seamlessly make your home look like a ski lodge by hanging your old or vintage ski items like the ski poles. Pair it with other gear and photos of your winter adventures. Vintage skis can also look charming in a rustic home or hunting lodge when combined with antlers. Safely suspend these sticks on your wall with secure brackets. You also can set it against a wall or corner to create a festive scene.