Knowing the angle of the slope you’re on is important for bragging rights and avoiding avalanches. There are plenty of options available for measuring slope angle, with price usually providing an indication of accuracy.

There is a new slope angle estimator heading to market that is a simple sticker that you apply to your ski poles. You need to apply it along the length axis of the ski pole accurately. Assuming that is done with precision, then all you need to do to estimate slope angle is hold the pole up vertically and then, either look across the slope with it to estimate slope angle, or down slope.

If you’re not ready to pony up $120 for Pieps electronic ‘clinometer that measures slope angle to an accuracy of 1° or a new pair of poles from K2 with an embedded slope meter, or a separate clinometer that you can get from a hardware store or with a snow science kit, this is a low-budget option. For a quick estimate with an accuracy with 5°, more with practice, you can hardly beat the price, weight, or convenience.

If you want this simple tool in your bag of tricks, you can help make it reality by contributing to the Kickstarter campaign to fund the first production run. Go to poleclinometer.com.

If you want an even lighter option, consider using a your ski poles, brain and trigonometry.

© 2014