BILLINGS - Staying under control when skiing can mean the difference between a hospital visit or another run down the hill and one of the easiest ways to do that is with ski poles. Ski poles like this one are pretty bright and flashy, but as I found out they're meant for more than just style points on the mountain.

"If you could make some turns just your normal turns like you normally do. Show me your stuff, showoff a little bit, make your best moves and maybe I can help you out," said Red Lodge Mountain Ski Instructor Eliza Kuntz. "Alright you have to stop. You've got to stop. One of the first things we're going to do is we're going to teach you what to do with the poles. Because you're just carrying them around like they're an accessory, you're not quite sure what to do with them, but they do have a purpose so let’s work on what that purpose is and how that can help you make a better turn," said Kuntz.

"So, the first thing that they're for is they're a timing device. Now what they're timing is they're timing our turn. So, I am going to do what's called a pole touch. I'm going to swing my pole out, touch it to the ground, and bring it right back," said Kuntz. "You don't need to be pulling yourself around. Touch this out then you'll make your turn and it will comeback," said Kuntz.

That's absolutely perfect if it were completely opposite. Touch and turn. Kuntz leaves this tip if you're planning on heading to the mountain to practice. "Just to practice it hands forward touch, turn, and go."