About Us

We are the United States Ski Pole Company (USSPC), the only manufacturers of 100% carbon fiber ski poles in the USA. Established in 2012 and based in Northern Michigan, we are focused on quality, comfort and performance, over price. If you expect the best, we are here to deliver. 100% satisfaction guaranteed with all our Nordic skiing products. We don’t just make ski poles; we make ski poles you’ll enjoy skiing with year after year.

Andy Liebner
– Owner

Company Story

The U.S. Ski Pole Company (USSPC) is a small family business in Northern Michigan. It is founded by retired Nordic skier and author of Wild Shot, Andy Liebner. Originally from Soldotna, Alaska, Andy was inspired to make better products than what was being offered by overseas manufacturers in the skiing industry. He has developed a state-of-the-art elite line of Nordic ski poles.

Because of Andy’s degrees in Coaching and Nutrition from Northern Michigan University (NMU) and University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), Andy wanted to make a greater impact on the enjoyment and international competitiveness within U.S. and Canadian skiers. No other company will visit small remote towns to offer free coaching clinics, demo sessions, give speeches about sports nutrition, and be able to passionately inspire the youth to continue in the great healthy sport of Nordic skiing than Andy and USSPC.

We at USSPC are more than a ski pole company; we’re a team of passionate people who love to see others succeed and make the most of life. Our team of carbon fiber experts provide a best-in-class two-year warranty. We’re ready to sponsor athletes, teams, and promote local ski shops to boost the U.S. economic job growth within the winter sport industry. As each winter brings its own unknowns, we encourage maximizing the season with health, fitness, and invitations to our family and friends to join the sport and become skiers, which increases sport size and strength as a competitive nation.

We use our own advanced carbon fiber construction method, equipment, and processes, resulting in unique ski poles. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued us several patents for the clever and practical functionality of our components. With our machines and technology located in the U.S.A., we have the capabilities and the advantage to quickly make custom-colored ski pole components and individualized graphics.

Each order we receive helps and the dollars are utilized in the most effective long-term way. This not only supports the work we’ve already done, but helps us develop even better products for years to come.

Thank you for all of your support, any purchases made, and positive referrals throughout the skiing industry.

Your friends at USSPC!

USSPC-Snowy-Road-at-Ski-Trail

Our Mission

To make the highest quality ski poles in the world for both top-level winter athletes and everyday consumers and to continue to grow America’s economy.

Our Team

Many hours of preparation and teamwork go into making every pair of ski poles. Here at USSPC, we have a specialized team of workers for every step of the process, and all play a very important role in the development of the United States Ski Pole Company.

Andy – Founder, Majority Owner

Andy made a dream come true of one day building a carbon ski pole factory
(now USSPC) in the U.S. or any of the Americas (North, South, or Central) for
that matter. Andy spent the necessary hours with a small team of local
employees leading the way ergonomically designing, prototyping, testing,
and producing innovative ski pole components and various shaft weights and
stiffness. The final product available today is the best of what’s on the market.
Prior to the creation of USSPC, Andy grew up in the small Alaskan town of
Soldotna. He then served active duty in the USCG. Beyond that he has earned
a BA in Physical Education/ Professional Coaching, and minor in Health
Nutrition from Northern Michigan University where he was the ski team
Captain, MVP, and U.S. National Collegiate skier of the year in 2011. This ski
experience earned Andy 4XNCAA All-American titles. Some of this is
documented in his book, titled ‘Wild Shot,’ available on this website.
Soon after, Andy began coaching privately on the side while building the ski
pole factory. With his passion for the sport and academic background it
helped open doors for the demo clinics all over the continent, trade show
connections for sales growth. Some highlighted athletes Andy developed
have competed in the 2014 Sochi Olympic Games, 2018 PyeongChang
Olympic Games, and several World Ski Championships. These athletes were
from national teams from Peru, Mexico, Chile, Panama, and Greece.
During the COVID years, Andy spent a year in Tennessee working for the world
famous cyclist Greg LeMond. He specialized in the Research and Development
Testing Lab helping design the new LeMond carbon race bike. Then Andy
spent 2 years in Hilo, Hawaii in Graduate school at the University of Hawaii,
earning a Teachers Certificate and Masters Degree in Teaching. In recent
years Andy has been a full-time Physical Education Teacher in Alaska.
In 2024-25, Andy lived in Trikala, Greece at the University of Thessaly. He is
currently a PhD Candidate in the field of Sports Psychology and is now working remotely back in Alaska on his PhD while managing the ownership role and responsibilities of USSPC.

Roger (Andy’s father) – Educator, Financial Adviser, Ret.

Roger offered to step in and offer the business employees HR services, retirement plans, and has been the prime purchasing officer and manager for all 15 textile pieces, which go into USSPC’s most fan-favored component, the deluxe thermal straps. Through months of fabric sourcing and testing, cutting applications, and preparing sewing companies, Roger has mastered this process better than all our worldly competitors and we have a 100% customer retention rate who use the deluxe thermal straps. He volunteers during time imminent orders to help ensure USSPC will deliver efficiently and with top quality perfection.

David – Product Finalization Specialist

David was one of the first employees hired and has seen every step of the large transition of the production line. He has achieved all production certifications and without question can be depended upon to follow through with any task requested of him to the best of his ability. David has been and will remain a key employee with USSPC. Prior to employment with USSPC, David was a star employee of Sinclair International in Indiana for 14 years overseeing many manufacturing duties related to weapons. He decided to return to Cheboygan and work in his hometown.

Brady – Graphic Designer, Photographer

Brady has decades of experience as a photographer and editor in the newspaper and magazine industry. We’re pleased to have Brady managing the custom designs and pole printing process. Have an idea for your own custom graphic? Brady will be there to ensure it gets done properly and within your timely needs.