Abstract: A ski pole grip having an integral shell for protecting one's hands during a fall and more specifically for precluding one's thumb from being injured especially from extending outwardly and thereby bearing the brunt of impact during a fall, is disclosed. The shell partially surrounds the grip and is attached to the grip at the top and bottom thereof. The grip and shell are preferably molded in one integral piece with the shell in an inverted position. The shell is folded down to partially surround the grip--it is then in its use configuration and can be inserted onto a ski pole.