I used (and very much appreciated) a set of Z-Poles the other day. Dave Adlard let me try them out.
Long a critic of hiking canes, I think I’m finally won over to getting a set.
Backpacker calls this version the “best carbon poles we’ve ever tested“.
Editors’ Choice 2011: Black Diamond Ultra Distance Z-Poles (VIDEO review)
besthike.com 
You finally did it! You’re now an official Old Guy! 😉
Kidding aside, trekking poles are key. For a day’s ambles they are optional, but put a pack on your back, hike up and down steep terrain for a couple of days, and one is sold.
Particularly this year, as all the high passes in the Rockies remained snow-covered until just recently. Steep snow can make passage impossible, but with poles snow slopes can be done safely, sort of.