If you have your own skis, you need to be able to transport them to and from the mountain, often times with other people, and other gear. Skis are long and cumbersome, and their awkward shape makes them difficult to pack. So how do people get their skis to the slopes? Here are some of the best ways to transport your skis to the backcountry, a ski resort, or wherever your adventures may take you.
Depending on what you drive, you might be able to just lay your skis in the car and drive away. This is by far the easiest method of ski transportation, although it’s not ideal for everyone. If your skis are loose in the car, they may become a serious hazard if you have to brake suddenly.
To avoid damage to both you and your skis, here are some tips for traveling with your skis laid in the car.
If you have a full car or a lot of gear, this can be challenging. This is also tricky if you drive a compact car or a crossover. A full size SUV or pickup truck makes it much easier to transport skis– although if you are transporting skis in the bed of a pickup truck, you will likely want cargo straps to keep them from sliding around and potentially getting damaged. Fortunately, there are lots of strap and tie down options available for pickup trucks, so it won’t be hard to find an easy, cheap solution.
So why would you want to lay your skis in the car to travel? Here are some of the reasons to transport them this way:
You don’t really need any special equipment to throw your skis in the car– but a ski bag will help keep them nice and tidy, and most importantly will reduce the chances of turning them into missiles if you have to stop suddenly or swerve. For ski bags, your options are basically padded or unpadded– these are very simple and don’t have a lot of features that make one brand stand out over another.
A roof cargo box for skis is an external storage container that attaches to the roof of your car. They’re great for transporting all kinds of gear, including snowboards, skis, and other bulky winter or summer sports equipment. The cargo box is designed to keep the equipment secure and protected from the elements during transit.
Another design feature of cargo boxes is a streamlined front that cuts down on wind resistance. This is related to a major disadvantage of this type of ski transportation: the loss of fuel economy. When compared to options like a rooftop ski rack, a cargo box will decrease your fuel economy significantly. It may also increase road noise and make driving more difficult in high winds.
To use a roof cargo box for skis, it is typically necessary to have a roof rack installed on the vehicle. Some vehicles come preinstalled with bars for a roof rack; others don’t, and you’ll have to get them installed.
Once you have a roof rack installed, using a cargo box is relatively easy. You do have to get it up on top of the car, which can be a little challenging if you’re by yourself– so get a buddy to help out if you have a crossover or anything taller. The best roof cargo boxes open and close easily, and come with locks for extra security.
Roof cargo boxes are popular, and there are many reasons why that is so. Here are some of the key features that people point to when asked why they like using a roof cargo box for their skis:
You have lots of options for cargo boxes, but two brands that are well-loved by adventure enthusiasts are Thule and Yakima. Both of these brands are known for their ease of use, durability, and great design.
Both of these are fairly expensive, however. The major downside to roof cargo boxes is that even “budget” options like the Yakima Rocketbox are still going to be in the $500+ price range because smaller boxes will not fit skis. Consider looking for a used cargo box if budget is a serious concern.
If you don’t want to use a whole cargo box, a rooftop ski rack might be the best way to transport skis for you. There are several types of rooftop ski racks available, including models that hold the skis flat against the roof or on the edge, and models that can hold multiple skis and snowboards at once.
In addition to an actual rack, you could also tie down your skis to the top of the car with rope, or with ratchets. This is not a recommended approach, but can be done relatively safely and effectively with proper securing.
Why do people recommend a rooftop ski rack for transporting their skis? Here are a few of the benefits these racks can provide:
Hitch racks require a hitch hookup on the back of your vehicle, but if it doesn’t already come with one, they aren’t too difficult or expensive to install. (Here is a video showing you how to install a trailer hitch on your vehicle.) Hitch racks typically have a platform or tray on which skis and snowboards can be placed, and can hold multiple pairs of skis and snowboards at once. They’re great if you’re taking your whole family or a large group of people.
Hitch racks have all the benefits of a roof rack, but are typically easier to use. Some of them can even convert from a bike rack in summer to a ski rack in winter.
Here’s what people say about the advantages and disadvantages of hitch racks for skis:
If you’re looking for the best hitch rack, you have many options.
Window mounts are an inexpensive and easy option for transporting your skis. This type of ski rack attaches to the side windows of a vehicle using vacuum cups or suction cups. The skis are held parallel to the vehicle and suspended above the roof, creating a streamlined and aerodynamic profile. They attach immediately to the window and don’t cause damage, which means they’re great to use for rentals. Just be careful when getting in or out of the car, since some of these mounts need to be removed before you open the rear doors!
What are people saying about window-mounted racks? Here are the pros and cons of this type of ski rack.
Window mounts can be challenging to find; right now, there’s really only one easily available option.
The best way to transport skis is the way that works for you. The weather and the road conditions can make some methods safer than others– so find out what works for other people in your area and see if their decisions apply to you.
Max DesMarais is the founder of Hiking & Fishing. He has a passion for the outdoors and making outdoor education and adventure more accessible. Max is a published author for various outdoor and marketing websites. He is an experienced hiker, backpacker, fly fisherman, trail runner, and spends his free time in the outdoors. These adventures allow him to test gear, learn new skills, and experience new places so that he can educate others. You can read more about him here: hikingandfishing/about
