There's no doubt that having ski and snowboard racks that can carry your gear is essential, especially if you're a frequent skier/snowboarder. However, it can be hard choosing and settling on the right one with all the available options on the market.
Whether this is your first time or looking for a replacement, there are a couple of features to consider before investing in your perfect rack. The best ski racks for SUVs should firstly be compatible with your car. Not all SUVs come equipped to handle roof racks, but that's okay; what matters is finding the right roof rack that will be easy to mount. It should also be made of durable material and be able to carry your gear. Most racks can either hold up to four or six pairs of skis and four snowboards.
We created this article that outlines more features to consider when shopping for the best ski racks for SUV and included our top 5 picks.
What Is A Ski Rack and Why Do You Need One?
Ski racks, also known as roof racks, are slim racks mounted on top of your car. They help keep your car interior clean and uncluttered whilst giving you more room for passengers and cargo.
The rack tends to stay mounted and can carry skis and snowboards and kayaks, or bikes.
Depending on the car, it may already come equipped with a crossbar, side rail, or tower, making it easier to install a ski and snowboard carrier.
Ski and snowboard rack is a lot safer to have than hauling your gear to your cabin. In addition, snowboards and skis have sharp edges that can be extremely dangerous in the event of a car accident.
There are two types of ski and snowboard racks that you're likely to come across:
- Crossbar mounted racks for cars with existing factory or aftermarket roof rack crossbars.
- Hitch mounted racks for use on compatible hanging style hitch bike racks.
The picks below are our top selection of the best ski racks for SUVs that are sure to have you feeling excited to plan your next ski trip.
1. Thule SnowPack Ski/Snowboard Rack
Thule SnowPack Ski/Snowboard Rack, Large (6 Pr/4 Boards), Silver
- Aerodynamic rooftop rack for all types of skis and snowboards
- Fits up to 6 pairs of skis or 4 snowboards
- Securely holds thicker skis and snowboards with vertical spring...
- Ultra-soft rubber arms grip without scratching
- Oversized push button to easily open while wearing gloves
The Thule SnowPack Ski/Snowboard Rack is one of the best ski racks for SUV cars.
Thule is a Swedish brand that designs outdoor products catered to those that lead or want to explore active lifestyles. In addition, the company is known for creating quality car racks.
The Thule Ski/Snowboard rack features an aerodynamic design that can fit all types of skis and snowboards.
The ski rack is available in multiple sizes and can hold up to six pairs of skis or four snowboards. There's an extendable option too.
The rack features a vertical spring system that allows you to hold thicker skis and snowboards securely.
The Thule model uses a universal mounting system that easily attaches onto the cross members of your car on top of soft but durable rubber arms that keep your skis secure at all times.
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2. Thule SnowPack Extender Ski/Snowboard Rack
Thule SnowPack Extender Ski/Snowboard Rack (6pr/4 Boards), Silver
- Aerodynamic slide-out rooftop rack for all types of skis and...
- Slide-out design extends from vehicle for easy loading and...
- Fits up to 6 pairs of skis/4 snowboards
- Ultra-soft rubber arms grip without scratching
- Oversized push button to easily open while wearing gloves
The Thule Snowpack Extender is a great choice if you don't enjoy mounting your skis on and off a traditional rack.
It features an aerodynamic slide-out rooftop rack that works for all types of skis and snowboards.
The slide-out design extends from the vehicle allowing for easy loading and unloading. In addition, the Thule Snowpack extender can fit up to six pairs of skis or four snowboards.
It features ultra-soft rubber arms that grip and won't scratch your skis while transporting them. In addition, there's an oversized push-button release that can be used while wearing gloves.
Its universal mounting system is compatible with Thule rack systems, round bars, and most factory racks (with T-Track and around-the-bar mounting). Lastly, the ski/snowboard rack features an anti-theft system.
The Thule ski/snowboard carrier is covered by a lifetime warranty.
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3. Rhino Rack Ski Carrier
Rhino-Rack Carrier for Skis, Snowboards, Fishing Rods, Paddles, Skateboards, Water Skis, Wakeboard &...
- Universal Fit to Most Crossbars
- Key Locking for Security
- Easy Release and Lock Mechanisms
- Rubber Grip Profile to Protect your Boards
- UV Protected
One of the tasks most people tend to dread is the mounting of skis or snowboards from the car, as you usually have to take off your gloves. However, with this roof rack, you don't have to.
The Rhino-Rack Ski Carrier features an easy release and key locking mechanism for gloved hands. Hence you can easily mount your skis or snowboards without worrying about getting cold hands. In addition, the roof rack features a rubber grip that protects skis, snowboards, and fishing rods.
The ski and snowboard carrier can hold up to six pairs of Skiis or four snowboards and, in the summer, a Fishing Rod Holder, Wake Board Holder, or Longboard Holder. It's perfect for a trip with family or friends.
The mounting system is universal and is suitable for all cars.
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4. YAKIMA, FatCat EVO Premium Ski & Snowboard
YAKIMA - FatCat 4 EVO Premium Ski & Snowboard Mount, Fits Up To 4 Pairs of Skis or 2 Snowboards,...
- Ski & Snowboard Mount: Wide enough to carry 4 pairs of powder...
- Aeordynamic design: Our sleekest and sweetest ski & snowboard...
- Universal mounting system: Mounting system works with round,...
- Easy access: The OverHang clamp attachment point makes it easier...
- Tool-free install: Tool-free clamp design makes installation and...
Thinking of planning your next ski trip with friends or family, the Yakima Fatcat is a great choice. The ski and snowboard mount is wide enough to carry 4 pairs of powder skis - up to 136mm at the tip - or 2 snowboards. In addition, it features a double-joint hinge that accommodates thick skis and boards.
The Yakima Fatcat is aerodynamically designed hence less wind noise and better gas mileage. It has a sleek black design that would look great mounted on most cars. The mounting system works with the round, square, factory, and most aerodynamic roof racks. The ski and snowboard mount is compatible with T-slot crossbars.
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5. YAKIMA - SkyBox Aerodynamic Rooftop Cargo Box
YAKIMA - FatCat 4 EVO Premium Ski & Snowboard Mount, Fits Up To 4 Pairs of Skis or 2 Snowboards,...
- Ski & Snowboard Mount: Wide enough to carry 4 pairs of powder...
- Aeordynamic design: Our sleekest and sweetest ski & snowboard...
- Universal mounting system: Mounting system works with round,...
- Easy access: The OverHang clamp attachment point makes it easier...
- Tool-free install: Tool-free clamp design makes installation and...
Cargo boxes are similar to roof racks in that they sit on top of the car, and the only difference is they are actual boxes. Hence they allow you to carry a lot more things than just skis or snowboards. So they are a great choice if you're looking for versatile storage options.
The Yakima Skybox Carbonite Cargo Box is ideal if looking to protect your skis and snowboards, and other gear as well. It's great for skis or snowboards up to 215 cm and ideal for storing gear for up to 3 people.
The ski and snowboard carrier is roof-mounted and fits Fits Yakima round, factory, aerodynamic and square bars.
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Features To Consider When Buying Best Ski Racks For SUV
a) Ski Rack Size
One of the first things to consider when searching for the best ski racks is size. Essentially, you're checking to see how many pairs of skis the racks can hold.
They come in multiple sizes, and you want to match yours to the number of skis and/or snowboards you plan on taking with you.
If carrying one or two pairs of skis, you can get a smaller ski rack. However, if looking to carry skis for everyone in the car, you'll require a larger option that can hold up to six pairs of skis at a go. This is an ideal choice even if you only go skiing once in a while.
b) Vehicle Compatibility
You'll have to consider your car's compatibility when searching for the right roof-mounted racks. A few factors to consider will be whether your vehicle has roof rails or not. In addition, whether the rack will fit your style of crossbars.
c) Crossbar Compatibility
Each ski rack has its own mounting system; hence it's important to check if it's compatible with your crossbars. Though most roof racks feature versatile mounting systems, a few are specific to a particular type of crossbar.
Crossbars come in three types: Round, Square, and Aero
- Round Bars: These are mid-tier in terms of price and normally have minimal noise issues.
- Square Bars: These are generally cheaper and tend to make the most noise.
- Aero Bars: These are oval-shaped and are the quietest and most aerodynamic (as the name suggests). They can also be the most expensive.
d) Mounting Style
Racks can be mounted in various ways. Many SUV cars feature bars on top of the roof where a universal ski rack can easily and quickly latch on. Hence, making the universal mount style the most popular and commonly available. It's advisable to get this type of rack if your car has standard roof bars.
Alternative options include cards that don't have bars on the roof. Hence, you may require something that fits inside any affixed crossbar you might have on the roof. You can also consider hitch-style mounts that install at the rear of your vehicle into a hitch. If you don’t have either of these, you will probably have to get something installed to make a rack work.
e) Locking Mechanism
The locking mechanism is another key consideration when searching for the best ski racks for SUVs. This mechanism ensures that your skis and snowboards remain safe and secure while away from your vehicle. This is crucial as you never want to leave your gear unprotected. Fortunately, most premium-end ski rack options come with some type of lock to ensure your equipment stays put.
Most ski rack locks use a small key to lock the latch in place, preventing the ski and snowboards from being removed while in the locked position. Therefore, it's essential to keep track of the key, or you may not be able to use your gear at all. One way to go about this is putting it on the same keychain as your car keys; that way, you always know where it's at all times. Also, it's advisable to make a copy in case it gets lost.
f) Durability
It's always important to consider durability when shopping for the best ski racks for SUV. Since ski and snowboard racks are used during winter conditions, you'll want to ensure that they can hold up and work well even when caught in a blizzard. In addition, racks often take a bit of beating when you place the skis on the rack itself. Hence, finding a durable ski rack is crucial.
g) Installation and Ease of Use
Depending on the ski rack you select, safety when loading and unloading should always be considered.
Universal racks tend to be easy to install. Most models don't require any tools for the job, and you can have the rack up and running in a matter of minutes. This is key to consider if you’re not handy or don’t have easy access to tools. Some racks require more effort and need extra tools for the install. It's always advisable to check the instructions before making your final purchase.
The challenge of roof-mounted racks is that you have to reach over the top of your vehicle to get to the racks and equipment. Hence, when transporting larger objects like kayaks, safety can become an issue.
h) Effect of Fuel Efficiency
Not all roof racks affect the aerodynamics of your vehicle. However, it is a factor to consider when looking at best ski racks for SUV, especially when traveling long distances. Depending on the style of the roof rack and the amount of gear you're carrying, the effect the roof rack has on your fuel efficiency will vary. If this is a crucial factor for you, consider a roof rack with a low aerodynamic design.