Skis and Snowboards are quite cumbersome to pack in cars when planning to go for skiing and snowboarding adventures. They can take up considerable space in your cars, so carrying them on the roof of your cars is a good way to transport them to the location where you need them.

You can carry skis and snowboards on the roof of your car if you have roof racks installed. In this guide, we will review some of the best ski and snowboard roof racks available in the market. It is important to purchase some of the best ski roof racks because they will allow you to transport your skiing and snowboarding gears without stress.

As a skiing and snowboarding adventurer, you can keep the interior part of your car clutter-free and dry by placing skis and snowboards on the roof of your cars. So, ensure you check out these products reviews to know the right roof racks to buy for your cars when going up the hills.

Top Ski and Snowboard Roof Racks 2023 by Editors' Picks

• #
  Preview
  Product
  Rating
• Bestseller No. 1
  
  SportRack Complete Roof Rack System , Black
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• Bestseller No. 2
  
  Thule SnowPack Ski/Snowboard Rack, Large (6 Pr/4 Boards), Silver
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• Bestseller No. 3
  
  YAKIMA, FatCat EVO Premium Ski & Snowboard Mount, Rides Quietly, Fits Most Roof Racks, 6...
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• Bestseller No. 4
  
  INNO INA952 Gravity Universal Mount (Fits Rounds, Square, Aero and Most Factory Bars)...
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• Bestseller No. 5
  
  Rhino-Rack 27" Multi-Purpose Carrier for Skis, Snowboards, Fishing Rods, Skateboards,...
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• Bestseller No. 6
  
  YAKIMA, PowderHound 6 Ski & Snowboard Mount, Fits Up to 6 Pairs of Skis or 4 Snowboards,...
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• Bestseller No. 7
  
  Thule 91725U Universal Snowsport Carrier (6 Pairs/4 Boards)
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• Bestseller No. 8
  
  YAKIMA, Smart-Slot Kit 5 T-Slot for Rooftop Fishing Rod Box (TopWater)
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• Bestseller No. 9
  
  SeaSucker New Black Monkey Bar Roof Rack System - for Cars - USA Made Racks - SUV, Sedan,...
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Top 6 Best Ski and Snowboard Roof Racks (Product Reviews)

Here are six of the best ski and snowboard roof racks reviewed in 2023;

1. Apex Four Ski and Snowboard Roof Rack - Link

The "Apex 4 Ski and Snowboard Roof Rack" is one of the best roof racks for transporting skis and snowboards. It is made of heavy-duty plastic and aluminum material with carrying space that measures 22 inches wide. The rubber material at the grip of this roof rack is soft and holds skis and snowboards gently without damaging them. This roof rack is very safe for use.

Apex Ski-4 Roof Rack features a large push button that controls the opening of the carrier and rack locks that closes to secure skis and snowboards. This roof rack comes with two keys for locking and unlocking ski roof racks. Every skier and snowboarder need this product because it will help secure your skiing and snowboarding gears while freeing up space in your vehicles.

The vehicle service type for this ski/snowboard roof rack includes passenger cars and SUVs. You can attach this ski roof rack to rectangular crossbars on cars or SUVs that measure 5.5 inches wide and 1.0 inches in height. You can also attach this roof rack to round crossbars on vehicles with measurements up to 1.5 inches in diameter. This is a highly reliable roof rack for your skis.

Basic Features

• Color: Regular
• Manufacturer: Apex
• Item Weight: 14.77 Pounds
• Material: Plastic and Aluminum
• Vehicle Type: SUV and Passenger Car
• Item Dimensions: 26.0 x 6.38 x 4.25 inches

The Pros (Benefits)

• This roof rack is compatible with most cars, trucks, and SUVs
• It is made from quality aluminum material and heavy-duty plastic
• The carrier can be easily opened with the large push-button feature
• It comes with keys that can be used to lock skis in roof racks securely
• It will not scratch or damage your skis/snowboards because of the rubber grip
• It can accommodate and transport up to 2 snowboards and 4 skis on a road trip
• It has a built-in locking mechanism that secures your skis when making quick stops

The Cons (Limitations)

• It is expensive for a roof rack that can not hold more than 2 adult snowboards

2. Rhino-Rack Ski and Snowboard Carrier - Link

The "Rhino-Rack Ski Carrier" is one of the best roof racks available in the market. This is a quality universal mounting product made for skis and snowboards. It has a large capacity and can accommodate up to six pairs of skis or four snowboards. It features mounting hardware that comes with one set of lockable arms and four locking keys.

Rhino-Rack Ski Carrier is constructed with heavy-duty aluminum that helps prevent corrosion and rust. This is a unique roof rack because it can hold other gears like fishing rods, longboards, and skateboards. It is an easy-release hardware product because it allows easy locking and unlocking with glove hands. It features a rubber grip that protects skis and snowboards.

The internal dimension is measured at 27 inches while the external dimension is measured at 31 inches. The simplicity of this gear means it is foldable and easy to get on with during your skiing and snowboarding adventures. This is a multipurpose ski and snowboard roof rack that can be used in summer, winter, and spring. It is a great gear for your outdoor adventures.

Basic Features

• Color: Black
• Brand: Rhino-Rack
• Item Weight: 11.0 Pounds
• Vehicle Type: Trucks and SUVs
• Materials: Rubber, Plastic, and Aluminum
• Item Dimensions: 42.0 x 6.0 x 6.0 inches

The Pros (Benefits)

• The universal mounting brackets allow easy installation
• It features a quality key locking mechanism for added security
• The heavy-duty aluminum construction is resistant to rust and corrosion
• It is the perfect product for family skiing trips because it has a large capacity
• Universal mounting to most roof racks and compatible with most vehicles
• The rubber grip feature protects skis and snowboards from scratch and damage
• MasterKey is compatible and doubles as a fishing rod holder or skateboard holder

The Cons (Limitations)

• The mounting brackets hardware are made of plastic and not metal

3. YAKIMA FatCat EVO Premium Ski and Snowboard Mount - Link

This product is a FatCat EVO premium ski and snowboard mount that fits most roof racks to allow a quiet ride during skiing and snowboarding adventures. This product has an aerodynamic design that gives it a sleek appearance, making it easy to carry on vehicles for a road trip. It has a universal mounting system that is compatible with T-slot crossbars and most roof racks.

This product is designed to transport two snowboards and four pairs of skis. It features a hinge (with double joints) that expands to allow the use of large skis and snowboards. It has a clamp attachment point that will allow users reach for skis and snowboards easily and it has a big push button that works with mittens or gloves for the opening and closing of the rack.

YAKIMA Premium Ski and Snowboard Mount has a clamp-design that makes the removal and installation of the gear easy. This is a great gear to buy for outdoor adventures in most weather conditions. You can purchase the complete kit that will help with easy installation whenever you want to mount the gear on the roof of your car or SUV.

Basic Features

• Color: Black
• Manufacturer: YAKIMA
• Sleek Aerodynamic Design
• Item Weight: 11.6 Pounds
• Universal Mounting System
• Item Dimensions: 31.50 x 6.30 x 9.06 inches

The Pros (Benefits)

• You can easily install it without using any tools
• The large access button on it is mitten and glove-friendly
• It has a mirror black finish that looks good on vehicle roofs
• It is designed to carry two snowboards and four pairs of skis
• It includes an integrated Same Key System lock for added security
• Aerodynamically designed to allow a quiet ride during outdoor adventures
• This ski mount includes a Ski-Lift attachment for tall-buildings clearance

The Cons (Limitations)

• Loading and unloading the gear frequently can be stressful and time-consuming

4. SportRack Groomer Deluxe Ski and Snowboard Carrier - Link

You can carry your skis and snowboards anywhere you go with "SportRack Groomer Deluxe Ski and Snowboard Carrier" because it can easily be mounted on most roof rack systems. This gear is made with quality rust-resistant aluminum that can withstand the elements of winter and also prevent corrosion, making it long-lasting. It is a very reliable and durable ski roof rack.

Use this ski or snowboard carrier on the go due to the safety of use. It is designed with lined arms made with soft rubber to ensure the grip does not scratch or damage your skis and snowboards. It is a highly secured gear for traveling because it is equipped with carrier locks and a large push button that allows the easy opening and closing of the carrier with gloves.

This is the perfect fit for your skiing and snowboarding adventures because it can pass as universal mounting hardware. You can attach it to most factory roof racks including round bars, square bars, and SportRack roof rack systems. For a perfect fit, it is advisable to go through the SportRack Fit Guide so you can choose the right one for the type of vehicle you own.

Basic Features

• Color: Black
• Material: Rubber
• Manufacturer: SportRack
• Item Weight: 7.50 Pounds
• Universal Mounting Hardware
• Item Dimensions: 33.0 x 6.70 x 5.50 inches

The Pros (Benefits)

• It comes with carrier locks for added security
• It can carry up to six pairs of skis and four snowboards
• You can easily open and close this gear with the large push button
• It is made of aluminum material that is resistant to corrosion and rust
• Highly durable ski and snowboard carrier that will last over a long time
• The soft rubber padding grips and protects skis/snowboards without scratching
• It is a universal mounting gear because it can attach to most roof rack systems

The Cons (Limitations)

• The locking mechanism will not stay closed if the rack is not properly locked

5. YAKIMA PowderHound 6 Ski and Snowboard Mount - Link

This is a game-changing ski/snowboard roof rack from the YAKIMA brand. This rack can be easily mounted on most crossbars and wide enough to carry up to four snowboards and six pairs of skis. The design is elegant and made from durable materials. It has a safety hex wrench head with a security screw that makes it difficult for just anyone to unscrew the mounts. This feature means you don't have to worry about the rack getting stolen from the roof of the car.

It features an Integrated Same Key System (SKS) Lock Cores that provide needed security and one-button access that allows the loading and removal with mittens or winter gloves. It is a snow mount built for the busy seasons, making it a nice gear to carry on your outdoor sports adventure. With this rack, you can free up space in your car while keeping the interiors clean.

You can easily set up or install the YAKIMA PowderHound Ski and Snowboard Mount without drilling or making use of power tools. All you need is a Hex Wrench that comes with the rack package. We highly recommend this rack for your road trips because it is easy to install and easy to use.

Basic Features

• Color: Black
• Brand: YAKIMA
• One-Button Access
• Safety Hex Wrench
• Item Weight: 8.18 Pounds
• Item Dimensions: 30.0 x 2.75 x 4.25 inches

The Pros (Benefits)

• Installation requires no drilling or power tools
• It is a nicely styled rack with an elegant design
• It can be mounted on SUVs and passenger cars
• It works perfectly with most roof rack systems and is easy to use
• It has an anti-theft feature that prevents it from getting stolen
• The integrated Same Key System (SKS) Lock provides additional security
• Easily load or remove this gear on winter gloves with the one-button access feature

The Cons (Limitations)

• The noise from the rack can be unbearable when it's empty

6. BougeRV Ski and Snowboard Racks - Link

The final roof rack on this list is the "BougeRV Ski and Snowboard Racks" which comes with an anti-theft lock and a rack extension sliding feature. It also features a universal mounting system that fits round bars, square bars, aero bars, and oval crossbars. This ski and snowboard rack provides higher clearance for ski boards with tall bindings and the sky roof of most vehicles.

The latest (2021) version of this ski rack features a stronger grip than the older (2020) version. The anti-theft locking system allows skiers and snowboarders to securely lock down their skis and snowboards to the rack. It has two rack buttons and four thumbscrews with the same lock cylinder systems. It has a high loading capacity that accommodates six pairs of skis and four snowboards at a 28" loading width. It can also carry skateboards, paddles, and fishing rods.

You can easily load skis and snowboards without stretching over the roof of your car. The grip of this ski roof rack is designed with hollow rubber to prevent it from messing up your clothes or scratching the roof of your car. It is the ideal roof rack to install on your cars and SUVs for road trips and outdoor winter adventures. It is long-lasting and comes with 1yr warranty.

Basic Features

• Brand: BougeRV
• Color: Black + Silver
• Mounting Type: Cross Bars
• Material: Rubber and Aluminum
• Vehicle Service Type: Aero/Round/Square/Oval Rack System

The Pros (Benefits)

• It can be easily mounted on several roof rack systems
• Users can lock and unlock the rack with only one lock key
• The sturdy aluminum frame is resistant to corrosion and rust
• It can load up to four snowboards and six pairs of skis per time
• The ultra-soft hollow rubber bar helps to hold skis and snowboards firmly
• It saves space in your car because it can carry other items and winter gears
• It features an oversized button that allows easy opening and closing with gloves
• This rack can be extended by sliding the rubber bar for easy loading/unloading

The Cons (Limitations)

• The rack can make annoying noise on the road if it is not properly mounted

Buying Guide for Best Ski and Snowboard Roof Racks

Skis and snowboards can be easily transported for outdoor adventures with cars that have roof racks installed. Having ski and snowboard racks installed on the roof of your car will help free up cargo space in your car. Hence, it is important to purchase the best ski and snowboard roof racks available in the market. We will point out some factors to consider before choosing.

Here are important factors to consider before choosing a Ski and Snowboard Roof Rack;

Consider Roof Rack Capacity

An important feature to look out for in a ski/snowboard roof rack is the capacity. They come in different sizes and the one you decide to choose depends on your skiing/snowboarding style. If you love skiing with a couple of friends rather than alone or with your partner, you might need to get ski roof racks with a large capacity. The capacity of your ski roof rack is determined by how many skis and snowboards it can carry per trip i.e., six pairs of skis and four snowboards.

Consider Roof Rack Security

Ski and snowboard roof racks should come with a reliable locking system that will prevent your gears from falling off or being stolen. They must be designed with locks that will secure skis and snowboards like the One-Key Lock System or the Same-Key Lock System. Note that not all roof racks have this feature. So, ensure you consider roof rack security before choosing a ski rack.

Consider Roof Rack Compatibility

The rack system on the roof of vehicles varies, so it is important to ensure that the roof rack you are buying is compatible with the rack system on your vehicle. Ski and snowboards are mounted on crossbars attached to roof rails on different types of vehicles. For instance, car owners are expected to purchase ski roof rack kits that include mounts, crossbars, and towers. This kit is mostly good for vehicles with bare roofs and compatible with most roof rack systems.

Consider Roof Rack Accessibility

Ski and snowboard roof racks come with bars that are connected with a hinge. These bars are designed to secure skis, snowboards, and other gears through a locking mechanism. For gears to be secured, the locking mechanism of a roof rack has to be strong. A strong locking mechanism can be quite difficult to open because of the amount of force required. Get racks that are designed with large push buttons to make the opening and closing of the rack easy.

Consider Ease of Use

You should consider roof racks that will allow easy access to your skis and snowboards. If you are using tall vehicles like SUVs, reaching your skis and snowboards might be quite difficult depending on your height. Hence, you have to put into consideration the type of base rack system on your vehicle, so that you can buy the one that will be easy to reach.

Consider Ease of Installation

The frequency of use can determine what type of ski and snowboard roof rack to buy. If you are someone who takes off racks on your cars at the end of a ski season, it is better to purchase roof racks that are easy to install. Removing racks from the roof of a vehicle should be as easy as mounting them when not in use. Always keep this in mind when buying ski roof racks.

Ski and Snowboard Roof Rack Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are frequently asked questions that should be of help;

Why is it necessary to remove roof racks when they are not in use?

Your gas mileage will increase because roof racks are designed to increase the wind resistance of cars. So, it is necessary to remove them when not in use. This is optional for every individual and the decision to remove it is all yours. Aside from reducing mileage costs, you should also remove the roof racks on your cars whenever you are taking your car to the car wash. This will allow proper cleaning of the part that they are mounted on and prevent snagging of machinery.

How are skis and snowboards secured to roof racks?

It is important to secure your skis and snowboards to the roof rack on your cars to prevent theft or falling off. Tools such as Allen wrench and screws are used to lock down skis and snowboards once you slide them through the rack carrier. Most quality roof racks are designed with a locking mechanism that secures both skis/snowboards and racks to the roof of vehicles.

Are roof rails the same as roof racks?

Roof rails are similar to roof racks because they are both used for carrying gears used for outdoor winter sports but they are different in the way they are mounted on the roof of cars. Roof rails are mounted vertically along the length of vehicles while roof racks are mounted horizontally across the width of a car. Both are important items for carrying outdoor gear.

Buy on Walmart

SportRack Complete Roof Rack System, Black - Walmart Link

Thule SnowPack Ski/Snowboard Rack, Large (6 Pr/4 Boards), Silver - Walmart Link

YAKIMA, FatCat EVO Premium Ski & Snowboard Mount, Rides Quietly, Fits Most Roof Racks, 6 - Walmart Link

INNO INA952 Gravity Universal Mount (Fits Rounds, Square, Aero and Most Factory Bars) - Walmart Link

Rhino-Rack 6 Ski, 4 Snowboard & Fishing Rod Carrier with Universal Mounting Bracket - Walmart Link

YAKIMA, PowderHound 6 Ski & Snowboard Mount, Fits Up to 6 Pairs of Skis or 4 Snowboards, - Walmart Link

Thule 91725U Universal Snowsport Carrier (6 Pairs/4 Boards) - Walmart Link

YAKIMA, Smart-Slot Kit 5 T-Slot for Rooftop Fishing Rod Box (TopWater) - Walmart Link

SeaSucker NEW Black Monkey Bar Roof Rack System - for Cars - USA Made Racks - SUV, Sedan, - Walmart Link

Buy on eBay

SportRack Complete Roof Rack System, Black - eBay Link

Thule SnowPack Ski/Snowboard Rack, Large (6 Pr/4 Boards), Silver - eBay Link

YAKIMA, FatCat EVO Premium Ski & Snowboard Mount, Rides Quietly, Fits Most Roof Racks, 6 - eBay Link

INNO INA952 Gravity Universal Mount (Fits Rounds, Square, Aero and Most Factory Bars) - eBay Link

Rhino-Rack 6 Ski, 4 Snowboard & Fishing Rod Carrier with Universal Mounting Bracket - eBay Link

YAKIMA, PowderHound 6 Ski & Snowboard Mount, Fits Up to 6 Pairs of Skis or 4 Snowboards, - eBay Link

Thule 91725U Universal Snowsport Carrier (6 Pairs/4 Boards) - eBay Link

YAKIMA, Smart-Slot Kit 5 T-Slot for Rooftop Fishing Rod Box (TopWater) - eBay Link

SeaSucker NEW Black Monkey Bar Roof Rack System - for Cars - USA Made Racks - SUV, Sedan, - eBay Link

Conclusion for Roof Rack Buyers

Loading gears like skis and snowboards in the back seat of your car can take up a lot of cargo space. Packing these gears neatly requires a lot of effort and can be time-wasting. So, it is very necessary to find other ways in which you can pack skis and snowboards while freeing up space in your car. A good way out is to purchase ski racks that can be mounted on the roof of cars.

We have reviewed some of the best ski and snowboard roof racks in this article. Kindly share your thoughts and your favorite roof racks in the comment section.