by Frank V. Persall
Given the weather and extreme conditions along the slopes and mountainsides, not any old wristwatch will fit your skiing requirements. Instead, you need the best watch for skiing.And by best, we mean a durable, temperature-resistant, GPS, waterproof ski watch. That will do more than tell the time. To us, the ski watch will be an instant information right on your wrist. It updates you on crucial details such as altitude, direction, and even your heart rate.So, where can you get such a skier watch?
Good news: you won't get just one but eleven. Yes, this post contains 11 of the best skiing watches in 2023. From the 11 ski watches we tested, we found Garmin Fenix 6X Sapphire to be the overall best of the bunch.
The 6X Sapphire comes with various cutting edge technologie. For a start, it is a GPS watch. In other words, the product has preloaded maps to guide you through any location. Also, this product has a compact design. As such, it is a comfortable fit for all your skiing adventures. Perhaps you prefer battery life over designs. We have just the ski watch for you: SUUNTO Core All Black Military Men's Watch's battery can last up to a year.
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And if you prefer portability, go for the Polar Vantage. This skiing watch weighs less than 50g. You wouldn't even feel a thing on your wrist. Besides the three watches for skiing that we have discussed briefly already, we have a complete list of other exciting ski watches that we have reviewed just for you to help make your next purchase a great one.
Below is a detailed review of our picks from the numerous ski watches around. We are confident you will find your choice here.
The Garmin Fenix 6X Sapphire takes the first spot on our list for its versatility. This ski watch is multisport.
In other words, you can use the product for a range of outdoor activities such as golfing or even snowboarding, besides skiing. That also means you needn't spend extra purchasing another sports watch.
In addition to versatility, The Garmin Fenix 6X is brimming with exciting technological features. The first of such is its skiing GPS tracker. You can access in-built ski and topo maps covering over 2000 resorts. Yet, the GPS watch has directories for over 41,000 built-in golf courses. In essence, this watch lets you go about your outdoor activities with assurance and no fear of losing direction.
Furthermore, the Fenix 6X can help you monitor your tracks and even heart rate.
About tracking, the product comes with the latest pace pro feature. Yet, it adds the Garmin Fenix 3 ski mode. With those features, you can stay ahead of your pacing tracks, routine and performance.
And about heart rate, it has an enhanced heart rate monitor and a Pulse Ox feature. And with those delights, this multisports watch helps you adjust to different altitudes.
Now to the cream of the crop: despite the many features of the Garmin Fenix 6X, the battery life is incredible. It can last upto 60h (GPS mode), 21d (smartwatch mode), 80d (battery saving mode)
The Garmin Fenix 6X has a custom power management feature that comes with 4modes:
What we like
What we don't like
Like the 6X Sapphire, the Casio Men's Pathfinder Triple Sensor is another multisport watch. The only difference is that the latter is miles ahead of the former as regards durability.The Pathfinder Triple Sensor Ski watch comes with the popular G-Shock technology. Thanks to that feature, this product can withstand water pressure or any kind of impact force. And that is why it makes our list of the best watches for skiing.Besides G-Shock, this watch stocks up on durability with its stainless steel case.Indeed, the material of the Pathfinder Triple Sensor watch is plastic. Nevertheless, the product has 51-mm stainless steel case protection. Thanks to that protective layer, you can rest assured of long-term use.Furthermore, this product has limited water resistance. Indeed, the summary reads a "no."Nevertheless, as a multipurpose watch, you can even use your Casio Pathfinder Triple Sensor for swimming. However, ensure the depth is at a max of 330ft.About battery life, this Triple Sensor watch is solar-powered. As such, the battery can stay up to 6months after full-charge. Moreso, the screen comprises solar cells, and they recharge the watch at any exposure to light.
What we like
What we don't like
If you think Armitron sounds like some bots' name from Transformers, you are not wrong. The Armitron Sport Men's Digital Watch does look like a Cybertron.This multisport watch is a delight to behold. So much so, you can use it for skiing as well as your fashion needs.And like other products from the brand, this watch is a display of bold designs and functionality. So, if you want the best ski watch for its aesthetics, value, and performance, the Armitron Digital Watch should be your pick.Furthermore, the Armitron watch has limited water resistance. Like the Casio, this product can only withstand a water depth of 330ft. Any activity (such as diving) that requires more than such depth will damage the watch.Some other exciting features of this watch include alarm, chronograph, hourly chime, and lap time. With those aids, you can track your activities to suit your requirements.Despite all the features, this Armitron watch is relatively affordable. With one, you will undoubtedly get value for your money.
What we like
What we don't like
The Garmin Fenix 5X Sapphire, like the 6X, is another brilliant multisport GPS watch from Garmin. As such, it is a bankable fit for your skiing - and even other outdoor activities.Beautifully, this product is the first of Garmin's ski watch series to feature a full-color map of the US' topography. While the other further collections added a few upgrades, Fenix 5X remains the original and fully-packed TOPO watch.Here's what that implies:Regardless of your ski location or direction, you can rest assured of safety. And since it is the first of its kind, the interface will be easy to use.Besides GPS, is compatible with GLONASS. The two navigation sensors together help you get through confusing terrains.Another navigation aid is its 3-axis compass. Yet, this product has other exciting features to check altitude, pressure, and temperature.Furthermore, it comes with a heart rate monitor - Elevate wrist technology. With that, you can check your heart rate and its response to your outdoor activities.The beauty of sensors and performance checkers is how clear you can read them. Fortunately, the Garmin Fenix 5X adopts a bold, colorful, visible LCD screen. With that, you can comfortably control and monitor your performance on the run.Lastly, the battery life of the Fenix 5X is just as superb as the 6X - and even better. The former can go up to 12 hours of use before needing a recharge.
What we like
What we don't like
The Coros PACE watch is another one of the numerous GPS watches on our list. This multisport delight even uses more than just GPS.The PACE adds BDS and GLONASS to its robust location and direction system to bring users the most accurate information. Imagine what wonders a three-step geo-location will achieve!Besides location and direction, this product comes with an in-built heart rate monitor. With that, you can check your body system and act within its capabilities.And for skiing, the Coros PACE measures altitude at the most precise level. It ditches the standard altimeter for a barometric kind.Thanks to that altercation, PACE reads altitude accurately regardless of the air pressure around your ski resorts. Plus, you can connect the sensor to STRAVA.Still on connectivity: you can use your PACE watch with your smartphones. Download the COROS app, and you can monitor and track your performances.Despite all the numerous features of this product, it is lightweight. More importantly, the PACE watch's battery life is astounding.
The battery can last for a month - depending on the mode of use. Nonetheless, you can expect this watch to carry you for at least 25 hours.
What we like
What we don't like
Polar Vantage has the least weight of all the ski watches on our list. The name does sound like a classic, old product. If that's what you think, know that this product isn't the typical vintage.For a start, Polar Vantage is a beautiful watch that you can even tweak to meet your preference. You can always change the wristbands and pick a color that fits your style.Also, this GPS watch comes with exciting features that will come in handy for all your outdoor activities. It doesn't matter if you're out swimming or skiing; the product fits all profiles.About features, Polar Vantage's first is the flow fitness and training system. With it, you can track your activities. Still on track: this watch has a GPS to guide you through even the most complex of routes. Another thing about GPS is its intuitiveness.Polar Vantage uses an assisted GPS that provides you with quick and accurate fixes. Simply put, in this device, you have a friend!Furthermore, this product comes with a heart rate monitor. Like GPS, this feature is also intuitive. It adapts to different activities to help you stay ahead and achieve your fitness aims.Lastly, the Polar Vantage boasts at least a 30 hours battery life. And that's even on the most energy-consuming use.
What we like
What we don't like
If you seek a sleek, multisport smartwatch from a trusted brand, go for Apple Watch Series 3. Like all products from Apple, this delight is brimming with cut-edge technologies.
You will enjoy even more seamless fun from this Apple watch if you already use an iPhone. Regardless, the product comes with streamlined features that meet sports requirements. That is why it makes our list of best watches for skiing.
For a start, the Apple Watch comes with a heart rate monitor. With it, you will ensure you don't go overdrive on your activities.
Also, this smartwatch has a GPS sensor to guide you through your routes. In addition to that, there's an activity tracker to ensure you meet all your goals.
And now to the worry: Apple Watch Series 3 indeed looks brittle. However, it is durable. It comes with an aluminium chassis that protects the body.
Also, you can rest easy about water damage. This watch is waterproof.
What we like
What we don't like
SUUNTO Spartan Sport is another multisport smartwatch on our list from a trusted brand. This delight features technologies that have undergone over eight decades of testing and perfection.
So, you can trust this product to meet your ski watch needs. And about the technology, the best of the pack goes to the GPS sensor.
The Spartan Sport did better than the other smartwatches on our list. Its GPS aid employs heatmaps to make navigation even more comfortable. And with SUUNTO Movescount, you can choose to find new routes and be adventurous.
Still on the SUUNTO Movescount: it is a complex that helps you prepare and track your activities. Also, the app facilitates heart rate monitoring and analyzes your performances (and even calories) 24/7.
The best part: SUUNTO Movescount can create graphic documents of your movements and activities. The app can take photos and make short videos of your routes and performances.
Awesome, eh?
Despite all those cool features, the Spartan Sport can boast incredible battery life. Even with the training mode, this watch will last at least 12 hours.
What we like
What we don't like
The Rangeman GW-9400, like all products of Casio, is a durable multisport watch. Thanks to its G-Shock feature, this product can navigate even the harshest conditions.
Unlike other Casio watches, the Rangeman is one of the latest series. It comes with an enhanced shock-resistant sensor. Now, you can get accurate measurements of your altitude, direction, temperature, and pressure.
In particular, Rangeman GW-9400 has low-temperature resistance. As such, it is a perfect fit for the weather conditions typical of skiing resorts.
Besides skiing, this product is a fit for scuba diving. Of all the sports watches on our list, only the GW-9400 can reach a max of 660ft depth in water.
Furthermore, the casing of this product, though plastic, is rigid. Beyond rigidity, the case is also mud resistant.
What's more, the buttons on the body of the watch have impact resistance. In essence, you won't worry about dirt and excess pressure damaging the sensors of your Rangeman.
Lastly, the Rangeman GW-9400, like other Casio watches, is solar-powered. This time, the solar cells are sturdy and promise usage for a considerable long time.
What we like
What we don't like
If you prefer going all black in a stylish smartwatch, try the SUUNTO Core Watch. And it doesn't matter what shade of black you want. This product has it all.
More importantly, this product is from a brand you can trust and comes with tons of exciting features.
About trust, SUUNTO has been in the business of sports watches since the late 1930s. They are one of the top brands, and their products are high achievers.
Besides, the Core All Black Military Men's Watch is a hive of top-grade features. One of such is the smart-weather system.
The SUUNTO Core predicts weather and helps you decide what time is best to go skiing. Thanks to its weather-trend indicator, this watch can forecast if the conditions are favorable for outdoor activities three hours ahead.
Take squall as an example. The watch has a Storm Alarm that reads air pressure. In the event of unfavorable weather, you will get notifications (sound and visual) that warn you.
Furthermore, this product has one of the best accurate sensors on our list. The altimeter, for example, can read altitude up to 30,000ft.
Another feature of the SUUNTO Core is its sunrise-sunset prediction. With it, you have an estimate of when the sun will rise or set. And with such information, you can plan your day and activities.
What we like
What we don't like
Garmin Instinct is the last of the GPS watches on our list. It comes from a trusted brand. And like the other products we discussed, this delight also fits different sports.
Instinct is both beauty and the beast. Despite its visually pleasing designs, this watch is rugged. The manufacturers built the product to US-military standards.
One of such standards is the reinforced polymer case. With such protection, you can rest assured that you have a companion in harsh environments.
Besides rigidity, Instinct tracks events and performances effectively. It has an in-built compass that enhances direction and routing.
More importantly, this watch uses three navigation systems in Galileo, GLONASS, and GPS.
Another perk of Garmin Instinct is its wrist heart rate function. With that, you have an aid to monitor your activities and stress levels.
About stress levels, you can attain the best results when you use Instinct preloaded training profiles. Either way, you can rest assured that this smartwatch will make your skiing experience more fun.
What we like
What we don't like
Now that you have the eleven best ski watches, we understand that the decision remains hectic. How do you decide which of the products is fit for you?
Spoiler alert: "best" is relative. In essence, the concept varies on several factors.
That said, a watch must meet some requirements before you can consider it as your best for skiing. Here are some of such:
Skiing is the most fun when you visit new territories. Unfortunately, for such areas, you need a guide. That point is where GPS comes in. A watch with GPS shows you the route to take and even calculates the distance.
Other than water, what if your watch falls and hits stones? If you choose a fragile product, that means expenses. On the other hand, durable watches are rigid. They have protective cases, and even their makeup materials are resilient to withstand the conditions of skiing.
Another feature you should look out for is the weather forecast. Unfortunately, not all smartwatches have that. With weather prediction, you can plan your ski trips and safeguard your gears - and even yourself.
HRM isn't that much of a requirement. However, the best watch should have it. With this feature, you can manage your stress level. Or what's the point of skiing if it affects your heart rate?
Regardless of when you're using your sports smartwatch, its display should be clear. Not only that. The backlight should also stay long enough for you to read the content on the screen.
Like waterproof, temperature resistance is equally crucial for the best watch for skiers. It is even more vital for low-temperature - that is the condition common for skiing.
To experience the most fun from your ski trips, you need the best navigation tools. Such tools include:
However, note that any kind of ABC won't suffice. Only accurate ABC will help. So, look out for smartwatches with such accuracy.
Watches have been a part of the human culture for centuries. They have come to symbolize status and identity in both men and women. In today's society, watches are not only used as adornments but also serve a multitude of functions from telling time to tracking fitness levels. However, there is one place where watches are utilized more than any other, and that is on the mountain.
The need for watches grew exponentially with the introduction of freestyle skiing. This type of skiing requires one to be able to know where they are on a given run so they do not crash into other skiers or miss their opportunity to hit jumps or features. The need for better timing and more accurate location awareness continued to grow as more skiers started focusing on tricks rather than the traditional method of going down a mountain.
For a thriving ski community, there needs to be a sense of unity between both athletes and fans. Thus, competitions have been created based around timing athletes' runs correctly so that they can see where they stack up against each other. However, the only way to do this and track speed and location is with a watch. By utilizing watches in freestyle skiing, athletes are able to get an accurate analysis of their run timing and where they rank among others. This information can be used for improvement by comparing it with previous runs or seasons.
Garmin watches generally track skiing. Some of the best, however, include the Fenix 5 & 6 and Instinct.
Yes, you can. The Apple Watch Series 3 is a typical example of a skier's gadget.
Since the upgrade and launch of their OS, Fitbit tracks skiing.
Garmin Fenix 6X Sapphire - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
SUUNTO Core All Black Military - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
Apple Watch Series 6 (GPS, 40mm) - Blue Aluminum Case with Deep Navy Sport Band - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 3 (41mm, GPS, Bluetooth) Smart Watch with Advanced Health - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay
Samsung Galaxy Watch (42mm) Smartwatch (Bluetooth) Android/iOS Compatible -SM-R810 (Rose - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
Garmin Fenix 5X Sapphire - Slate Gray with Metal Band - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay
Fitbit Versa Smart Watch, Black/Black Aluminium, One Size (S & L Bands Included) - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
SUUNТО 9 Baro Durable Multisport GPS Watch with Barometric Altitude and Wearable4U Power - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS, 38mm) - Space Gray Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
SUUNTO Core, All Black - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay
Garmin Approach S60, Premium GPS Golf Watch with Touchscreen Display and Full Color - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
Garmin fenix 3 GPS Watch, Gray - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay
Amazfit T-Rex Smart Watch with GPS, Military Outdoor Sports Watch for Men,20-Day Battery - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay
TIMEX IRONMAN R300 GPS Smartwatch with Heart Rate 41mm - Dark Gray with Black Silicone - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
COROS VERTIX GPS Adventure Watch (Dark Rock) - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
SKMEI 7 Colors Changeable Digital Watch Men Waterproof Soft PU Band LED Backlight Outdoor - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
Overall, the term best is relative. Besides, you might prefer a factor over the other. Or you could be looking after the price.
Nevertheless, the best watch overall from our list is the Garmin Fenix 6X Sapphire. This product meets all the requirements we had earlier stated. Plus, it comes from a trusted brand.
While the Garmin Fenix 6X could seem a bit pricey, it is fair value for the quality. As such, it is a no-brainer. You should get one to derive maximum excitement from your ski adventures!
About Frank V. Persall
Frank is originally from the UK, but he has a passion for skiing that knows no bounds. He has made it his life's mission to visit the best ski resorts across the USA and the World. Frank loves spending time with his wife and three children on ski slopes, as they all share his love for the activity.
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