Join Rack Rewards to access exclusive pricing, priority handling and more. Join Free
×

Ski & Snowboard Rack Guide

A roof mounted cargo box on a car in the mountains

Hit the road before you hit the slopes

Ski and snowboard racks are vital for safely and conveniently transporting your gear. They are perfect for avid skiers and snowboarders, ensuring your equipment arrives in pristine condition. Ski and snowboard racks and cargo boxes are indispensable for any winter sport enthusiast's vehicle. They reduce the risk of scratches, prevent interior soiling from snow and dirt, and significantly increase comfort during trips. 

Rooftop Ski and Snowboard Racks

skis and snowboards being loaded into a roof mounted ski carrier

The main advantage of a roof-mounted ski and snowboard rack is its versatility. Your roof rack can be easily customized by choosing from the wide range of carrier options Rack Attack has to offer. Roof-mounted carriers typically include hardware to mount directly to factory racks and allow you to carry up to six pairs of skis or four snowboards (combinations of the two also work).

Roof-mounted ski and snowboard racks REQUIRE a manufacturer-installed factory roof rack, or if your vehicle's roof is bare, one of our multipurpose base rack systems. To see what multipurpose base roof rack system options are available for your vehicle, check our Rack Builder:

ROOF TOP SKI AND CARGO BOXES

skis and snowboards being loaded into a roof mounted cargo box

If you are looking for protection and versatility, roof-mounted cargo boxes are another key option to explore. Skis and snowboards are protected from the elements, and there is even enough room to throw in your boots, bags, and other gear.

Roof-mounted cargo boxes come in a wide range of sizes and have a variety of features. Boxes are typically 55 - 92 inches in length and vary in width. Shorter boxes are an optimal bet for sport wagons, CUVs, and smaller SUVs. Check your ski length before choosing a carrier.

Compared to regular ski racks, the boxes can be used year-round for other activities like road trips, fishing, golf, and more.

REAR HITCH-MOUNTED SKI AND BOARD RACKS

A car carrying skis on a hitch-mounted carrier in the mountains

Hitch-mounted ski and snowboard racks are an option available to adapt your existing hitch-mounted bike rack into a dual-purpose winter sport carrier. Hitch carriers hold up to six pairs of skis or four snowboards (also supports combinations) upright for maximum capacity. These carriers require that you have a hitch receiver already installed on your vehicle as well as an existing hitch mount bike rack.

Thule Tram is the most popular option - it requires the following bike rack models:

  • Current Thule Bike Racks: Apex XTApex XT SwingCamberSpareMe Pro
  • Non-Current Thule Bike Racks: Apex, Apex Swing, Range, Vertex, Vertex Swing
  • Not compatible with Thule Helium or Thule Helium Aero
Skis and snowboards being loaded onto a hitch mounted cargo carrier

Yakima EXO SnowBank requires EXO SwingBase and/or EXO TopShelf. The ski rack can also be combined with the EXO GearLocker for additional storage.

The Snowbank can carry up to 5 pairs of skis or 4 snowboards, You can take the whole gang and drop boots and helmets in the GearLocker below, keeping your trunk dry and free for backpacks and refreshments.

 

More burning questions? Give us a shout or come see us in person!