Best Ski and Snowboard Racks For 2022

Road tripping between ski destinations is often the best if not only way to link up multiple resorts or backcountry time in North America’s mountains. However, making sure that there’s enough cargo space to tow your ski and ride partners plus everyone’s gear, clothes and food can be a challenging equation.

Using a gear rack on your car’s roof or trailer hitch lets you and your passengers

Best Hitch-Mounted Rack

Tyger Auto Hitch Mounted Ski Rack

Why We Picked It

This stout steel rack attaches to the back of the vehicle by sliding into the hitch receiver. This design is a stellar option for folks that are shorter or don’t want to risk getting their apparel dirty while loading a rooftop rack. The adjustable setup can be extended to hold longer skis or snowboards and the rack can tilt 120 degrees for trunk access. To prevent rust, the exterior is coated with a black e-coat finish.

Pros & Cons

Fits in 1.25-inch or 2.0-inch hitch receivers
Two locks included on hitch and on top rack
Carries up to four snowboards or six pairs of skis or two snowboards and three pairs of skis

At 40 pounds, the rack could be heavy for some to lift
Not the easiest to access the trunk or truck bed
Skis and snowboards will likely be less protected if there’s a rear-end incident while backing up or in moving traffic

Best Budget Rack

AA Products 33” Aluminum Universal Ski Rack

Why We Picked It

Rooftop mounted hitch racks give travelers peace of mind that their gear is above potential impact zones—like if they were to back into a snow bank—and allow easy, quick access to the vehicle’s trunk space, especially if they want to tailgate at the ski area. This simple design features a plush rubber pad to protect skis and snowboards while being clamped down.

Pros & Cons

Fits up to six pairs of skis or four snowboards or a combination of skis and snowboards
Includes key-operated lock for theft protection and extra secure closure
Compatible with round or square crossbars and aero-style crossbars with T-tracks

Can take some muscle to completely close
Must remember to secure the lock before driving to avoid any chance of rack arms popping open
At highway speeds, the rack can generate a bit of noise up top while on the drive

Best Size-Specific Rack

Rhino Rack Ski Carrier

Why We Picked It

A top-seller among rooftop ski and snowboard carriers, the heavy-duty aluminum Rhino Rack is available in four lengths (10, 13, 20 or 27 inches) so that you can closely tailor the rack to your needs or pair the rack side-by-side with another rooftop cargo carrier.

Pros & Cons

Widest 27-inch option can carry up to six pairs of skis or four snowboards
Narrowest 10-inch size holds up to two pairs of skis or one snowboard
Key-operated lock included

While driving without skis or snowboards loaded up, the rack can generate noise depending on vehicle height and speed
Can be challenging to close and secure lock depending on how much gear is being held

Best Premium Rack

Yakima PowderHound

Why We Picked It

The Yakima PowderHound includes a hex wrench for an easy installation process on your rig’s rooftop, which takes about 25 minutes. No tools needed. Lighter than other top rack designs, this model weighs just over eight pounds. The rack’s soft rubber pads help protect the skis and snowboards, too.

Pros & Cons

Loads up to six pairs of skis (that are 96mm wide at the tips) or four snowboards (with the bases facing each other versus side-by-side)
Compatible to be mounted on round, square, factory and the majority of aerodynamic roof rack designs
Includes an integrated lock

Rack causes noise when empty, which can be bothersome to some drivers
Disassemble process also requires approximately 30 minutes, depending on how familiar the user is to the process
Pricier investment

Best Lightweight Rack

Thule 91725B Universal Ski & Snowboard Rack

Why We Picked It

At less than seven pounds, this rooftop carrier for skis and snowboards is among the lightest. The carrier features soft rubber arms that clamp against the skis or snowboards and the key-operated lock system adds security from theft and while in transit.

Pros & Cons

Holds up to six pairs of skis or four snowboards
Design is compatible with the majority of round and factory roof racks
Ergonomic push button allows an easy arm release once unlocked

Short bolts can be a tad too stubby for some setups
To mount to Thule Rapid Aero load bars, travelers need to purchase the separate Thule adapter kit (Xadapt7)

Best-selling Ski and Snowboard Racks on Amazon

Sponsored

Bestseller No. 1

65 Reviews

Thule 91725B Universal Ski & Snowboard Rack Black

Includes universal factory mounting hardware
One Key System - Includes two lock cylinders and keys
Safely carries up to 6 pairs of skis or 4 snowboards

Bestseller No. 2

912 Reviews

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

LARGE CAPACITY - Hold up to 6 Pairs of Skiis or 4 Snowboards, and in the summer is a Fishing Rod Holder, Wake Board Holder, or Longboard Holder. Comes with 1 Set of 2 Lockable Arms with Mounting Hardware and 4 Keys.
TAKE THAT TRIP - The Large Capacity Makes it Perfect for a Trip with Family or Friends.
UNIVERSAL MOUNTING - Universal Mounting to Most Roof Racks with Easy Installation. Suitable for All Vehicles.

Bestseller No. 3

576 Reviews

YAKIMA, PowderHound 6 Ski & Snowboard Mount, Fits Up to 6 Pairs of Skis or 4 Snowboards, Rides Quietly, Fits Most Roof Racks, Black

Ski & snowboard mount: An elegant mount system that is wide enough to carry up to 6 pairs of skis (96mm wide at tips) or 4 snowboards
Easy access: Features easy to press one-button access, so you can grab your gear with gloves on or easily load everything back up when you’re ready to head back to the lodge
Anti-theft: Integrated SKS (Same Key System) locks included for added security and stress-free pit stops and apres activities

Bestseller No. 4

125 Reviews

Tyger Auto TG-RK1B707B Folding Hitch-Mounted Ski/Snowboard Rack Fits 2" or 1.25" Receiver Carries 6 Pair Skis or 4 Snowboards | Key Lock | Security Strap | Vertical Adjustable | Tilt Access

THE ALTERNATIVE - Tired of reaching the roof rack for your gear? This unique hitch mounted dedicated ski & snowboard rack combines the best of all worlds in terms of accessibility, capacity, security, and quality. This rack is built from sturdy steel construction with black powder E-Coating for rust resistance. Tyger offers 5 years limited no-hassle warranty against factory defect.
FITMENT - This fits most vehicles with either 1.25" or 2" hitch receivers. Tyger Hitch Lock is included.
DOUBLING DOWN ON SECURITY - Dual anti-theft key-locks for top rack and hitch receiver provide maximum security; we do not keep any spare keys for the same reason. Ski rack also comes with 3 safety straps to secure your gear during transit.

Bestseller No. 5

227 Reviews

YAKIMA - FatCat 6 EVO Premium Ski & Snowboard Mount, Fits Up To 6 Pairs of Skis or 4 Snowboards, Rides Quietly, Fits Most Roof Racks, Black

Ski & Snowboard Mount: Wide enough to carry 4 pairs of powder skis - up to 136mm at the tip - or 2 snowboards; DoubleJoint hinge expands for easy use with thick skis and boards
Aeordynamic design: Our sleekest and sweetest ski & snowboard mount has been aerodynamically designed to deliver a quiet ride; Includes SkiLift attachment to provide clearance for tall bindings
Universal mounting system: Mounting system works with round, square, factory and most aerodynamic roof racks; Compatible with T-slot crossbars; Integrated SKS (Same Key System) locks included

Bestseller No. 6

345 Reviews

Thule SnowPack Ski/Snowboard Rack, Medium (4 Pr/2 Boards), Black

Aerodynamic rooftop rack for all types of skis and snowboards
Fits up to 4 pairs of skis or 2 snowboards
Securely holds thicker skis and snowboards with vertical spring system

SaleBestseller No. 7

95 Reviews

BougeRV Ski & Snowboard Racks 2.0 with Anti-Theft Lock, Extension with Sliding Feature, 28'' Fits 6 Pairs Skis or 4 Snowboards, Universal Mounting System Fits for Square/ Round/ Aero/ Oval Cross Bars

【Sliding Feature】This pair of ski rack could be extended by sliding the rubber bar for easy loaing and unloading the ski/snowboard more breezily. The design of this system addresses a multitude of concern of making scratch to your car or messing up your clothes and you don't need to stretch over the car roof.
【Locking System】2021 version has strong grip than 2020 version. This ski snowboard rack is upgraded with anti-theft locking system allowing skiers to secure their boards to the rack, and ski rack to their cross bars. Four thumbscrews and the two rack button have the same lock cylinder system, so you could lock or unlock them with only one key. Make sure the rack is fully locked before leaving.
【Load Capacity】This ski rack could hold up 6 pairs of skis or 4 snowboards (regular version) at maximum. As an ideal space-saver, it could also carry fishing rods, paddles, ski poles and water skis. The length of the loading width is 28 inch, please double check the width of your board before purchasing. It could also function as fishing pole roof rack and fishing rod holder.

Bestseller No. 8

16 Reviews

Kuat Grip 6 Ski/Snowbard Rack-Black, Sold as Pairs

Holds up to 6 pairs of skis, or 4 snowboards
Metal outer shell provides unmatched strength and finish
GripLock rubber securely holds skis or snowboards of varying sizes

SaleBestseller No. 9

257 Reviews

DRSPORTS Aluminum Universal Car Rack Carrier Ski roof Racks, Snowboard Racks, Ski Board Roof Carrier Fit Most Vehicles Equipped Crossbar (33")

33" Ski & Snowboard Car Rack Hold up to 6 pair skis or 4 snowboards, also work for carry fishing rod, paddles, ski poles and water skis.
Upgraded stainless steel clamps are more securely under any weather and temperature. Universal Mounting System secures easily to square, round, and most factory crossbars or thicker crossbars.
High quality aluminum material used for its durable and supremely corrosion and Low temperature resistance. Holds skis & snowboard securely with Ultra-soft rubber arms that grip without scratching the surface.

SaleBestseller No. 10

174 Reviews

Apex 4 Ski and Snowboard Roof Rack

Transports up to 4 pairs of skis or 2 snowboards on the roof of your vehicle
Soft rubber grips securely hold skis and snowboards without scratching
Large push button easily opens carrier and each rack locks closed and includes two keys

METHODOLOGY

In order to determine the best ski and snowboard racks for your equipment, Forbes Wheels considered the products most accessible to the widest swath of consumers in the U.S., which also includes performance, quality and value. We considered a broad range of end-user ratings and evaluations by multiple testers including on-the-ground product testing of various racks. Our evaluation included whether or not the rack could offer overall secure protection for gear, ease of use and functionality within a range of prices. This selection of racks serves various applications, so that travelers can find the best ski and snowboard rack for their equipment, needs, travel logistics and environment.

How do you mount a snowboard on a car?

You can carry a snowboard on a rooftop rack or hitch-mounted rack. Both must be specifically designed for transporting skis and snowboards. You can also carry a snowboard in a rooftop cargo box.

Can you put a snowboard on a ski rack?

Yes, all of these gear carriers for the rooftop or hitch are compatible for snowboards or skis, as are the majority of carriers in general. However, snowboards are wider than even the widest powder skis, so you’ll need to account for the amount of space that the snowboards require.

What ski rack holds the most skis?

The majority of the top-performing ski racks hold an average of six skis or four snowboards or a lesser combination of skis and snowboards, depending on the width of each pair or board. On rooftop carriers, the ski pairs face each other and are loaded side-by-side, whereas snowboard bases can be stacked facing one another.

What is the lowest profile ski rack?

The lowest profile ski rack among this list of top-tier choices is the 10-inch wide Rhino Rack Ski Carrier.

Are ski and snowboard racks universal?

While the majority of the best-performing ski and snowboard racks can be mounted on many different styles of rooftop cross bars, be sure to doublecheck that the cross bars on your vehicle are compatible with the specific rooftop rack model you want to buy. If not, an adapter kit might be necessary or you might need to purchase a different rack model.