Best Ski and Snowboard Racks for Your Vehicle: Expert Reviews 2024

Consider where you’ll put the ski rack, how many skis or boards you’ll transport, and other factors like appearance, aerodynamics, and pricing when choosing one.

Mounting Place

Car roof racks are most common. However, not all cars have crossbars. Roof racks look good and free up room in your car, but older people, vertically challenged people, and SUV owners may find them difficult to reach. Though easier to access, hitch-mounted options are rare and require a tow hitch. This study includes nine roof-mounted racks, representing the market.

Capacity

Small racks hold two boards and four ski sets, while large racks hold six of each. To bring many sets of skis and avoid ski-rack Tetris, we always use the larger size.

Extras

Some ski racks match your car’s style, while others don’t. Low racks improve aerodynamics. Others don’t—they stand tall, slow you down, and make more noise than a whistle-happy referee. Only a few racks slide on the crossbars for easier access. Some ski racks require locks and keys.

We realize mountain journeys can be lengthy and exhausting, so you’ll want to keep your car’s interior comfortable. Use one of these ski racks to transport skis and snowboards to and from your favorite resort or backcountry trailhead for a cleaner, more comfortable ride all winter.

Rack Installation

If you have some mechanical skill, installing the majority of current ski and snowboard racks shouldn’t be too difficult. Most will be delivered disassembled, necessitating assembly even before installation. Although we found Thule’s wordless manual to be particularly perplexing, each manufacturer includes an assembly instruction manual with helpful photos. It can also be helpful to watch videos online. You don’t typically require any tools: While Küat’s racks come with a few Allen wrenches to aid in mounting, Yakima’s racks offer tool-free installation.

You should think about whether you want to tilt your rack to one side during installation to make loading and unloading simpler. Some larger racks, such as the Küat Grip 6 and FatCat EVO 6, offer two distinct mounting positions to maintain their balance even when tilted to one side. When loading and unloading on the side of the road (as may be the case for many city dwellers), you’ll probably want to place the open/close mechanism on the passenger side. It’s also important to consider which side you want to open your rack from.

Materials and Build Quality

The majority of ski and snowboard racks incorporate a blend of durable plastic, lightweight metal, and rubber materials. Most premium designs are primarily constructed using metal for enhanced durability and a superior high-end finish. Additionally, they feature rubber strips on both sides that create a secure seal around the skis or snowboards.

Typically, racks designed for entry-level use are fabricated from durable plastic materials. This approach offers advantages in terms of reduced weight and cost, as well as providing a level of resilience. However, it is important to note that plastic racks may not be as robust as their metal counterparts when subjected to the demands of frequent transportation.

The Grip by Küat boasts premium materials, featuring sizable metal components and superior quality rubberized teeth that effectively secure gear in position.

Wind Noise and Aerodynamic Options

Irrespective of the dimensions or configuration, it is probable that your rack will produce some additional air resistance while driving, particularly when transporting skis or snowboards. Determining the precise impact of various factors, such as vehicle type, interior load, speed, and external wind conditions, on aerodynamics is a complex matter.

However, it is generally observed that increased drag tends to reduce fuel efficiency and increase wind noise. There are several methods to mitigate this whistling sound, including self-made remedies and post-purchase solutions. There are several options available to enhance the aerodynamics of your vehicle’s front bar. These include wrapping the bar with a towel and securing it with duct tape or a bungee cord, replacing the bar with aerodynamic crossbars such as Yakima’s JetStream, or installing a fairing such as the Thule AirScreen XT.

It is noteworthy to mention racks such as the Küat Switch, which have the ability to fold down into a more aerodynamic position when not in use. Although these solutions may not entirely eliminate wind noise and drag, they can significantly improve airflow and provide a more serene driving experience. Additionally, the fuel savings resulting from these measures may prove beneficial in the long term.