If you’re looking for a ski rack or snowboard carrier but aren't sure which option is right for your vehicle and the number of skis or snowboards you'd like to carry, then you’ve come to the right place.
We’ll give you a breakdown of the best roof ski rack and snowboard carrier options on the market and how they function to help you decide which one best suits your needs.
And if you’ve purchased one recently and have questions on how to install it home, we’re here to help. The installation process can vary between types of winter sport racks and carriers, but most follow some basic steps. We’ll get your vehicle ready for the road in no time with our simple step by step guide.
What is a ski rack and snowboard carrier?
Benefits of a Roof Ski Rack and Snowboard Carrier
Types of Ski Racks and Snowboard Carriers
What should I consider before purchasing a ski rack and snowboard carrier?
Roof Ski Rack and Snowboard Carrier Installation Guide
How to Load Skis or Snowboards on a Roof Rack
Advantages of Menabo Roof Ski Racks and Snowboard Carriers
What is a ski rack and snowboard carrier?
A ski rack and snowboard carrier serves as an attachment to your vehicle’s roof rails and crossbars that safely carries two or more sets of skis or snowboards. Typically constructed of stainless steel or aluminum, a ski rack and snowboard carrier will lock your skis or snowboard in place with a tight clamping mechanism that often can be locked with a key.
Ski and snowboard carriers are now one of the most popular exterior accessories for sedans, trucks, and SUVs in Canada and in US States with colder climate and experience high levels of annual snowfall. The options available on the market can vary depending on the number of skis or snowboards to be carried, and fitment for your specific vehicle, particularly if there are existing roof rails and crossbars.
Benefits of a Roof Ski Rack and Snowboard Carrier
Most vehicles are too small to fit multiple sets of skis or snowboards between the backseat and trunk, especially when carrying other gear and luggage for a weekend trip to a ski resort.
Ski racks and snowboard carriers designed for the roof of your vehicle on the other hand allow you to safely and easily transport your winter sport gear without the risk of damaging the interior of your vehicle or taking up most of your interior cargo capacity.
Bed mounted ski racks for pickup trucks are also useful as they allow you to maintain the truck bed’s full cargo capacity by holding your skis above the box. Now let’s look at the types of ski racks and how they function to determine which one best suits your vehicle and budget so you can enjoy the slopes in a more scenic setting away from home.
Types of Ski Racks and Snowboard Carriers
Ski racks are normally categorized based on how and where they mount onto your vehicle, with the main two types being 1) roof racks that connect to roof rails and crossbars, or the side bed rails of a pickup truck, and 2) magnetic ski racks that connect directly to the roof of your vehicle using a strong magnetic mechanism.
Roof Mounted Ski Racks and Snowboard Carriers
Roof mounted ski racks allow you to carry multiple sets of skis and snowboards, and typically attach to your vehicle’s roof rails and crossbars, which are commonly found on larger vehicles such as SUVs and minivans.Mounting clips and roof bar attachments will be necessary for vehicles that don’t have existing roof rails and crossbars; these attachments will clip and mount along the upper portion of the door frames, while the crossbars will connect to both sides.
Most ski racks are upright mounted carriers that hold multiple sets of skis or snowboards in place with a multi-bar clamping mechanism along the roof of your vehicle and lock in place with a key.
Benefits:
- Roof ski racks allow smaller vehicles such as sedans or hatchbacks to carry as many as six sets of skis or four snowboards.
- Installation is typically a simple process, especially if the existing roof crossbars have a T-track system that allows the ski rack to easily slide in place.
- Superior roof ski racks and snowboard carriers also have a smooth, sliding mechanism that makes loading and unloading your gear quick and easy, along with a key lock mechanism to ensure your gear is safely stowed while driving or when the vehicle is unattended.
- Roof ski racks almost always require roof bars to be purchased separately if your vehicle isn’t already equipped with roof rails and crossbars. This could cost as much as the ski rack and snowboard carrier itself.
- Installation and mounting a ski rack can be a bit more difficult for taller vehicles such as SUVs and minivans that don’t have running boards or side steps and may require the use of a small step ladder
- Mishandling a ski or snowboard can cause scratches to the vehicle's roof
- Some taller vehicles such as large SUVs may surpass the height restrictions for parking garages or any overhead structures with a low clearance. This problem is more common with roof cargo boxes and bike racks, but can occasionally occur with ski and snowboard carriers as well.
Bed Mounted Ski Racks
Bed mounted ski racks are popular options for pick-up truck owners as they mount inside the truck’s bed without limiting cargo capacity.
These racks require mounting bars to be installed along the sides of the truck box. The installation and removal process is similar to roof mounted ski rack carriers but is much easier to mount the skis or snowboard and any necessary bars since you can stand level inside the truck’s bed.
Magnetic Ski Racks and Snowboard Carriers
Magnetic ski racks are a great option for winter sport enthusiasts who do not want to install roof rails and crossbars on the roof of their vehicles, as they connect directly to the roof of your vehicle with the use of a strong magnet. Installation only takes a few minutes, and superior magnetic ski racks have a key locking mechanism that securely holds your skis or snowboards in place. The magnetic rack has a release mechanism that can only be pulled if it's in the unlocked, open position, ensuring the entire rack cannot be easily stolen when the vehicle is unattended.
They carry two to three sets of skis or two snowboards, and are more ideal for smaller groups or couples that don't require a lot of gear to be carried at once.
Magnetic ski racks and snowboard carriers are not ideal for panoramic sunroofs, soft tops, or overly curved rooftops, so please ensure the product specifications fit your vehicle’s rooftop prior to purchasing.
What should I consider before purchasing a ski rack and snowboard carrier?
Before purchasing a ski rack and snowboard carrier you should ask yourself a few questions to help determine which option best suits your needs and vehicle.
Will this roof rack and ski carrier fit on my vehicle?
Many roof racks do not universally fit all vehicles. You'll need to measure the width of your vehicle's roof from side to side first. Ski roof rack and snowboard carriers tend to better suit sedans, hatchbacks, and SUVs that have a roof rails and utility track with roof bars or crossbars. Adaptors might be required to safely attach and install a ski rack onto the roof bars of your specific vehicle.
Bed mounted ski racks are also great options for pick-up trucks as they are easier to install and mount while standing inside the truck bed. Just ensure that any crossbars fit the dimensions and width of the bed for your truck’s make and model prior to purchasing.
How can I get a ski rack when I don't have a roof rack on my car?
Roof cross bars and roof rails are necessary to safely connect most ski racks and snowboard carriers to the roof of your vehicle; they are not standard attachments on most vehicles, nor are they often included when purchasing a roof ski rack.
Prior to purchasing a ski rack for your vehicle, confirm if adaptors or additional bars are required to safely install and mount a ski rack on your roof.
Menabo branded roof rails and crossbars with T-tracks are ideal for most vehicles, and are compatible with many bike carriers, ski and snowboard carriers, watersport carriers, and cargo boxes.
Magnetic ski racks, such as Menabo Aconcagua or Himalaya carriers can be a great option for winter sport enthusiasts as they connect directly to the roof of your vehicle and do not require roof rails and crossbars. They can carry two to three sets of skis or two snowboards, and are more ideal for individual skiers or snowboarders.
Magnetic ski racks and snowboard carriers however are not suitable for vehicles with panoramic sunroofs, soft tops, or overly curved rooftops, so please ensure the product specifications fit your vehicle’s rooftop prior to purchasing a magnetic rack.
Will I need to park my vehicle underground or under a low vehicle clearance?
Most roof mounted ski racks and carriers will add a few feet to the height of your vehicle when skis or snowboards are mounted, so make sure to understand your vehicle’s parking conditions in order to not exceed a height clearance in an underground garage or drive-through underpass, particularly if driving a larger SUV.
What is my budget for a ski rack?
Once you know which ski rack and snowboard carrier options are compatible with your vehicle, as well as the number of skis or snowboards you need to carry, you can narrow down your list based on your budget. A ski rack that carries six sets of skis or four snowboards will be more expensive but provides the added flexibility of transporting more gear on your roof per trip for a larger family or group.
Stainless steel and aluminum ski racks are also more expensive than fully plastic carriers, but are also always worth the added cost as they provide greater durability and superior security for your skis. Expect to spend about $250 for either aluminum racks that connect to your roof’s crossbars or magnetic carriers that connect directly to the roof of your vehicle.
Can I carry ski poles on a ski rack?
Yes some ski racks allow you to securely store ski poles, however most have a loading capacity with a maximum thickness of around 40 mm or 1.5 inches. Menabo's Himalaya magnetic ski carrier for instance carries up to two pairs of skis and two pairs of ski poles in a separate lower compartment.However, it's crucial to follow the loading guidelines provided by whichever ski rack you decide to purchase. It's typically recommended that you store your ski poles inside your vehicle or trunk and maximize the surface area of the rack for your actual skis instead.
Roof Ski Rack and Snowboard Carrier Installation Guide
Installing a ski rack on the roof of your vehicle, such as a Menabo branded ski rack, is simple to do at home in less than 20 minutes If you already have roof rails and crossbars installed on your vehicle’s rooftop.
Start by laying out all the ski rack installation components on a table. The exact number of bolts, screws and pieces required for assembly will vary slightly by make and model of the ski rack.
Most ski racks do not require the use of power tools, and can be installed using a 6 mm hex key or allen key.
You may want to use a small step ladder as well in order to have a more bird’s eye view of the roof while installing the carrier, especially on an SUV without running boards or side step bars.
1) Insert T-Bolts in Upper Groove of Roof Crossbars
- For roof crossbars with an upper T-track, insert the T-Bolts already assembled on the ski carrier in the upper groove of the roof bar.
- If the roof crossbars on your vehicle do NOT have an upper T-Track, insert the provided M6x60 screws through the adaptor clips
- Repeat for the rear bar of the rack
2) Insert Key to Unlock Ski Rack
- Most ski racks will provide a key in order to lock the skis in place.
- Insert the provided key and turn counterclockwise to unlock the front end of both the front and back bars of the rack.
- Push down on the release button to open the ski carrier.
- Repeat for the rear bar of the rack
3) Tighten Front End of the Ski Rack to the Roof Crossbars
- For roof crossbars with an upper T-track, use a hex / allen key to tighten the provided nut in order to securely connect the front end of the ski rack and roof crossbars together.
- For roof crossbars without an upper T-track, use a hex / allen key to tighten the provided clip underneath the front end of the ski rack to the nut
- Repeat for the rear bar of the rack
4) Tighten Rear End of the Ski Rack to the Roof Crossbars
- Lift the block handle, slide out the ski carrier sled in order to find the nut in the rear part of the ski carrier.
- For roof crossbars with an upper T-track, use the hex / allen key to tighten the rear nut in place in order to securely connect the rear end of the ski rack and roof crossbars together.
- For roof crossbars without an upper T-track, use the hex / allen key to tighten the provided clip underneath the rear end of the ski rack to the rear nut
- Screw in the provided clips both above and underneath the roof crossbars in order to securely connect both the front and rear end of the ski rack to the crossbars
- Repeat for the rear bar of the rack
5) Test the Sturdiness of the Ski Rack
- Test the sturdiness of the installed ski rack by gently pushing and pulling it in all four directions while in the closed position.
- If the ski rack feels secure, tug at it more firmly in each direction.
- If it feels loose, repeat steps 3 & 4 above to ensure all the nuts and bolts are securely tightened.
Summary of Ski Rack Installation Steps
- Connect the ski rack to roof crossbars through T-Bolt slots or adaptor clips
- Insert key to unlock ski rack
- Tighten front and rear ends of ski rack to roof crossbars
- Test sturdiness of ski rack for safe loading and transport of gear
It was that easy. Now your newly installed rooftop ski rack and snowboard carrier is ready to be loaded with skis and snowboards for your next winter adventure.
How to Load Skis and Snowboards on a Roof Rack
If you have a set of skis or a snowboard on hand, test out the loading process. It can vary slightly depending on the type of roof ski rack you own, however most follow basic steps, especially if they have sliding bars.
2) When loading the skis on the rack, ensure the rear ends of the skis are facing towards the front end of the vehicle, and that both bindings are positioned between the front and back carriers.
3) Slide the front and back ski carrier sleds back in place and push the release button.
4) Lower the block handles and ensure they firmly snap into place. This usually requires you turn the provided key clockwise to lock them in place.
5) Gently grab the sets of skis or snowboards and pull them upward to ensure they do not move easily when in the locked position.
NOTE: Loading capacity can vary depending on the width of each set of skis or snowboards, but most ski racks can carry between 4 to 6 sets of skis or 2 to 4 snowboards, or a combination of 2 to 3 sets of skis and 1 to 2 snowboards.
The maximum thickness for stacked skis and snowboards is around 40 mm or 1.5 inches for most rooftop ski carriers.
Please follow the loading guidelines and maximum weight limit provided by the manufacturer of your ski rack and snowboard carrier to ensure safe storage and transport of your winter sport gear.
Advantages of Menabo Roof Ski Racks and Snowboard Carriers
Menabo has a rich history of producing superior roof racks and winter sport carriers thanks to its extensive investment in R&D, blended with the elegance of Italian craftsmanship. Menabo has become a best selling brand in Europe and abroad with its focus on premium design, safety, and durability.
Menabo’s Iceberg and Yelo branded roof-mounted ski and snowboard carriers for instance are made with a strong aluminum frame and are designed with the highest safety standards. Yelo ski racks for instance connect safely to your vehicle’s roof cross bars using standard 20mm/0.8” T-bolts or with an external adaptor, and are suitable for up to 6 sets of skis or 4 snowboards with a maximum load of 42 kg. Installation is simple to do at home and the process to securely load and unload your winter sport gear can be done in minutes.
Menabo’s Iceberg and Yelo branded roof-mounted ski and snowboard carriers for instance are made with a strong aluminum frame and are designed with the highest safety standards. Yelo ski racks for instance connect safely to your vehicle’s roof cross bars using standard 20mm/0.8” T-bolts or with an external adaptor, and are suitable for up to 6 sets of skis or 4 snowboards with a maximum load of 42 kg. Installation is simple to do at home and the process to securely load and unload your winter sport gear can be done in minutes.
Menabo's Aconcagua magnetic ski carrier is another great option for winter sport lovers who do not want to install roof rails or crossbars on the roof of their car or SUV. Installation is simple and the key locking mechanism securely holds up to three sets of skis or two snowboards in place. The removal process is just as simple and secure thanks to a release mechanism that can only be pulled if the rack is in the unlocked, open position, which also ensures the entire rack cannot be easily stolen when the vehicle is unattended.
Now that we’ve covered the types of ski racks and snowboard carriers available on the market, along with the step by step instructions on how to install one on the roof of your car, truck, or SUV, you’re one step closer to choosing the best ski rack for your vehicle and next winter adventure.