How to Tie Down Skis and Snowboards to a Roof Rack

Raise your hand if you love long road trips to the mountains jam-packed in your car with several sets of skis or snowboards.

No takers? Okay, maybe you love the ride home with your snowy gear leaking slush all over your vehicle carpet.

If neither of these sound appealing to you, you should definitely be carrying your skis on your roof. For one thing, they'll be out of your way. For another, they won't slush up your vehicle. Plus, hauling skis or snowboards on your roof is a delightfully simple endeavor!

Not sure how to go about it safely? Curious what your options are? Read on below.

Can I Tie Skis or Snowboards Directly to My Roof?

We don't recommend it, no. It may be tempting to save a few bucks by skipping the carrier (or the entire roof rack) and just throwing your ski bag up there with some cam straps to hold things in place. However, this is what we like to refer to as "not a great idea" (especially for long trips). Why? For one thing, if one of those skis comes loose, you're liable for any damage they cause to other people or vehicles. For another, you can damage your gear by strapping it down too tightly.

However, if you absolutely must do it in a pinch...well, you wouldn't be the first. In the interest of making this setup a little safer, we recommend using a sturdy set of cam buckle straps as well as some foam padding to make sure the skis/snowboards don't scratch one another or your vehicle.

That said, there are plenty of budget-friendly rack and carrier options for just about every vehicle. If you don't have a roof rack and carrier, we highly recommend either purchasing one or carrying your skis inside your car.

How to Tie Down Skis & Snowboards to My Roof Rack

There's really only two steps for securing skis or snowboards to a roof rack: picking a carrier or cargo box, then loading them up.

*Note: Consult your vehicle's owner manual to confirm the weight carrying capacity of your roof prior to loading.

Watch Now: Best Ski and Snowboard Rack Options

Step 1: Choose Your Carrier or Cargo Box

To carry your skis or snowboards on a roof rack, you'll need an accessory that attaches to your rack. You have two main choices: a carrier/rack or a roof box..

If you aren't worried about exposing your skis to the elements or road grime, you're probably fine with a carrier. Ski/snowboard carriers attach to your roof rack's crossbars and can carry up to 8 pairs of skis or 4 snowboards. (So, you know, bring friends.) Carriers typically take up less space than cargo boxes, so they're easy to store in the garage when you're not using them. Plus, they're usually a few hundred dollars less than cargo boxes. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option to get you to the slopes a few times a year, you might be best suited to a carrier.

If you prefer something with a little more protection, you can go with a roof cargo box. Since cargo boxes close and lock, they have the advantage of offering more security and weather protection than traditional carriers. If you need to carry additional items (such as snow boots or other wet gear) or see yourself needing extra space for summer camping trips, too, a roof box will provide that versatility, whereas a carrier will not.

Pro tip: If you decide to go with a box, measure your skis and the box length prior to purchasing to make sure your gear will fit! (Um, not that we're speaking from experience...)

Ski/snowboard rack carrier

Cargo box with skis/snowboards

Step 2: Secure Your Skis/Snowboards

After installing a carrier or cargo box on your roof rack, loading up is easy. Just place your skis or snowboards in the carrier, lock the carrier arms, and you're good to go. If you're using a cargo box, load your gear inside, then shut and lock the carrier. .

Additional tips:

If you're loading skis onto a carrier, make sure the tail ends are facing forward—you don't want wind catching the front tips the entire way (this puts additional strain on your skis.)
If you're loading more than one set of skis or snowboards side-by-side, position them evenly at least 1" apart across the rack

There's no real need to tie your skis or snowboards down inside a cargo box—most people just load them in and go. Your gear shouldn't move much up there, but if you're worried about it, you can throw in an old blanket for padding or use a strap or bungee cord to keep things still. Some boxes also come with an internal strap.

Pro tip: If you have trouble reaching the top of your roof to load/unload your gear, a wheel step or hitch step may help!

And that's really all there is to it! If you have any other questions about roof racks, ski/snowboard carriers, or cargo boxes, drop us a line in the comments below!

Roof-Mounted Ski and Snowboard Carriers

How to Attach a Cargo Carrier to a Roof Rack

How to Install a Roof Rack (Hint: It Depends on Your Roof)

Written by: Amber S.

Updated on: 2/14/22

Explore Expert Info

on Roof Rack

Videos

for Roof Rack

Help Articles

for Roof Rack

Expert Answers

for Roof Rack

Thule Vector Alpine Rooftop Cargo Box Review - 2019 BMW X3

Pewag Servo RS Self-Tensioning Snow Tire Chains Installation - 2017 Honda Civic

Thule Roof Box Review - 2016 Honda CR-V

Konig Standard Snow Tire Chains Installation - 2019 Honda Civic

Thule Motion XT Alpine Rooftop Cargo Box Review

Review of Curt Trailer Hitch Ball Mount - Fixed Ball Mount - C84WR

Thule Vector Alpine Rooftop Cargo Box Review - 2016 Mazda CX-5

Rhino-Rack RVP Roof Rack Installation - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Thule Pulse Large Rooftop Cargo Box Review - 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Rhino Rack Ski and Snowboard Racks Review - 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

Review of Thule Replacement EasySnap Cargo Box Mounting Hardware - 05704

Review of Yakima SlimShady Awning High or Low Mount Mounting Brackets - Y84AR

Roof-Mounted Ski and Snowboard Carriers

Snow Tire Chains Explained: How Tire Chains Work &amp; When to Use Them

Snow Tire Chains Explained: How Tire Chains Work & When to Use Them

Snow Tire Chain Overview: How to Buy the Right Tire Chains

How to Measure the Bolt Pattern of a Trailer Wheel

Wiring Trailer Lights with a 4-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)

Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)

Trailer Wiring Diagrams

How to Use a Roof Rack (Like a Boss)

How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop

Trailer Tire Sizing

How to Tie Down Luggage on a Roof Rack

Snow Tire Chains Review

Tire Chain Recommendation for a 2009 GMC 2500HD

These Glacier V-Bar Snow Tire Chains with Cam Tighteners for Light Trucks - 1 Pair, part #PWH2828SC, will work on your 2009 GMC 2500 HD if you have 265/70-17 or 265/75-16. If your 2009 GMC 2500HD has a different tire size you will need to follow…

view full answer...

Will Yakima Ski Carrier Replacement Mounting Hardware Fit 2010 Subaru Forester 2-1/2" Crossbars

Replacement Mounting Hardware for Yakima PowderHound, Big PowderHound or FreshSesh Item #Y8860040 will indeed fit around the 2-1/2 inch wide flat crossbars on your 2010 Subaru Forester. This is one assembly so for the Yakima ski carriers this was…

view full answer...

J-Kayak Carrier that Can Fit Thule Aeroblade Edge Crossbars

For a kayak carrier that is designed to fit the Thule Aeroblade Edge crossbars we have the Thule Hull-A-Port Aero #TH849000 which was designed to attach directly into the top channels of your bars and is the J-style you have currently which are…

view full answer...

Do I Have To Use The Thule T-Track Adapter For My Rooftop Cargo Box?

You will be able to use either the T-Track Adapter #TH27PQ or the provided clamps with the Thule roof mounted cargo boxes. The adapter is just another way of mounting the cargo box to your Thule rails. Some may find this way of mounting better for…

view full answer...

Replacement Parts for Thule Evolution Cargo Boxes

The actual box and the replacement mounting hardware for the Thule Evolution cargo boxes has been discontinued. The only replacement parts for that box we carry are the replacement keys. To order a replacement key you will need to get the number that…

view full answer...

How Much Crossbar Distance Does the Rhino Rack Ski Carrier part #566U Take Up

I spoke to my contact at Rhino Rack and he informed me that the dimension you are looking for is 29-1/4. The Rhino Rack Ski Carrier part #RR576 that you referenced will take up 29-1/4 inches of your crossbars. I attached the picture you submitted and…

view full answer...

Clearance Over Crossbars of Rhino-Rack Ski and Snowboard Carrier

The Rhino-Rack Ski and Snowboard Carrier #RR576 sits 3-5/8" over your crossbars but there are no risers available to give it additional clearance. I have added a link to a video review of this carrier for you to check out as well.

view full answer...

Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

view full answer...

Adapter Recommendation to Allow Older Yakima Powderhound to Fit New Aero Crossbars

To adapt your older Yakima Powderhound to fit the aero style bars on your 2015 Buick Encore will require the Universal MightyMounts #Y03590.

view full answer...

What Rooftop Cargo Bag and Ski Carrier do You Recommend that Can Be Transported Together?

From the design of our rooftop ski holders and the crossbar space required for a rooftop cargo bag, the only feasible option is to use the SeaSucker Ski and Snowboard Carrier - Vacuum Cup Mounted - 4 Pairs of Skis or 2 Board #298-SK2425 along with a…

view full answer...

What Does Class S Mean For Snow Tire Chains

Some newer cars, vans and small trucks, especially those with large, aftermarket tires, may require the use of Class S chains. Class S tire chains are designed for use on vehicles with restricted wheel well clearance. I have attached a photo that…

view full answer...

Wiring Diagram for 7-Way Round Pin Trailer and Vehicle Side Connectors

I have added a photo detailing the wiring connections for the Pollack Heavy-Duty, 7-Pole, Round Pin conncetor, #PK11700, see link. This is a SAE J560 compliant connector. The wiring diagram for the vehicle side connector, #PK11720, is pictured also.…

view full answer...

Departments

Towing

Sports and Recreation

Trailer Parts

Vehicle

Contact & Help

What our customers are saying:

"WOW! I am impressed! I called to place my order and real person answered, spoke perfect English, albeit a slight southern accent, and my order was sent within a day, shipped quickly and I had it a few days later. I saved over a hundred dollars over local and installed it my self. I cant imagine how that they could do any better. THANKS!"

Eric

Cedar Springs, MI