Best Ski and Snowboard Racks for Your Car (2026)
Five roof-mounted ski and snowboard racks, how much each holds, and how to pick one that fits your crossbars and your crew.
Why Use a Ski and Snowboard Rack?
Skis and snowboards are long, sharp-edged and wet, which makes them a pain inside a car. A roof-mounted ski and snowboard rack clamps your gear securely on top, freeing up the cabin for people and bags. Look for capacity that fits your group, arms that hold thick freeride skis and snowboards, locks, and if you have a tall SUV, a slide-out design for easier loading.
Thule SnowPack Extender
Best for easy loading
- Slide-out design
- Up to 6 pairs of skis or 4 snowboards
- Soft rubber arms
Yakima FatCat EVO 6
Best for wide skis
- Up to 6 pairs of skis or 4 snowboards
- Heavy-duty mounting
- Fits cars and SUVs
Thule SnowPack L
Best all-rounder
- Aerodynamic design
- Up to 6 pairs or 4 boards
- Vertical spring system for thick skis
Ski and Snowboard Racks Compared
| Rack | Listed Capacity | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Thule SnowPack Extender | 6 pairs skis / 4 boards | Slides out from the vehicle |
| Yakima FatCat EVO 6 | 6 pairs skis / 4 boards | Heavy-duty mount |
| Thule SnowPack L | 6 pairs skis / 4 boards | Vertical springs hold thick gear |
| Yakima FatCat EVO 4 | 4 pairs skis / 2 boards | Smaller footprint |
| Kuat Grip 4 | Listed for skis and 4 snowboards | Check listing |
The Best Ski and Snowboard Racks
1. Thule SnowPack Extender
An aerodynamic rack with a slide-out design that extends past the side of the vehicle, making loading much easier on tall cars and SUVs. It fits up to 6 pairs of skis or 4 snowboards with ultra-soft rubber arms that grip without scratching.
Good to Know
- Easy to reach
- Large capacity
Watch Out For
- Heavier than fixed racks
2. Yakima FatCat EVO 6
A heavy-duty Yakima rack that securely carries up to 6 pairs of skis or 4 snowboards on cars and SUVs.
Check Price on Amazon3. Thule SnowPack L
An aerodynamic rack for all types of skis and snowboards, carrying up to 6 pairs or 4 boards. A vertical spring system holds thicker skis and boards, and an oversized push button makes opening easy with gloves.
Check Price on Amazon4. Yakima FatCat EVO 4
A smaller FatCat for 4 pairs of skis or 2 snowboards, good for couples and small cars.
Check Price on Amazon5. Kuat Grip 4
A rooftop rack from Kuat, listed for skis and up to 4 snowboards. Check the listing for exact ski capacity.
Check Price on AmazonOther Ways to Carry Skis and Boards
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Roof ski rack | Secure, out of the cabin | Needs crossbars |
| Roof box | Weather protection, extra storage | Costlier, more drag |
| Hitch ski carrier | Easy to load | Road spray and grime |
| Inside the car | No rack needed | Takes up seats, wet interior |
Tips for Using a Ski Rack
- Check crossbar and vehicle compatibility.
- Load skis bases-together and snowboards bindings-down.
- Follow the manufacturer's guidance on tip direction.
- Lock the rack and check clearance in garages and parking structures.
- Rinse road salt off gear and rack after trips.
Protect gear in transit with a snowboard bag or ski boot bag. Carrying bikes in summer? See roof bike racks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need crossbars for a ski rack?
Most roof ski racks mount to crossbars. Check compatibility with your vehicle's roof and bars.
How many skis fit on a rack?
It varies. Racks like the Thule SnowPack L and Yakima FatCat EVO 6 list up to 6 pairs of skis or 4 snowboards; smaller racks carry fewer.
Should skis go tips forward or back?
Many manufacturers recommend tips facing backward to reduce wind lift. Follow your rack's instructions.
Can I use a ski rack for snowboards?
Yes. Most ski racks hold snowboards too, with bindings facing down. Check capacity for boards.
Are ski racks lockable?
Most include or accept locks. Confirm locks are included before buying.