Best Ski and Snowboard Racks of 2026, Tested Gannon Burgett - Car and DriverThis article was updated in October 2026 with new products and information.Winter will be here before you know it, which means it's about time to dust off those snowboards and skis. And if you're looking for an easier way to transport them to the slopes, we have the answer: ski and snowboard racks for your vehicle.But how do these things really work? We asked ourselves the same questions and called in a few from the top brands on the market. We then unboxed and installed them, on either our Hyundai Santa Cruz or Car and Driver's long-term Toyota Prius, taking notes along the way.Best Ski and Snowboard RacksBest Overall: Thule SnowPackBest Budget: Rhino-RackBest Premium: Yakima SkyBoxFor a secure, simple way to take your skis and snowboards to powdery paradise, there''s no better way than one of the products below. Keep reading to find out which one works best for you.More Gear Tests: Best Rooftop Cargo Carriers, Best Hitch Cargo Carriers, Best Ice ScrapersBest Ski and Snowboard Racks of 2026Thule SnowPackSeaSucker ClassicRhino-Rack Multipurpose CarrierYakima SkyBox NX SkinnyKuat Grip 6SeaSucker PallaviciniOther Ski and Snowboard Racks We've TestedPhoto credit: Gannon BurgettThule Force 3The Thule Force 3 impressed us with its overall usability. It's designed to be more of a do-it-all cargo carrier, but a set of skis and snowboards fit totally fine. We did find essential latch components less robust than we'd like, and the lid got stuck multiple times while attempting to close.Pro: Able to carry all kinds of things with this enclosed rackCon: Irritating lid-closing functionYakima FatCat EVO 6Marketed as the "sleekest, quietest, and sweetest" ski and snowboard rack from Yakima, the EVO 6 definitely hits the mark on looks, but the tricky installation process left us unimpressed.Pro: Sleek aestheticCon: Difficult installation processGravirax GR-4Designed for trucks equipped with rear-mounted spare tires or a swing-out rear door, the GR-4 is a fascinating concept. However, in our testing, we found the skis bumped and jostled around more than we'd prefer. A snowboard adapter costs extra, further inflating the price of this expensive rack. For a Jeep or a Bronco, this might make sense, but for anything else, there are better racks out there.Pro: Super adjustable to accommodate rear-mounted spare tires and swing-out doorsCon: Sticker shockHow We Evaluated Ski and Snowboard RacksPhoto credit: Gannon Burgett - Car and DriverWe used both our Hyundai Santa Cruz and Car and Driver's long-term Toyota Prius for this test. Since some of the racks we ordered require crossbars, we also used SeaSucker's Monkey Bars—which worked great. For the two SeaSucker ski and snowboard racks, we used the rear window of the Prius, since they were not compatible with the roof ridges of the Santa Cruz.Once we had the Monkey Bars installed on the truck, we set to work unboxing and installing the compatible ski and snowboard racks. We took extensive notes on this process to honestly convey difficulties or quirks. Next, we took notes on how well they kept skis and snowboards secure, along with actual theft-prevention measures on each rack.Finally, we took notes on portability, build quality, capacity, and ease of use. Once we had compiled our notes and observations, we determined which racks work best in different situations.Things to ConsiderPhoto credit: Gannon Burgett - Car and DriverRack TypeThere are several types of racks for hauling skis and snowboards, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.Clamping roof-mounted racks: These install on your vehicle's rooftop crossbars, spanning the gap between them with a clamping mechanism to secure your equipment. They tend to be very stable and easy to install but limit storage capacity and will leave your gear exposed to the elements.Hitch-mounted racks: As referenced by their name, this type of rack uses your hitch receiver and can typically carry a fair amount of gear. While they're much easier to load and unload, these can be more costly, and rear visibility might be affected, along with trunk access. A tilting or swinging hitch rack can solve this problem, though. Another negative is that your equipment will be subjected to road debris that's kicked up while driving.Rooftop cargo carriers: If you're tight on space inside the vehicle, this might be the way to go. Depending on the size you opt for, these can fit skis, snowboards, and most of your accessory gear, and keep it all protected. The downside is that these tend to be more expensive and could make garage use a bit tricky.Suction cup: This option is quite specific to the SeaSucker brand and represents a unique approach to mounting. Suction-cup racks work best on smooth, flat surfaces for maximum compatibility and stability.CapacityObviously, you'll want to keep in mind how many skis and snowboards you'll be carrying, which will help you choose the ideal rack type and size. Snowboards generally take up 1.5 times as much space as skis, so figure out what your typical maximum capacity would be and go based on that.Vehicle CompatibilityTo use most of these racks, your vehicle must be equipped with either rooftop crossbars or a hitch receiver. You can install aftermarket versions if necessary. Don't confuse crossbars with roof rails, which span the length of your roof, not the width. Crossbars will attach to your roof rails, allowing you to mount a roof rack. For the suction-cup option, these work best on smooth, flat surfaces.SimplicityThe first step is assembly, and time required can vary depending on the type of rack and the model. After that is installation, which again will vary, but if you'll be taking it on and off frequently, definitely look for one with an easier process that doesn't require many tools. Once the rack is installed, you'll want to consider how easy it is to load and unload your gear. Units that have ergonomic designs and quick-release mechanisms are the simplest to use, but if you're a once-a-winter skier, this might not be a concern.SecurityIt's important to keep your gear safe and secure. Look for racks that come with padding for protection and stability while loaded. Also find a rack with a locking system for both the equipment and the rack itself, giving you peace of mind when leaving your stuff unattended.VersatilityOne nice thing about investing in a rack of this type is that you'll likely be able to use it for other activities in the off-season. A clamping rooftop rack can also fit fishing poles, and a cargo carrier can haul your camping gear. Keep your other hobbies in mind while searching for your ideal rack.FAQsPhoto credit: Gannon Burgett - Car and DriverHow fast can I drive with a rack attached?While we certainly don't recommend testing the limits or exceeding the legal speed limit, these racks should withstand normal driving speeds. Do ensure that everything (racks and gear) is properly secured before setting off.Can these racks hold skis and snowboards?Yes, most racks can hold both skis and snowboards, though they will take up different amounts of space, so you may need to adjust to get everything to fit correctly. You can also stack equipment base to base, essentially only taking up one spot.Do I need crossbars to mount a roof rack?Yes, you must have crossbars to mount a roof rack. These are not to be confused with roof rails, which span the length of your roof, not the width. Crossbars will attach to your roof rails, allowing you to mount a roof rack.Will these racks affect fuel economy?Installing a rack, especially on the roof, can affect the vehicle's aerodynamics, potentially resulting in a slight decrease in efficiency. Both added weight and disrupted airflow can affect your fuel economy.Why Trust UsPhoto credit: Gannon Burgett - Car and DriverThe Gear Team helps readers make informed purchasing choices about automotive gear, tools, and accessories through hands-on product evaluations and comprehensive testing. Car and Driver's renowned testing standards mandate that we use all products we feature and that our findings and recommendations are based on personal experience and knowledge—not hype. We won't claim to have tested something we haven't, and we'll never recommend a product we wouldn't buy ourselves.The Gear Team's product selection and gear picks are editorially independent; Car and Driver has a strict policy against accepting payment for placement in articles.We've evaluated dozens of product categories, including floor mats, electric scooters, and dash cams. Visit our Tested & Trusted collection to see the very best in automotive gear. 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