Who here enjoys embarking on lengthy road trips to the mountains, tightly packed in a car with multiple sets of skis or snowboards? No one? Well, perhaps you relish the journey back home, despite your equipment leaving a trail of slush all over your car’s carpet.
If you’re not keen on either of these scenarios, then it’s a good idea to transport your skis or snowboards on your car roof. Not only will they be out of the way, but they also won’t leave a slushy mess in your vehicle. Furthermore, loading your skis or snowboards onto your roof is an incredibly easy process!
Are you unsure of how to safely transport your skis or snowboards on your car roof? Or are you curious about your different options? Keep reading to find out more.
Is it Possible to Secure Skis or Snowboards Directly onto a Car Roof without a Rack?
We have talked about the safe use of a bike rack. Although skis or snowboards are not too high compared with a bike fixed onto a roof by a bike rack, we strongly don’t suggest that. While it may be tempting to cut costs by forgoing a carrier or roof bar and simply securing your ski bag with cam straps, this is not a safe approach, particularly for longer trips. Why? Firstly, if one of your skis or snowboards comes loose, you could be held liable for any harm they cause to other individuals or cars. Secondly, over-tightening your gear could cause damage.
If you find yourself in a bind and have no other option, we understand. However, we strongly advise against it. To help make this method a bit safer, we recommend using strong cam buckle straps and adding some foam padding to prevent your skis or snowboards from scratching one another or your car.
Fortunately, there are numerous affordable roof bar and ski rack choices available for nearly every type of vehicle. If you don’t have a roof bar and ski rack, we strongly suggest either buying one or transporting your skis inside your car.
Proper Methods for Securing Skis or Snowboards to a Roof Bar
Securing skis or snowboards to a roof bar is a straightforward process that involves just two steps: selecting an appropriate cargo carrier bag, and then loading your gear onto it.
Step 1: Select Your Ski Rack or Cargo Carrier Bag
When transporting skis or snowboards on a roof bar, you’ll require an attachment that connects to your roof bar. There are two primary options available: a ski rack or a cargo carrier bag.
If you’re not concerned about exposing your skis or snowboards to the elements or road dirt, a carrier should suffice. Ski or snowboard racks are secured to your roof bar and can hold up to eight pairs of skis or four snowboards (meaning you can bring friends). Ski racks usually occupy less space than cargo carrier bags, making them simple to store in the garage when not in use. Additionally, they are typically a few hundred dollars less expensive than cargo carrier bags. If you’re searching for an inexpensive option to get you to the slopes a few times per year, a ski rack may be the best choice for you.
If you want additional protection, a roof cargo carrier bag may be more your style. They can be closed and locked, making them secure and weather-resistant. A roof cargo carrier bag will also provide you with more flexibility if you need to carry extra items (such as wet snow boots or other gear) or anticipate requiring additional space for summer camping trips. In comparison, a ski rack cannot offer this kind of versatility.
If you opt for a cargo carrier bag, it’s essential to measure your skis and the bag’s length before purchasing to ensure that your gear fits inside! (We’re definitely not speaking from experience…)
Step 2: Fasten Your Skis or Snowboards
Once you’ve attached a ski rack or cargo carrier bag to your roof bar, securing your skis or snowboards is a breeze. For ski racks, simply place your gear inside, lock the rack arms, and you’re ready to hit the road. For cargo carrier bags, load your equipment inside, close the box, and lock it securely.
Tips:
- Ensure that the tail ends of your skis are facing forward when loading them onto a ski rack to prevent the wind from catching the front tips throughout the journey, as this can cause extra stress on your skis.
- When loading multiple sets of skis or snowboards on a ski rack side by side, make sure to position them evenly and leave a gap of at least 1 inch between each set.
There is typically no need to tie down your skis or snowboards inside a cargo carrier bag as they usually stay in place during transport. However, if you prefer extra security, you can add an old blanket for padding or use a strap or bungee cord to keep them from moving around. Alternatively, some cargo carrier bags include an internal strap for added security.
If you have any additional inquiries about roof bars, ski/snowboard racks, or cargo carrier bags, feel free to leave a comment below or Contact Us , and we will do our best to assist you.