The 10 Best Ski And Snowboard Car Racks

Whether you ski twice a season or twice a week, you're bound to get your money's worth with the SportRack Groomer Deluxe (appx. $148). Not only is it highly affordable, but it's also very functional, featuring an oversized button release that can be operated even with gloved hands.

While most carriers force you reach up and over the roof to load and unload your gear, the Thule SnowPack Extender (about $320) sits on runners that allow it to slide out, giving you more direct access. That makes it a great option for any vehicle, but particularly for taller SUVs.

With the elongated Yakima FatCat 6 Evo (about $309), you never have to worry about holding six skis, four snowboards, or a combination of both on your roof again. It adds four inches to the company's already spacious traditional model, but still boasts the same aerodynamic design.

If you find yourself feeling paranoid about the safety of your equipment atop your vehicle as it speeds down the highway, let the Kuat Grip (about $349) put you at ease. This 4-ski model features interlocking rubber grips that hold fast to its cargo, no matter how bumpy the ride gets.

Ski bums and other snow riders on a budget will appreciate the Rakapak Inflatable (around $75), which represents one of the quickest and cheapest methods for transporting your gear. The two bumpers blow up in seconds and provide just enough padding to keep your paint job protected.

Not only will the Thule Force Cargo Box (about $792) hold your boards and poles, but it will also carry any other gear you need for your weekend getaway. It will keep it all protected, too, thanks to its durable diamond-textured AeroSkin surface and oversized locking mechanism.

As its name suggests, the Inno Gravity Universal (around $162) mounts to a wide variety of crossbars, including aero, square, round and most factory models. What's more, the innovative adjustment system "remembers" whichever type its first set to, saving you time and energy.

As the longest option in a range of models that vary in length, the Rhino Rack 576 (appx. $151) can hold up to six pairs of skis or four snowboards, making it perfect for group outings. It can, however, be difficult to close when fully loaded, and is also a bit noisy at high speeds.

Designed to be used in conjunction with the company's popular hanging bike rack, the Thule Tram Hitch (around $260) greatly expands your car's carrying capabilities. It's a novel alternative solution, particularly for vehicles that are too tall or that lack load bars on their roofs.

Few roof carriers offer as much versatility as the TMS J-Bar HD (appx. $30), which can hold everything from winter equipment to surfboards and kayaks. It's not the sturdiest model out there, and can be difficult to assemble, but it is affordable and mounts to almost any crossbar.