Ski & Snowboard Roof Racks
Roof racks are without a doubt one of the most popular ways to transport skis and snowboards. Not only are they simple to use and easy to install, they're usually quite affordable as well. Plus, most roof racks are lockable to help protect your gear from theft.
With a roof rack, all your skis and snowboards sit securely on top of the vehicle while maintaining a low profile. Typically, roof racks can hold four pairs of skis or two snowboards on the smaller end, or as many as six pairs of skis and four snowboards if you opt for a larger size.
How To Attach a Ski & Snowboard Roof Rack
The vast majority of roof racks attach to your car via a set of crossbars. If your car doesn't already have crossbars and you're not interested in installing them, your options for roof racks will be limited. That being said, there are still a few possibilities. Some ski and snowboard roof racks attach directly to a car's side rails, so there's no need to install any crossbars if your only focus is transporting winter sports gear.
Another possibility is to use a magnetic roof rack, which can attach to most car roofs using a combination of suction cups and magnetism. Magnetic roof racks are a cost-effective alternative to traditional ski roof racks, though the trade-off is that their smaller size can only accommodate two pairs of skis or one snowboard.
Can a Ski & Snowboard Roof Rack Affect Driving?*
With any equipment attached to your car roof, you can expect a certain level of added wind noise to your journey as well as different handling due to the increased air resistance. Compared to something like a bike on your roof, however, ski and snowboard racks can have minimal impact.
Roof Rack Pros:
- Quick and easy to install
- Lockable
- Affordable
- Low profile
- Holds up to six pairs of skis or four snowboards
Roof Rack Cons:
- Most models require crossbars
- Exposed to weather
- Added wind noise
- Potentially different handling
Ski & Snowboard Hitch Racks
Rather than mounting to the top of your vehicle, ski and snowboard hitch racks are attached via the hitch receiver on the back of your INFINITI. Hitch receivers come standard on most SUVs and pickup trucks in either 1.25” or 2” sizes, depending on the load rating. Make sure you know which size receiver you have before settling on a particular hitch rack, as not all racks come with adapters. Consult your INFINITI owner's manual or contact your local retailer with questions.
How to Install a Ski & Snowboard Hitch Rack
Just like roof racks, hitch racks are simple to install and easy to use, with the added benefit of being closer to the ground and therefore more readily accessible.
In most cases, these hitch racks are simply a bike rack with a compatible attachment for skis and snowboards. Most hitch racks have the same carrying capacity as roof racks: up to six pairs of skis or four snowboards. In this case, however, your winter gear is transported vertically behind your vehicle instead of parallel to the roof.
Can a Ski & Snowboard Hitch Rack Affect Driving?
The position of the rack behind your vehicle means you won't have to factor in as much wind noise or handling differences. However, there are some trade-offs, like blocked trunk access (though some racks can swing out of the way) and reduced clearance when parking and reversing. Perhaps the biggest downside to hitch racks is that road spray from behind the car can make your equipment dirty and — in the presence of road salt — potentially damage your skis or snowboards.
Hitch Rack Pros:
- Simple to install
- Ideal for cars with built-in hitch receivers
- Close to the ground for easier access
- Capable of carrying other gear
Hitch Rack Cons:
- Reduced clearance when parking and reversing
- Partially blocks rear view visibility
- Blocked trunk access
- Potential damage from road spray
Cargo Boxes
If you have a lot of gear to carry and want to save space on the inside of your car, a cargo box may be the right choice for you. Like roof racks, cargo boxes attach to the roof of your vehicle via crossbars. They come in a variety of sizes to fit your needs and are ideal for carrying skis, snowboards, and all kinds of other equipment you might want to bring along.
Many people favor cargo boxes because they protect your gear from the elements and can be used year-round for other activities such as camping or fishing. Plus, most cargo boxes are lockable to deter potential thieves.
Do Cargo Boxes Affect Driving?
Cargo boxes are surprisingly aerodynamic despite their bulkiness, though you can expect considerable wind noise and air resistance at higher speeds. While the biggest advantage of a cargo box is all the extra storage space it provides, the flipside of this feature is that it may be difficult to find suitable storage for the large box itself when not in use.
Cargo Box Pros:
- Easy to install
- Ideal for cars with crossbars installed
- Provides a lot of extra storage space
- Protects gear from weather exposure
- Ideal for carrying more than just skis and snowboards
- Lockable
Cargo Box Cons:
- Not ideal for frequent mounting and dismounting
- Difficult to store when not in use
- Significant wind noise
- High profile (less clearance)
No matter which type you choose for your next winter adventure, installing a ski and snowboard rack on your vehicle means you won't have to sacrifice comfort or convenience on your way up the mountain. See you on the slopes!
Make More Room for Fun This Winter
Are you tired of shoving skis and snowboards in the trunk? Equip your INFINITI with a ski and snowboard rack! Find the right one for your model and year online through genuine INFINITI Parts.