2025 Rooftop Ski Rack Guide

Rooftop mounted ski racks have been around for a long time, and a lot of those old racks are still on the road today, reliably trucking gear to and from the mountains. But new racks have evolved and offer more flexibility, greater carrying capacity, and other unique features. We’ll compare the ski racks available for Winter 2025 so you can find the rack that best meets your needs.

Thule

SnowPack Medium Silver & Black
SnowPack Large Silver & Black
SnowPack Extender Silver & Black
SkiClick 

Thule SnowPack M and L are premium offerings from the Swedish brand that feature universal and T-slot mounting hardware, locks, and adjustable height to clear tall bindings. The M is sized for 4 pairs of skis or 2 snowboards with a loading width of 19.6 in and the L is sized for 6 pairs of skis or 4 snowboards with a loading width of 29.5 in. 

Thule SnowPack Extender has the size and features of the SnowPack L, but adds the ability to slide out from its base and overhang the side of the car. This makes the loading pad easier to reach, especially useful for large vehicles.

Thule SkiClick is a minimalist T-slot only rack designed to carry 1 pair of narrow crosscountry skis, taking up the smallest possible footprint of crossbar space. 

Yakima

FreshTrack 4 & 6
FatCat Evo 4 & 6

Yakima FreshTrack is the Portland-area brand’s latest take on the basic ski rack. It includes the universal mounting hardware from the outgoing PowderHound, but has a larger button and some updated styling. Locks are included to lock the skis in the rack, and a security torx screw keeps the rack secure to the crossbars. FreshTrack is designed to carry skis up to 120mm wide at the tip: 4 pairs or 2 snowboards for the 4, and 6 pairs or 4 snowboards for the 6. SkiLift hardware is included in the box to prop up one end of the rack to keep large bindings from contacting the roof of the vehicle.

FatCat Evo is a premium ski rack with universal mounting hardware, locks and keys, and an articulating hinge to more easily accommodate thick skis and boards. It is designed to carry skis up to 136mm wide at the tip: 4 pairs or 2 snowboards for the 4, and 6 pairs or 4 snowboards for the 6. An aftermarket T-slot kit is available to seamlessly attach to aluminum crossbars. SkiLift hardware to alleviate binding contact is integrated into the rack. 

Kuat

Switch 4 & 6
Grip Black Metallic 4 & 6
Grip Gray Metallic 4 & 6
Grip Pearl 4 & 6
Grip Matte Black 6

Kuat saw the other ski racks on the market and found some unique ways to stand out. The Switch looks like a basic ski rack at first glance: it has universal mounting hardware, locks and keys, and pretty standard-looking pads. But it also has the ability to fold down when not in use. This might not practically save too many mpg’s, but it at least keeps it from constantly accumulating bugs. The 4 has a loading width of about 20 in, and the 6 about 31 in. An aftermarket T-slot kit is also available. 

Kuat Grip has a style all its own. With a large loop handle and checkerboard pads, this rack stands out. Locks and universal mounting hardware are included, as well as the ability to slide out to the side of the vehicle, similar to the Thule SnowPack Extender. It even comes in 4 different colors, and can be T-slot mounted with the optional adapter kit sold separately. Grip 4 has a 22 in loading width, and Grip 6 has a 33 in loading width.

Still not sure which ski rack is best for you, or looking for replacement parts to keep your rack on the road? Send us a message today!