How to Tie Down Skis to Your Roof Rack?

To securely tie down skis to your roof rack, follow these steps:

1. Place your skis in a ski carrier or use padded straps to bundle them together.
2. Position the bundled skis horizontally on the roof rack.
3. Use strong, adjustable straps or bungee cords to secure the skis to the rack, ensuring they are snug and won’t shift during transit. Double-check the tightness before driving.

Roof Rack Ski Tie-Down: Expert Tips

Do you plan to travel with your family to the Alps or somewhere else? And, you’re in so much love with skiing? Very well. Skiing is one of the best recreational sports. But the problem is that many of us don’t know how to tie skis to the roof rack.

It’s not a difficult task. But tying down the skis to the roof rack is crucial since a simple mistake could be costly. In this article, I’ll tell you how to tie down skis to your roof rack perfectly. It doesn’t matter whether you’re using a traditional or the latest skis; you’ll get good instruction by reading this article.

Here we go –

How to Attach Skis to the Roof Rack

Before starting the in-detail discussion, you must need some equipment to fasten skis to the roof rack. So, what tools do you need?

Here’s a list – skis, roof rack, tie-down straps or cords.

Get these things and you’re almost ready to attach your beloved ski to the vehicle’s roof rack.

Anyway, let’s begin the discussion on how to safely attach skis to the roof rack and get on the road to the tilts without a hassle.

Step 1 – Choose the Correct Rack

The first and foremost thing is to choose the right roof rack for your ski. It’s a significant consideration. Additionally, selecting the wrong type of roof rack could damage your ski and the car. If you’re unsure which one will perfectly suit your vehicle, you could take advice from a professional.

Further, you can also make a consultation with the car manufacturing company.

Step 2 – Prepare the Skis and the Rack

Before attaching your skis to roof racks, clean them thoroughly. Remove all the dirt, grime, and debris from the skis and the rack. Use a soft-bristled brush to remove any harsh snow or ice. In addition, allow both of them to dry completely before attaching them to the roof racks.

Step 3 – Place the Skis on the Rack

It’s time to place the skis on the rack correctly. Position them parallel and horizontally to each other on the rack. If the rack has a separate ski rack, you can use it to position the skis vertically. Consequently, mount the ski rack by following the guidelines from the manufacturing company.

Here, I want to give you a clear-cut overview of it. If you are an old-school like me who loves to use traditional ski racks, then position it in the slots with the tips beckoning in the same direction. Contrariwise, if you use a new-type ski rack, better place it in the slots with the tips pointing in the reverse directions.

Step 4 – Secure the Skis

Use ski straps or bungee cords to secure the skis to the roof racks. Place the straps around the bindings. After that, twist them over the rack bars. Additionally, tighten the straps until the skis are securely held in place.

Another reminder is that don’t overtighten the straps. If you push over force, there’s a big chance it can damage the skis or the roof racks. Remember to tie down the tips and tails of your skis for extra security measurements.

After securing the skis, please give them a simple shake to make certain they’re fastened securely. So, there’s no chance they could fall off when you’re on your journey.

Step 5 – Examine the Rack

So, you’re ready to drive? Ok, wait! Before driving, let’s examine the rack to ensure there won’t be any problems while driving. After double securing the rack, check the condition of the rack and the car. If you find out that there’s any damage, don’t use it.

If you feel the rack is damaged or can’t fasten it perfectly to the car, consult with the manufacturing company. But don’t take any risks.

Step 6 – Check the Weather 

Check the weather forecast before driving with the rack and adjust the straps accordingly. Pack a ski bag to cover the skis if the weather is terrible. This will help protect the skis from rain, snow, and road debris. Hence, the ski will stay intact and harmless.

However, skipping the ride in adverse weather conditions is better, especially when taking costly sports gear like skis.

Step 7 – Test the Clearance

Before hitting the road, check the clearance of your vehicle with the attached skis. Ensure the skis do not interfere with obstacles, such as garage entrances, low-clearance structures, or tree branches. Adjust the positioning if needed to maintain proper clearance.

Step 8 – Stay Careful While Driving

While you’re driving with the skis on the rack, drive carefully. Don’t drive too fast or make a sudden maneuver. Drive slowly with utmost care.

Step 9 – Check the Rack Consistently

After starting to drive, try to check the overall condition of the rack consistently. Stop occasionally and check everything. Ensure that everything is fine.

Step 10 – Open the Skis

When you reach the destination, open the skis from the roof rack. Don’t keep the skis on the rack for long. While removing the skis from the rack, do the procedure slowly. Don’t rush. Otherwise, your rack or car might get damaged.

Some Tips Regarding Attaching Skis to the Roof Rack

Do you have crossbars on the roof rack? If yes, then position the skis between them. It will provide the rack with greater stability and flexibility.

Since skis are expensive, you must prevent damage to them during transportation. You can use protective padding or towels before attaching them to the roof rack to safeguard it. This is how you can protect the skis from scratches caused by wind, residues, or debris.

Even with the best intentions and preparation, accidents can happen during transit. To minimize the risk, you need to check out the tools regularly.

Securing the skis to the rack with straps or cords is a must.

Winter weather can be unpredictable, and taking extra precautions when transporting skis during rough conditions is essential.

Questions and Answers

Final Words

So, this is the discussion. Now you know how to attach skis to roof racks safely and securely. With these essential tips and tricks, you can enjoy your ski trip hassle-free. But, do everything steadily. Remember to take your time and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your roof racks and ski carriers. Stay safe out there, and have a great ski trip!