posted on November 10, 2026
You’ve booked lift tickets, the lodge, and maybe even a few lessons. But how are you going to get skis, snowboards and a pile of boot bags from the airport to the slopes? That’s where a car rental with a ski rack comes in, and it’s something a lot of people don’t think about until the last minute.
Most standard rental cars don’t come with a ski rack, so you have to plan for it from the start. With Turo, it’s easy to filter by vehicle listings that offer ski trip essentials. Enter your location, travel dates and filter for listings with heated seats, ski racks, winter tires and more.
In this guide:
- Can you rent a car with a ski rack?
- Your options for carrying skis and snowboards
- How to book a rental car with a ski rack, step by step
- Best rental cars for carrying skis and snowboards
- Winter driving: Tires, traction and AWD
- Loading and driving with a ski rack
- Picking up your rental car near the slopes
Can you rent a car with a ski rack?
Yes, you can rent a car with ski racks, but you’ll likely need to add it to your booking as an extra. When searching for rental cars, filter for vehicles that offer ski racks. While it can be hard to find cars with ski racks at traditional rental counters, many listings on Turo offer ski racks as an extra you can add to your booking.
- When booking through a traditional rental company, you may be able to select ski or snowboard racks as optional equipment or request racks once you arrive at the rental counter. However, availability depends on what stock is left at the branch and supply can be limited during peak season.
Renting on Turo guarantees that the exact car you book is the car you’ll drive, and ski racks are locked in if you add it on to your booking. Each vehicle is managed by a local owner, meaning they decide exactly what extras are available. If you’re planning to hit the slopes during the winter months, booking ahead is a smart move to ensure you can find a vehicle fitted with ski racks.
Your options for carrying skis and snowboards
Terms like roof racks, crossbars and cargo boxes get thrown around a lot, and all relate to options for carrying skis and snowboards. A ski rack is a carrier that attaches to your car’s roof, keeping your skis, poles, and snowboards outside the cabin. Crossbars are the bars that run across your roof, a ski rack clamps onto them and a cargo box is an enclosed carrier that mounts to the bars.
Roof racks
- What it is: A clamp-on carrier that sits on crossbars across the roof
- What it holds: Typically four pairs of skis or two snowboards, and larger racks on bigger SUVs can take up to six pairs or four boards
- Weather protection: None. Gear is exposed to snow, slush and road grime. A gear bag helps
- Best for: Couples, small groups and anyone who wants the cabin free for boot bags and layers
This is the setup most people picture when they think of a ski trip. The rack clamps onto crossbars, which sit across the roof. Some cars come with crossbars or factory roof rails and some don’t.
Cargo boxes
- What it is: An enclosed, lockable box mounted on roof crossbars
- What it holds: Several pairs of skis and poles, and sometimes boots and soft bags, depending on the box size
- Weather protection: High, with no slush or road grime on your skis
- Best for: Families, bigger groups and long mountain drives
Think of a cargo box as a hard-shell suitcase for your roof. Everything goes inside, so your gear stays dry and clean. The trade-offs are that it takes up more roof space and can add a little wind noise on the highway.
Hitch racks and truck beds
- What it is: A rack that attaches to a hitch receiver at the back of the vehicle, or gear carried in a truck bed
- What it holds: It varies with the rack or bed size, but often a few pairs of skis or snowboards plus bags in the bed
- Weather protection: Low for hitch racks, which take road spray. A bed cover or gear bag helps protect against weather in a truck
- Best for: Truck fans and anyone who wants easy loading
If you’re renting a truck or an SUV with a hitch, you’ve got more options. A hitch rack mounts on the back of the vehicle, and a truck bed gives you a spot to load gear without lifting anything overhead. Both are handy if you’d rather not hoist skis onto a roof. Note: Towing or pushing anything, even if the vehicle is equipped with a hitch, is prohibited on Turo.
Skis inside the car
- What it is: Skis packed in a ski bag and laid across folded seats or the cargo area
- What it holds: Usually one or two sets of gear, depending on the vehicle’s cargo space
- Weather protection: Full, since everything stays in the cabin (wet gear can drip on the seats, so bring a towel)
- Best for: Solo travelers and couples in an SUV or wagon
- Rental tip: Check the cargo space and whether the rear seats fold down before you book
Sometimes the best rack is no rack. If you’re traveling solo or as a couple with one set of gear each, you can often fit skis in a ski bag across folded rear seats. It gets cramped fast once boots, poles and bags join the party, though.
How to book a rental car with a ski rack, step by step
Booking a rental car with ski racks on Turo is straightforward. Figure out who you’re traveling with and how much gear you’re bringing, filter by vehicles with ski racks, and find cars ready to pick up from airports, cities, and ski resorts across the country. A bit of research, planning and preparation can help you avoid standing in a snowy parking lot wondering why the skis won’t fit.
1. Count your gear and your people
Start by figuring out how many seats and how much cargo space you need. Tally up both skis and snowboards along with gear like boot bags, poles and luggage. Then, add up how many people are coming and the mix of kids and adults. Use the table below to quickly figure out what setup will work best for your ski vacation.
| Your group | Gear to plan for | Setup to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Solo or a couple, skis only | One or two sets plus boot bags | Skis inside the car, or a roof rack |
| 3–4 people | Several sets plus bags | Roof rack on an SUV |
| Larger group or mixed skis and boards | A lot of gear | Larger rack or cargo box on a bigger SUV |
| Truck enthusiasts | Gear plus bags | Truck bed or hitch rack |
2. Pick the right kind of vehicle
SUVs and crossovers are the easiest car types to fit for a rack. They usually have roof rails or crossbars, plenty of cargo space and a comfortable cabin for the mountain drive. A compact car can work for a couple with one set of gear each. Explore our recommended vehicle types below or browse the best cars to rent for a ski trip.
3. Filter for a ski rack
Search for cars with a ski rack on Turo so you only see listings that can carry your gear. Head to the Turo website or app, filter by your pickup location and dates and add the ski rack filter to narrow down your search.
From there, you can dive deeper into listings that catch your eye by looking through photos, checking vehicle features, reading reviews, and exploring optional extras. Here, you can find out more information about the ski racks available with this car and how much they cost to add to your booking.
4. Choose your pickup option
Decide where you’ll collect the car. Depending on the listing, that could be the airport, a delivery spot or a pickup point near your lodge. Availability varies, so check the options on the listing.
5. Book early for peak weekends
Reserve your car as soon as your dates are set. Cars with ski racks are in demand around holidays and powder weekends, and booking early gives you the best choice of vehicles and pickup spots.
Best rental cars for carrying skis and snowboards
The best cars for a ski trip have a roof rack, enough cargo space for boot bags and a spacious cabin with a few winter-ready comforts like heated seats. SUVs and crossovers tick all three boxes, and a truck is a good pick if you’d rather load gear in the bed.
Which vehicle should you pick for your ski trip?
- Best all-rounder: Subaru Outback. If you’re traveling as a couple or with a small group, this is the one to beat. It’s roomy inside and roof rails are common, so it’s an easy match for a ski rack. Many come with AWD, which helps with traction on snowy roads.
- Best for bigger groups: Ford Explorer. Traveling with the whole crew? The Explorer seats six or seven and has the cargo space for everyone’s boot bags and layers. Roof racks are common, so you can send the skis up top and keep the cabin for people. Just remember the cargo area shrinks when the third row is up.
- Best for gear-heavy trips: Ford F-150. Trucks are great if you’d rather not lift skis onto a roof. Gear rides in the bed, and some listings have a hitch rack or bed setup.
Can you rent a truck with a ski rack?
In some cases, you can rent a truck with ski racks. Truck models like the Tesla Cybertruck and Toyota Tacoma can come with ski racks. However, it’s more common to store skis and snowboards directly in the truck bed; there’s plenty of room here for bulky, wet ski gear.
Winter driving: Tires, traction and AWD
Before you hit the road, check the traction rules for the state you’re driving in. Colorado is a hot spot for winter driving and ski trips. During the winter months, the state’s passenger vehicle traction law can kick in on mountain highways like I-70 when snow hits, and drivers are expected to have the right tires or traction devices. Rules and requirements change, so check the local department of transportation‘s website before you go.
Next, look at the car itself. Winter driving may require all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles. AWD can help improve traction on snowy roads, but it works best when paired with winter tires. Make sure the car is fitted with winter tires that are designed to provide good traction in snowy conditions. On Turo, you can easily filter by snow tires to narrow down your search.
Loading and driving with a ski rack
Hitting the road in winter requires a bit more preparation than a usual road trip. If you’re loading up and driving with a ski rack for the first time, or need a refresher, here’s what to keep in mind.
Loading your skis
- Tips to the back: Point the ski tips toward the rear of the car. It cuts wind drag and keeps the skis from catching the wind at highway speeds.
- Bases together: Load each pair base to base to protect the bases, and follow the rack’s instructions for which way the bindings should face.
- Pair them up: Lay skis side by side in neat pairs instead of piling them on top of each other.
- Clear off the snow: Brush snow and ice off the rack’s rubber arms and mounting points before you clamp down, so you get a snug grip.
- Lock the rack: Use the built-in lock every time, especially at rest stops and in resort parking lots. Ask the vehicle owner how the lock works and where the key is before you leave.
Driving with a ski rack
- Be aware of the height: Your car is taller than usual with ski racks, so double check clearance before pulling into low parking garages, drive-thrus or covered lodge parking.
- Expect a little noise: Roof racks catch the wind, so you might hear some whistling and use slightly more fuel.
- Take it easy: Drive smoothly, take corners slower than usual and leave extra room to stop, especially on snowy roads.
- Wipe down your gear: Road salt and grime can wear on bindings and metal parts, so give them a quick wipe after your trip.
Picking up your rental car near the slopes
Most ski towns sit an hour or more from the nearest major airport, so where you pick up your car makes a real difference to your trip. Depending on the listing, you might collect it at the airport, or arrange a pickup or delivery closer to your lodge. Delivery options vary, so check the listing to see what’s possible.
| Resort town | Nearest major airport | Approx. drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Winter Park, CO | Denver (DEN) | 1.5–2 hours |
| Keystone, CO | Denver (DEN) | 1.5–2 hours |
| Copper Mountain, CO | Denver (DEN) | 1.5–2 hours |
| Snowbird, UT | Salt Lake City (SLC) | About 45 minutes |
| Stowe, VT | Burlington (BTV) | 45–60 minutes |
| Big Bear, CA | Ontario (ONT) | About 1.5 hours |
The times above are approximate and based on clear driving conditions. Add extra time on powder days, when traffic and conditions can slow things down.
Frequently asked questions about renting a car with a ski rack
Do rental cars come with ski racks?
Most standard rental cars require you to add on ski racks as an optional extra. Traditional rental companies can rarely guarantee ski-rack availability, but booking on Turo lets you lock in a vehicle with ski racks before you book. Filter by listings with ski racks, add the equipment as an extra and rest easy knowing you’ve got the right gear for your trip.
How much does a ski rack cost to rent?
The cost of ski racks varies depending on when and where you book. Some cars come with a rack already on the roof, and others may charge extra. Check the listing and the price breakdown at checkout before you book.
How many skis fit on a rental car roof rack?
Most roof racks carry four pairs of skis or two snowboards. Larger racks on bigger SUVs can take up to six pairs of skis or four boards. Check the listing for the rack setup, and count your group’s gear before you pick a car.
Do I need AWD for a ski trip?
AWD isn’t a must for a ski trip, but it’s a helpful traction and safety feature on snowy roads. Good tires matter just as much, so filter by vehicle listings with winter tires. Also check the traction rules for the state you’re driving in, as strict rules might apply.
Can I get a car delivered to the ski resort?
Yes, many vehicles can be delivered to hotels and ski resorts on Turo. Filter by your resort’s name or address to see what vehicles can be delivered to you.
Planning your ski trip car rental
Renting a car with a ski rack is simple once you figure out how much gear you have, know what car types suit your group and confirm the rack setup that will work best for you.
Ready to get moving? Browse cars with a ski rack on Turo and choose the exact vehicle that fits your crew, whether that’s an SUV for the whole group or a truck with room in the bed. Filter by listings with snow tires or ski racks to find your perfect car.
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Lucinda Starr
Lucinda Starr is a travel and automotive writer with 5+ years of firsthand experience road-tripping across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond. She writes road trip guides for Turo, drawing on her experience behind the wheel to share practical insights on long-distance drives, destinations, and vehicles. Her travels have taken her across Australia’s East Coast, Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, the Northern Rivers, Byron Bay, and both islands of New Zealand. One of her most memorable journeys was an 11-day, 2,600+ km route from Auckland to Punakaiki and Queenstown. Lucinda has a particular passion for classic, rugged 4WD vehicles and the freedom they bring to exploring new places.
