The first snow is already dusting the high country, and before long Northern Colorado will be heading up I-25 and west on I-70 every weekend. If your plan for ski season still involves wet skis sliding around the back seat, this is the year to fix it. A properly installed roof rack keeps your gear secure, your cabin dry, and every seat free for the people riding with you.
Here's what Colorado skiers and snowboarders should know before choosing a roof rack, from the rack itself to the carrier that sits on top of it.
Why carry skis on the roof instead of inside?
- A dry, clean cabin. Skis and boards come back from the mountain covered in snow, slush, and road grime. On the roof, that mess stays outside.
- No torn seats or scratched trim. Ski edges are sharp. Folded seats, headliners, and door panels take the damage when gear rides inside.
- Room for everyone. Folding down a rear seat for skis costs you a passenger. A roof carrier gives the seats back.
- Safer in a sudden stop. Loose skis and boards inside the cabin can fly forward under hard braking. Locked into a roof carrier, they stay put.
Step one: the base rack
Every ski carrier or cargo box mounts to a base rack — usually a pair of crossbars running side to side across the roof. What you need depends on what your vehicle already has:
- Raised side rails (rails with a gap underneath): crossbars clamp straight onto them. The simplest setup.
- Flush side rails (rails fixed tight to the roof): crossbars attach with rail-specific towers.
- Factory mounting points hidden under small roof covers: crossbars bolt directly to them for a very solid fit.
- A bare roof with no rails: crossbars clamp into the door jambs using a fit kit made for your exact make and model.
- Factory crossbars already installed: many carriers mount to them, but some factory bars have low load ratings or odd shapes, so check compatibility first.
Pickups have another option: a bed rack puts the carrier up over the bed, where it's easier to reach than a tall cab roof.
Step two: choose your carrier
Ski and snowboard carriers
Clamp-style carriers grip skis or boards between padded, lockable jaws. They're low profile, relatively quiet, and quick to load. Depending on the model, most hold several pairs of skis or a few snowboards. The trade-off: your gear is exposed to snow and road spray on the drive.
Cargo boxes
An enclosed roof box carries skis, boards, poles, and even boots and bags, all out of the weather and locked. For Colorado winter driving, that protection matters: magnesium chloride spray from treated roads is corrosive and hard on edges and bindings. A box keeps it off your gear entirely and frees up the inside of the vehicle too. Boxes cost more and add height, so they're best for families and anyone who skis most weekends.
Hitch-mounted ski racks
These hold skis on a hitch-mounted frame behind the vehicle, so there's no lifting over a tall roof. The catch: gear rides right in the spray kicked up behind your vehicle, and it can block access to the rear hatch.
Magnetic carriers
Magnetic racks stick to the roof without crossbars and are fine for occasional short trips. For regular highway drives in mountain wind, a carrier mounted to a proper base rack is the more secure choice.
Colorado-specific things to plan for
- Clearance. A box or loaded carrier adds real height. Know your total height before pulling into a garage, parking structure, or drive-thru.
- Roof load limit. Every vehicle has a maximum roof load in the owner's manual, and it includes the weight of the rack and box, not just your gear. We set up your system to stay within it.
- Mountain wind. Exposed stretches of I-70 and the passes can get gusty. Load skis with the tips pointing toward the back of the vehicle to reduce lift, and make sure every clamp and lock is closed before you roll out.
- Traction Law season. Colorado's Passenger Vehicle Traction Law applies on I-70 between Dotsero and Morrison from September 1 through May 31. A roof rack doesn't change the rules, but while you're getting the vehicle ready for winter, check your tires against CDOT's requirements.
- Noise and fuel economy. Crossbars and boxes add some wind noise and drag. Aerodynamic bars help, and if you only ski part of the year, taking the box off in the off-season makes a noticeable difference.
- Ice on locks. Keep your carrier keys handy, and give lock cylinders a quick shot of lock lubricant before the season starts so they don't freeze up at the trailhead lot.
Why installation matters
A roof rack only holds as well as it's mounted. Crossbars need the right fit kit for your vehicle, correct spacing for the carrier you're using, and clamps tightened to the manufacturer's spec — too loose and the system can shift, too tight and you risk marking rails or roof paint. Door-jamb clamps on bare roofs need to sit precisely so doors still seal.
At Adams Auto Restyling, we fit the rack to your specific vehicle, set it up for the gear you actually carry, and walk you through loading, locking, and removing it before you leave. Already bought a rack or carrier? In many cases we can install parts you already have.
Your pre-season roof rack checklist
- Confirm your vehicle's roof type and roof load limit.
- Pick a carrier or box sized for your group's skis, boards, and poles.
- Measure your total vehicle height with the box or loaded carrier on.
- Test every lock, and keep the keys on your vehicle keyring.
- Re-check that the crossbars are tight after the first few trips.
- Rinse the rack and carrier after drives on treated roads to wash off magnesium chloride.
Frequently asked questions
Will a roof rack damage my paint?
A correctly installed rack shouldn't. Quality fit kits use rubber-padded feet and clamps, and we position and tighten them to the manufacturer's spec so nothing shifts or rubs.
How many skis can a roof carrier hold?
It depends on the carrier. Clamp-style carriers typically hold several pairs of skis or a few snowboards, and cargo boxes vary by length and volume. Tell us what your group carries and we'll size it.
Can I leave my roof rack on all year?
Yes, crossbars can stay on year-round and are useful for bikes, kayaks, and cargo in summer. Many people remove a cargo box in the off-season to cut wind noise and improve fuel economy.
Should skis go tips forward or backward?
Load skis with the tips pointing toward the back of the vehicle. It reduces wind lift at highway speed and puts less stress on the carrier.
Get your rack ready before the first powder day
Ski season fills up fast, and nobody wants to be figuring out crossbars in a parking lot at 6 a.m. Adams Auto Restyling installs roof racks, crossbars, and carriers for drivers across Windsor, Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, and Northern Colorado. Hauling gear in a pickup? Pair a rack with a tonneau cover to keep everything else dry.
Call or text 970-286-0886 or request a quote online to get set up before the lifts open.