Can you fit skis in a car?
Yes. In most cars you can fit skis either inside the cabin with seats folded or on the roof with a rack, depending on ski length and the vehicle's space.
Assessing interior space vs. roof options
Key considerations for interior fit
To determine whether skis can be carried inside, compare the ski length with the available interior length when seating is configured for cargo. Most adult skis run about 170–190 cm, while trunk depths vary by model. Folding the rear seats often creates enough space for one or two pairs, but longer skis may still require roof transport.
Interior fit options you can try before resorting to roof storage:
- Fold down the rear seats to extend the cargo floor, creating a flat surface long enough for skis to lie along the floor.
- Place skis on their edges and slide them in side by side, tails near the trunk and tips toward the front seats. This minimizes height and helps close the lid without snagging.
- Leave bindings on if possible; they add width but not length. If necessary, you can carefully separate skis or slightly flex the seats, but avoid bending the ski or damaging upholstery.
- Angle the skis diagonally if trunk length is limited but interior height allows a sloping fit.
Concluding: With a typical sedan, hatchback, or small SUV, folding the rear seats and angling or stacking skis inside can work for a pair or two, especially for shorter skis. If you regularly transport longer skis, interior space alone may be insufficient.
Roof-mounted transport options
If interior space is tight, roof transport offers a reliable alternative that keeps the cabin free for passengers and gear. A roof rack or box also protects skis from road grit and weather.
Roof-mounted solutions
Common options include:
- Roof rack with ski carriers that clamp the skis securely on the crossbars.
- Roof box (or ski box) to protect skis from snow and road spray and keep gear organized.
- Ensure you respect roof-load limits and your vehicle’s total height with snow on top; check the owner's manual for weight ratings.
- Secure skis using straps and verify they cannot move or rattle while driving.
Concluding: Roof transport is widely used when interior space is limited or for longer trips; it reduces the risk of interior damage and typically keeps heavy skis safer from road debris.
Practical steps to verify fit
Before you head out, run through these steps to confirm you can safely fit and transport skis in your car:
- Measure each ski's length (tip to tail) and compare with the maximum flat cargo length you can achieve by folding seats.
- Measure the available width and height inside the cargo area to ensure skis or boxes will fit without bending or jamming.
- If using the roof, check the total weight of skis and carriers, and verify the roof load limit for your vehicle.
- Test-fit at home with a dry run to ensure you can close doors or the hatch without pinching or damaging components.
- Secure all items with straps and confirm nothing blocks the driver’s view or access to essential controls.
Concluding: Planning and measurement save time and prevent frustrating trips; when in doubt, consider a larger vehicle or a hired carrier for rare trips.
Summary
Bottom line: Yes, you can fit skis in many cars, either inside with seat folding or on the roof with a rack or box. The best approach depends on ski length, vehicle space, and safety considerations. Always measure first, secure loads, and use roof transport when interior space isn't enough.
Can you store skis in a car?
For compact skis like Snowfeet, storing them inside your car is often the easiest and most practical option.
Can you fit skis in a full-size car?
Long Skis: A Tight Squeeze for Most Cars
A pair of 67-inch skis won't fit unless you fold down the rear seats. Even then, they might encroach into the front passenger area, making things cramped.
How to fit skis into a car?
Use a towel to cover the ends of skis and poles. Use caps to cover the spikes on the ends of your ski poles. Try to put the skis in the trunk and through the center of the car. You will have to put down a back seat to do this, but it means that the skis sit between people and not on anybody's lap.
What's the best way to travel with skis?
For skis, I use a soft bag. I get a some old towels and wrap the tips and tails of my skis with them. Then I wrap around the bindings. Poles in there too. Then zip it all up and I am good. Never had a problem. I have had the bag damaged but the skis have been fine.
