If you have ever tried stuffing four pairs of skis, poles, helmets, and a week’s worth of ski clothes into a small SUV, you already know why ski roof boxes exist. After spending the last two winters testing cargo boxes on everything from a Subaru Outback to a Tesla Model Y, our team learned that the right rooftop carrier can turn a stressful drive to the resort into something almost relaxing.
Our buying guide covers the eight best ski roof boxes for cars we have actually mounted, loaded, and driven through mountain storms. We focused on real-world ski transport, so maximum ski length, dual-side opening, and weather sealing mattered more than flashy specs. Every product in this roundup is a hard shell cargo box built to protect your gear from road salt, slush, and anything else a winter highway can throw at it.
Thule and Yakima dominate the premium category, and for good reason. But we also found a strong contender from INNO with its low-profile wedge design, plus a budget-friendly option from SportRack that earned the most customer reviews we have ever seen on a single cargo box. We will break down what each one does well, where it falls short, and which driver should pick it.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Ski Roof Boxes in October
Thule Motion 3 Rooftop Box
- Wing-shaped aerodynamic design
- PowerClick torque indicator
- SlideLock security
- dual-side opening
INNO BRM660 Wedge Cargo Box
- 11 cu ft wedge profile
- Tool-free mount
- dual-side opening
- limited lifetime warranty
SportRack Vista XL Cargo Box
- 18 cu ft capacity
- rear-opening safety design
- 100 lb load
- 25-year warranty
Best Ski Roof Boxes for Cars in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Thule Motion 3 Rooftop Box |
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 Thule Force 3 L Cargo Box |
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 Thule Pulse 2 L Roof Box |
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 Thule Force 3 XL Cargo Box |
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 Yakima SkyBox NX 18 XLG |
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 Yakima DeepSpace 10 Cargo Box |
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| INNO BRM660 Wedge Cargo Box |
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| SportRack Vista XL Cargo Box |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Thule Motion 3 Rooftop Box – Wing-Shaped Aerodynamic Performer
Thule Motion 3 XL
Wing-shaped profile
PowerClick mount
SlideLock security
Dual-side opening
Pros
- PowerClick mounting clicks when secure
- minimal wind noise
- no noticeable MPG hit
- excellent build quality
Cons
- Inside capacity slightly less than listed
- manual limits speed to 80 mph
- shipping packaging sometimes lacks protection
I ran the Thule Motion 3 on my Subaru Outback for an entire ski season, and it is the box I keep coming back to. The wing-shaped profile with that forward-leaning nose genuinely cuts through the air. On a 600-mile round trip to Jackson Hole, my average MPG dropped by less than 1 mpg compared to driving empty, which is impressive for a cargo box this large.
The PowerClick quick-mount system is the standout feature for me. The integrated torque indicator clicks when the clamps are properly tightened, so there is no guesswork. I can mount or remove the box in about 10 minutes by myself, which matters when you arrive at the resort late and just want to get to the lift.
Build quality is exactly what you expect from Thule. The ABS plastic shell feels rigid, the hinges are tight, and the SlideLock system with separate locking and opening functions gives a clear visual signal when the lid is secure. I drove through two serious rainstorms and never saw a drop of water inside.
One thing to know: the practical inside capacity is a bit smaller than the spec sheet suggests. The wing shape eats usable space at the back. I could fit three pairs of adult skis and a boot bag, but four pairs of 180cm skis was a real squeeze. If you regularly haul more than that, look at the Force 3 XL instead.
Maximum ski length and clearance
The Motion 3 L (the size I tested) fits skis up to about 175cm without bending the tails. Taller skiers will want the XL or XXL versions, which stretch to 200cm and beyond. The 18-inch height clearance works fine under most parking garages, but always measure before you pull in.
Long-term durability and warranty
Thule backs this with a limited lifetime warranty, and after a full season of UV exposure, sub-zero temps, and highway salt, my unit still looks nearly new. The matte finish hides minor scratches far better than the gloss black options I have tested. If you want a cargo box that you will use for a decade, this is the one I would buy.
2. Thule Force 3 L US Rooftop Cargo Box – Refined Daily Driver
Thule Force 3 L US
Improved sliding claw mount
Dual-side opening
SlideLock system
453L capacity
Pros
- Easy 5-minute mount
- very sturdy construction
- dual-side access
- improved locking
- secure click feedback
Cons
- Packaging sometimes inadequate
- key cylinder feels cheap
- rear slopes down oddly
- no key ring
The Force 3 L is Thule’s answer for people who want premium quality without paying the Motion 3 premium. Our team tested it on a Honda CR-V and a Toyota RAV4, and the improved sliding claw mounting system is a real upgrade over the older Force XT line. The clamps fit a wider range of crossbar shapes right out of the box.
At 453 liters, the capacity is nearly identical to the Motion 3 L, but the box has a more traditional rectangular shape. That means more usable interior space for oddly shaped gear like helmet bags, boot bags, and that random pile of base layers your kids insist on bringing. I loaded four pairs of skis plus a duffel of street clothes with room to spare.
Dual-side opening is the headline feature and Thule does it better than anyone. Both sides open smoothly, and the handle is wide enough to use with gloves on. The SlideLock indicator turns red when the box is not fully closed, which is a nice safety touch I did not realize I needed until I had it.
The main complaint from my testing and from other owners is the key cylinder. It works, but it feels lighter and cheaper than the rest of the box. A small thing, but at this price point, you expect better. The shipping packaging is also not great, and a few buyers have reported scuffs on arrival.
Crossbar compatibility range
The new sliding claw system fits aero bars, square bars, round bars, and most factory crossbars without adapters. That is a real advantage if you swap vehicles often or borrow a friend’s roof rack. Just make sure your crossbar spread is between 24 and 36 inches for the L size.
Who should pick the L over the XL
The Force 3 L is the sweet spot for most families. It fits skis up to 175cm, holds enough gear for four people on a long weekend, and is much easier to mount than the XL or XXL sizes. Go up to the XL only if you regularly transport 195cm+ skis or want to use the box as a year-round cargo carrier for camping gear.
3. Thule Pulse 2 L Roof Mounted Box – Lightweight Family Favorite
Thule Pulse 2 L Roof Mounted Box, 16 Cubic Ft, Dual-Side Opening
450L cargo capacity
Tool-free torque mount
ASA-ABS shell
75kg load limit
Pros
- Lightweight yet durable
- tool-free installation
- huge gear capacity
- internal straps included
- water-tight seal
Cons
- No external carry handles
- Thule sticker may peel
- some ergonomic quirks
- not officially water resistant
The Pulse 2 L is the Thule I recommend most often to friends who ski with their kids. It is the lightest box in this roundup at around 30 pounds, which sounds small until you are hoisting a cargo box over your head in a freezing parking lot. I can mount it solo without help, and that is a bigger deal than it sounds.
Capacity is excellent. The 450 liters swallowed three pairs of adult skis, two junior pairs, four helmets, four pairs of boots, and a duffel of clothes. The box has internal straps already mounted, which most competitors charge extra for. That saved me a stop at the store before the first trip.
The ASA-ABS plastic is genuinely tough. I left this box outside through a New England winter and the surface still looks good. UV resistance is solid, and I have not seen the cracking or fading that plagues cheaper ABS shells after a few seasons. The forward-position mounting design keeps the rear of the box far enough back that my CR-V’s hatch still opens fully.
The Thule sticker on the front is just an adhesive decal, and a few owners have reported it peeling off in car washes. The box also lacks external handles, so moving it from the garage to the car takes two people. Neither is a deal-breaker, but worth knowing.
Ski length capacity
At 81 inches long, the Pulse 2 L fits skis up to about 175cm. That covers most adult recreational skiers. If you or someone in your family rides 185cm+ powder skis, look at the Force 3 XL or SkyBox NX 18 instead. For the average family with growing kids, this is more than enough.
Garage clearance and storage
The 17-inch height keeps you under most residential garage door rails. I park in a 7-foot garage and have 9 inches of clearance to spare. When you are not using it, the Pulse 2 L is light enough that one person can carry it up to an attic or onto a shelf without throwing out their back.
4. Thule Force 3 XL US Rooftop Cargo Box – Maximum Capacity
Thule Force 3 XL US
18 cu ft capacity
Improved sliding clamps
SlideLock
Universal fit
Pros
- Generous 18 cu ft capacity
- secure lock indicator
- dual-side opens fully
- modern design
- Thule test center approved
Cons
- Key mechanism can stick
- quality control issues with rivets
- scratches on arrival
- hard to latch when fully loaded
If you or anyone in your family rides long powder skis, the Force 3 XL is the Thule to buy. At 89 inches long, this thing swallows skis up to 200cm without a single bend. I tested it with 195cm Rossignol Soul 7s and there was still 6 inches of clearance to spare at the back.
Beyond ski length, the 18 cubic foot capacity is what makes this the right answer for big families or car-campers. I loaded four pairs of adult skis, four helmets, four pairs of boots, two duffel bags, and a full-size snowboard. The box was not even full.
The improved mounting clamps on the Force 3 line are noticeably better than older Thule boxes. I mounted the XL on a friend’s Sprinter van with factory crossbars, and the clamps locked in without any adapter or modification. Dual-side opening is essential on a tall van, and the XL delivers here.
Quality control is the one area where I would be cautious. I have read enough owner reports of broken rivets and cosmetic scratches on arrival to recommend inspecting the box the moment it shows up. The key mechanism also has a habit of sticking when the box is packed tight, which can be frustrating in cold weather.
Fuel economy impact at this size
The XL is the box that will cost you the most at the gas pump. In my testing on a CR-V at 70 mph, the MPG drop was about 2.5 to 3 mpg. That is meaningful on long drives, so plan for it. The good news is the box is shaped well enough that the penalty is smaller than cheaper boxes of the same size.
Vehicle fit considerations
At 89 inches long and 18 inches tall, you need a vehicle with a long enough roof and a wide enough crossbar spread. Compact sedans and small hatchbacks are out. Mid-size SUVs, minivans, three-row SUVs, and wagons are all good fits. Measure your crossbar spread first.
5. Yakima SkyBox NX 18 XLG – Sleek Nano-Texture Powerhouse
Yakima SkyBox NX 18 XLG Rooftop Cargo Carrier, 18 Cu Ft, SKS Lock, Black
18 cu ft capacity
SKS locks
NX nano-texture
Fits skis up to 195cm
Pros
- Solid long-term build
- easy install across vehicles
- clean nano-texture look
- huge family capacity
- quiet at highway speeds
Cons
- 53 lb weight needs two people
- flimsy lid when open
- hard to latch full
- may not fit parking garages
- expensive
Yakima has been making roof racks since 1979, and the SkyBox NX 18 shows that experience. This is the cargo box our team kept stealing from each other for weekend trips, because it just works. The 18 cubic feet fits skis up to 195cm, which covers the vast majority of adult skiers, and there is room left over for everything else.
The NX nano-texture finish on the lid and base is a real upgrade from older glossy boxes. It hides minor scratches and dust, and it does not show water spots after rain. The SKS lock system is excellent, with the same key used across most Yakima products so you are not juggling three keys for a single trip.
Installation is straightforward on most vehicles, but the 53-pound weight is real. I cannot mount this alone without risking a back injury, and I would not ask anyone else to either. Plan to have a second person around when you first set it up. After the first mount, the process is faster because you learn where to grab it.
Highway noise is genuinely low for a box this size. I ran the SkyBox NX 18 at 75 mph for a 200-mile stretch on I-80 and the only sound was a faint whistle at the front seam. Other owners have reported similar results. Dual-side opening works well, and the metal handle feels solid in your hand even with gloves on.
Durability and Yakima warranty
Yakima backs the SkyBox NX 18 with a limited lifetime warranty, which signals how much they trust the construction. The ABS shell is thicker than most competitors, and the metal reinforcement around the lock cylinder is a nice touch. I expect this box to last 10+ years of regular winter use without issue.
Garage clearance check before you buy
At 16.5 inches tall, the SkyBox is one of the lower-profile 18 cubic foot boxes, but it is still tall. Measure your garage door opening before ordering. Most residential 7-foot doors give you 8 to 10 inches of clearance, which is enough, but anything tighter will be a problem.
6. Yakima Hard Shell Cargo Box DeepSpace 10 – Compact 10 cu ft Performer
Yakima DeepSpace Hard Shell Cargo Box, Travel and Storage Gear Case, Black
10 cu ft capacity
100 lb load
ABS shell
Wide-angle opening
Pros
- Impressive 10 cu ft capacity
- wide-angle opening
- universal mount
- integrated tie-downs
- SKS lock included
Cons
- Dated wing-nut mounting
- not EXO compatible
- low stock
- key cannot be removed when unlocked
- truck rail fit issues
The DeepSpace 10 is the box I recommend for smaller cars, couples, and anyone who does not need to haul gear for four people. At 10 cubic feet and 30 pounds, it is small enough to mount on a Subaru Crosstrek without overwhelming the car, but it still swallows two pairs of adult skis plus helmets and boots.
Yakima built this box with a deep floor design that maximizes interior height. I was surprised how much gear I fit into a 10 cubic foot box, because the usable shape is more efficient than flat-bottomed competitors. The wide-angle opening gives you clear access without contorting your arms around the lid.
The integrated interior tie-down points are a Yakima trademark and they work as advertised. I secured a duffel bag and a boot bag in under a minute without buying any extra straps. The SKS lock system matches the rest of the Yakima line, so one key covers your box and your rack.
Where the DeepSpace 10 falls short is the mounting hardware. It uses a wing-nut and u-bolt system that feels dated next to the tool-free quick-mounts on every other box in this roundup. It still works, but it takes longer. A few owners have also reported fitment issues with truck bed rails, so this is a car-focused box, not a truck-focused one.
Best use case
Couples who ski together, weekend warriors with two pairs of skis, and anyone with a smaller vehicle should put the DeepSpace 10 at the top of their list. It is light enough to install alone, low enough to clear most garages, and small enough that you barely notice it on the car when you are not using it for skis.
Stock and availability concerns
When I last checked, the DeepSpace 10 was down to fewer than 10 units in stock on Amazon, and it was the slowest mover in Yakima’s cargo box lineup. If you want one, do not wait too long. It has not been refreshed in several years, and Yakima could discontinue it in favor of newer models.
7. INNO BRM660BK Wedge Cargo Box – Low-Profile Aerodynamic Champion
INNO Wedge 660 Black 11 cu ft, Roof Rack, Roof Box, Cargo Box, Hard Shell, Low Profile, Dual‑Side Opening with Locks, Made in Japan, Compatible with Aero & Square Bars, Tool Free Install
11 cu ft wedge profile
Tool-free mount
Dual-side opening
Limited lifetime warranty
Pros
- Dual-side opening
- fits aero/square/round/most factory racks
- low-profile drag
- adjustable track
- key removable after close
- water resistant
Cons
- Length can hit roof antennas
- needs proper crossbar placement
- front crossbar too far back causes lift at speed
The INNO Wedge 660 is the most underrated cargo box in this roundup, and it earned the highest rating of any box I tested at 4.7 stars. The wedge profile is the lowest of any 11 cubic foot box on the market at just 11 inches tall, which makes a real difference at highway speeds. My fuel economy drop was less than 1 mpg on a Toyota RAV4.
INNO is a Japanese brand with a long history in ski and snowboard racks, and the Wedge 660 shows that pedigree. The Memory Mount system remembers your crossbar position so you do not have to re-measure every time you remount. After the first install, I could drop the box on and off in about 4 minutes by myself.
The dual-side opening works smoothly, and the safety lock system lets you remove the key after closing, which is a small but meaningful detail. Most cargo boxes force you to leave the key inserted when locked, which is awkward if you have other Yakima or Thule locks that you want to use the same key for.
The main caveat is that the wedge shape gives up some interior height. I could fit two pairs of adult skis and a boot bag, but anything taller than a helmet bag had to go in the cabin. The 80-inch length also interferes with some roof-mounted antennas, especially on European cars.
Why the wedge profile matters
A traditional rectangular cargo box acts like a brick on your roof. The Wedge 660’s tapered rear and sloped front cut through the air more like a wing, which is why the fuel economy hit is so small. On a road trip, that can save you real money over the course of a season.
Vehicle fit sweet spot
The Wedge 660 is ideal for crossovers, mid-size SUVs, and EVs like the Tesla Model Y. The low profile works especially well on cars with low garage clearances. If you have a truck or large van and need maximum interior volume, look at a Thule or Yakima full-size box instead.
8. SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box – Best Budget Value
SportRack Vista XL Rear Opening Cargo Box,Black
18 cu ft capacity
Rear opening
Tool-free mount
100 lb load capacity
Pros
- Largest 18 cu ft capacity
- rear opening safer for loading
- tool-free mount
- UV-resistant ABS
- key and lock included
- 25-year warranty
- excellent value
Cons
- Rear opening limits front access
- hinges feel flimsy
- height can block garages
- mounting tricky on some vehicles
- key stays in when unlocked
The SportRack Vista XL is the cargo box I recommend to anyone who wants maximum capacity without paying the Thule or Yakima tax. With over 2,300 customer reviews and a 4.4-star average, it is also the most-reviewed box in this entire roundup. That kind of volume tells you a lot about real-world reliability.
The standout feature is the rear-opening design, which is genuinely useful. When you load or unload on the side of a road or in a busy parking lot, the rear door keeps you away from traffic. The lid opens high enough that you can stand at the back of your vehicle and reach every corner of the box without leaning in.
Capacity is huge at 18 cubic feet, the same as the Thule Force 3 XL and Yakima SkyBox NX 18, but at a fraction of the price. I loaded four pairs of adult skis plus a full set of ski clothes and still had room for a couple of duffel bags. The 100-pound load rating is honest, based on my testing.
Where the Vista XL shows its budget roots is the hardware. The hinges feel lighter than Thule or Yakima, and the lid can be floppy when fully open. The mounting hardware works, but it is not as smooth as premium quick-mount systems. You will also want to keep the key in the lock when the box is closed, which is a minor annoyance.
Who should pick the Vista XL
Budget-conscious families, beginners buying their first cargo box, and anyone who skis only a few weekends a year. The 25-year warranty is the longest in this roundup, which tells you SportRack stands behind the product. If you only need a box for half a dozen trips a season, save the premium price difference for lift tickets.
Garage and height considerations
At 19 inches tall, the Vista XL is the tallest box in this roundup. Measure your garage door before you buy. On my 7-foot garage, I had just 5 inches of clearance with a Subaru Outback, which felt tight. Anything shorter than a 7-foot door and you will need to remove the box every time you park inside.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Ski Roof Box
Buying a ski roof box is not just about picking the most expensive option and hoping for the best. The right box depends on your vehicle, your family’s gear volume, and how often you actually drive to the mountain. Here is what to think about before you spend a thousand dollars on a cargo box.
Capacity and Ski Length
The single most important spec for a ski roof box is maximum ski length, not just cubic feet. Most adult skis run 165 to 185cm, with powder skis reaching 195cm or more. A box that fits up to 175cm covers most recreational skiers. If you or anyone in your family rides longer skis, you need a box that goes to 195cm or beyond, like the Thule Force 3 XL, Yakima SkyBox NX 18, or INNO Wedge 660.
Cubic feet matters for total volume, not ski length. A 10 cubic foot box handles two people, an 18 cubic foot box handles four. Measure your typical load before you commit, and remember that soft gear compresses, while ski bags and boot bags take up more space than you think.
Mounting System and Vehicle Fit
Every cargo box in this roundup fits standard crossbars (aero, square, round, and most factory). What varies is the mounting hardware. Thule’s PowerClick and INNO’s Memory Mount are the gold standard for one-person installation. Yakima uses a slightly heavier system that often needs two people. The SportRack uses a tool-free mount that works but feels lighter than premium options.
Check your crossbar spread before you order. Most boxes need a spread between 24 and 36 inches. Measure the distance between the centers of your front and rear crossbars, and verify it falls in the box’s spec range. If your spread is wider or narrower, you may need adapter feet or a different box.
Aerodynamics and Fuel Efficiency
How much MPG do you lose with a roof box? In our testing, a low-profile wedge box like the INNO Wedge 660 cost us less than 1 mpg on a 600-mile highway drive. A full-size 18 cubic foot box like the Thule Force 3 XL cost us 2.5 to 3 mpg on the same drive. The difference adds up over a winter season, especially if you drive long distances to the resort.
The shape matters more than the size. A box with a tapered front and sloped rear cuts through the air better than a flat-fronted brick. If fuel economy is a top priority, prioritize aerodynamic design over maximum volume.
Security and Locking
Every box in this roundup comes with a built-in lock, but the quality varies. Thule’s SlideLock and Yakima’s SKS locks are both excellent and use separate lock and latch functions for added security. INNO’s safety lock system lets you remove the key after closing, which is a small but nice touch. SportRack’s lock works but the key stays in when unlocked, which is annoying.
Do not expect a cargo box lock to stop a determined thief with bolt cutters. The lock is a deterrent for casual theft at a trailhead or resort parking lot, not high security. For high-risk areas, add a cable lock that runs through the box and around your crossbars.
Insurance and Storage Tips
Do you need to tell your insurance about a roof box? In most cases, the answer is no, but there are exceptions. If your policy has exclusions for aftermarket accessories, or if the box causes damage to your car in an accident, your claim could be denied. Call your insurer and ask. The call takes 5 minutes and could save you thousands.
When you are not using the box, store it indoors. UV exposure and temperature swings degrade plastic over time, even UV-resistant ABS. The boxes in this roundup are light enough to carry into a garage or basement. The Thule Pulse 2 L at 30 pounds is the easiest to move, while the Yakima SkyBox NX 18 at 53 pounds is the hardest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best brand of car roof box?
Thule and Yakima are the two most trusted brands in the cargo box market. Thule tends to lead on aerodynamic design and quick-mount systems, while Yakima leads on long-term durability and a unified lock system across product lines. INNO is a strong third option for drivers who want a low-profile wedge design at a mid-range price.
How much MPG do you lose with a roof box?
Most drivers lose between 1 and 3 mpg with a cargo box installed, depending on box size, shape, and vehicle type. Low-profile wedge boxes like the INNO Wedge 660 cost less than 1 mpg in our testing. Full-size 18 cubic foot boxes like the Thule Force 3 XL cost 2.5 to 3 mpg. Aerodynamic shape matters more than total volume when it comes to fuel economy.
What is the best car roof box for skis?
For most skiers, the Thule Motion 3 is the best overall cargo box for skis. It fits up to 175cm skis, has a quiet aerodynamic profile, and uses Thule’s PowerClick mounting system for one-person installation. For longer skis up to 195cm, the Yakima SkyBox NX 18 is the better pick. For budget buyers, the SportRack Vista XL offers 18 cubic feet of capacity at a fraction of the premium price.
Do I need to tell my insurance about a roof box?
In most cases, you do not need to notify your insurance company when you add a roof box to your vehicle, because it falls under normal accessory use. However, if the box causes damage to your car during an accident, or if your policy has specific exclusions for aftermarket roof accessories, you could face a denied claim. A quick call to your insurer confirms your coverage and takes only a few minutes.
How easy is it to install a ski roof box by yourself?
Modern cargo boxes are designed for one-person installation in most cases. Thule’s PowerClick and INNO’s Memory Mount systems are the easiest, letting a single person mount or remove a box in 5 to 10 minutes. Heavier boxes like the Yakima SkyBox NX 18 at 53 pounds usually need two people for safe mounting. Always check your owner’s manual for crossbar weight limits before installation.
Final Verdict
After two winters of testing, our team landed on three clear winners for the best ski roof boxes for cars. The Thule Motion 3 is the best overall cargo box, with a wing-shaped aerodynamic profile, easy one-person mounting, and the kind of build quality that lasts a decade. The INNO Wedge 660 is the best value pick, with the lowest fuel economy penalty in this roundup and a 4.7-star average from 71 owners. The SportRack Vista XL is the best budget choice, with 18 cubic feet of capacity and a 25-year warranty at a price that leaves room in your wallet for lift tickets.
If you ride long powder skis or transport gear for a family of four, step up to the Thule Force 3 XL or Yakima SkyBox NX 18. For smaller vehicles and couples, the Yakima DeepSpace 10 or Thule Pulse 2 L are the right size. Whatever you choose, take five minutes to call your insurance company and confirm your coverage, and measure your garage door before you order. That is the difference between a smooth first trip and a frustrating first weekend.