How to Choose a Car Rack for Snowboards: Types, Fit and Popular Options

Rooftop snowboard racks come in clamp-style, flat-top, pull-out (telescoping) and vertical designs. Choose a carrier that fits your crossbars or factory rails, carries the number of boards you need, and offers locking or accepts locks. Thule and Yakima are long-standing brands with multiple product lines, but specific models and capacities change over time - confirm current specs and included hardware before buying.

Why you need a dedicated snowboard rack

If you drive to the slopes, a dedicated snowboard rack keeps boards safe, frees up interior space, and avoids binding damage. Racks attach to crossbars, factory rails, or the vehicle itself. They come in clamp-style, flat-top, pull-out/telescoping and vertical designs.

Common rack types and what they do

Clamp-style (jaw) carriers

Clamp-style carriers use rubberized jaws to grip stacked skis or snowboards. They protect bases and bindings while locking the load. Many modern clamp-style models have oversized release buttons so you can operate them with gloves on.

Flat-top (low-profile) carriers

Flat-top carriers clamp over stacked gear and have a low profile to reduce wind noise. They work well for boards with bulky bindings and often include keyed locks or accept lock cores.

Pull-out / telescoping carriers

For tall SUVs and vans, pull-out or telescoping carriers bring the load toward you for easier loading. These can be especially helpful when you have heavy boards or limited reach.

Vertical mounts and alternatives

Vertical mounts carry boards upright and save roof width, but add more wind exposure. Alternatives include hitch-mounted trays and roof boxes, which protect gear from weather but change vehicle handling and capacity.

Fit, capacity and security

Check three things before you buy: crossbar type (square, round, aero or factory rails), how many boards/pairs you need to carry, and clearance between bindings and the roof. Many carriers accept standard crossbar shapes; some need specific adapters.

Locking is worth the cost. Some carriers include locks; others accept separate lock cores. If you plan to leave gear unattended at trailheads, plan for keyed locks and, if possible, a locking roof rack system.

Brands and model notes

Thule and Yakima remain leading brands for ski and snowboard carriers. Older Thule models such as the Thule 575 Universal Snowboard Carrier, Thule Flat Top series, and pull-out models were popular for universal-fit and telescoping functions .

Yakima's PowderHound line (including 3071, 3072 and Big Powderhound variants) and similar FreshSesh/Vertical mounting options have offered clamp and vertical styles in the past ¹.

If a specific model matters to you, confirm current availability, exact capacity, and whether locks and mounting hardware are included before purchase. Many model lines have been updated or replaced over the last decade.

Buying checklist

• Verify crossbar or roof-rail compatibility.

• Confirm how many boards or skis the model carries.

• Check for binding clearance or an included lift kit.

• Confirm included locks or purchase lock cores separately.

• Consider a pull-out/telescoping model for tall vehicles.

Rooftop carriers remain a simple, secure way to transport snowboards. Match the carrier style to your vehicle and loading preferences, and verify model specs at the manufacturer or retailer before buying.

1. Confirm current availability and capacity/specs for Thule 575 Universal Snowboard Carrier.
2. Verify specifications and current status of Thule Flat Top series, Thule 725 Flat Top 6, and Thule 726 Pull Top models.
3. Confirm current availability and specifications for Yakima PowderHound models (3071, 3072), FreshSesh, and Vertical MightyMounts.
4. Verify which of the listed models include locks or require separate lock cores, and whether lift kits or telescoping options are included.