It's December, your skis are waiting in the hallway, and you're already wondering how on earth you're going to fit them into your Audi. You want to protect the interior, stop the skis sliding around the boot every time you take a corner, and keep your rear passengers comfortable. You've got three options. Which one works best depends on how often you go skiing and how much luggage you take.
Audi ski rack or ski bag – when is a ski bag enough?
Many Audi models have a special ski hatch behind the rear seat armrest. You slide the ski bag through it, keeping the skis inside without getting in the way of your rear passengers. Nothing goes on the roof, you don't increase fuel consumption, and your skis stay protected from the cold and road salt. If you're not taking half your skiing wardrobe with you, I reckon this is the most practical solution.
- Perfect for one or two pairs of skis.
- The bag is waterproof, so wet skis won't soak your interior.
- If your rear seat doesn't have a ski hatch, this option won't work.
Roof-mounted ski carrier – is it worth it?
Once you've got more skis to carry, a roof-mounted ski carrier makes a lot of sense. It attaches to your roof bars and lets you carry several pairs of skis or snowboards. It's lightweight, relatively inexpensive and quick to fit. But here's the catch! Your skis are exposed to the elements for the entire journey, and that's something you need to think about.
- A handy solution if everyone in the family skis.
- Your skis are exposed to road salt, snow and wind.
- Fuel consumption goes up, especially on the motorway.
Roof box – when is it the better choice?
If you're heading to the mountains with the whole family, I'd look at a roof box first. You can pack your skis, poles, boots and jackets inside instead of trying to squeeze everything into every available corner. And that leaves room for people inside your Audi. If you go skiing regularly, trust me, that extra convenience is worth it.
- Your luggage is locked away and protected from moisture.
- A roof box that's properly matched to your car is quiet and aerodynamic.
- Just think about where you're going to store it when the ski season ends.
And don't forget – the weight of the roof box and skis counts towards your car's maximum permitted roof load. I've shown you how to calculate it in my guide to roof racks and roof loads. And watch out for underground car parks! With a roof box fitted, your Audi is quite a bit taller, and it's surprisingly easy to forget.
Which of the three options is right for you?
- Just one or two of you going skiing, and you've got a ski hatch in the rear seat? A ski bag is all you need.
- Travelling with the family but don't want to spend too much? Go for a roof-mounted ski carrier.
- Does the whole family head to the mountains regularly with loads of luggage? I'd choose the roof box.
Have you prepared your Audi for the mountains?
Right, we've sorted out the skis. But don't forget about your Audi itself. For a trip into the mountains, you'll need good winter tyres, snow chains in the boot and a full windscreen washer fluid reservoir. If you've got questions, I've explained everything separately in my guides to snow chains and winter tyres. Much better to get everything ready at home than find yourself stuck halfway up the mountain wondering what to do next.
Tip from Kris Mladenov: Whatever you choose, fit it and give it a trial run outside your house before your first ski weekend. Trust me, the last thing you want is to be standing in the ski lift car park at minus ten degrees, trying to work out the fitting instructions.
I hope you get some lovely snow and have a safe, relaxing drive to the slopes. If this article has helped you, share it with the friends you go skiing with. You might save them a lot of head-scratching over how to fit all their luggage into the car.
Find the right solution in our shop
Audi ski and snowboard bag that slides through the ski hatch in the rear seat.
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Audi ski carrier for 4 pairs of skis or 2 snowboards
Audi ski carrier for 4 pairs of skis or 2 snowboards, which attaches to the roof bars.
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Audi 310-litre roof box for luggage and skis, Brilliant Black
Audi roof box for luggage and skis, 310 litres, Brilliant Black.
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Audi 250-litre roof box for luggage and skis, Brilliant Black
Audi roof box for luggage and skis, 250 litres, ideal for smaller cars.
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- Roof racks and roof boxes in our shop
- Winter essentials in our shop
- Roof rack: how much weight can I carry?
- Snow chains for Audi quattro: when do you need them and which ones fit?
- When should you fit winter tyres and how should you store your summer tyres?
- What should you check on your car before winter?
- Getting ready for a ski holiday: tyres, snow chains and fluids
Frequently asked questions
What's the easiest way to carry your skis?
If you're taking one or two pairs and your rear seat has a ski hatch, go for a ski bag. A roof-mounted ski carrier is the cheaper option. But if you're travelling with the family and plenty of luggage, I'd choose a roof box.
Do skis count towards the maximum roof load?
Yes. Everything you put on the roof counts – the roof bars, the ski carrier or roof box, and the skis themselves. Don't just add up the weight of the skis. That's an easy mistake to make.
Does every Audi have a ski hatch in the rear seat?
No, my friend. It depends on the model and equipment. Check behind the rear armrest or look it up using your VIN.