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Pulling the ski jacket out from the back of the closet, dusting down the ski’s and hitting the slopes is a pretty great feeling isn’t it? We think so too.
A weekend away, annual family holiday, fun with friends or a couples getaway, skiing is always a good idea.
What isn’t always so good? Getting your ski’s from your garage to the slopes. Ski’s is a cumbersome item to carry, especially if you are traveling. To avoid a passenger getting jabbed in the car for hours by a rogue ski a ski rack is the best option to go for.
As your Audi Q5 comes with roof rails fitted as standard a roof rack is a great choice to go for, but these can be a minefield. There are so many racks on the market at the moment ranging in price and quality, making the purchase seem an overwhelming task!
But fear not! That’s where we come in! This article runs you through the best ski rack for your Audi Q5, giving you a choice of five, a buyers guide, and an FAQ section to help you make your decision with ease.
In a rush? View our top pick below to get your ski’s loaded and you down the slopes as quickly as possible!
- Holds 6 pairs of skis
- Soft rubber arms to reduce damage
- Caters for modern thicker ski’s
- Holds 6 pairs of skis, great for group trips
- Rubber arms to avoid scratching
- Aluminum material to avoid corrosion
- Versatile product
- Thick rubber saddles
- Universal use
Top pick:
1. Thule SnowPack Ski/Snowboard Rack
Thule’s ski rack offers the space for six pairs of skis or four snowboards making it great for families or friends hitting the slopes! The rack is designed to carry thicker modern skis too making it a great and diverse product.
It is made from aluminum so you know it will hold and is finished with ultra-soft rubber arms to avoid any scratches to your skis.
The rack is fitted with an integrated vertical spring system which reduces the carrier height when unloaded, making it a handy addition to your car. It is a universal design and fits directly into load bar T-racks via its handy tool-free mounting hardware. It’s easy installation allows for a stress-free start to your ski trip!
The instructions provided are pictures to follow, which some customers found tricky to follow. Overall the installation is quick and easy, meaning you can get on the move that much quicker!
The rack also has a handy oversized push button meaning it can be operated while wearing gloves and has an extension for feet as well for added roof clearance.
The rack sits at the higher end of the pay scale and comes with free shipping and returns so you are in safe hands. For those traveling as a larger group or family it’s certainly worth the investment.
- Holds 6 pairs of skis
- Soft rubber arms to reduce damage
- Caters for modern thicker ski’s
- Can be used while wearing gloves
- Reduces carrier height itself (integrated spring system)
- The instructions are pictures only, which some customers did find a little tricky to follow
More time to browse? View our other great racks below…
2. AA Products 33” Aluminum Universal Ski Roof Rack
The AA ski roof rack offers space for 6 pairs of skis or 4 snowboards making it a versatile addition to your Audi’s roof! The great offer of space makes it perfect for families or a group of friends off on their skiing adventures!
An affordable option with free shipping is great for those on a wide range of budgets.
The rack is made from aluminum making it strong and corrosion-resistant, great for the harsh weather conditions it could see. The arms are also made from an ultra-soft rubber, allowing the skis to be gripped without any scratching.
The rack comes with a universal mounting system, great for if you ever change cars and want to keep the rack. Some customers found it a little tricky to install so be sure to set aside plenty of time to attach it to your car.
The rack features one-button access which allows you to operate the rack with gloves on and comes with an added key and lock to provide thief protection and peace of mind should you leave your skis attached and unattended in your car.
It also comes with a one-year warranty giving you even more peace of mind as your drive with your skis securely locked in place.
- Holds 6 pairs of skis, great for group trips
- Rubber arms to avoid scratching
- Aluminum material to avoid corrosion
- One button access
- Universal mounting system
- Some customers found the installation a little tricky
3. IKURAM Kayak/Surf/Ski Roof Carrier Rack
The IKURAM rack is one of the more pricier options, but a very versatile one. It is also designed to carry kayaks and snowboards if necessary making it a great option if you have various equipment to transport.
It’s described as being ‘designed to last’, made with aviation-grade aluminum alloys, it’s lightweight, durable, and rust-resistant. The weatherproof and anti-corrosion materials mean it can be relied on year after year to transport your ski’s safely.
The rack has thick and all-weather rubber saddles to keep your ski’s in place. The rubber will minimize the risk of scratches to your ski’s as well.
The rack is designed to be universal so will fit your Audi with ease. It’s described as easy to assemble and can be transferred to another car quickly with no extra tools required, great for those on the road and a lot of car-sharing!
The rack comes with a quick raise and folds down design and a collapsable bar which has proven popular with other customers.
While some found the instructions a little difficult to follow, the rack offers you diversity, ease of use,, and high-quality material that should last you for many ski seasons to come.
- Versatile product
- Thick rubber saddles
- Universal use
- Durable and rust proof material
- Easy to transfer to other cars
- Some found the instructions a little difficult to follow
4. Rhino-Rack Ski & Fishing Rod Carrier
Rhino Rack’s carrier fits a set of 2 ski’s so great for couples traveling together. The inside length is 9.84 inches so be sure to check your measurements before purchasing!
The rack is designed with a sleek black look and comes in a range of different sizes designed to fit the Audi Q5. Its universal fitting clamp is easy to use and install in your car also.
The release and lock mechanism is designed to work with ease on gloved hands as well. The rack features a rubber grip profile which is great to avoid scratches on your ski’s as well.
It is worth noting that the rack’s mounting brackets are made with plastic so its durability may not be as good as those made from stronger materials.
The Rhino rack is an affordable price with free shipping as well so a great option for those traveling together or heading for some solo slopes.
- Affordable
- Holds 2 sets of skis
- Easy release
- Lock mechanism for gloved hands
- Sleek black look
- Made from plastic so may not last as long
5. YAKIMA – HitchSki Ski & Board Conversion Mount
Sitting at the top of the price point is YAKIMA’s offering. A conversion mount that transforms your current bike rack into a ski rack! Attached to the back of your car instead of the roof like the other choices, it allows you the chance to diversify your current bike rack.
The rack holds six pairs of skis making it a great option for families or groups of friends traveling together. The positioning makes it easier to get your skis and saves worrying about getting onto the roof of your car. The rack is also easy to install with a tool-free installation!
The conversion mount fits most bike racks and easy to use and install. It’s made with soft rubber padding designed to cradle and protect your ski’s during traveling.
The ArmLock and DeadLock options allow you to secure the whole rig to your car allowing for maximum security and a stress-free journey. It also comes with anti theft integrated thanks to its same key system locks included which provide extra security.
- Tool-free installation
- Rubber handles for added safety
- Fits most bike racks
- Anti theft system
- Holds six pairs of skis
- Need to already have a bike rack to add to
Best Ski Rack for Audi Q5 – Buyers guide
Purchasing a ski rack for your Audi Q5 can raise a lot of questions.
Not sure where to go?
Use our handy buyers guide to make the journey that much smoother and get you to the slopes, that bit quicker!
What Rack?
You have some choices when considering what kind of rack to go for your skis. A roof rack is usually the best option, especially as the Audi Q5 comes with roof bars as standard. They come in a range of sizes depending on how many ski’s they can carry so you are sure to find one that fits your needs!
You could opt for a rack that secures on the back of your car, although it’s worth noting that depending on the style, the ski’s could impact your rear view, so additional mirrors may be required especially for a long journey!
Some rear racks can be attached to a current bike rack converting it which is a good option if you already have a rack fitted to your car’s rear.
How Specific Shall I Go?
A good deal of ski racks these days are described as ‘universal’ meaning as long as your car already has roof rails it should attach nicely. A universal rack gives you a lot of flexibility especially if you are changing cars or sharing the travelling of the skis with another car.
However, you need to be sure when purchasing your ski rack that it will fit your Audi Q5 (all the ones in this article listed as universal are perfect!). Check the measurements before purchasing!
Tip! The reviews on Amazon are often handy places to find other people who have purchased the rack for the same car as yours!
Material
When purchasing your ski rack, the material is an important factor to consider. Look for soft rubber arms to minimize the damage to skis as the rubber will avoid scratches when in transit.
The rack should be made out of a strong, durable material that will last. Regardless of budget, you want to buy something you know it’s going to last a few ski seasons rather than having to replace one every year. Racks made out of aluminum will provide those durabilities as well as anti-corrosion which should help achieve the longest use.
Some use a lot of plastic, which is fine, but it’s worth noting that they may not last as well as the more durable materials, especially those with plastic bolts as opposed to a stronger material like aluminium.
What Size?
Most racks come with a size measurement in place to fit the car. As we have already established all the ones on this article will fit your Audi Q5 with ease.
Some racks are now designed to carry thicker ski’s so it’s worth checking the diameter of your ski’s to make sure they will fit comfortably to save you any potential loading disasters!
Make sure that your desired rack also fits the right amount of ski’s. Generally they range from two pairs to ski’s to six pairs, so you are sure to get the right size whether you are a solo or group skier!
How Much?
Ski roof racks can range in price and quite quickly you can find yourself in expensive territory! It’s worth setting a clear budget before you begin your search to avoid any mind blowing price shocks!
As you can see from the options above, you can find a good quality rack to suit any budget. Make sure to keep an eye out for free shipping also to save yourself some precious pennies!
Frequently Asked Questions
Still unsure of a few things?
Check out our FAQ section to have your burning questions answered.
Can I use a universal rack?
Providing the dimensions are right, yes that is fine to do. Make sure that the rack fits both your ski’s and your Audi Q5!
It is always worth checking the height of your new rack too to avoid any potential tunnel related disasters en route!
Why opt for a ski rack?
A ski rack is a great way to transport your ski’s from your house to the slopes! Especially as they are bulky and cumbersome to physically store in your car.
Ski racks these days are easy to assemble and easy to use. Many come with easy buttons to release the ski’s and some even offer no tool installation so great for those less than handy hands!
The durability and safety of them make it a great way to transfer your ski’s without any stress.
Do I need to buy additional roof rails?
As standard, an Audi Q5 is fitted with roof rails. Replacements are easily available should you require an, however it is not a prerequisite for a ski rack that you also need additional roof rails. They may be a worthwhile investment as a backup just in case!
How does a ski rack work?
A ski rack works to keep your ski’s securely and safely in place while your car is moving or static. Note it is probably best to store them more securely overnight such as a garage or storage facility.
Depending on the rack it is either attached to the roof rails already on your car (as is the case for your Audi Q5) or attached to the back of your car. The attachments are easy to do following your chosen racks instructions.
The rack can also stay attached to your roof meaning unless you need the roof space for another activity, you can attach it and forget about it until it’s time to load the skis!
Most racks now offer the ability to use them ‘gloved up’ which means you don’t need to worry about stripping off to grab or release your ski’s, a great way to avoid frosty fingers!
