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Product review

Thule Snowpack Review

Thule Snowpack Ski & Snowboard Carrier — A Closer Look

Hey there—Simon here from Roof Racks Edmonton. Today we’re checking in with a quick, practical overview of a long-standing winter favourite: the Thule Snowpack, a ski and snowboard carrier perfect for every Edmonton snow junkie looking for somewhere to store their gear during the drive. Let’s get into it.

A Proven, Premium Design

The Thule Snowpack is a low-profile, scissor-style ski and snowboard carrier designed with both form and function in mind. It comes in two different sizes to suit different needs:

• Medium — carries up to two snowboards or four pairs of skis
• Large — carries up to four snowboards or six pairs of skis

Finish options include matte black as well as silver, both of which look sharp on just about any vehicle. It’s a sleek, elegant rack that doesn’t overpower your roofline, which is always a nice bonus.

Security That’s Built In

One of the standout features of the Snowpack is that it’s fully lockable. The carrier locks closed around your skis or snowboards, and the attachment points to your load bars are also lockable. In other words, once it’s installed and locked, the whole system is secure.

That peace of mind goes a long way, especially if you’re stopping for coffee—or lunch—on the way to the hill.

Easy to Use, Even on Cold Mornings

Thule has clearly thought about real-world use here. The Snowpack is easy to open and close, even with gloved hands in cold conditions. Inside, you’ll find reinforced rubber strips that protect your gear while providing a very firm grip. Your skis or snowboards stay put during transit, with no shifting or rattling.

Flexible Mounting Options

Another strength of the Thule Snowpack is its versatility when it comes to mounting.

Square and Round Bars

If you’re running traditional square or round load bars, the Snowpack includes a fastening system that loops around the bar and tightens securely from above. Everything you need comes right in the box.

Aero and Wing-Style Bars

For aero blade or wing-style bars—such as the Thule WingBar Edge or similar—the Snowpack uses a T-nut system that slides into the bar’s top channel. This allows the carrier to sit flush with the bar, giving you the cleanest, most low-profile look possible.

Roof Rack vs. Cargo Box — What’s the Difference?

When it comes to transporting skis and snowboards, you’ve got a few options.

The Simple Option

If you’re travelling solo—or with just one other person—the simplest solution is often just tossing your gear in the back of the vehicle. That works, but it’s not always ideal.

Cargo Boxes

Roof boxes offer a few clear advantages. They keep your gear out of sight, which can help deter would-be thieves. They’re also highly versatile, working just as well in summer as winter, and easily accommodate boots, poles, and other gear.

That said, cargo boxes are bulky. They can affect fuel efficiency, increase overall vehicle height, and may prevent you from fitting into parking garages—or even your garage at home. They’re also heavier and more cumbersome to install and remove.

Scissor-Style Carriers Like the Snowpack

With the Snowpack, your skis and snowboards are visible, but they are lockable, which helps offset that concern. While they’re not as versatile as a cargo box, you can still use them for items like fishing rods, hockey sticks, or even kayak paddles in the off-season.

The big win here is low profile and ease of use. These racks barely change your vehicle height and are incredibly quick to load and unload. Pros and cons, just like anything—but for many drivers, the balance lands squarely in the Snowpack’s favour.

An Even Easier Option: The Snowpack Extender

Thule also offers the Snowpack Extender, which is the same size as the Large model but slides out beyond the side of your vehicle. This allows you to load and unload your gear at eye level, without reaching up and over the roof.

For taller vehicles—or anyone who values convenience—this can make a big difference.

Final Thoughts

That’s the Thule Snowpack in a nutshell. A clean, secure, and well-thought-out solution for transporting skis and snowboards. It’s quick to use, easy on your vehicle’s profile, and backed by Thule’s reputation for quality.

If you have questions or want to see one in person, feel free to stop by the store or reach out online at RoofRacksEdmonton.com. We’re always happy to help you dial in the right setup for your adventures.