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If you throw your snowboards into the back seat of your car on your way to the hills, it's time to consider investing in a snowboard rack. A snowboard in your car can quickly turn into a lethal weapon in a fast stop or collision. Boards on top mean more space — and, cleaner, drier space — for you and your passengers.
 No matter what type of vehicle you have, there's a snowboard rack that will work for you. The choices and features can be daunting, and snowboards have a few special considerations, so we've set out to clarify the basics. If you need more information, our rack specialists will find a rack that suits your specs.
Hitch or roof?
Hitch racks: If you already have a hitch bike rack, check to see whether a ski/snowboard rack attachment is available for it. This way, your rack does double-duty. Softride, Thule, and Yakima all offer ski/snowboard rack attachments for many of their hitch-mount bike racks. These racks offer easy, waist-level access to your gear. Most hitch racks swing away from the rear hatch or tilt down to allow access to your cargo space. Pros and cons? These racks are secure and accessible, but gear is more exposed to road debris.
Roof racks: Roof snowboard racks are available for all vehicle types, whether you have existing factory-mounted or purchased crossbars ("base racks"), factory-installed side rails, or a smooth roof (see illustration).  If you need to carry kayaks, bikes, camping gear, etc. you may want to invest in a good base rack system that will serve as the foundation for various combinations of gear. FastTrackRacks is currently offering some unbeatable deals on ski/snowboard rack–base rack packages. Magnetic ski racks (Inno) are designed for smooth-roof cars, and a number of racks are designed for vehicles with factory-installed side rails. Roof racks are slightly less accessible than hitch racks, but various features, such as racks that slide out to the edge of the vehicle, dual-side openings, and easy push-button release (so you can keep your gloves on!) all assist with access. Low-profile racks that hold boards in a horizontal position are available to minimize wind resistance. If snow/ice build-up is a concern, consider a rooftop cargo box (see our October 30, 2009, blog).
Bindings, board width, and capacity
Snowboards have some special considerations. If you have tall bindings (such as FLOW bindings) or extra thick bindings, be sure to get a rack that allows the proper clearance or adjustments to keep your snowboards secure and off your vehicle roof. Most racks accommodate both skis and snowboards, so look for a rack that holds the number, width, and combination of gear that you typically carry. Many racks carry as many as four snowboards or six pairs of skis (or combinations thereof); some simpler racks carry one to two snowboards or pairs of skis, which may be adequate for your needs.
Security and protection
If your snowboards or skis will be left on your vehicle for any amount of time, you'll want racks that lock. Most hitch racks lock to the vehicle and most have gear locks (that is, they lock your snowboards in the racks). Roof racks typically offer gear locks, but they may or may not lock to your vehicle. Any external rack exposes gear to some degree of exposure to road grime and salt. If that is a concern, protective bags can be purchased. Roof boxes for skis and snowboards offer the dual advantage of complete protection from the elements and security — gear is locked in the cargo box and out-of-site and mounting gear is not accessible from outside the box.
A note on safety
Snowboard racks hold your boards super-secure, but YOU need to double-check that racks are latched and locked. Also, don't think about overloading your racks with more gear than it's designed for. Your car and the safety of your passengers and others on the road are at stake. So, lock in your boards, be safe, and head for the hills!
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