When we are thinking about what car we want to be driving to the mountains this winter we want to be part of the group that gets to the resort, not part of the group stuck on the side of the road.
You can't get into the powder if you can't get to the mountain in your car.
So get your seat warmers cooking and scrape those windows off, in this article we are taking a drive to the mountains with 10 of the best cars for skiers today.
What Should You Look For in a Car as a Skier?
There are many things to look for in a vehicle you desire to take to the snow. Cars and trucks in the mountains are very tricky.
Luckily, we can point to some key attributes in a car that can make a day trip, weekend trip, or everyday commute in the snow an easy one.
The first being four-wheel or all wheel drive. In many places where roads get icy, hills get steep, or snowfall is expected more often than this feature in your car is absolutely essential.
You do not want to be on the side of the road in the middle of the night putting chains on your Toyota Corolla.
Another key attribute to a good car for a skier is storage. Whether it's an SUV or truck, every skier knows how much gear they have and how much space they are going to need.
I'll give you a hint on that, a lot. Racks and boxes are popular but those don't hold humans, food, or other valuable items.
Overall, there are a couple different makes and models of cars that are credible and trustworthy all throughout the ski community and those are going to be listed below. All these makes and models are going to get you to and from the mountain safely and efficiently.
The 10 Best Cars & Trucks for Skiers Today
Toyota 4 Runner
One of the best all around cars, 4runners are built for adventure and although they are not trucks they still do have tons of cargo space and passenger comfortability.
4runners are made by Toyota which is a longstanding trustworthy and credible company, especially for skiers. Whatever generation you want, from 1990’s to 2020’s 4 runners have been and will keep producing.
Toyota Tacoma
It's easy to think about 4runners and Tacomas going hand in hand.
The Tacoma is kind of like the truck version of a 4runner. The main difference really comes down to what model you prefer. If you are more of a truck kind of person and want that extra space in the back for your skis, snowmobiles, dog this could be the better option for you.
Subaru Outback
Next to Toyota, Subaru could be classified as another one of those extremely credible and tested cars in the mountains. You see them everywhere you go whether that's just around town, dessert, the snow. Subarus are reliable and efficient.
The outback is the biggest model for them which is great for skiers with a little extra gear.
Looking for an adventure vehicle that works on dirt too? Check out our ultimate list of adventure cars.
Subaru Crosstrek
The Crosstrek is very similar in design to the Outback but is just a smaller version.
The Crosstrelk still has that all wheel drive feature you are looking for in a ski car and might get a bit better gas mileage even. If you like smaller, snugger cars and are willing to give up a few square feet of space inside the car the Crosstrek could be the one for you.
Ford F150
The Ford F-150 is well known to be a do-it-all type of truck.
Towing, farming, construction type truck that still is able to hold its own in the mountains. Ford creates powerful trucks that are good with 4 wheel drive and can carry whatever you need with you through the snow with a big truck bed. Great for tailgating at lunch as well!
Chevrolet Colorado
The Chevy Colorado is a midsize truck that has good ground clearance, off road capabilities, and traction control paired with four wheel drive. All these attributes add onto what is a large vehicle that has solid towing power and plenty of space for storage. When a truck has Colorado in the name you know it's going to be good for the snow.
Toyota Tundra
Pretty much every Toyota SUV and truck deserve to be on this list so here it is.
The biggest truck that Toyota produces has a V8 engine and provides just a bit more size and durability compared to the Tacoma. As previously stated its all about preference so if bigger is your better than the Tundra is your cup of tea.
Toyota Sequoia
The 4runner to Tacoma analogy can be used again here for the Sequoia to the Tundra. The Toyota Sequoia is similar to a 4runner but again is just an extended version in size and power.
Another V8 engine with all the tools and all the storage any skier could need when it comes to a trip to the mountains.
Chevrolet Tahoe
This car has the perfect name in my opinion. The Chevy Tahoe rolls right off the tongue and rolls right into the resort parking lot looking like the real deal.
This ski car is the fullest SUV you could get for ultimate storage of your gear and for carpools to the mountain.
The Chevy Tahoe has great technical features in newer versions as well including a remote start.
GMC Yukon
The GMC Yukon is another full size SUV with all the amenities that makes for a great ski car. It's got a nice, big, stable build and 4WD, basically everything inside the car can be heated and plenty of room inside with potential for three rows of seating. The Yukon is a beast in the winter and a great choice for all skiers no matter if you're a lone wolf or have the whole family coming along.
The Bottom Line: The Best Ski Cars
Cars come down to opinions and preferences. Some people want a red car, some people want a blue car, sports car, truck, whatever it is.
If you are looking to use it for skiing, it needs to be equipped for that. Snow tires are great, boxes and racks are great, but it's very important to focus on the car itself in hopes of getting to the mountains safe and sound.