Storing skis sounds simple until you’ve got a few pairs sliding around the garage, chipping edges and falling on someone every time you open the door. I’ve done the whole “lean them in a corner” thing. I’ve tried the cheap screw-in hooks. I’ve built the wood-and-bolts rack. All of it works well enough, but some setups are a lot cleaner and easier to live with.
If you’ve got a gear room, garage or entry space and want a simple, tidy ski setup, this breaks down a few reliable ways to build a ski rack without overcomplicating anything. I’ll walk through the basic DIY options and the system I use now after testing a bunch of storage styles.
The setup I use now
I went through every possible ski rack build over the past decade, in a bunch of different houses. Right now I use a wall mounted grab style rack in the garage. It keeps skis off the ground, holds them securely and lets me pull a pair in two seconds.
Why I landed here
I like simple. I ride most days in winter. The rack I use is clean, keeps edges from scraping each other and looks decent when friends drop in. It is also nice not having to line up tips or fiddle with straps. Lift. Grab. Gone.
There are grab style racks from a few brands. The one I use is the Gravity Grabber. It is basically two little arms that hold skis by the sidewalls so they hang cleanly. It takes a couple screws and you can mount as many as you want in a row. I bought it thinking it might be a gimmick but it grew on me fast. It works and it handles fat skis without a fight. If you don’t have ideal wall materials, you can also just stick up a wooden board (like the second picture) and drill the mounts over the top.
Is it the only way. No. If you like building stuff then wood racks are a fun weekend. If you just want clean and done, this solves it without thinking.
If you want to go old school with only DIY materials, keep reading!
Key factors before you build
Before you start grabbing tools and studs, a few things make life easier:
Space
Are these skis going in the garage, mud room or a basement gear corner? Measure before you drill. Skis look small until you try to hang six pairs.
Number of skis
One rack for you. Or a family lineup. Build once and leave room to grow.
Height
Hang skis high enough that tails do not touch salty winter floors. You will thank yourself in spring.
Grab and go
If you ride a lot, make sure the rack lets you pull skis out quickly. Nothing worse than wrestling gear out on a powder day.
Gear creep
Poles. Skins. Helmets. Maybe a board or two (traitor). Plan more storage than you think.
Other Ski Rack Options
1. Simple Wall Hooks
This is the most basic setup. Two heavy duty hooks per pair of skis, mounted horizontally at binding height. Skis sit base to base on the hooks.
You just rest the skis on the hooks so the bindings keep them from sliding off. You can use ski straps if you want more security, but usually you do not need to.
Pros
- Cheap
- Quick to install
- Easy access to skis
Cons
- Takes a little fiddling to balance skis neatly
- Bases could scratch unless you put felt or rubber on the hooks
- Not the cleanest look
Best for
Garages, rental properties and anyone who wants something fast and cheap that works just fine
Tip
Wrap hooks in rubber tubing or foam (like pool noodles) so your edges and topsheets stay mint.
2. DIY Wood Ski Rack
A horizontal rail with slots or short dowels sticking out. You cut the wood. Drill a few holes. Mount the dowels. Done.
Pros
- Looks good
- Strong
- Easy to size for a quiver
Cons
- Takes some time.
- You need a saw and a drill.
- Not adjustable once it is built.
Best for
Basements or gear rooms where you want it to look tidy and not like a ski shop from 1998.
Quick layout tip
Space the holders at least 6 inches apart. More if you run wide skis or fat touring tails.
3. Floor Ski Rack
Freestanding racks. Drop skis in slots. Some hold poles too.
Pros
- Fast and renter friendly
- Move it anywhere
Cons
- Takes up floor space
- Not great near wet boots or snow melt.
- Poor aesthetic
Best for
Mud rooms and rentals where you do not want holes in the wall.
Step by step: ski rack build
If you’re going for the option of wall mounted ski racks, here’s a quick guide. Simply choose your system (or hooks) then follow the steps below.
Tools
Drill
Level
Stud finder
Screws
Rack system or hooks
Steps
Find studs. The worst ski rack is a fallen one.
Mark height. Eye level or a little above keeps tails clear of winter crud.
Level your marks. A crooked ski wall serves nobody.
Pre drill. Prevent wood splitting if you are building the rack yourself.
Mount rack or hooks. Tight and even. If using multiple mounts, keep spacing consistent.
Test with your heaviest skis. Better to find problems now.
Add pole hooks or a small shelf nearby. One tidy spot for everything is key.
Tips to make it look pro
• Keep racks evenly spaced
• Match screw heads for a cleaner finish
• Hide a boot dryer or helmet hanger nearby
• Rubber or felt pads where skis touch wood if you build your own
• Leave room for one extra pair (because it always happens)
Final Thoughts
There is no single right way to hang skis. Hooks, wood rails, freestanding racks, grab systems. They all work. The goal is to keep skis safe, dry and ready to move when storms line up.
I still love a solid DIY rack. But honestly, the grab mounts are what I would put in every house now. Simple, tidy, zero fuss. Build what fits your space and riding style. Just do not lean skis in a corner. We have all been there. It never ends well.
If you want to see the grab system I am talking about, here it is:
That is the one on my wall right now.
Hope that helps!
