Let’s be real. Not every GoPro was built for freezing temps, glove fumbles, or 20-foot tomahawks through powder. I’ve lost cameras, cracked mounts, and come home with hours of useless footage.
After years of trial, error, and way too many dead batteries, I’ve finally figured out which GoPros are actually worth using on the mountain.
Whether you’re filming park laps, pow lines, or just want clean, steady footage for your trip edit, this guide breaks down what works, what doesn’t, and what I’d personally trust to come back in one piece.
🏆 Quick Pick
The best GoPro for snowboarding in 2026 is the GoPro HERO13 Black. It’s easy to use, shoots insanely smooth footage and holds up in rough conditions. Simple, tough and loaded with features. Bonus points if you manage to find the Forest Green edition.
Top 3 Roundup
Best GoPro For Snowboarding
1. The GoPro HERO13 Black
- HB-Series Lenses With Auto Detection: HERO13 Black is compatible with the HB-Series Lenses that let you instantly set up your camera for a variety of specialty shots. The Ultra Wide Lens Mod is the ultimate POV lens for action-packed scenes and epic landscapes. The Macro Lens Mod captures close-up shots in stunning detail. Neutral Density Filters add motion blur to your footage and let you adjust the lighting in your shots with professional results. Try the Anamorphic Lens Mod for pro-level cinematic shots. HERO13 Black even detects when a lens or filter is attached and automatically adjusts its settings accordingly.
- Best-in-Class 5.3K Video: 5.3K video delivers breathtaking image quality with 91% more resolution than 4K and an incredible 665% more than 1080p. HERO13 Black captures the action with crisp detail and exacting image quality so any shot with any lens will look amazing. 5.3K video also lets you grab stunning photos up to 24.7MP from your footage using the GoPro Quik app.
- Burst Slo-Mo: HERO13 Black features our slowest slo-mo ever with the ability to record video clips with the action slowed down to 13x normal speed. You’ll also be able to record short 4x slo-mo clips using our highest 5.3K resolution video to catch epic details that you’d never be able to see with the naked eye.
- Rugged + Waterproof to 33ft (10m): HERO13 Black was built to take a beating. It’s ready to capture the fun on any adventure whether you’re tearing through mud, snow or water (down to 33ft/10m). A water-repelling lens cover even helps eliminate lens flare and other artifacts to help keep your photos and videos crystal clear.
- What's Included: HERO13 Black Camera in Polar White, Enduro Battery, Curved Adhesive Mount, Mounting Buckle + Thumb Screw, USB-C Cable
I’ve been riding with the HERO13 Black this season and it’s hands-down the best GoPro I’ve used yet. Not because the older ones were trash – I’ve used almost every model since the HERO5 – but this one finally feels like a justifiable upgrade.
Stabilization is smoother without nuking all the natural movement. It makes follow shots and chesty footage look way less robotic. The image quality’s noticeably better too, especially when the light gets weird. Colors pop more without looking fake, and contrast is much cleaner.
Compared to the HERO12, it boots up faster, reacts quicker, and the screen doesn’t freak out when the temperature drops. That might sound small, but not when you’re stuck on a windy ridge trying to change modes with frozen fingers. Battery life’s slightly better in the cold too – not perfect, but way fewer dead sessions than I’ve had with past models.
I recently spotted one in the limited edition Forest Green (after I’d already bought mine sadly). Way nicer than I expected, if you care about that kind of thing.
Pros
- Best stabilization yet - without losing natural movement
- Improved image quality and color accuracy in tricky light
- Faster boot-up and menu response in cold weather
- Slightly better cold-weather battery life
- Limited edition Forest Green option looks great
Cons
- Still not perfect battery life for all-day cold riding
- Pricey compared to older GoPro models
2. GoPro MAX v2
- Ultra Versatile 360 Video: By capturing 5.6K30 spherical video, MAX gives you the freedom to stay in the moment and still get amazing footage. There’s no need to frame the shot. Just hit the shutter button to start recording. MAX captures everything. Get immersive POV footage of a mountain bike run and shots of you riding from the same video. Slow things down with 3K60 video to capture 2x slo-mo footage of your kids jumping in the pool and everyone’s reaction at poolside as they get hit with the splash. The GoPro Quik app makes it easy to reframe your footage from any perspective so that you can tell your story any way you’d like.
- Easy 360 Editing With the GoPro Quik App: The GoPro Quik app is packed with features that transform your 360 footage into amazing shareable stories. Object Tracking locks onto your subject and automatically follows it no matter where it roams throughout your spherical footage. You can reframe your 360 footage into standard videos, grab photos and add dramatic transition effects to get exactly the shots you want before posting them right from the app.
- Stealth Mounting: Capture amazing pole-mounted footage where the pole completely vanishes. Attach MAX to a grip or extension pole using the 1/4-20 mounting threads on the bottom of the camera. The pole will be automatically stitched out of your videos and photos. You can easily create incredible self-capture shots that look as if you’re being recorded by another person and stunning drone-like videos that look like you’re being recorded from the air.
- Single Lens Video, Photo + Time Lapse: Single Lens (HERO) mode gives you the option to capture standard video, photos and time lapse footage just like our HERO cameras. Video can be captured in the 1080p video resolution for full widescreen playback on your phone or TV or the 1440p resolution for taller, more immersive POV footage.
- What's Included: GoPro MAX Camera, Enduro Battery, Curved Adhesive Mount, 2 Protective Lens Caps, Microfiber Bag, Mounting Buckle + Thumb Screw, USB C-C Cable
If you’re into 360 footage, the GoPro Max V2 is honestly pretty rad. I still lean toward the HERO13 for most days, but the Max has some serious advantages – especially if you’re filming solo or want more creative freedom without setting up a bunch of angles.
You just mount it, hit record, and ride. It captures everything around you, so you don’t need to aim. You can reframe the shot later however you want – front view, follow cam, wide overhead, whatever. Super handy when you’re chasing lines or messing around with friends and don’t want to miss anything.
It is a bit bulkier, and I wouldn’t stick it on a helmet personally, but it does great on a pole. The stabilization is freaky good too, even when the riding’s a bit chaotic.
It takes a little more effort in post, so it’s not for the “shoot and upload” crowd. But if you’re down to edit, or want one camera to capture a whole run from every angle, the Max V2 does the job better than anything else I’ve tried.
Not my daily driver, but it’s earned its place in the kit.
Pros
- Captures awesome 360° footage
- Reframe shots later for multiple perspectives
- Excellent stabilization even during chaotic riding
- Perfect for solo filming or creative edits
Cons
- Bulkier than standard GoPros
- Requires more post-production work
- Not ideal for helmet mounting
3. The GoPro HERO11 Black
- Capture. Charge. Get a Highlight Video Automatically
- Revolutionary New Image Sensor
- Unbelievable Image Quality
- High-Res Photos + Videos, High Frame Rate
- Emmy Award-Winning HyperSmooth Stabilization
This one’s all about value. The HERO11 Black still delivers that classic GoPro quality – smooth footage, solid stabilization, and great image quality. But now at a price that doesn’t destroy your budget.
Honestly, unless you’re super picky about color tuning or care about the latest processor tweaks, you’re not missing much compared to the HERO12. I’ve used the 11 plenty and never once felt I was missing out (until the 13 was released). It’s reliable, easy to use, and handles snow, crashes, and freezing morning hikes.
If you’re not trying to get ultra-fancy with your edits or chase micro-upgrades, the HERO11 gives you everything you need to film solid snowboarding content. And at a way better price.
Pros
- Excellent value for high-quality action footage
- Smooth enough stabilization and sharp image quality
- Handles snow, crashes and cold weather well
- Easy to use for both beginners and experienced riders
Cons
- Misses the small refinements of newer models
- Color tuning not as refined as HERO13
- Battery performance could be better in extreme cold
4. GoPro HERO12 Black
- High Dynamic Range Video plus Photo: HERO12 Black takes its best-in-class image quality to the next level with HDR for both videos (5.3K and 4K) and photos. Great in environments with both shadows and bright light, HDR captures the subtle details of the scene that might typically blend into the darkness of shadows or disappear in the bright spots of your shot. The result is dynamic footage with true-to-life color and precision.
- Unbelieveable Image Quality: With 5.3K video that gives you 91% more resolution than 4K and an incredible 665% more than 1080p, HERO12 Black captures the action with crisp detail and cinematic image quality with High Dynamic Range (HDR) while also taking 27MP photos. You can also grab stunning photos up to 24.7MP of your favorite shots from your videos using the GoPro Quik app.
- Emmy Award- Winning HyperSmooth 6.0 Stabilization: HyperSmooth continues to set the bar for insanely smooth footage and has the hardware to back it up—a 2021 Emmy for In-Camera Sensor and Software Stabilization. HERO12 Black makes it even better by maximizing HyperSmooth AutoBoost performance with more stabilization while still delivering less image cropping. Bike, skate, ski, chase your kids through the park or get awesome pet POV shots—even the shakiest footage comes out silky smooth.
- Rugged plus Waterproof to 33ft (10m): Completely waterproof and as tough as ever, HERO12 Black is ready to capture the fun on any adventure. Its legendary durability can take a beating and keep going, whether you’re ripping through mud, snow or water (down to 33ft/10m). A water-repelling lens cover even helps eliminate lens flare and other artifacts to make your photos and videos even more stunning.
- What's Included: HERO12 Black, Enduro Rechargeable Battery, Curved Adhesive Mount, Mounting Buckle plus Thumb Screw, USB-C Cable
This one lands in a bit of a weird spot. It’s technically better than the HERO11 – slightly improved battery management, better audio support, and new shooting options – but the leap isn’t massive.
If you’re choosing between the 11 and the 12, the price jump probably isn’t worth it. And if you’re already thinking about spending that bit extra, you may as well just go straight to the HERO13 and future-proof it a bit more.
That said, the HERO12 is still a great action cam. If you find it on sale, it’s a solid middle-ground pick. Just don’t expect it to blow your mind over the 11.
Pros
- Improved battery management compared to HERO11
- Better audio support for external mics
- New shooting options for more creative flexibility
- Solid all-around action camera performance
Cons
- Small upgrade over HERO11 for a higher price
- Better to spend slightly more for the HERO13
- Not a huge “wow” factor compared to other models
5. GoPro HERO11 Black Mini
- The Power of HERO11 Black. Only Smaller plus Lighter: Get the same high-performance 5.6K60 video and HyperSmooth 5.0 video stabilization of HERO11 Black in a smaller and lighter design. HERO11 Black Mini’s size makes it ideal for capturing amazing point- of-view footage using helmet and body mounts. It can be worn comfortably without getting in your way while mountain biking, skiing, skating and more.
- 1-Button Simplicity with Easy plus Pro Controls: HERO11 Black Mini makes capturing amazing footage of your adventure incredibly easy. Just point and shoot. Using the Easy Controls, all you have to do is press the Shutter button to power up your camera and starting recording stunning 5.3K video–our highest resolution. Switch over to Pro Controls if you want to adjust resolutions, frame rates, digital lenses and image quality settings to set up shots exactly the way you want them.
- High-Res Video plus Frame Grabs: HERO11 Black Mini’s amazing 5.3K footage gives you more than incredible high-resolution videos. It lets you capture high-quality photos up to 24.7MP from your videos with the GoPro Quik app or other editing software. All it takes is a tap when you see a great shot in your video. The app grabs the exact frame you want and saves it as a photo that’s ready to share and post.
- Emmy Award- Winning HyperSmooth 5.0 Video Stabilization: HyperSmooth has never been better. And now it’s won a huge award for its insanely smooth footage—a 2021 Emmy for In- Camera Sensor and Software Stabilization. HyperSmooth 5.0 raises the bar even more with Horizon Lock, improved stabilization for 4:3 aspect ratio footage thanks to our new image sensor, and AutoBoost for maximum stabilization with minimal image cropping. Bike, skate, ski, chase your kids through the park or get some awesome pet POV shots—even the shakiest footage comes out silky smooth.
- What's Included: HERO11 Black Mini Camera, Carrying Case, Curved Adhesive Mount, Mounting Buckle plus Thumb Screw, USB-C Cable
I wanted to like this more than I actually did. It’s small, light, and dead simple to use. Just hit record and go. That makes it perfect for helmet or chest mounts where you don’t want a bulky setup or mess with too many settings.
But the lack of a screen is a dealbreaker for me. You can’t preview your shot, frame things up, or quickly check footage. Yeah, you can use your phone, but it’s not super quick or intuitive when you’re halfway up a ridge with gloves on.
It’s still solid for people who just want a fire-and-forget camera. The video quality is good, and it’s a little cheaper than the mainline models. But if you care about dialing in your shots or filming anything more involved, the HERO13 (or even 11 Black) is a better bet.
I get the appeal, and I know some people swear by the Mini. I just found myself reaching for my full-size GoPro every time.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight — ideal for helmet or chest mounts
- Simple one-button operation
- Solid video quality at a slightly lower price than full-size models
- Great for riders who want a “set it and forget it” camera
Cons
- No screen for previewing shots or reviewing footage
- Framing requires using the phone app - slower and less intuitive
- Less suited for more involved filming or precise shot setup
6. GoPro HERO10 Black
- Revolutionary Processor: Faster. Smoother. Better. The powerful new GP2 engine changes the game—snappy performance, responsive touch controls and double the frame rate for amazingly smooth footage. Designed specifically for the demanding nature of the GoPro, the GP2 “system on a chip” is by far our fastest ever.
- High-Res Photos plus Videos, High Frame Rate: Step up to the sharpest-shooting GoPro ever. Upgraded to incredible 23MP photos and 5.3K video resolution at 60fps, HERO10 offers double the frame rate for amazingly smooth motion. Plus, there’s 8x slo-mo at 2.7K and you can pause videos and grab 15.8MP still photos from 5.3K video that look amazing.
- Unbelievable Image Quality: Shoot with fine detail, realistic textures and stunning contrast, even in low light. Images look their best thanks to a new water-shedding hydrophobic lens cover that repels water while helping to eliminate lens flare and other artifacts.
- HyperSmooth 4.0: HyperSmooth has never been smoother, and it’s easy to dial in the best stabilization at all times. Plus, get even better low-light performance and horizon leveling with a higher tilt limit, so your footage looks perfectly straight when you want it.
- Fast, Reliable Connectivity: Super easy, super fast. Transferring photos and videos from your cloud-connected GoPro to your phone is simple and versatile, with your choice of effortless wireless upload via the Quik app or a lightning-fast wired connection via USB. There’s also unlimited cloud storage with hassle-free auto upload. Just plug in your camera when connected to your home Wi-Fi and the camera does the rest.
The HERO10 isn’t flashy by today’s standards, but it still shoots great footage and handles snow, cold, and crashes without a problem.
Stabilization is solid (though outdated now), resolution is decent and it boots up fast. If you’re just filming casual laps or stacking clips for your own edits, this camera holds up.
Battery life’s not amazing, and it doesn’t have some of the fancier features from newer models. But it gets the job done. If you find one for cheap and don’t need the absolute latest gear, it’s still a solid choice.
Personally, I’d go with the HERO11 if you can stretch a little more, but if this is your price range, you won’t regret it.
Pros
- Still delivers great snow footage despite being an older model
- Fast startup and responsive controls
- Good stabilization for amateur riding clips
- Often available at a much lower price than newer models
Cons
- Battery life is weaker than newer GoPros
- Lacks advanced features and improved stabilization found in the HERO11 and above
- Not as future-proof as newer options
7. AKASO EK7000 Action Camera
- 4K Ultra HD action camera: Professional 4K30Fps & 2.7K30Fps video with 20MP photos at up to 30 frames per second for incredible photos, which is 4 times the resolution of traditional HD cameras.
- Smooth Stabilization: Built-in Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) delivers steady and smooth videos. It can enable excellent footage even you or the object is in fast-moving.
- 131ft waterproof camera: AKASO EK7000 is designed to withstand extreme environments, together with durable waterproof case. With the accessories, transform it for indoor and outdoor activities.
- Wireless wrist remote control sports camera: With a wrist 2.4G remote, you can capture the world in an all-new way. Controlling the camera, framing shots or recording video is convenient. (THE REMOTE IS NOT WATERPROOF)
- Built-in Wi-Fi, edit & share your action in minutes: Just download App(AKASO GO) on your phone or tablet and connect with this action camera. Wi-Fi signal ranges up to 10 meters. MicroSD card is not included.
If you’re absolutely strapped for cash but still want to film your riding, the AKASO EK7000 might be worth a look. It’s one of the cheapest action cams out there that can technically shoot in 4K, and on paper it looks like a steal.
In reality, the video quality is noticeably rougher. The footage looks fine in bright daylight, but struggles hard in low light or cloudy conditions. Stabilization is basic at best, and the audio isn’t great unless you’re in a totally quiet spot (which isn’t exactly snowboarding). The menu system is clunky too, and the app isn’t great.
That said, for absolute beginners or kids just messing around on the hill, it does record, and it does survive getting snowed on. Just don’t expect GoPro-level quality, especially if you plan to edit or share your clips. Most riders outgrow this pretty fast.
Bottom line: good for super tight budgets or as a beater cam, but the jump in quality between this and even an older GoPro is massive.
Pros
- Very affordable entry action camera
- Can technically shoot in 4K
- Survives snow and light impact
- Decent for beginners or kids just experimenting
Cons
- Noticeably weaker video quality, especially in low light
- Basic stabilization and poor audio performance
- Clunky menus and a weak companion app
- Most riders will outgrow it quickly
Snowboard GoPro Buying Guide
To capture every thrilling moment perfectly, a GoPro is the way to go. But which model suits snowboarders best? And what features really matter?
Here’s a quick rundown:
Resolution: Higher resolution means sharper, more detailed videos. Aim for GoPros that shoot in 4K or even 5K.
Stabilization: Snowboarding involves lots of movement, so smooth footage is a must. Newer GoPro models feature HyperSmooth tech to keep your shots steady and shake-free.
Water Resistance: Snow means moisture, so your camera needs to handle wet conditions. Most recent GoPros are waterproof, but double-check before buying.
Mounting Flexibility: How you mount your GoPro shapes your video style. Helmet, chest, or board mounts offer different angles to make your footage dynamic.
Durability: Your GoPro should be tough enough to handle falls, bumps, and rough rides.
Bonus Features: Think about extras like touchscreens for easy control, voice commands for hands-free use, and slow-motion capture.
Final Thoughts
Picking the right GoPro for snowboarding isn’t about chasing the latest release. It’s about finding something that works for how you ride, how you film, and what you’re willing to spend.
Whether you’re stacking clips all season or just want to catch a few laps with friends, there’s a model that’ll do the job.
Personally, I’d still go with the HERO13 for the best all-around option. But if you’re into 360 footage, or just want something smaller and cheaper, the others have their place.
Whatever you choose, happy filming. And try not to drop it off the chairlift.
Best GoPro for Snowboarding FAQ
The GoPro HERO13 Black is the best all-round pick, with the GoPro Max V2 being perfect for creative 360° shots and solo filming.
Yes. 4K gives you sharper detail and more flexibility when editing or cropping your clips, which is especially handy for action shots.
Chest mounts give the most stable footage, pole mounts are great for follow-cam angles, and helmet mounts offer a true rider POV. Many riders carry two mounts for variety.
Yes, but battery life drops in freezing conditions. Use Enduro batteries and keep spares in a warm pocket to extend recording time on the mountain.
They can work, but older GoPros generally outperform budget brands in image quality, stabilization, and durability. Even a used GoPro can be a better choice than many cheap new cams.
Guys, you blow every other commentary rather on video or written form away! I’m a 69 year old ‘toxic’ male five years into my snowboarding journey. I classify it as my passion these days. Having you guys give these straight up, unadulterated, no bullshit assessments is clutch. Thank you for all you do!!
Thanks Craig – much appreciated. Glad our general ramblings and gear obsession are coming in handy. Stoked to have you drop by!
Thanks for this write-up! What mounts (if any) do you use with the HERO13 that you find the best for snowboarding?
Hey RK, thanks for stopping by. Do you wear a helmet? If so, that’s definitely the cleanest way to mount. I actually wrote an article on the best gopro mounts for snowboarding. Hope that helps! Mike