Updated August 1, 2025
Let’s be honest. Not every GoPro can handle freezing chairlift rides, glove fumbles, or an unexpected crash into a tree well. I’ve lost cameras, snapped mounts, and come back with hours of shaky, useless footage.
After years of testing, wiping out, and burning through batteries faster than expected, I’ve finally figured out which GoPros are actually worth using for skiing.
Whether you’re filming tight tree runs, back bowls, or just want smooth clips from a bluebird day, this guide covers what works, what doesn’t and what I’d actually trust to survive the mountain.
🏆 Quick Pick
The best GoPro for skiing in 2026 is the GoPro HERO13 Black. It’s simple to use, handles cold mountain days like a champ and the footage looks ridiculously smooth. It’s tough, feature-packed, and just works.
Top 3 GoPros for Skiers
Skiing with GoPro: The Reviews
1. The GoPro HERO13 Black
- Best-in-class 5.3K60 video and legendary durability combine with new HB-Series Lenses1 and a more powerful battery to make HERO13 Black the essential camera for every creator.
I’ve been skiing with the HERO13 Black this season and it’s easily the best GoPro I’ve used so far. Not because the older ones were junk. I’ve been through almost every model since the HERO5, but this one finally feels like a real upgrade that matters.
Stabilization is smoother without killing the natural motion. Follow shots and chest mount clips look clean. Image quality’s noticeably better too, especially when the lighting goes weird in the trees or at golden hour. Colors pop more without looking cartoonish and contrast is much sharper.
Compared to the HERO12, it boots up quicker, responds faster and doesn’t glitch when temps drop. For skiers, this is a massive upgrade. Battery life is slightly better in the cold too. Still not perfect, but I’ve had far fewer dead runs than with older models.
I was super close to snagging the Polar White edition. It looks way better than I expected. Just maybe skip that color if you tend to crash in deep snow and don’t want to spend 20 minutes digging.
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 actually pretty awesome. I still default to the HERO13 for most ski days, but the Max has some real advantages. Especially if you’re filming solo or want more flexibility without setting up multiple mounts.
Mount it, hit record, and ski. It captures everything around you, so you don’t have to aim. You can reframe the shot later however you want. Front view, follow cam, wide angle—it’s all there. Super useful when you’re chasing lines or skiing with friends and want to catch the whole scene.
It’s a bit bulkier, and I wouldn’t throw it on a helmet, but it works great on a pole mount. Stabilization is insanely good, even when the terrain gets rough.
You’ll need to spend more time editing, so it’s not for the shoot-and-post crowd. But if you’re willing to put in a little extra effort, the Max V2 is the best tool I’ve used for capturing a full run from every angle.
Not my go-to every day, but it’s earned a permanent spot in my gear bag.
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 is all about value. The HERO11 Black still gives you that classic GoPro experience. Smooth footage, strong stabilization, and crisp image quality. All at a price that’s much easier to justify.
Unless you’re really into color grading or care about tiny processor updates, you’re not missing much compared to the HERO12. I’ve used the 11 plenty and never once felt limited. Not until the HERO13 came out, anyway. It’s reliable, easy to use, and holds up through snow, crashes and frozen morning lift rides.
If you’re not trying to shoot high-end edits or chase the latest features, the HERO11 gives you everything you need to capture clean ski footage. And it costs way less than the newer models.
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 sits in kind of an odd spot. Technically, it’s better than the HERO11. You get slightly improved battery life, upgraded audio options, and a few more shooting modes. But the jump isn’t a big one.
If you’re deciding between the 11 and the 12, the extra cost usually isn’t worth it. And if you’re already leaning toward spending a little more, it probably makes more sense to skip ahead to the HERO13 and get the latest updates.
That said, the HERO12 is still a great action cam. If you catch it on sale, it’s a solid middle-ground option. Just don’t expect it to feel dramatically better than the 11 in everyday use.
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 ridiculously easy to use. Just hit record and ski. That makes it a great option for helmet or chest mounts where you don’t want something bulky or complicated.
But the lack of a screen ended up driving me nuts. You can’t preview your angle, frame your shot, or quickly check footage. Sure, you can connect to your phone, but that’s a pain when you’re standing on a windy ridge pulling your gloves off just to see if your angle is crooked.
It’s still solid for anyone who just wants a simple, fire-and-forget camera. The video quality is good, and it’s a little cheaper than the regular models. But if you care about dialing things in or filming anything more technical, I’d go with the HERO13 or even the 11 Black.
I get why some people love the Mini, but I brought it on a weeklong ski trip to Banf and ended up switching back to my full-size GoPro on day two. It just wasn’t worth the hassle when I couldn’t see what I was filming.
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 current standards, but it still captures great ski footage and handles snow, cold and crashes without any real issues.
Stabilization is solid, even if it’s starting to feel a little dated. Resolution is good, and it boots up quickly, which is nice when you’re trying to grab a quick shot before the light changes. If you’re filming mellow laps or just stacking clips for personal edits, it does the job.
Battery life isn’t amazing, and it lacks a few features you’ll find in the newer models. But if you find one at a good price and don’t need the newest tech, the HERO10 is still a reliable choice.
Personally, I’d go with the HERO11 if you can stretch your budget, but if this is your price range, you’ll get your money’s worth.
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 on a tight budget but still want to capture your skiing, the AKASO EK7000 might be worth checking out. It’s one of the cheapest action cams around that can technically shoot in 4K, and on paper it sounds like a solid deal.
In practice, the video quality is noticeably rougher. It does fine on sunny days, but really struggles in low light or overcast conditions. Stabilization is pretty minimal and the audio is poor unless you’re standing still in a quiet spot. The menu system feels clunky and the app isn’t very user-friendly.
It’ll get basic footage if that’s all you need, but it’s more of a backup cam or learning tool than something I’d rely on for a trip edit.
That said, for absolute beginners or kids just messing around on the hill, it does record and it holds up fine in the snow. Just don’t expect GoPro-level quality, especially if you’re planning to edit or share your clips. Most skiers outgrow this one pretty quickly.
Conclusion: good if you’re on a super tight budget or need a backup camera, but the difference in quality between this and even an older GoPro is huge.
Choosing the Right GoPro for Skiing
Whether you’re chasing lines through trees, hitting park laps, or just capturing that perfect powder turn, the right GoPro can make your footage look amazing. But not every model is built the same, and not every feature actually matters when you’re out in the cold with gloves on.
Here’s what to look for:
Resolution
Higher resolution means sharper, more detailed video. For skiing, 4K is a solid baseline. If you’re planning to crop or edit later, look for models that shoot in 5K for more flexibility.
Stabilization
Skiing is fast and often bumpy. Good stabilization keeps your footage smooth and watchable. Look for models with HyperSmooth or similar built-in tech to avoid shaky clips.
Cold and Snow Resistance
Your camera needs to handle snow, wind, and wet conditions without freezing up or glitching. Most recent GoPros are waterproof and cold-tested, but it’s still worth checking the specs.
Mounting Options
How you mount your GoPro shapes how your footage looks. Helmet mounts give a high POV, chest mounts feel more grounded, and pole mounts are great for follow shots. Choose based on how you like to ski and what kind of edits you want.
Durability
Crashes happen. Trees happen. Your GoPro needs to survive a fall or two without cracking. Most of the newer models are built tough, but avoid ultra-budget cams if you’re riding hard.
Bonus Features
Touchscreens, voice control, and slow-motion modes are nice to have, especially if you’re filming solo or don’t want to mess around with buttons in the cold. Just make sure the basics are solid first
Final Thoughts
Choosing a GoPro for skiing isn’t about ticking off specs. It’s about finding a camera you’ll actually use in the cold, with gloves on, while your friends are yelling for first tracks.
Some skiers want crisp footage for edits. Others just want to capture a few memories from a bluebird day. Either way, there’s a model that fits.
Personally, the HERO13 has been the most reliable all-rounder for me. It turns on when I need it, survives cold mornings, and the footage looks great without much editing. But if you ski lighter, want something cheaper, or like experimenting with 360 shots, the other models absolutely have their place.
Whatever you go with, make sure it’s something you’ll bring along and not leave in your bag. And for the love of winter, check that your mount is tight before getting on the lift.
