GoPro made its cameras for action sports, so it should come as no surprise that skiers and snowboarders use the devices to capture epic downhill movies.
The small cameras hold up to the cold, and capture shots similar brands cannot match. While every GoPro is different, the models listed below are great options to take out into the snow.
Let’s dive in and see what makes them great choices for the frosty slopes.
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Who Should Get This
Any skier or snowboarder will appreciate a good GoPro.
The devices are rugged, take high-quality video, and are easy to carry around. It does not matter if you hold them in your hand or use a gimbal, these little cameras will produce great video for you in any condition.
These also make great travel cameras. If you’re heading to the mountains for your latest skiing trip, pop a GoPro out and do some vlogging or take some high-quality still images.
Best GoPro for Skiing or Snowboarding: Our Picks
Here are our top recommendations, along with a quick review of each GoPro so you get to know its pros and cons.
1. GoPro Hero Session
If you want a small camera that won’t take up a lot of space, there’s no better option than the Session.
It’s tiny cube size makes it perfect to have with you on the slopes. However, it does come with a few drawbacks.
The tiny size means there is no screen on the device. You have to use the smartphone app to change settings. There also is no 4K video here, but the 1440p resolution still looks very good.
What We Like:
- Small overall footprint
- Good battery life
- 1440p video looks good
What We Don’t Like:
- No touchscreen. Phone with app is required
- Lack of 4K video resolution
Specs:
- Max Resolution: 1440p
- Max Frame Rate: 100 @ 720p
- Battery Life: 105 minutes
2. GoPro Hero7 Black
If you want great video quality and a ton of features without spending a lot of money, the Hero7 Black is the way to go.
This is a previous generation top-of-the-line model, which means you get all the quality of the Black series while saving a bit of cash as well.
The 4K quality looks superb, you get nice high frame rates at full HD, and the build quality is as good as ever.
The touchscreen is a bit weak, but that’s a small issue when you consider the overall package.
What We Like:
- Great 4K video quality
- 240 frames per second at 1080p
- Durable build quality
What We Don’t Like:
- Touchscreen can be unresponsive
- Voice commands don’t always work
Specs:
- Max Resolution: 4K
- Max Frame Rate: 240 @ 1080p
- Battery Life: 90 minutes
3. GoPro MAX
Sometimes you want a little more than the standard video can give you, especially when you’re surrounded by beautiful snow capped mountains and fir trees. In that case, pick up the GoPro MAX.
This 360 camera allows you to take amazing video footage, and GoPro makes it easy to stitch together a get a great looking video right from their app.
Just know that if you want to shoot 2D video (normal video) with this camera, you’re going to be disappointed.
What We Like:
- Perfect 360 video stitching
- Nice video stabilization
- Great 360 video quality
What We Don’t Like:
- Poor quality in low light
- Lackluster 2D (not 360) video
Specs:
- Max Resolution: 5.6K
- Max Frame Rate: 60 @ 1440p
- Battery Life: 78 minutes
4. GoPro Hero11 Black
If you have a larger budget and want the best action camera you can get, you need to buy the GoPro Hero11 Black.
This GoPro has the best video quality on the market, insanely good video stabilization, and the sturdy build quality we have come to expect from GoPro.
While the video quality is only a marginal step up from the previous generation, and it can get a bit toasty when recording for a while, this camera is as good as it gets.
What We Like:
- High-quality video
- Gimbal quality video stabilization
- Solid construction
What We Don’t Like:
- Video quality only a minor improvement over last generation
- Can get hot while recording high frame rate and 4K
Specs:
- Max Resolution: 4K
- Max Frame Rate: 60 @ 5.3K
- Battery Life: Up to 80 minutes
How to Choose a GoPro for Skiing or Snowboarding
Max Resolution
If you care about video quality, you need a camera with high resolution. While online video is still stuck at 1080p, it is slowly adopting 4K as internet speeds advance.
Getting a device that can match that will help you stay ahead of the curve.
Max Frame Rate
It does not matter if you’re skiing or snowboarding, camera enthusiasts who want great videos need a good max frame rate.
This helps you slow down your footage after it’s taken, allowing you to grab some amazing slow-motion footage of your time on the mountain.
Battery Life
A camera will not do you much good without a solid battery. As such, you need a camera that can last a long time.
While some models have replaceable batteries that allow you to change them out on the fly, some do not.
For an action sport like skiing or snowboarding, you want to prioritize frame rate so you can easily capture high-speed footage.
Next, place a priority on resolution, as that will give you the best possible image. Battery life is the last on the list, but it’s still extremely important. That goes double if the battery is not removable.
Final Thoughts
Getting awesome video while flying down the snowy mountain peaks proves to your friends that you’re the best of the best. Words only mean so much, but video can cement your legacy.
All of the above cameras are great. No matter which you pick, you’ll be able to capture your speed and skill without a hitch.
Also, finding a good helmet mount for your GoPro is going to be vital in taking your next great skiing or snowboarding video. While you could strap it to your chest or mount it directly to your board, a helmet mount gives you the best perspective.
If you want even more mounts, try picking up a full accessory pack. That will allow you to get the perfect video, no matter the situation.
Are you a skier or snowboarder? What type of cameras do you use out on the slopes? Let us know in the comments below!
