Seasoned skiers know how critical a walkie-talkie is when they go backcountry skiing or snowboarding. Ski trips are fun and thrilling but can be dangerous too. Further, it’s quite a challenge to maintain track of everyone when traveling in a group. This is where to ski walkie-talkies come into play.
Ski walkie-talkies ensure long-range communication with the ski resorts and within the skiing group. Warning about avalanches, getting in touch with the group when you lose physical contact, etc., will become easier with a walkie-talkie in your hand.
Considering how vital snowboard walkie-talkies are, you should invest in the best ones. You need to ensure that the gadget you buy should function in the snow of the backcountry and also have enough battery life.
This well-researched article will give you a list of the most rugged and functional skiing walkie-talkies.
Best Walkie Talkies for Skiing- Our Top Picks at a Glance
We have made 20+ hours of research and testing quality walkie-talkies in the market for skiing. We found seven terrific two-way radios that are designed to work like beasts in the backcountry or skiing resorts.
Here is a quick overview of our top picks:
- Dewalt DXFRS800- Best and Premium Quality Ski Walkie Talkie
- Waterproof and dustproof
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Shock resistant
- 25 floors of long-distance range
2. Midland GXT1000VP4- Terrific Walkie-Talkie for Group Skiers
- Jis4 waterproof protection
- 36-mile range
- 142 CTCSS/DCS privacy codes
- NOAA weather scan and alerts
3. Motorola CP200D- Long Battery Life
- 40% Long battery life
- Highly rugged design
- DMR Radio
4. Motorola T260TP- Amazing Weatherproof Ski Walkie Talkie
- 11 weather channels
- Low battery alert
- Compatible with any radio
- 22 channels with 121 privacy codes each
5. Retevis H-777- Combo of Premium Features at Affordable Price
- Supports 8-9 hours of continuous use
- Upgraded and flexible antenna
- Fast-charging USB adapter
- Lightweight durability
6. Topsung M920- Best Budget Option
- Longer standby of 48 hours
- VOX with 3 sensitivity levels
- NOAA weather scan
- 8 adjustable volumes
7. Topsung 3-pack- Another Budget Option
- Easy voice and sound activation transmission
- 10 weather channels
- Long-range communication and clear sound
- Drop protection
Do walkie-talkies work for skiing?
Yeah, walkie-talkies do work while skiing and snowboarding. In fact, these two-way radios are the most reliable form of communication in the mountains.
Here is why walkie-talkies are mandatory when you are skiing:
- It is quite impractical to carry a smartphone while performing rigorous outdoor activities.
- Moreover, cellular coverage can be patchy in high mountainous regions.
- You can’t use a smartphone with gloves on
- Stay connected with friends and family to ensure everyone’s safety on the slopes with long-range walkie-talkies.
Best Walkie Talkie for Skiing- Top 7 Reviews
1. Dewalt DXFRS800 – Best Overall Ski Walkie Talkie
Get this rechargeable walkie talkie if you are one of those adventurous skiers who is looking for the best experience.
It’s waterproof, shock-resistant, and provides you long-range transmission!
Pros
- Ergonomic and durably built
- Battery life is about 18 hours on standby
- Intuitive and easy to program
- Vibration mode is a plus
- Charges quickly
Cons
- The belt clip is cheaply made
The Dewalt DXFRS800 is designed for long-term listening outdoors. It is fantastic when used outdoors and while traveling. In terms of quality, they’re very premium and sound clear even at a great distance.
Dewalt’s walkie-talkies are a complete surprise package with their exceptional range coverage and superior sound quality! If you’re organizing a ski trip for a group of 4-6, this pack of six seems like a fantastic choice. Moreover, the six-slot charger facilitates the rapid charging of the six units.
Another bonus is the battery, which lasts for 18 hours on standby. They’re also comfortable enough to carry in hand or store in the jacket pocket. The build quality indeed suggests decades of use to come! However, the belt clip was quite flimsy and disappointing as it came undone after a few weeks of use.
Having had time to use these radios, I’ve come to conclude that the Dewalt DXFRS800 is the best skiing walkie-talkie you can currently buy!
2. Midland GXT1000VP4 – Ideal Walkie-Talkie for Skiing in Group
Awesome 36-mile long range walkie talkie which is the right pick for group skiers!
Pros
- Clear transmissions
- Sturdy and durable
- Excellent warranty support and customer care
- Absolutely no issues with signal strength
Cons
- Recommended to have additional batteries
Midland ascends to the list of top walkie-talkies with the GXT1000VP4, which is simply a jaw-dropping unit that delivers across the board. Simply put, it’s the most durable unit on the block for those shopping for a premium snowboard walkie-talkie.
There are so many reasons why the Midland GXT1000VP4 is so unique, but among them, the first is its astonishing range. It covers a vast distance of 36 miles in areas with limited or no obstruction.
Besides, here are some of its other appealing features:
- Splash resistant
- Includes rechargeable battery pack
- 50 GMRS channels
- Ten weather band channels
The included rechargeable battery pack takes about 12 hours to recharge and lasts up to 11 hours on a full charge. Furthermore, it is also capable of withstanding impact during falls during skiing with its durable construction. What else do you need?
We don’t see why you wouldn’t consider Midland GXT1000VP4 for your next ski trip!
3. Motorola CP200D– Rugged Design
With a strong customer base, Motorola CP200D is designed to last longer. The long battery life and rugged design makes it a favorite amongst skiers.
Pros
- Robust build
- Advanced technology
- 40% better battery life
Cons
- No speaker microphone
Motorola is now back in that groove of skiers with the CP200D. It is a DMR radio that certainly holds its own in terms of design and functioning. It won’t let you down with audio quality and battery life, either.
Along with an impeccable rugged finish, it also boasts larger buttons. That’s one essential factor to look for as operating a radio can be a challenge with gloves on!
Its greater coverage and superior audio quality ensures reliable communication while snowboarding.
4. Motorola T260TP – High-rated Weatherproof Design
A highly-rated ski walkie talkie from none other than Motorola!
It’s ease of use and powering options will make it an ideal choice wherever you’re skiing.
Pros
- Works 12 hours without charge
- Highly durable
- Small and compact size
- Volume control, call feature, and locking option are convenient
Cons
- Only recommended for a short distance
There’s plenty to like about Motorola T260TP. It’s undoubtedly the best walkie-talkie for skiing if you are looking for a terrific weather-proof option.
It features a brilliant design and specs that will outpace any walkie-talkie on the market. Here’s what the unit has to offer:
- Powered using NiMH/AA batteries
- Low battery alert
- Quick scan
- 22 channels and 121 privacy codes
The biggest reason for buying T260TP is that it is Eco smart. It consumes very little power during its idle condition. Moreover, the rechargeable NiMH batteries last up to 12 hours, while the 3 AA batteries last up to 29 hours.
This extended battery life is exactly what you need when on the slopes!
5. Retevis H-777 – Best Bulk Package Radio
Get Premium Features at a Competitive Price, with Retevis H777.
The pack of 10 is the right choice for people going to skiing in groups!
Pros
- Worth the money
- Easy to use
- Adequate battery life
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- Not the best quality
One device that left behind a strong impression was the H-777 by Retevis. It features a scanning function that allows you to locate ongoing conversations. We also love the 1000mAh battery, which supports 8-9 hours of continuous use.
This deal of 10 walkie-talkies is perfect for larger groups looking to stay connected while skiing in mountainous regions. Its USB charger facilitates rapid recharging to provide non-stop communication when outdoors.
The most significant selling point of the Retevis H-777 is its durable antenna that won’t break easily, supporting extended usage. There’s also a VOX function to enable hands-free operation when you’re busy but are looking to communicate.
Retevis H-777’s only shortcoming is its sub-standard construction, which makes them great for short-term usage but not long-term. However, given the economic deal of 10 units, you can store one or two as a backup if the others fail.
6. Topsung M920 – Best Budget Ski Walkie-Talkie
An amazing walkie talkie that offers all the premium features at an affordable price.
The longer standby time, VOX, NOAA etc. makes it a great buy for occasional skiers.
Pros
- Excellent performance for the price
- Loud and clear audio with no distortion
- Rechargeable batteries
- The shell design is strong
Cons
- Might be confusing for beginners
We’re big fans of Topsung’s approach to walkie-talkies, especially as they’re considered aptly made for skiing!
Topsung M920 offers a whopping standby of 48 hours, perfect for when you’re outdoors and do not have access to power outlets. Besides this, it can be operated with easy voice activation using its in-built VOX function. To prepare ahead, you can make use of the handy NOAA weather channel alerts to stay out of bad weather!
Some of Topsung’s other features include:
- PTT button
- Eight adjustable volume levels
- Ten call tone options
- Scanning function
- 38 CTCSS privacy codes
All in all, I’m quite impressed with its performance and high functioning.
7. Topsung 3-pack
This Topsung pack of 3 skiing walkie talkies offers outstanding value For bargain hunters!
Pros
- Fantastic sound quality
- Certainly not made of toy quality
- Fun to use and reliable
- Battery life is awesome
Cons
- Bit complicated to use
Speaking of the Topsung walkie-talkies, here’s another from the brand in a pack of 3. These radios may not come with all bells and whistles. Yet, they perform better than several other units available in the market. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly radio option that functions efficiently in snowy mountainous regions, this does the job well.
One of these Topsung devices’ best aspects is that they’re compatible with other FRS/GMRS radios regardless of brand. The drop protection ensures longer life of the product, mainly when used in rigorous outdoor activities. You can also be at ease with its 16-mile coverage in mountains and valleys.
While not the absolute best, the Topsung 3-pack works better than its other counterparts at this price point!
Honorable Mention – Motorola Talkabout T460
Motoroal T460 offers you a bundle of terrific features to make skiing an easy affair!
Truth be told, Motorola stuns us the way no other brand does! They sure know how to make rugged and durable walkie-talkies fit for rigorous use! The Talkabout T460 unit impressed us with its ease of use.
To ensure your safety, it also boasts an in-built LED light and NOAA weather alerts. These features come in handy during snowboarding emergencies.
It has an extensive range coverage of about 35 miles. Furthermore, T460’s weatherproofing makes it fit for use in snowy weather. Another bonus is its 26 hours of alkaline (3 AA) and 10-hour NiMH battery life.
Overall, these Motorola walkie-talkies offer a solid feel in hand without feeling too heavy. They do the job well, and adventuresome skiers seem to love them!
Ski Walkie-Talkie Buying Guide
Range
Walkie talkie range is the primary factor to consider when buying a walkie-talkie for skiing. Essentially, you need a walkie-talkie that gives long-range communication. Mountain trails vary in terms of size and terrain. While you’ll only require 1-2 miles of coverage to stay connected with friends, you must look for 5-miles coverage for safety reasons.
Protection
Accidents are likely when you’re skiing, which means there are chances that you will drop your radio in the snow. Hence, a waterproof or splash-resistant device is a great idea!
Battery life
The walkie-talkie should ideally have an extended battery life to last a couple of hours. You can also opt for devices that run on AA or AAA batteries so that you have extra batteries on hand for emergencies.
Warranty
Being exposed to harsh environments, it’s quite likely that the device malfunctions. In such a situation, it’s always great to have warranty support to take care of replacements!
NOAA channels
One must-have feature in a walkie-talkie for skiing is the NOAA weather scan. It provides alerts to help you stay out of bad weather, especially when skiing or snowboarding! It also lessens the chances of encountering bad weather and potential danger.
Size and design
Another critical aspect to look at is the size of the radio. You should get a device that easily fits into the zippered pockets of your pants or jacket.
Furthermore, having a rugged design is equally crucial. Your walkie-talkie should be ready to endure all situations. Try to opt for a shock-proof and fall-resistant radio that withstands impact during falls.
Additional features
The VOX function enables hands-free communication without the need for an audio accessory. Besides, the flashlight is another unique and handy feature to prevent tripping over rocks while snowboarding. You can also use the flashlight in the dark to attract attention in case of an emergency.
FAQ
Which brands make the top ski walkie-talkies?
- Dewalt: Dewalt radios are a go-to for most skiers, given their heavy-duty construction. Moreover, the long-range and high-performance units fit the needs of most adventure lovers!
- Motorola: Motorola is a renowned brand in the world of two-way radios! The brand offers reliable communication, along with high-quality construction.
- Midland: Midland is the leader in the radio industry with their innovative technologies and advanced features.
What are the best ski walkie-talkies?
There’s quite a long list of recommendations when it comes to two-way radios for skiing. If you’re looking for the best overall radio, we highly recommend the Dewalt DXFRS800. For big ski groups, the Midland GXT 1000VP4 is another fantastic option.
How to use a walkie-talkie for skiing?
Tune in to the channel of choice on your walkie-talkie and use the PTT button to transmit. Release the button to listen to the transmission through the device speaker. You may also select the VOX function and talk directly on the mic to relay audio.
Conclusion
Walkie-talkies or portable two-way radios are highly dependable when on the slopes. You can use them to share information in the ski resort or skiing groups and also to communicate during emergencies. The key is to find the best and most high-performing units.
Dewalt DXFRS800 is the best walkie-talkie for skiing and snowboarding, as per our testing and numerous reviews. Apart from offering an extensive range, it also provides the benefits of being waterproof and shock-resistant. If the Dewalt radio doesn’t fit your budget needs, you can look into the Topsung three and four-pack walkie-talkies during your next backcountry skiing.