This is a review of the 4 best GoPro for Skiing.
My name is Aspen, I am an NSZIA certified ski instructor and APSI certified snowboard instructor, and I have been teaching skiing for over 10 seasons. GoPro is my most vital partner for teaching and tour guiding. Other than recording great memories, it’s particularly useful for skills analysis and teaching.
I believe the GoPro Hero5 Session is the best overall GoPro for skiing, and it comes with very widescreen video capture, voice control, excellent waterproof, and shock-resistance. Of course, the video and audio quality is unbeatable.
This is a great accessory you can use for backcountry, groomed, cross country… basically, all sorts of conditions.
The models suggested in this list are all great action cameras that will work exceptionally well for capturing your exciting trip.
Let’s film some skiing together!
Quick Summary
- GoPro Hero5 Session (Best for overall)
- GoPro HERO9 (Best for action)
- GoPro Hero7 Black (Best for video quality)
- GoPro Hero5 Black (Best for waterproof)
4 Best GoPro for Skiing – Detailed Reviews
Here are our most recommended GoPro models for capturing your ski trips.
GoPro Hero5 Session
- Key Features: Widescreen video capture, HiLight Tag technology, loop recording, up to 30 ft underwater depth, voice control
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160 max video resolution, 10 megapixels photo resolution
- Framerate: 30 fps
- Weight: 73 grams
- Best for: Overall
If you’re just starting out with your first action camera for skiing, the GoPro Hero5 Session will make your trusty companion. The fifth-generation GoPro has widescreen video capture, supports 4K, 2.7K, 1440p, and 1080p video, has voice control, and is waterproof up to 30 feet. It is also shock-resistant even without a case, proof that it can take a beating.
It comes with standard accessory mounts to help you secure it on your helmet, chest, or other surfaces when you’re going for a ride. The durable and lightweight camera makes it easy to bring around ski sessions as well.
The interface is also simple and easy to use. Just hit record, and you can start filming. You can do this even if the camera is turned off. I love it you can operate it without taking off your gloves or mittens.
When you are going downhill, the digital video stabilization feature can provide clear and stable footage. But you might want to get a stabilizer for intense and jerky movements as the stabilization system in the GoPro Hero5 is relatively basic.
In terms of audio, the advanced wind-noise reduction will help ensure that your audio quality is decent, even if you don’t use background music when editing.
All in all, the GoPro Hero5 Session is a great action camera for skiing. Just remember to charge it fully before recording.
GoPro HERO9
- Key Features: CMOS sensor, 1.4 in LCD touchscreen, autofocus, 1720 mAh rechargeable battery, image stabilization, USB 3.0
- Resolution: 5120 x 2880 max video resolution, 20 megapixels photo resolution
- Framerate: 5K at 30 fps, 4K at 60 fps, 1080p at 240 fps
- Weight: 294 grams
- Best for: Action
Arguably one of the best action cameras out there, the GoPro HERO9 can take a beating without compromising its movie-like video quality. The CMOS sensor is superb with 5K video and improved autofocus. T
he battery capacity is also 40% higher than its predecessor. You won’t need a gimbal as the HyperSmooth 3.0 stabilization is more than enough for skiing downhill on slopes. You can drop it on snow, crash it, and it will still keep running. It’s also submersible, in case you plan to use it underwater.
The frame rate is also great for action shots as it can do 240 fps on 1080p video. The built-in mic provides decent audio quality with wind noise reduction. The 1.4-inch color display is also very handy if you plan to take footage of yourself doing different activities.
Being the latest GoPro on this list, the GoPro HERO9 has to be one of the best cameras suitable for skiing.
GoPro Hero7 Black
- Key Features: Time-lapse video, reaches up to 30 ft underwater depth with a case, intuitive 2 in LCD screen, voice control, HyperSmooth Stabilization up to 4K60, live streaming
- Resolution: 4K60 max video resolution, 12 megapixels photo resolution
- Framerate: 4K at 30 fps, 4K at 60fps, Full HD at 120 fps, Full HD at 240 fps
- Weight: 116 grams
- Best for: Video Quality
The GoPro Hero7 Black is arguably one of the best action cameras around. It’s the GoPro that has made great advancements in terms of technology. In other words, it’s the first generation to launch the HyperSmooth stabilization.
The 12 MP sensor paired with 4K 60p video resolution produces high-quality photos and videos. Another useful feature is TimeWarp, which allows you to take a time-lapse even while moving, thanks to its integration with HyperSmooth. You can also use voice controls to operate your GoPro, which is a convenient tool for skiing.
Do you plan on skiing in low light conditions? Don’t worry, the Hero 7 Black deploys multi-frame noise reduction for low-light scenes. This GoPro lets you ski without worrying about your photo and video quality.
GoPro Hero5 Black
- Key Features: 2.0 in touchscreen, waterproof up to 33 ft, simplified design, 30 fps photo burst, GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Active Noise Cancellation
- Resolution: 4K max video resolution, 12 megapixels photo resolution
- Framerate: 4K at 30 fps, 2.7K at 60 fps, 1080p at 240 fps
- Weight: 118 grams
- Best for: Waterproof
If you want the GoPro Hero5 Session but want a bit more features, then the GoPro Hero5 Black might be for you. It has 4K video capture at 30 fps, a two-inch touchscreen, and is waterproof up to 33 feet.
The ultra-smooth, super slow-mo is useful when you’re doing tricks on your skiboard, so you can catch that 360 easily in slow motion. Its widescreen video capture helps immerse your viewers in action. The One-Button Control is also easy to use. Just press it, and you can start recording immediately. Plus, it’s submersible underwater up to 33 feet.
You can also mount it anywhere: on your helmet, chest, or on your rig. With its lightweight, portable design and tons of accessories, you can easily build the best action camera for skiing. You may even add a filter to modify your video output! The GoPro Hero5 Black is the daddy of the GoPro Hero5 so you won’t be wrong to get one for your ski trip.
Best GoPro for Skiing – What to Consider
Take into account the following factors before hitting the purchase button.
Resolution
In order to get quality videos while skiing, you must get the resolution right. We recommend cameras that have 4K video recording capability. With this, you can capture stunning details of your surroundings in real-time. Luckily, all the GoPros on this list has 4K video.
Frame rate
The ideal frame rate for skiing is 60 fps, considering the action scenes. This is only the base frame rate, though. Do you want to shoot tricks like jumps in slow motion? Then boost the frame rate to 120 fps. The video quality might drop slightly, but the results are impressive.
Battery
Since you’re likely going to be conquering slopes all day, consider taking spare batteries with you as you might regret not bringing them when your GoPro’s battery runs out. Also, keep your batteries warm if you want to prolong recording time.
You can keep them in a thermal bag or your interior pocket to absorb body heat. And for your GoPro, leave the cam on standby mode in order to maintain battery temp.
Stabilization
Camera stabilization is essential for skiing since you’ll constantly be moving. All the GoPros mentioned above have automatic stabilization, although the later versions are more adept with the HyperSmooth stabilization.
For the earlier generation of GoPros, you might want to get a stabilizer to make sure your video quality is stable, especially for shaky shots. But with HyperSmooth, there’s probably no need to buy an external stabilizer.
Durability
All GoPro cameras are made for extreme sports so it’s imperative that they are made durable. This is evident especially for GoPro Hero5 and the newer generations. These cameras, aside from being shock-proof, are also submersible underwater up to a certain depth. If you want your action camera to be indestructible, you can place it in a plastic housing.
Weight
Lightweight cameras are best for skiing since you’ll be very active and so that you can easily mount them. As for lightweightedness, the GoPro Hero line is composed of cameras weighing less than a hundred to approximately 300 grams. Try on different cameras to see if the weight suits you for skiing.
FAQS
Here are some commonly asked questions relating to picking the best GoPro for skiing.
What GoPro is best for skiing?
The GoPro Hero5 Black is the best camera for skiing. At a very affordable price, it already has 4K video, a touchscreen LCD, Voice Control, and tons more features you can use for going down slopes.
Plus, the 1220 mAh battery can operate for up to 100 minutes, even with 4K settings. Lastly, the Advanced Wind Noise Reduction provides great audio quality even when you’re sliding fast downhill.
What kind of camera do skiers use?
Skiers use action cameras. These are small, portable, and lightweight so that they can be easily carried and mounted. Although they are tiny, big things come in small packages! They can provide quality video and audio, which is why action cameras such as GoPros have become the go-to for skiers.
What is the best way to attach a GoPro when skiing?
There are many ways to attach a GoPro when skiing. Some skiers attach it on their helmets, some on their skis, while some attach it on their chest or wrist. But the best way is to attach it to your body.
This ensures that your camera is safe and won’t come loose. You can also attach your GoPro on a ski if you want a low-level view of your session.
Useful Tips and Resources
Mounting it on your helmet is probably the best way to capture the ski video. Just make sure the screw is tight and facing the correct direction. You don’t want to record only the sky or your helmet, after all.
We found strapping it to your chest is pretty great at preventing the snow from blocking the camera on a powder day.
If you are getting spare batteries for your GoPro, spending a little more on low-temperature batteries is a good idea. It will largely extend the battery life, especially on a -20 degrees day.
Wrapping Up
Nothing beats getting exciting video while flying down the white mountain peaks.
The GoPro Hero 5 Session is definitely a great choice, but all options mentioned will provide you with an excellent experience.
Have loads of fun, and stay safe out there!