As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. We get commissions for purchases made through links on this website from Amazon and other third parties.
Both skiing and snowboarding require a ton of gear, such as skis and boots, poles, goggles, and helmets. Where is your watch, though? Isn’t having a decent ski watch vital in order to ski?
If you want to locate the finest ski watch, you should search for one that is tough, waterproof, GPS-enabled, temperature & shock resistant. It should also give you important details like heart rate, VO2 max, altitude, and directions. The battery life of your ski watch should also be adequate to get you through a full day of skiing.
| Image | Product Name | Editor's Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Garmin Fenix 7 | Check Price | |
 | Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE | Check Price | |
 | Garmin Instinct 2 | Check Price | |
 | Garmin Fenix 5X Sapphire | Check Price |
The firm that is known for producing some of the greatest GPS sports watches, Garmin Watches, seems to best meet this criteria.
Our research team has spent hours searching the internet in order to compile a list of the Best Garmin Watches For Skiing And Snowboarding.
Therefore, without further ado, let’s begin.
Best Garmin Watches For Skiing And Snowboarding Reviews
1. Garmin Fenix 7
The Garmin Fenix 7 is arguably the best companion available for skiers. One of the toughest (and most adaptable) GPS watches available, it is jam-packed with features made expressly for skiing and snowboarding.
The Fenix 7 is first and foremost tough due to its military-grade build. Additionally, it can tolerate freezing conditions and is waterproof.
The Fenix 7 boasts distinct skiing profiles for alpine, cross-country, and even ski touring in terms of features tailored specifically to skiing. In order to monitor your progress as you down the slopes, it also contains ski run timers.
Additionally, the Fenix 7 has preloaded TOPO and ski resort maps so you can always find your way back to the inn. As if that weren’t enough. Additionally, it provides access to “Avg Ski Power,” a complete number that is comparable to Running and Cycling Power, when connected to a Garmin HRM device.
The Fenix 7’s price is its sole drawback. One of our list’s priciest watches is this one. The Fenix 7 is absolutely worth the cost, though, if you’re searching for the finest of the best.
2. Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE
Because the Forerunner 945 is so light, wearing it all day is comfortable. You can monitor your progress as you ski or snowboard thanks to its integrated GPS and ABC sensors.
The Forerunner 945 contains snowboarding and skiing-specific functions, such skiing run timers and unique skiing profiles, just like the Fenix 7. But no preset ski resort maps are included.
The watch lacks a touchscreen and instead navigates via menus using 5 buttons. It could take some getting used to, but for activities like skiing and snowboarding, it’s not a deal-breaker.
On the watch, you may store approximately 1000 tunes to enhance your skiing experience. In smartwatch mode, the battery life may last up to two weeks, and in GPS mode, it can last up to 36 hours.
The Forerunner 945’s SOS functions are among its greatest features. The greatest thing is that you won’t need to connect your smartphone in order to utilize this feature, which lets you use the watch to alert emergency services your position.
The Forerunner 945’s durability is its lone drawback. Even though it isn’t as durable as the Fenix 7, it should be able to handle the majority of skiing and snowboarding situations.
3. Garmin Instinct 2
Because it was built using military-grade materials, the Garmin Instinct 2 is virtually as durable as the Fenix 7. Additionally, it includes almost all of the skiing features found in the Fenix range.
For instance, it has every necessary sensor, including the thermometer, barometer, compass, and altimeter. Additionally, the multi-navigation satellite system exists to improve GPS precision and accuracy.
Skiers may track their highest and average speeds as well as the number of descents, distance, and negative elevation they make. Additionally, the watch has an automatic pause capability and does display Ski lift data in the Connect IQ app.
The Instinct 2 has large buttons on the side for glove-free operation. The profiles for skiing and snowboarding are also accessible as separate applications. Despite the watch’s respectable screen size, the Garmin Connect app provides more thorough information about your skiing activities.
Preloaded ski resort maps are one thing that Instinct 2 does not have. You must download the maps in advance if you intend to ski in an unknown location. Remember that, like the other watches on this list, this watch supports TOPO maps.
That there is no music storage is another drawback. As a result, unlike the Fenix and FR watches, you cannot keep your favorite skiing songs on the watch or stream music from Spotify or Amazon Music.
4. Garmin Fenix 5X Sapphire
The Garmin Fenix 5X is a smartwatch with lots of features that won’t set you back as much money as the newest and best gadgets.
Being outside, battery life is a crucial factor to take into account, and the 5X shines in this area with a life of up to 20 days in smartwatch mode. But the battery’s 13 hours of GPS use while streaming music is what really stands out. Even the most dedicated skiers won’t require a whole day of skiing while listening to music from dawn till dusk.
Heart rate: You can check your estimated heart rate without a chest strap thanks to Garmin Elevate heart rate technology.
Pulse Ox: As we said at the beginning of the post, the wrist sensor that measures blood oxygen levels is another feature that distinguishes the 5X from its rivals. While casual skiers might not require this, backcountry skiers or serious athletes who are “skinning-up” the hill, where their heart rates might soar, may find it to be a very useful health and safety tool to keep on their wrist.
Trend line TOPO maps”: You may identify and follow the finest trails and routes by using Garmin Connect data. The Skiing App Professional from Garmin is also compatible with the 5X.
Despite the fact that the 5X is among the priciest watches on the market, serious skiers should think about making the additional expense.
Final word
Without a doubt, the greatest Garmin watch for skiing and snowboarding is the Fenix 7. Waterproofing, fitness tracking, and ABC sensors are all things you could possible want in a ski watch.
You don’t have to worry about the Fenix 7 getting damaged on the slopes because it is one of the most robust and resilient watches available. In addition, the watch has Cross-Country (XC) Ski dynamics, which, when used in conjunction with an external heart rate sensor from a firm, enables you to access a variety of sophisticated skiing stats.
It is one of the company’s more pricey portfolios, which may be a deal-breaker for some consumers.
The Garmin Forerunner 945 is a wonderful alternative if you’re searching for a more affordable model. Although it lacks some of the Fenix 7’s bells and whistles, this watch is still excellent for skiing and snowboarding.