I’ve been skiing for 20 years on 3 continents and managed to never get lost. If you’re looking for a practical guide to the best ski watches from someone who’s skied the slopes, this guide is for you.
A good ski watch should be durable, waterproof, and able to withstand the cold temperatures and harsh conditions of the mountain.
The best ski watches come equipped with essential features such as GPS, altimeter, barometer, and compass.
They can also provide real-time weather updates, send out emergency alerts, and track vital signs like heart rate and blood oxygen levels.
When choosing a ski watch, it’s important to consider factors such as battery life, screen size, price and ease of use.
Are Ski Watches Worth it?
TL;DR: Not everyone needs a ski watch. But they are good for skiers and snowboarders that love 👎🏻
- Ski Touring
- Going Off-piste
- Group Leaders
- Fitness and Wellness Enthusiasts
They can make all the difference in an emergency situation and help you stay safe while enjoying your ski trip. Paired with a PLB and skiing walkie talkies you can mitigate risk and ensure safety on the slopes.
Quick Verdict: What are the Best Ski Watches?
- Extended battery life outdoors in cold
- Large 1.4-inch always-on display
- 30+ built-in sports apps [including ski map]
- Not for budget shoppers - Pricey
- Best Battery Life
- 120 hours of tracking
- 80 sport modes
- Advanced metrics in Workout app
- 49mm titanium case and 100m water resistance
- Redesigned Compass app
- Easy to link with phone
Ski watches are essential for any skiing or snowboarding adventure, whether it’s a casual day on the slopes or a backcountry expedition.
In this review, we have researched and tested various watches to identify the best ones on the market. Our top picks not only offer comfort and support but are also made of high-quality materials that can withstand the harsh conditions of cold weather.
This review is targeted at anyone looking for the best ski watches to avoid emergency situations, track fitness, or stay connected while on the go.
➡️ Don’t miss out on our top ski gear recommendations for beginners like mogul skis, best neck gaiters for skiing and more which you can find at the end of the article.
Table: My Top 3 Top Ski Watches
Short on time? No problemo! You can find the products listed on Amazon by clicking the link provided.
Alternatively, you can also shop for them at REI, and I have included instructions on how to find them in the detailed review below.
| Click on Product to See Prices & Purchase | ⭐️ Why is it good? 🔥 |
|---|---|
| Garmin fenix 7X Sapphire Solar | Overall Best Performance |
| Apple Watch Ultra | Best for Apple Lovers |
| SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 6 | For Android Lovers |
Next Snowboard and Ski Watches:
- COROS VERTIX 2 GPS Adventure Watch: Best Battery Life
- Garmin Instinct 2 Solar, Tactical-Edition: Arnold Vibe
- Casio G-SQUAD GBD-H2000: Most Sustainable
- SUUNTO 9 Baro: Best for Multisport Athletes
- Amazfit GTR 3 Smart Watch: Absolute Cheapest
- Garmin Instinct 2 GPS Watch : Most Rugged & Durable
9 Best Ski Watches
Overall Best Ski Watch
1. Garmin fenix 7X Sapphire Solar: Best Watch for Skiing
If you’re looking for a high-quality multisport GPS watch with a long-lasting battery life, the Garmin fenix 7X Sapphire Solar is a great option.
Pros
- Power Sapphire lens and solar charging for extended battery life outdoors.
- Large 1.4-inch always-on display for easy reading of stats and data.
- 30+ built-in sports apps [including ski map] for tracking performance and progress.
Cons
- Relatively expensive compared to other options.
- Features and functions may be overwhelming or difficult to navigate.
- Relatively bulky and heavy, may not be comfortable for some users.
The Garmin fenix 7X Sapphire Solar is a great choice for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who want a high-quality watch that can keep up with their active lifestyle. With features like endurance and real-time stamina tracking, 24/7 health and wellness monitoring, and outdoor navigation sensors, this watch is packed with useful tools and functions.
One of the standout features of the watch is its solar charging capabilities. With just three hours of direct sunlight per day, you can enjoy up to 37 days of battery life in smartwatch mode or up to 122 hours of battery life in GPS mode.
Another great feature of the watch is its large, always-on display. The 1.4-inch screen is easy to read even in bright sunlight, and the touchscreen interface is highly responsive and intuitive. With preloaded TopoActive maps and worldwide ski and golf maps, you can easily navigate your way through even the most challenging environments.
While the Garmin fenix 7X Sapphire Solar is an excellent watch overall, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The watch is relatively expensive compared to other options on the market, which may be a turn-off for some users.
Users may find the watch’s features and functions overwhelming or difficult to navigate and the watch is relatively bulky and heavy, which may not be ideal for users who prefer a more streamlined design.
| Watch Features | Yes/No |
|---|---|
| GPS Enabled | Yes |
| Battery Life | 122 hours solar |
| Water Depth Resistance | 100 meters |
| Solar | Yes |
| Display Size | 1.4 inches |
2. Apple Watch Ultra: Best for Apple Lovers
If you’re an endurance athlete, outdoor adventurer, or water sports enthusiast, and you’re looking for a rugged and capable smartwatch, the Apple Watch Ultra is an excellent choice.
Pros
- Apple Watch Ultra is rugged with 49mm titanium case and 100m water resistance.
- Big, bright display with more room for adding complications to customize watch face.
- Advanced metrics in Workout app, including Heart Rate Zones and Running Form, for endurance athletes.
Cons
- Apple Watch Ultra is expensive; cheaper options available without advanced features.
- Oceanic+ app for water sports enthusiasts is less feature-rich than some third-party options.
- Impressive battery life, but may not be enough for multi-day adventures.
The Apple Watch Ultra is an excellent choice for anyone who needs a rugged and capable smartwatch. Its advanced metrics in the Workout app make it an excellent choice for endurance athletes, while the redesigned Compass app and custom bands make it an excellent choice for outdoor adventurers.
The Oceanic+ app is a great option for water sports enthusiasts, although it may not be as feature-rich as some third-party options.
3. SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 6 44mm LTE Smartwatch: For Android Lovers
If you’re looking for a smartwatch that can keep up with your active lifestyle, the SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 6 44mm LTE Smartwatch is worth considering.
Pros
- Personalized fitness tracking, heart rate zones, and advanced sleep coaching.
- Seamless syncing to your other Galaxy devices.
- Larger display and improved user interface with durable crystal glass.
Cons
- The LTE version can be pricey.
- The battery life may not last as long as some other smartwatches.
- Some users may find the watch face to be too bulky.
This smartwatch is perfect for anyone who wants to stay on top of their fitness goals while staying connected to their other devices. With personalized fitness tracking, heart rate zones, and advanced sleep coaching, you can get the insights you need to develop better habits and achieve your goals.
And with seamless syncing to your other Galaxy devices, you can stay connected on the go.
The SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch 6 44mm LTE Smartwatch also features a larger display and improved user interface with durable crystal glass, making it easy to navigate and use your favorite apps.
However, the LTE version can be pricey, and the battery life may not last as long as some other smartwatches. Additionally, some users may find the watch face to be too bulky.
4. COROS VERTIX 2 GPS Adventure Watch: Best for Battery Life
If you’re looking for a durable and reliable GPS watch for your outdoor adventures, the COROS VERTIX 2 is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Redesigned user interface with global offline mapping for seamless navigation.
- Dual frequency GPS system ensures accurate location tracking in any terrain.
- Impressive battery life of up to 60 days in normal use.
Cons
- Bulky and heavy watch, may not be comfortable for some users.
- High price point, less accessible for budget-conscious buyers.
- Touchscreen can be unresponsive, requiring multiple taps.
If you’re looking for a watch that can keep up with your skiing adventures, the VERTIX 2 is the perfect choice.
It’s built with premium materials, including a sapphire glass screen and a titanium bezel that’s 3x more scratch-resistant than the original VERTIX.
The watch also has a dual-frequency GPS system that can track your location accurately, even in challenging environments like deep forests or tall buildings.
With its multiple sport modes, including ski and snowboard, the VERTIX 2 is a reliable and durable companion for any skiing enthusiast.
| Watch Features | Yes/No |
|---|---|
| GPS Enabled | Yes |
| Battery Life | 140 hours |
| Water Depth Resistance | 100 meters |
| Solar | No |
| Display Size | 1.4 inches |
5. Garmin Instinct 2 Solar, Tactical-Edition: Best Garmin Watches for Skiing Men Wanting an Arnold Vibe
I highly recommend the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar, Tactical-Edition, GPS Outdoor Watch for anyone in need of a rugged, reliable GPS watch and wants to look the part of our best governor, Arnold.
Pros
- Tactical features, including night vision compatibility and waypoint projection, ideal for military and outdoor use.
- Solar charging provides unlimited battery life with 3 hours of sunlight per day.
- All-day health monitoring features, including heart rate, sleep tracking, and respiration tracking, help you stay on top of your fitness goals.
Cons
- Watch face not customizable beyond preloaded options.
- Watch is larger, may not be comfortable for everyone.
- Higher price point compared to some other GPS watches on the market.
Here’s a possible rewrite:
The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar, Tactical-Edition, GPS Outdoor Watch is the best mountain climbing watch and a top choice for skiing enthusiasts. Its durable and reliable design makes it a great option for outdoor adventures.
The solar charging capabilities are a game-changer, providing unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode with just a few hours of sunlight per day.
The tactical features, such as night vision compatibility and waypoint projection, are perfect for military and outdoor use. The all-day health monitoring features help you stay on top of your fitness goals.
While the watch face is not customizable beyond the preloaded options, the preloaded options are sleek and functional. The watch is on the larger side, which may not be comfortable for everyone, but the durability and functionality make up for it.
If you’re looking for a reliable and durable ski watch with advanced features, the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar, Tactical-Edition, GPS Outdoor Watch is an excellent choice.
6. Casio G-SQUAD GBD-H2000: Best Skiing Watches for Sustainability
If you’re looking for a GPS watch that can track all kinds of workouts, the Casio G-SQUAD GBD-H2000 is a great option.
Pros
- Functions for tracking workouts, including heart rate monitor and GPS.
- Made from renewable organic materials for environmental friendliness.
- Water-resistant up to 200 meters, great for swimming.
Cons
- Reported issues with CASIO WATCHES app by some users.
- May be too bulky for some users.
- Some users have reported inaccurate heart rate monitor readings.
The watch has numerous functions for tracking different workouts, including heart rate monitoring and GPS. While we found the heart rate monitor to be fairly accurate, some users have reported issues with it.
One of the unique features of this watch is its use of renewable organic materials, making it environmentally friendly. We appreciate Casio’s efforts to reduce its environmental impact.
The watch is water-resistant up to 200 meters, making it ideal for swimming. We tested it in the pool and found it to work well, but some users may find it too bulky for swimming.
7. SUUNTO 9 Baro: Best for Multisport Athletes
If you’re an athlete who demands the best, the SUUNTO 9 Baro is the perfect GPS watch for you. This durable multisport watch is built to last and comes equipped with over 80 sports modes, a barometer for accurate altitude info, and a wrist heart rate monitor. It’s suitable for various activities, including running, hiking, cycling, and more.
Pros
- Designed to last up to 120 hours of continuous exercise tracking.
- Water-resistant up to 100 meters, perfect for extreme adventures.
- Connect to favorite sports apps and services from SUUNTO app for more features.
Cons
- Learning curve to configure and use the watch.
- Heart rate monitor may read inaccurately at times.
- Display is too dim under most lighting conditions, indoor or out.
The SUUNTO 9 Baro is a durable and reliable GPS watch that we highly recommend for athletes. It’s perfect for training, racing, and extreme adventures. With its Scandinavian design and ultra-durable materials, this watch helps you keep life, training, and recovery in balance.
The watch features a touch screen and wireless connectivity technology, with a wrist mount and 120-hour battery life. It’s made of stainless steel and comes in black, with the model name Baro. A battery is included with the watch.
Read ➡️ Full Suunto Baro 9 Review
8. Amazfit GTR 3 Smart Watch : Absolute Cheapest
If you’re looking for a stylish and reliable smartwatch, then the Amazfit GTR 3 is a great option. With its long-lasting battery life, accurate health metrics, and built-in GPS, this watch is perfect for anyone who wants to stay connected and track their fitness goals.
Pros
- Alexa built-in and offline voice assistant for easy use.
- 21-day battery life for long-lasting use.
- 150+ sports modes and built-in GPS for accurate tracking.
Cons
- Sleep tracking and heart rate monitoring may not be accurate for everyone.
- No temperature tracking available.
- App ecosystem is limited compared to other smartwatches.
The watch is lightweight and comfortable to wear, with an always-on display that’s easy to read even in bright sunlight. Its standout feature is Alexa integration, allowing users to set alarms, check the weather, and control smart home devices with just their voice. The offline voice assistant is also a great backup when internet access is unavailable.
However, sleep tracking and heart rate monitoring may not be accurate for all users, with reported inconsistencies by some reviewers. The watch also lacks a temperature tracking feature, which may be a drawback for some users.
9. Garmin Instinct 2 GPS Watch : Most Rugged & Durable
If you’re looking for a reliable GPS watch that can withstand tough environments, the Garmin Instinct 2 GPS Watch is a great option.
Pros
- Rugged design withstands thermal, shock, and water resistance, ideal for outdoor activities.
- Includes 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter, plus multiple global navigation satellite systems support.
- Impressive battery life: up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, up to 16 hours in GPS mode, and up to 40 hours in Ultratrac battery saver mode.
Cons
- The watch’s bulkiness and weight may not be comfortable for individuals with smaller wrists.
- Some users have reported inaccuracies with the heart rate monitor, which may impact fitness tracking.
- The watch face may be challenging to read in low-light conditions, which could be a drawback for some users.
The Garmin Instinct is one of the best ski watches due to its rugged design, built to withstand tough environments and constructed to U.S. Military standard 810G for thermal, shock, and water resistance (rated to 100 meters).
The fiber-reinforced polymer case adds strength and durability, and the chemically-strengthened, scratch-resistant display is high-contrast enough to read in bright sunlight, making it perfect for extreme adventures.
Along with its durability, the Garmin Instinct boasts several features that make it a great GPS watch. It includes a 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter, plus multiple global navigation satellite systems support (GPS, Glonass, and Galileo) to track in challenging environments.
You can also monitor your estimated heart rate, activity, and stress, and train with preloaded activity profiles.
| Watch Features | Yes/No |
|---|---|
| GPS Enabled | Yes |
| Battery Life | 30 hours |
| Water Depth Resistance | 100 meters |
| Solar | No |
| Display Size | 1.2 inches |
More Skiing Buying Guides
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best ski watch, there are a few key features that you should consider. Here are some things to keep in mind when making your decision:
Durability
Skiing can be a rough and tumble sport, so you’ll want a watch that can withstand the elements. Look for a watch that is made with durable materials and has a water-resistant or waterproof rating. Additionally, consider a watch with scratch-resistant glass to prevent damage from ski poles or falls.
GPS Tracking
If you’re an avid skier who likes to track your progress, consider a watch with GPS tracking. This feature can help you monitor your speed, distance, and elevation, as well as map out your route. Some watches even allow you to share your data with friends or on social media.
Battery Life
Skiing can be a long day, so you’ll want a watch with a long battery life. Look for a watch that can last at least a full day of skiing, if not longer. Additionally, consider a watch with a quick charge feature, so you can top it off during lunch or a quick break.
Display
When you’re skiing, you need a watch with a clear and easy-to-read display. Look for a watch with a bright and high-resolution screen, as well as a backlight for low-light conditions. Additionally, consider a watch with customizable displays, so you can choose the data that’s most important to you.
Additional Features
There are a variety of additional features that you may want to consider when choosing a ski watch. Some popular options include:
- Heart rate monitoring
- Music playback
- Mobile payments
- Smart notifications
Consider which features are most important to you and your skiing needs before making your final decision.
Final Verdict
⛷️ Looking for the BEST ski watch?
If you need a watch for skiing, then my personal recommendation is to choose the Fenix 7X Sapphire, as it features a long battery life, flashlight, large always on display, 24/7 wellness. Based on my personal experience of trying out various watches, it’s the best on the market.
Check prices to buy HEREFrequently Asked Questions
What are the best ski watches with GPS capabilities?
When it comes to ski watches with GPS capabilities, there are several options to choose from. Some of the best ski watches with GPS capabilities include Garmin fenix 7X Sapphire Solar, SUUNTO 9 Baro, and COROS VERTIX 2. These watches offer accurate GPS tracking, long battery life, and other features that are useful for skiing.
What are some of the top-rated Garmin watches for skiing?
Garmin is a popular brand when it comes to ski watches. Some of the top-rated Garmin watches for skiing include Garmin fenix 7X Sapphire Solar, Garmin Instinct 2 GPS Watch, and armin Instinct 2 Solar, Tactical-Edition. These watches offer features such as GPS tracking, ski maps, and weather updates.
What are the features to look for in a ski watch?
When looking for a ski watch, there are several features to consider. Some of the key features to look for include GPS tracking, ski maps, altimeter, barometer, thermometer, and weather updates. Additionally, you may want to consider the battery life, durability, and water resistance of the watch.
Are there any mechanical watches suitable for skiing?
While mechanical watches are not typically designed for skiing, there are some options that can be suitable for the slopes. For example, the Rolex Explorer II and Omega Seamaster are both durable and water-resistant watches that can withstand the elements of skiing.
What are the best watches for ski patrol?
Ski patrol requires a watch that is durable, reliable, and has useful features. Some of the best watches for ski patrol include Casio G-SQUAD GBD-H2000, Garmin fenix 7X Sapphire Solar, and SUUNTO 9 Baro. These watches offer features such as GPS tracking, barometer, altimeter, and weather updates.
Which watches offer ski maps and navigation?
Ski maps and navigation can be incredibly useful when hitting the slopes. Some of the watches that offer ski maps and navigation include Garmin fenix 7X Sapphire Solar, SUUNTO 9 Baro, and COROS VERTIX 2. These watches provide accurate maps of ski resorts and can help you navigate the slopes more efficiently.
My Skiing Gear Review Process
At Crave the Planet, I’m all about honest and relatable reviews of outdoor products. As a physical therapist, downhill skier, hut to hut hiker, and mom, I’m constantly trying new gear to make my outdoor experiences more comfy and fun but with science in mind.
I’ll be real with you, I’m not an expert in every outdoor activity. But, who is? I’m just a regular person who loves exploring the planet. Perfectionism is my enemy and I hope to help you ditch that vibe too.
My review process involves testing each product in real-life outdoor situations, but if it’s a really horrible day I’ll probably find a hotel in the valley. I’ll let you know what worked for me and what didn’t, so you can make informed decisions about your gear choices.
I don’t do sponsored reviews or take payment for my reviews. All comments are based on my personal experience. Sometimes I’ll test something and then send it back for a refund. Usually there’s a hefty fee. Bummer. So, if you’re looking for a relatable and honest take on outdoor gear, you’re in the right place.
I hope this no-nonsense guide to the best ski watches helps you make the decision that is right for you.
Author profile: Morgan Fielder is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and passionate hiker who believes in exploring the world on foot with good food. Follow her journey as she shares science-based hiking tips and advocates for sustainable tourism.