Trying to find the best two way radios for skiing? You’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ve done all the research so you can sit back, relax and find the best one for your next ski trip. Let’s check them out.
Here are the top picks:
| Image | Product | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|
 | Retevis H-777 Two-Way Radios | Check price |
 | Greaval Rechargeable Two-Way Radio | Check price |
 | Retevis RT45 Two-Way Radios | Check price |
 | Ansoko Two-Way Radios | Check price |
Contents
Retevis H-777 Two-Way Radios
The sturdy belt clip on these radios helps to prevent them from being lost or dropped when in the snow. Thanks to the improved battery connection, there is very little fear or possibility of the battery disconnecting and failing.
Designed for reliable communication between teams, these two-way radios make talking to members of a group fast and easy. With 16 channels to choose from and 50 encryption codes on each channel, it’s easy to drown out additional chatter when communicating as part of a group.
Pros
- Voice prompt function makes it easy to use the radios with thick gloves on
- Built-in flashlight is great for seeing and navigating in dark emergency situations
- USB charging allows for charging the battery on the go and ensuring power on the slope
- Two-year warranty and great return policy provide peace of mind
- Easy to change the channel and to find a group channel with other members
Cons
- Can sometimes screech when in use
- Do not work with other two-way radios and only talk with each other
- Don’t have a great range when used in very hilly or built-up locations outside
Greaval Rechargeable Two-Way Radio
Not only do these radios make it easy to communicate with others when skiing, but they offer a built-in flashlight and an emergency alarm to help draw attention when in trouble. Thanks to their long communication range and impressive privacy codes, they can easily be used in areas with a lot of people.
The voice activated transmit feature makes it easy for skiers to communicate when on the go without getting frustrated or having to remove their gloves.
Pros
- 16 channels to choose from for easy setup and use
- Rechargeable 1500 mAh Li-ion battery offers up to 20 hours of use
- Ideal for use up to three miles outside
- Splash proof housing is designed to protect the radio in the event of a fall in the snow
- Low weight of just 5.6 ounces allows the radios to be taken on the go without weighing down a skier
Cons
- Earpiece isn’t very high quality and can easily slip or fall out of the ear
- It’s easy to accidentally bump the channel knob and change the channel
- Can be difficult to seat in the charger to ensure fast and correct charging
Retevis RT45 Two-Way Radios
Skiers can choose from 10 different tones for their call alert, making it easy to attract attention on the slopes. The clear sound and adjustable volume make these radios easy to use when skiing. Since the screen is so easy to read, all skiers will be able to adjust their settings easily.
Thanks to the high-quality VOX function, users can use their voice to activate the radio. The battery lasts for around 10 hours, ensuring that skiers have the ability to connect with each other throughout the day without worrying about their equipment failing them.
Pros
- 121 privacy codes on 22 channels provides safety and security when communicating
- Dual watch features allow users to monitor two channels at the same time to avoid missing important information
- Not affected by external magnetic, electric, or electromagnetic fields, which could cause other radios to fail
- Charging cable can easily charge two radios at once
- Backlight screen is easy to read and to control
Cons
- Faceplates can pop off if the radio is dropped or hit
- White color makes it difficult to find the radio in the snow
- Do not connect to any other radios
Ansoko Two-Way Radios
With 16 channels to choose from and the ability to function at a longer range, these basic radios are a great option for any skier who wants to be able to connect with other people from their group easily. They are designed to be simple to use, with a large push-to-talk button that is clearly labeled.
Since the powerful batteries charge in just four to five hours, there’s no reason why users can’t have these radios ready to go quickly, making them great for taking on an extended ski trip.
Pros
- Offers up to three miles of reception in certain working environments
- VOX voice prompt allows users to call each other without using their hands to press buttons
- Built-in LED flashlight allows skiers to see in dark situations without having to carry an additional flashlight
- Battery lasts for up to 24 hours
- Solid built design is incredibly durable and able to withstand being dropped without breaking
Read Also: Best Walkie Talkies for Skiing
Cons
- Doesn’t always work correctly with an ear piece
- Can be difficult to attach the belt clip
- Speakers can be damaged and will then produce a fuzzy and scratching sound when the radios are used
Retevis RT22 Two-Way Radios
These hands-free radios have dust-proof exteriors that are incredibly durable and designed to prevent the radios from being damaged during use. With a battery safe function, they can last all day long without fail.
The privacy codes help limit interference from other users and allow skiers to communicate with each other without worrying about other people hearing their conversation.
Pros
- Included six-way charge provides fast and easy charging for all radios at once
- Shorter antenna provides plenty of power, but doesn’t get in the way when skiing and is less likely to accidentally break
- 16 channels are all easy to access
- Emergency alarm allows users to attract attention when they are in trouble
- Squelch feature helps to eliminate unwanted ambient noise and allows skiers to easily communicate
- Low battery prompt ensures that they are charged when necessary to prevent failure
Cons
- If the charging cradle fails, then all of the radios will stop working, as there is no backup charger
- Using the headpiece results in skiers experiencing a lot of feedback
- Range can be negatively affected by large trees
Features You Must Consider
Size and Weight
It’s imperative that the two-way radios that skiers select to keep in contact with each other are light enough to be easy to carry and won’t add a lot of bulk. Ergonomically shaped radios are going to be much easier to carry and use with gloves on.
Models that have an antenna that is near the same length as the body tend to be very powerful in a small package. These are a great option for skiers and are easy to use without being oversized, which can make them difficult to handle and to control
Read Also: Best Helmet Cameras for Skiing
Channels
The channels that a two-way radio operates on will play a huge role in how easily skiers can connect with each other. Most of these radios will have 22 channels that they can operate on. It’s important to make sure to choose a radio with ample channels to choose from, as this will make it easier to connect with the desired person without dealing with interference from others.
Privacy Codes
In busy locations it is normal for all 22 channels to be used at once, which is why it’s a good idea to look for radios that come with a squelch system. These allow skiers to use a busy channel without interference thanks to the use of privacy codes.
While these codes won’t be able to fully eliminate unwanted chatter from other skiers, they are a great way to make it easier to communicate with each other. These codes don’t make a conversation private, but do help to eliminate interference from other users.
Paging
Being able to page another skier allows users to grab their attention before speaking, which can help to get a message across without frustration. Some radio models even have the option for users to set their paging to vibrate instead of sounding an alarm or alert.
VOX
Voice activated radios are much easier for some skiers to use, as they don’t have to remove their gloves to operate this equipment. Not all radios offer this hands-free operation option, so skiers need to decide if it is important to them.
These radios operate by automatically broadcasting as soon as the user speaks in the direction of the radio. This allows for hands-free operation, which can be useful when wearing bulky ski gloves.
Coverage Range
The coverage range of a radio will be greatly impacted by how many trees, mountains, and other large structures, such as buildings, and ski lifts, are in an area. High-wattage radios are going to be more expensive than low-wattage options, but can have a greater range of coverage.
While a lot of radios claim to have a range of up to 25 miles in the best conditions, the range will be significantly less when used on a ski slope or in the mountains.
Battery Life
No skier wants to worry about running out of batteries when away from the lodge or cabin, but this can easily happen when a lower quality radio with subpar batteries is used. Not only do the batteries need to charge quickly, if they are rechargeable, but they must last for a long time to ensure that the radio will provide the safety and function that the skier needs.
Some radios offer a stand-by mode that will help save battery power when the radio is not actively in use. This is a great feature to look for, as it will help skiers ensure that they don’t run out of power during the day.
Wrap Up
Out of all the options the Retevis H-777 Two-Way Radios are our favorite. Considering the functionality that you get for the cost, it’s an excellent choice for people who need to stay in touch on the slopes.
