Are you trying to find the best walkie talkies for skiing? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve done all the research and are listing out the top 5 options you can buy when you hit the slopes. Let’s check them out…
Here are the top picks for the 2023-2024 ski season:
| Image | Product | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|
 | Midland 50 Channel Waterproof GMRS Two-Way Radio | Check price |
 | Midland X-TALKER T77VP5 Walkie Talkie | Check price |
 | Motorola Talkabout T800 Two-Way Radios | Check price |
 | Check price | |
 | Retevis RT27 Walkie Talkies | Check price |
Contents
Best Skiing Walkie Talkies Reviews
Midland 50 Channel Waterproof GMRS Two-Way Radio
This versatile two-way radio features 50 GMRS channels along with channel scan, making it easy to keep track of your family on your ski trip. They are also waterproof (splash resistant) so you can use them even if it snows.
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With 142 privacy codes, you can make sure that your conversations are private. There is also a NOAA weather alert for any weather alerts or warnings in your area.
- 36-mile range
- 50 channels
- 142 CTCSS/DCS privacy codes
- Hands-free voice activation
Midland X-TALKER T77VP5 Walkie Talkie
Staying safe on the mountain is easier than ever, thanks to these powerful walkie talkies. Not only do they provide clear communication with each other, but they also pick up NOAA weather problems. With a clear screen that is easy to read, users won’t have any problems communicating.
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The battery lasts for a long time, and since the packs are rechargeable via various chargers, it’s easy to power the walkies from the car, the wall, and even from a USB port.
Pros
- 38-mile range is great for use when skiers are spread out from one another
- Features 121 CTCSS privacy codes to help block conversations from other people
- NOAA weather scan provides alerts regarding severe weather updates
- NOAA weather alert produces a loud sound when there is a risk of severe weather in the area
- Hands-free voice activation to ensure that users can communicate in emergencies
Cons
- Earbuds don’t stay in the ears and the head sets tend to slip off the head
- Instruction booklet is difficult to read, making setting up the walkies harder than necessary
- Won’t reach the stated range in some conditions
Motorola Talkabout T800 Two-Way Radios
These radios are an effective and stylish way to stay in touch with your family if you’re at different areas of the ski resort. The T800 model has a 35-mile range, so you can still communicate if you’re far away. It comes with 22 channels and 121 privacy codes so you can keep your conversations private. The hands-free option will also make it easier to talk while you’re on a lift or a run.
Read Also: Best Earbuds for Skiing – Our Top 5 Picks
- 35-mile range
- 22 channels
- 121 privacy codes
- Hands-free voice activation
Motorola T260TP Talkabout Radio
The Motorola T260TP Talkabout Radio offers a robust set of features for communication on the mountain. With a range of up to 25 miles, it’s perfect for your ski trip. It features 22 channels with 121 privacy codes, NOAA weather channels, and iVOX/VOX hands-free function.
The radio is both water-resistant and compact, making it suitable for diverse environments. Although it’s rechargeable, some users have reported battery performance issues. Nevertheless, these radios strike a good balance between quality and cost, making them an ideal choice for communication on the slopes.
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Pros
- iVOX/VOX hands-free communication.
- Micro-USB charging and dual power options.
- Water-resistant design suitable for rain.
- Rechargeable and AAA battery compatible.
- Compact, lightweight, and includes belt clip.
Cons
- Limited range in urban areas.
- Some battery issues reported.
- Rechargeable battery pack design flaw.
Retevis RT27 Walkie Talkies
With an impressive 22 channels to choose from, it’s fairly easy for users to select the channel that they are going to share and then start using these walkie talkies without problems. The VOX feature reduces background noise, which is great when using them on a mountain.
With powerful rechargeable batteries and a compact design, this walkie is easy to take on the go. It only weighs a few ounces, which means that skiers won’t feel burdened when carrying it, and thanks to the durable clip, it stays in place, even during falls.
Pros
- Powerful batteries provide 10 to 12 hours of use on a single charge
- Multi-pack is great for larger families to communicate
- 210 private codes and an encryption function provide safe communication between users without interference
- Hands-free voice activation operation available, which means skiers don’t have to remove their gloves to use the walkie
- Water and dust resistant to ensure perfect function on the mountain
Cons
- Can be difficult for some users to set up and the instructions tend to be confusing
- Scan function isn’t reliable at longer distances
- Not ideal for use in large buildings as the steel can interrupt the signal
Features You Must Consider
Range
The range that walkie talkies can transmit reliably is one of the most important things to consider. The best two way radios for mountains are powerful enough to easily transmit over a range of up to 35 miles, depending on how many obstructions there are.
Obviously, trees, mountain ranges, and buildings will all lower the range of walkie talkies. Since these are very common obstructions when skiing, it’s important to look for walkie talkies that have a larger range and will offer great clarity so they will work reliably in a skiing situation.
Read Also: Best Two Way Radios for Skiing
NOAA Weather Alert
Some walkie talkies have the ability to provide NOAA weather alerts to the user, which is imperative when skiing in remote locations. Not only will these alerts warn users of incoming inclement weather, but they will also provide information about where to go for safety.
Taking emergency alerts seriously can save lives when on the mountain, which is why it’s such a good idea to look for walkie talkies that will help prevent accidents and provide the necessary information for skiers to make good decisions about their safety.
Construction
Higher quality walkie talkies tend to be a little bit heavier than other options, due in part to their more durable exterior. Rugged walkies that are not only waterproof, which can prevent them from being damaged during a ski accident, but also have features such as rubber bumpers to help grip, are useful and easy to use in the snow.
A tough exterior is imperative to ensure that a walkie talkie isn’t damaged while skiing. Some walkie talkies simply aren’t durable enough to handle being immersed in the snow multiple times throughout a day.
Battery Type
Most walkie talkies can either operate on a rechargeable battery or use standard batteries. Waiting for the battery to charge before going back to the slopes can be frustrating for some skiers. On the other hand, using standard batteries means that the skier will have to carry extras with them to ensure that their walkie talkie works throughout their entire trip. This is a personal preference, but having enough battery power at all times is imperative for safety.
Emergency Features
Accidents can happen on the mountain, which is why being prepared is important. One emergency feature that some walkie talkies offer is a built-in flashlight. This will use a lot of the battery, but it is a great way for skiers to make sure that they can find a safe place to spend the night in an emergency.
Another great emergency feature is a built-in siren. If a skier is stuck or in a dangerous situation, then using the siren to alert others to their location may be the best way for them to call for help. Built-in beacons are another great choice, and are a wonderful way for skiers to get the help that they need when in danger.
Belt Clip
Keeping the walkie talkie available and easy to use at any time is key to safety on the mountain, which is why it’s important to choose a walkie with a durable and reliable belt clip. Unfortunately, not all walkie talkies have great belt clips, which means that they are at risk of falling off in the snow.
A clip that is durable, strong, and easy to use will help prevent the walkie talkie from coming off in the snow and being lost.
Best Walkie Talkies for Skiing – Wrap Up
With its long battery life and multi channel selection, we think that the Midland 50 Channel Waterproof GMRS Two-Way Radio is a really solid choice for the slopes this season. All of the other options are also great of course, but these were the favorite all factors considered.
Happy skiing.
