Having a reliable way to communicate while skiing is important for the safety and enjoyment of all those participating. Cell phone use is often limited in the high mountain area and rather impractical to carry in the snowy and rigorous outdoor activity. Two-way radios, or walkie talkies, are one of the best ways for groups of all sizes to stay in touch on the slopes.

Find the Range

Range is by far the most critical consideration when choosing the best walkie talkie for your ski trip. Slopes and mountain trails range greatly in size and terrain. The start of a trail can be several hundred feet or several miles away from the ending point, and your radio should be able to handle the distance.

Staying Alive

Without power outlets, keeping your walkie talkie charged and functioning can be a big concern. Look for models with an exceptionally long battery life (12 or more hours) or have the ability to operate on standard AA or AAA batteries. You can keep extra batteries in your coat pocket for times when you’re in a pinch.

Be Durable

The best walkie talkie for your ski trip is one that is waterproof or water resistant. Dropping your radio in the snow is likely to happen, and it’s better to be safe. While not a huge issue, you’ll also want to look for a walkie talkie that is light. Lugging around a heavy radio can be impractical with all the other gear you have. The extra weight may slow you down and take some of the fun out of being on the slopes so a small and lightweight radio might definitely be a better choice.