8 Best Walkie Talkies For Skiing in 2024 | LydiaScapes

Best Walkie Talkies For Skiing

After so many outdoor winter adventure trips to winter destinations like Japan and France, we’ve learned that it’s essential to put your safety first when thinking of taking a winter expedition to the mountains. Accidents can happen when you least expect it, even doing what you love. As a result, we strongly recommend some strong walkie talkies in case you need to communicate with someone in your team quickly. Below are some of the best walkie talkies for skiing we’ve found online, in addition to some more information about buying a set for your needs.

Best Walkie Talkies For Skiing

What are the Best Walkie Talkies For Skiing?

Below you’ll find the list of the top 8 Best Walkie Talkies For Skiing. We compiled this list from walkie talkies for skiing we have used, asked others about, and researched further to give you the best possible roundup. With many years of experience with ski walkie talkies you can be assured that this article will give you what you’re looking for.

We also wrote a buying guide and answered some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) at the end of this article.

1. Midland 50 Channel GMRS Radio

Midland 50 Channel GMRS Radio
Specs
Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper)
Weight: 2.64 pounds (1.2 kg)
Size: 2.4 x 1.5 x 7.9 inches (6.2 x 3.9 x 20.1 cm)
Range: 36 miles
Battery Life: 24 hours
Power Source: 3 AA batteries
Continuous Talktime: 8 hours

Midland 50 channel GMRS radio pair pack is a portable walkie talkie that can cover a long range of about 36 miles. You can connect the radio with other different midland GMRS and FRS walkie talkies and their accessories also. It has a whisper mode feature that allows the receiver to hear a clear and loud voice when you send signals by quietly speaking to the radio. The two way radio has special automatic features like NOA weather scan and alerts that select weather band channels and notifies you about emergency weather conditions. However, you should know that this radio is only resistant to water spash like rainfall and it is not fully water resistant.

Pros

  • Silent operation,
  • Presence of easy VOX voice activation transmission,
  • Presence of NOA weather scan and alert feature,
  • An LCD display screen.

Cons

  • Only splash proof, not as water-resistant as stated,
  • poor sound quality when you receive signals.

2. Retevis RT18 Two-Way Radio

Retevis RT18 Two-Way Radio
Specs
Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper)
Size: 5.1 x 2 x 1.6 inches (13 x 5.2 x 4.1 cm)
Range: 0.5-1.5 miles
Battery Life: 10-12 hours
Power Source: 1000 mAh lithium-ion batteries
Continuous Talktime: up to 10 hours

The Retevis RT18 Two-Way Radio is an incredibly lightweight option with a very thin design. For ease of use, these radios come with both front and side PTT buttons. The metal back clip is much sturdier compared to thin plastic clips usually found at this price range.

Since the radios come with a Y-type USB cable, you’ll be able to charge both of them simultaneously. The channel lock function is exceptionally useful for active people to prevent occasional side button presses.

When using it in crowded places, you are likely to hear a noticeable signal interference. In addition, the battery needs improvements unless you carry a power bank with you. Still, it is a fantastic pick for shorter hiking routes.

Pros

  • Front and side PTT buttons,
  • Channel Lock function,
  • Metal clip and Y-type USB cable,
  • Slim design

Cons

  • Might get interference,
  • Drains battery quickly

3. BC Link 2.0 Group Communication Radio

BC Link 2.0 Group Communication Radio
Specs
Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper)
Weight: 0.75 pounds (0.34 kg)
Size: 2.1 x 1.9 x 1 inches (5.3 x 4.8 x 2.5 cm)
Range: up to 40 miles
Battery Life: 400 hours
Power Source: 2300-mAh lithium-ion battery
Continuous Talktime: 80 hours

The BC Link 2.0 Group Communication Radio is a premium winter-ready product that boasts the IP56 standard. Thanks to the compact housing, it easily fits even in the smallest pockets. There is no need to take it in and out each time as it arrives with a Smart Mic that has large glove-friendly knobs.

We liked that size didn’t limit its functionality since this model has 22 FRS GMRS channels with 121 sub-codes and a 2300mAh battery. While the battery can last for days, there is no indication on the screen, which makes it a bit inconvenient.

Nevertheless, the max range and battery life of this radio are fantastic. The only thing to note, though, is that plastic and buttons need improvements as they feel cheap.

Pros

  • Compact and glove-friendly design,
  • Intuitive controls,
  • Comes with snow-resistant Smart Mic,
  • Wide variety of channels and decent max range

Cons

  • Plastic components feel cheap,
  • The display lacks a battery indicator

4. Midland LXT630VP3 36 Channel FRS Two-Way Radio

Midland LXT630VP3 36 Channel FRS Two-Way Radio
Specs
Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper)
Weight: 1 pounds (0.45 kg)
Size: 1 x 2 x 7 inches (2.5 x 5.1 x 17.8 cm)
Range: 30 miles
Battery Life: 6 hours
Power Source: 2 AAA batteries

Midland LXT639VP3 FRS walkie talkie can be used for both outdoor and indoor activities like skiing. The radio has the ability to cover a range of about 30 miles. It is portable in size and it also water resistant. The two-way radio is powered by 2 AAA batteries which last for up to 6 hours. It also gives a clear and quality sound even when signals are transmitted from a long distance. The two-way radio has a special HI/LO settings feature that you can use to regulate the transmission power, this feature helps you preserve the battery life of the radio. It can also operate silently by turning off all the tones. It also has the NOA weather scan and alert that notifies you about climate emergency and also helps to select suitable weather band channel automatically. However, it takes a longer time for the radio to scan through and select a channel.

Pros

  • Water resistant,
  • Ability to operate silently,
  • Clear and quality sounds,
  • Presence of NOA weather alert and scan feature,
  • Portabilty,
  • Presence of VOX voice control.

Cons

  • Long scanning time for channels,
  • Weak battery life.

5. NOAA Rechargeable Walkie Talkie

NOAA Rechargeable Walkie Talkie
Specs
Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper)
Size: 2.2 x 1.3 x 6.1 inches (5.6 x 3.3 x 15.5 cm)
Range: 16 miles
Battery Life: 48 hours
Power Source: 12 AA batteries
Continuous Talktime: 18 hours

The NOAA Rechargeable Walkie Talkie is an excellent device for family outdoor activities. It has a NOAA Weather Alert feature that will notify you when there is risk of adverse weather.

It is compatible with any FRS radio regardless of the brand as long as you are on the same channel. It also has a sound and voice activation featire therefore it is hands free.

It has a PTT button that can be faulty from time to time therefore it may not be the best choice if you are in a place that may need you to call for help abruptly. it also has a micro-USB charger cable therefore you can charge it from your car if you are travelling which is very convenient.

The NOAA Reachargeable Walkie Talkie is also excellent if you are shopping on a budget. It is also great or family activitoes or when communicating between two cars on the road and need directions.

Pros

  • Licence free,
  • NOAA Weather Alert Scan Feature,
  • It has long range of communication and clear transmission,
  • Easy to use,
  • Compatible with any radio.

Cons

  • Not easy to set up,
  • The PTT button is not reliable.

6. Cobra ACT120B Wearable Walkie-Talkies

Cobra ACT120B Wearable Walkie-Talkies
Specs
Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper)
Weight: 0.49 pounds (0.22 kg)
Size: 2.7 x 2.7 x 1.2 inches (6.9 x 6.9 x 3 cm)
Range: 12 miles
Battery Life: 12 hours
Power Source: 650mAh Li-Polymer batteries
Continuous Talktime: 10 hours

If you are looking for the functionality of a full-sized radio in a more compact size, check the Cobra ACT120B Wearable Walkie-Talkies. With the round shape and lightweight design, these are very comfortable to carry. The built-in belt clips are 360-degree rotatable and allow quick access.

Despite the small size, these provide 22 channels with voice guides for selection and turning them on and off. There is a microphone port for hands-free operation. However, the charging cable can be a bit tricky to put inside.

The good news is that battery can easily provide more than 10 hours of operating time, but there is no indication of how much power is still left.

Pros

  • Very small and lightweight design,
  • 360-degree rotatable belt clips,
  • Voice guides for channel selection,
  • Earpiece/microphone jack

Cons

  • Charging cable is hard to put inside,
  • Lack charge indicators on radios

7. Midland X-TALKER T51VP3 22 Channel FRS Radio 3 Pack

Midland X-TALKER T51VP3 22 Channel FRS Radio 3 Pack
Specs
Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper)
Weight: 0.27 pounds (0.12 kg)
Size: 6.1 x 2.2 x 1.3 inches (15.5 x 5.6 x 3.3 cm)
Range: 28 miles
Battery Life: 24 hours
Power Source: 700mAh NiMH rechargeable or AAA alkaline batteries
Continuous Talktime: 10 hours

The Midland X-TALKER T51VP3 22 Channel FRS Radio 3 Pack features 22 FRS/GMRS channels with 38 CTCSS sub-codes for clear and crisp communication. Each walkie-talkie comes with an LCD screen and keystroke tones to make it simpler to navigate the menu. Depending on the situation, you can activate NOAA weather alert, VOX, or call alert. One of the biggest advantages of this model is its compact size. The product arrives with a desktop charger and micro-USB cable.

It’s a shame that instead of simple knobs, you’ll need to press several buttons to switch the channel or adjust the volume. This makes it less convenient, especially when you need to do that while walking. Lastly, the signal distance is lower than specified.

Pros

  • LCD screen and keystroke tones,
  • Compact and lightweight,
  • Call alert, NOAA weather alert, and VOX function,
  • Come with a desktop charger and micro-USB cable

Cons

  • Limited max range,
  • Tricky to switch channels

8. BC Link Backcountry Access Group 1.0 Communication System

BC Link Backcountry Access Group 1.0 Communication System
Specs
Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper)
Weight: 0.75 pounds (0.34 kg)
Size: 6 x 2.5 x 2 inches (15.2 x 6.3 x 5.1 cm)
Range: 32 miles
Battery Life: 40 hours
Power Source: 3.7 VDC Lithium-ion battery
Continuous Talktime: 8 hours

For winter sports fans and snowmobiles owners, the BC Link Backcountry Access Group 1.0 Communication System is a compact IP56 waterproof choice with impressive functionality. With 1 watt of power, the radio can send the signal for up to 32 miles in open. The battery will last for 40 hours even if it’s cold outside.

The Smart Mic has large knobs and buttons to switch between 22 channels. Because of its sensitivity, many users recommend slowing down your snowmobile or covering the microphone with your hand when you want to send your message. Despite the glove-friendly design, it’s also possible to turn the knob by mistake, so a channel lock would be a nice addition here.

Even with those minor drawbacks, the radio is ready for all conditions, supports charging on the go, and is compatible with walkie-talkies from other brands.

Pros

  • 22 FRS channels and 121 privacy codes,
  • Glove-friendly lightweight design,
  • LCD screen and mini-USB charging port,
  • IP56 waterproof housing

Cons

  • The microphone is sensitive to strong wind,
  • Lacks channel lock function

Verdict

Based on all of our experience with ski walkie talkies, we found that Midland 50 Channel GMRS Radio is the best walkie talkie for skiing available today.

Our Premium Option is Retevis RT18 Two-Way Radio with all the best features and high-quality materials, but that’s only if you have more money to spend.

However, if you are on a slightly tighter budget, you can also consider the BC Link 2.0 Group Communication Radio as an affordable alternative.

Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:

What You Should Know Before Buying walkie talkies for skiing

Battery Life

During winter time, a walkie talkies battery life is probaby one of the most important features, An average walkie can last for approximately 18 to 24 months shelf life. Most of these walkie talkies come with a rechargeabble battery and hence allows for easy fuss free recharge as an when needed.

There are two types of cells in the market, the premium-grade cells as well as the low-tier cells. Each type has its impact on capacity and cycle life. Generally, getting a walkie talkie with premium-grade cells will ensure a longer capacity of approximately 10% more than the standard one.

Most of the Motorola build models have used premium-grade cells.

Squelch Feature

The squelch is a feature on a walkie talkie that helps you to silent a channel when there is nothing in it. An empty channel produces white noise that are also known as squelch noises. The squelch circuit helps to mute or reduce these noises and it only turns the speaker on when you receive a signal. In some walkie talkies, the squelch button is like a rotary knob while it can be press up and down to adjust in some radios.

There are two main types of squelch feature that is present in a walkie talkie. The continuous tone-coded squelch system (CTCSS) and digital coded squelch (DCS). CTCSS also helps to add a low frequency to your voice to prevent a third party on the same channel from listening. This is because the third party does not have the same CTCSS tone with you and you will also not hear their transmission too because of this reason. Walkie talkies that use the digital coded squelch make use of about 140 subtones and they send transmission faster than the CTCSS, They also allow many users on the same channel. DCS has more code than CTCSS and this gives you opportunity to always pick different codes from others.

Questions and Answers About walkie talkies for skiing

What is the difference between a walkie talkie and a 2 way radio?

All walkie talkies are portable two-way radios but not all two-way radios are walkie talkies. Two-way radios can come in the form of a half-duplex or full-duplex mode. The former allows the radio to receive and transmit in turns (but not simultaneously) while the latter allows simultaneous receiving and transmitting. Thus, all walkie talkies are half-duplex two-way radios.

Can a smartphone be used as a walkie talkie?

There are apps these days that mimics the functions of a walkie talkie but the answer of whether will it truly function in cases of broken gridlines is no as these apps typically still rely on cellular connection to work. However, if the purpose that you’re using a walkie for isn’t for emergencies but to spend time listening and joinging random conversations over the open channels, then perhaps these apps are for you.

What radios do ski patrol use?

Walkie-talkie radios are what most ski patrollers use during skiing to report conditions, respond to injuries, and ensure every skier on board is safe.
Most patrollers prefer a walkie-talkie that is snow and water-resistant and can withstand dropped; in addition to the range capacity and long-lasting battery to stay on for hours in the winter cold.

Can I use a UHF radio without a license?

It is advisable to have a license, whether for a UHF or VHF radio. As it is an external device, most people think it is okay not to have licenses, whereas a license can save you from getting into trouble. The credible authority would recommend its users to have an authentic license to use the device at events or any other official work.

What walkie talkies do ski resorts use?

An ideal walkie-talkie for ski resorts is one that has the following features – multiple channels (minimum of 15), is glove-friendly, is waterproof, and can bear extreme cold temperature. In addition to all that, the most important feature is a good battery life. A rather popular walkie talkie used by sky resorts that have all these characteristics is the Motorola XPR 6350 Radio or the Motorola MR350R.

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