Next time you’re in line for the ski lift or standing at the top of the slope getting ready to start your morning lesson on one of our ski instructor courses, take a look around and mentally note how many people are wearing GoPro devices. It’s really quite staggering. You could arguably say the ski and snowboard industry is GoPro’s biggest market.
The GoPro camera system is particularly useful for skiers and snowboarders simply because it enables you to document your own moves. There’s no relying on someone else to record the video for you. You can capture a memorable ski run when you want and how you want without assistance.
If you’re interested in creating great videos while on the slopes this winter, a GoPro device or one like it is a wise investment – if you know how to use it.
You may have read our blog post ‘How to Take Great Skiing Photos You Can Be Proud Of.’ Today’s post takes it one step further with a comprehensive guide that can help you learn the ins and outs of making lasting memories while enjoying your favourite sport.
Camera Position
To begin with, get the camera in the right position. This involves mounting it in a variety of areas to get a combination of view points.
• Pole Mount. As one of the most popular and versatile of mounts, the pole mount allows you to place your camera on the end of a GoPole and capture content from a variety of distances and viewpoints. You can film yourself, or invert the camera upside down to film someone else.
Helmet Mount: This mount offers a unique viewpoint from the rider’s perspective. You see what the rider sees, and it’s especially useful in combination with a variety of other viewpoints.
• Chest Mount. Snowboarders won’t get much use out of this one, since their chests will be faced to the side, but skiers can come up with some pretty good forward footage. It shows exactly what happens in front of you, and is particularly handy for showing the pinnacle shot as you do a trick in the air.
• Boot/Board/Ski Mount. If you want a “ground’s-eye” kind of shot, mounting it to your boot, board, or ski is your best option. It provides a unique angle and can be used to show the view of the board as it glides on the snow, or inverted to show the full body of the rider. Be careful when attaching your camera to the board, since damage is more likely when it’s so close to the ground.
Must-Have Accessories
What’s a GoPro experience without the right accessories to make things easier? Consider adding these accessories to your packing list.
• The App. The app makes it easy to control settings and preview your shots straight from your phone. It uses Wi-Fi or data to connect your camera to your phone and show the viewpoint of the camera, so you can see where the camera is pointing before you take your video. It eliminates awkward, half-body shots that result when your camera is at an odd angle.
• Mounters. You’ll need a selection of mounting tools to get a variety of shots. Consider the GoPole, tripod adapters, head/helmet straps, adhesive mounts, scorpion mount, head swivel mount, and more. GoPro also sell a rather affordable helmet mount so that you can capture your ascent down the slopes in first person just like pro skier Candide Thovex in his latest viral video ‘One of Those Days 2’, above.
• Battery Packs. Even if you fully charge your battery before you hit the slopes, your charge may not last the entire day. A battery pack or two is extremely handy so that your camera doesn’t die in the middle of your prize-winning ollie.
• Anti-Fog Inserts. Cold, humid conditions, like those you’ll likely find on the British Columbia slopes, cause fogging, and GoPro offers anti-fog inserts that protect your lens from fogging up while you ski.
Filming Techniques
Getting an amazing shot is about much more than positioning your camera just right. It’s also about knowing how to handle the camera as you go and focusing on the right angles.
• Point of View. The last thing you want is to show the same shot over and over again. A lack of variation is boring to say the least. To make awesome GoPro videos, use a combination of vantage points and angles, which will vary the footage and give you a collection of high-quality material.
• Focus. Unfortunately, simply pointing and shooting won’t deliver high quality videos. If you want a video that will wow your friends, pay attention to your framing. Each shot should have a clear focus on the whole subject’s body without distortion.
• Absorb Bumps. You won’t find a slope without bumps. Absorb them as you ride to avoid shaky footage.
• Note the Sun’s Position. The position of the sun can make or break a video. Try to film when the sun is beside you instead of above you or directly behind you. This will ensure the best lighting without an unsightly glare.
• Film Everything. It’s better to go home with 20 minutes of a shot than one. When it comes to ski and snowboard footage, you can always edit out the stuff you don’t want later, but you can’t get back an event you failed to get on film.
• Be Creative. Don’t be afraid to try new shots, even if it seems like it will never work. You never know what you’ll get, and it could be the best shot you ever make.
Editing Options

Finally, the secret to the amazing GoPro ski and snowboard videos you see on YouTube is great editing. Anyone can get amazing shots, but good editing is the mark of a successful video (don’t take my word for it – Olympic Star Julia Mancuso says much the same in the video above).
• Music. Your video set to a pumping beat may be all you need to make things perfect. It’s also a good idea to have the kind of music you’ll want to use in mind while shooting your footage. You could even listen while you ride to help set the tone for the entire video.
• Filters. High-quality filters can significantly improve a shot. GoPro and several other companies such as Snake River Prototyping offer great filters that can help you adjust lighting, colour, and more.
• Look Into Software. Most computers come equipped with simple editing capabilities, but if you want great photos and videos, look into specialist editing software. There are free options such as Apple’s iMovie, but these will only take you so far. For the step up, look at taking a course in higher-quality editors such as Final Cut Pro or Adobe’s Premiere Pro line.
• Slo-Mo. Doesn’t everything look cooler in slow motion, especially where skiing and snowboarding are concerned? Give that crippler an extra something and slow it down.
All you need to do now is grab your camera and hit the slopes.
But Wait…

If you feel your skiing or snowboarding isn’t yet at a level where you can really make some great videos, don’t worry. Alltracks Academy can help!
Our team of professional instructors is dedicated to getting you to the level of ski or snowboarding that you desire, whether that’s an amateur who skis for fun, or a professional looking to make and document amazing tricks.
For more information on how Alltracks Academy can help make this dream a reality, check out what we offer over here, or head to the contact page to get in touch and speak to one of our team today.
FAQs
How do you get a good GoPro ski footage? ›
Setting the camera to 60fps as a base frame rate is ideal for skiing. If you want to capture a jump or turn in slow motion, boost it to 120fps. You'll find the quality of the video at 120fps drops slightly, but the slow-motion results are impressive.
Can you use a GoPro while skiing? ›Chesty – Mounting the GoPro on your chest gets your hands and poles in the shot for skiing, but it's a little weird on a snowboard since you're facing sideways. Hand + Wrist Strap – Mount the camera on your ski boot for a low to the ground shot that looks super-fast. For snowboarding, use the side of the boot.
How do you film yourself with a GoPro skiing? ›Basically i will just ski. And hold my pole out in front of me kind of like this. And just hold it
How do you use a GoPro 9 for skiing? ›Video make sure it's not tilted down or all you're gonna get is your skis and your your knees so if
What is the best setting on GoPro for video? ›- Bit Rate: High.
- EV Comp: -0.5.
- White Balance: Auto (or Specific Temp based on Scene)
- ISO Min: 100.
- ISO Max: 1600.
- Sharpness: Low.
- Color: Natural.
Chest Mount: The chest mount is especially great for skiers because it is stable, points directly downhill and shows the skis and hands, which is a very immersive perspective.
How do I keep my GoPro warm while skiing? ›- Keep the camera in an interior pocket before filming; this uses your body heat to keep the unit warm. ...
- Leave the camera on (in standby). ...
- Use the camera in the waterproof housing to help retain the heat given off by the camera during operation. ...
- Use newer batteries.
Helmet Mounting and GoPro App with Tom Wallisch (Ep 4) - YouTube
Where is the best place to mount a GoPro on a ski helmet? ›Find the best place to mount GoPro on ski helmet. The spot should be on the front, close to the top of the helmet. Use screws, rivets, or double-sided tape to attach your GoPro camera. The key is to secure the camera to the helmet.
How do you shoot a ski video? ›Ski Cinematography Tips + Challenges – (Chute 75 Behind the ...
How do you film while skiing? ›
How to film skiing, while skiing - Gimbal Operator - YouTube
How do you mount a 360 camera for skiing? ›How to use your Insta360 for skiing! #insta360 - YouTube
How do you film yourself snowboarding? ›How to Film With a GoPro - My Tips and Advice + Free LUTs - YouTube
What camera do snowboarders use? ›| GoPro Hero4 Black | Sony FDR-X3000R | |
|---|---|---|
| Video Resolution | 4K | 4K |
| Stills | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes |
How To Mount GoPro HERO 9 On Helmet - YouTube
How many frames per second should I use on my GoPro? ›60fps: It is the best choice to record sports videos with GoPro. For fast-moving subjects, 60fps can perfectly eliminate motion blur and present all details crisp. GoPro is designed as action camera and 60fps is the perfect fit for capturing snowboarding, surfing, biking etc.
What is cinematic mode in GoPro? ›Cinematic mode is simply the name of a video preset on your GoPro and you can set it up whatever way you want. Most people set it up for 24FPS, Narrow FOV, High Bitrate, flat color profile..... The 24FPS makes the frame rate look like that which is used in TV and Movies.
How do you attach an action camera to a ski helmet? ›How to Mount a Helmet Cam for Skiing - YouTube
How do you attach a GoPro to a backpack? ›$10 GoPro Backpack Mount Review! (My Favorite Versatile ... - YouTube
How do you film snowboarding with Iphone? ›10 iPhone Video Tips - YouTube
Does GoPro work in extreme cold? ›
High Performance in Freezing Temps
Enduro powers your GoPro through the extreme cold, so when temps drop, you can keep shooting with confidence.
Here are the specs for how long you can shoot (on average) when the battery is temperature is 14°F according to GoPro: 56 minutes of 5.3K60 video. 50 minutes of 4K120 video. 76 minutes of 4K60 video.
How cold can a GoPro handle? ›Camera behavior in cold weather
HERO10 Black: When the GoPro battery detects that it is 32°F (0°C) or lower, the camera turns off both the front and rear displays.
Well, bid adieu to attaching a camera to your helmet now, as Kerala's Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) has banned helmet cameras. An internal circular sent to MVD officials reveals that the penalty for using a helmet-mounted camera is Rs 1,000.
Is it safe to mount GoPro on helmet? ›Perhaps you're wondering if it's safe to mount GoPro on a helmet. The answer is yes, as long as the camera is well secured and not too close to your eyes or other soft tissues, the helmet will actually protect you from the camera in case of a fall. It is much safer than mounting a camera on a hat or bare head.
How secure is GoPro helmet mount? ›How To Secure a GoPro Camera To Your Helmet So It Doesn't Fall Off
What is the cost of GoPro camera? ›| Camera | Price | Available From |
|---|---|---|
| GoPro Hero 11 27MP Sports and Action Camera | ₹51,490 | Sep, 2022 |
| GoPro Hero 11 Mini 27MP Sports and Action Camera | ₹41,500 | Upcoming |
| GoPro Hero9 Action Camera | ₹34,000 | Nov, 2020 |
| GoPro HERO10 23MP Sports & Action Camera | ₹47,000 | Oct, 2021 |
GoPro Vented Helmet Strap Mount Review - YouTube
Where do you mount a camera on a helmet? ›Top Motorcycle Helmet Mount
One of the most common places to mount your camera on a motorcycle helmet is on the top of it, in the middle, and at the front of the helmet.
- Step 1: Get Organized. Most great ski edits start with a plan, so come up with one for yourself. ...
- Step 2: Plan Your Shots. ...
- Step 3: Work Your Angles. ...
- Step 4: Edit the Edit. ...
- Step 5: Humor—Approach With Caution. ...
- Step 6: The Big Music Decision. ...
- Step 7: Upload Wisely.
How do you take good ski photos? ›
- Communicate your plan. ...
- Give direction. ...
- Shoot with a fast shutter speed. ...
- Consider prefocusing your camera. ...
- Overemphasize the movement. ...
- Carry your gear with care. ...
- Be careful!
How to Make a GoPro Edit for Snowboarding - YouTube
How do I use my iPhone while skiing? ›Keep It Close to Your Body
Instead, put your iPhone/iPod in an inner pocket of your jacket or even inside your clothes, right next to your body. Another way to store your iPhone while skiing or doing another cold-weather activity, is to put it inside one of your snow boots, as comfortably far down as you can fit it.
Press and hold the iPhone's shutter button, and the camera shoots a series of sequential photos, just like a DSLR shooting multiple frames per second. Pro skier Sierra Quitiquit relies on this feature because it's the best way to capture fast-moving action.
Where do you put your phone when snowboarding? ›Keep your phone in your chest pocket
So ignore your pant pockets. They're for your hands. While on the slopes, you should be wearing a jacket, and that jacket should have a good chest pocket on the inside (if your ski jacket doesn't have an inside chest pocket, consider a ski jacket that does - they're worth it).
GoPro Hero 11 – Best Overall Ski Helmet Camera
Put simply, GoPro is the gold standard in action cameras especially when it comes to skiing. They're tough, waterproof, well made and packed with professional camera technology. Plus they don't skip a frame in cold winter conditions.
3 tips you NEED to know on the GoPro MAX - YouTube
What is the best 360 camera for snowboarding? ›The Insta360 One R is currently the top choice for 360 cameras to take skiing. Why you ask? Not only can the Insta360 One R shoot great quality 360 video with the BEST stabilization of any camera out now, it can also transform into a normal action camera thanks to its modular body.
How do I keep my GoPro warm while skiing? ›- Keep the camera in an interior pocket before filming; this uses your body heat to keep the unit warm. ...
- Leave the camera on (in standby). ...
- Use the camera in the waterproof housing to help retain the heat given off by the camera during operation. ...
- Use newer batteries.
Helmet Mounting and GoPro App with Tom Wallisch (Ep 4) - YouTube
How do you video yourself snowboarding? ›
How to Film With a GoPro - My Tips and Advice + Free LUTs - YouTube
How do you attach a GoPro to a backpack? ›$10 GoPro Backpack Mount Review! (My Favorite Versatile ... - YouTube
Does GoPro work in extreme cold? ›High Performance in Freezing Temps
Enduro powers your GoPro through the extreme cold, so when temps drop, you can keep shooting with confidence.
Here are the specs for how long you can shoot (on average) when the battery is temperature is 14°F according to GoPro: 56 minutes of 5.3K60 video. 50 minutes of 4K120 video. 76 minutes of 4K60 video.
How cold can a GoPro handle? ›Camera behavior in cold weather
HERO10 Black: When the GoPro battery detects that it is 32°F (0°C) or lower, the camera turns off both the front and rear displays.
Well, bid adieu to attaching a camera to your helmet now, as Kerala's Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) has banned helmet cameras. An internal circular sent to MVD officials reveals that the penalty for using a helmet-mounted camera is Rs 1,000.
Is it safe to mount GoPro on helmet? ›Perhaps you're wondering if it's safe to mount GoPro on a helmet. The answer is yes, as long as the camera is well secured and not too close to your eyes or other soft tissues, the helmet will actually protect you from the camera in case of a fall. It is much safer than mounting a camera on a hat or bare head.
How secure is GoPro helmet mount? ›How To Secure a GoPro Camera To Your Helmet So It Doesn't Fall Off
How do you shoot a ski video? ›Ski Cinematography Tips + Challenges – (Chute 75 Behind the ...
How do you film while skiing? ›How to film skiing, while skiing - Gimbal Operator - YouTube
How do you film your phone while skiing? ›
10 iPhone Video Tips - YouTube