Filming While Skiing with a GoPro: Mounts, Batteries and Cold

By Henrik Andersson, founder of Nordic Flash. Published November 12, 2026

Nordic Flash quick-release hand strap worn on a wrist

Mount the camera on your helmet and keep the batteries warm. GoPro's snow guide suggests a top or side helmet mount, and GoPro says adhesive mounts are typically not recommended on skis or snowboards, because flex and vibration can loosen them. In the cold, batteries drain faster, so carry warm spares in an inside pocket.

Key takeaways

GoPro suggests a top or side helmet mount for skiing and snowboarding.
GoPro doesn't recommend adhesive mounts on skis or snowboards.
Cold drains batteries. Keep spares warm and close to your body.
On snow, a hand strap matters more than a float.

A helmet mount, and spare batteries kept warm

A helmet mount is the usual place for skiing. Cold drains batteries faster, so keep spares in an inside pocket.

A chest mount gives a lower angle

It is a solid option if you want the shot from the chest instead of the helmet. Keep spare batteries warm either way.

Use a hand strap, not a float

A float is for water. On snow, a quick-release hand strap keeps the camera on your wrist if you let go.

Hand strap 5-pack

An adhesive mount can go on skis or a snowboard

Clean the surface, use the right curved or flat pad, and give it time to cure before you ride. This is a mount job, not a float job.

Adhesive mounts

A helmet on a snow field with an action camera mounted on top.

By the numbers

GoPro says its Enduro battery gives up to 40% more battery life in moderate conditions (GoPro (opens in a new tab)).
GoPro measured a HERO10 Black with an Enduro battery at a battery temperature of 14°F (-10°C) recording about 76 minutes of 4K60 and 115 minutes of 1080p30 (GoPro (opens in a new tab)).
GoPro suggests storing unused batteries at 40 to 60% charge (GoPro (opens in a new tab)).

Journalists and writers may use these figures with credit and a link back to this page. Questions: [email protected].

Where should you mount a GoPro for skiing?

Usually on your helmet. GoPro's snow guide suggests a top mount for a point-of-view shot or a side mount for a lower profile (GoPro (opens in a new tab)). A curved adhesive mount fits a rounded hard helmet.

Set the mount before the trip. Apply it to a clean, dry helmet at room temperature, and allow at least 24 hours before use, as GoPro advises (GoPro (opens in a new tab)). Our mounting guide covers surface prep, and how to remove an adhesive mount covers moving it later.

Helmet or chest mount for skiing?

Both work, and they give different shots. GoPro calls your head the most stable part of your body during most activities, which is why it rates helmet mounts as the best way to get stable point-of-view footage (GoPro (opens in a new tab)). A chest mount, such as GoPro's Chesty, gets your hands and poles in the shot when you ski. GoPro notes it's a little awkward on a snowboard, because you ride sideways (GoPro (opens in a new tab)).

Can you put an adhesive mount on skis or a snowboard?

GoPro says adhesive mounts are typically not recommended on skis, snowboards, wakeboards or similar items, because flex and vibration can loosen them (GoPro (opens in a new tab)). Use the helmet instead.

A spare battery kept in an inside pocket, next to a camera in the cold.

How do you keep a GoPro battery going in the cold?

From GoPro's cold-weather advice (GoPro (opens in a new tab)):

Use an Enduro battery if your camera takes one.
Keep spare batteries in an inside jacket pocket or an insulated pouch.
Keep the camera and batteries warm until you are ready to shoot.
Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and drop the resolution or frame rate if you need longer recording.
In extreme cold, leave the camera in standby rather than switching it fully off.
In cold, wet conditions, use a protective housing, and use anti-fog inserts if fog builds up.

A camera on snow with a thin hand strap, and no float.

How do you hold the camera when filming by hand?

Use a hand strap. It keeps the camera on your wrist on the chairlift, at the top of a run or in a crowded lodge. A float isn't much use on snow, unless the trip also takes you near water.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to mount a GoPro for skiing?

GoPro suggests a top or side helmet mount. A curved adhesive mount fits a rounded hard helmet.

Should I mount a GoPro on my helmet or chest for skiing?

Either. GoPro says a helmet mount gives the most stable point-of-view shot, and a chest mount gets your hands and poles in the frame. Don't put an adhesive mount on the skis or snowboard itself.

Can I stick a GoPro mount on my skis?

GoPro says adhesive mounts are typically not recommended on skis or snowboards, because flex and vibration can loosen them.

Why does my GoPro battery die so fast in the cold?

Cold reduces battery life. GoPro suggests an Enduro battery, warm spares in an inside pocket, and turning off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Do I need a float for skiing?

Usually not. A hand strap is more useful on snow. Bring a float if the trip includes water.