The Gear I Use to Film Skiing
Camera Gear to Film Skiing or Snowboarding
The Gear I Use to Film Skiing
Getting great footage while skiing isn’t just about loving the sport—it’s all about having the right gear to really capture the action. As a skier and filmmaker, I’ve figured out a setup that works to get those epic shots that show off the thrill of the ride. In this article, I’ll walk you through the camera gear I use, from my go-to cameras for harsh conditions to the audio and stabilization tools that help bring my skiing adventures to life.
Primary Camera Body - Sony A7siii
My go-to camera for filming skiing is the Sony A7siii, and for good reason. This thing is a beast when it comes to shooting in all kinds of light, especially low light, which is huge when you're out in the mountains before sunrise or after sunset. The 4K footage it delivers is super crisp, capturing everything from the details in the snow to the way the light changes on the slopes.
I stick with the A7siii over the FX3 because the FX3 has a fan, and honestly, snow getting in there is just a recipe for disaster. Plus, the A7siii is more weatherproof, which makes it a better fit for unpredictable mountain conditions. It's a reliable camera that lets me get the shots I need without worrying about the elements.
Secondary Camera Body - Sony A7iii or Sony A6700
When it comes to ski adventures, I like to bring along a secondary camera body, and I usually pick between the Sony A7iii or the Sony A6700, depending on what I’m after. If I’m mainly focused on getting high-quality photos, the A7iii is my go-to. It’s a solid full-frame camera with great image quality that can really capture those epic mountain landscapes and action shots on the slopes. It’s dependable for stills, and when I know I’ll have the time and space to frame up some nice shots, this is the one I’ll grab.
For video, though, the Sony A6700 tends to be my preferred backup. It’s lighter and more compact, which is perfect for bigger expeditions or adventures where I need to move quickly and carry less weight. It’s also an excellent B-cam for video, with solid 4K recording and fast autofocus, so I can keep up with the action. The size makes it super convenient when I need to be agile out there, and I don’t have to sacrifice much in terms of quality.
Most Used Lens (Documentary) - Sony 24-105mm f/4
When I’m out filming skiing, the Sony 24-105mm f/4 lens is a staple in my kit for capturing all the action. Its flexible zoom range makes it easy to switch between wide shots of the expansive mountain landscapes and more focused shots on skiers in the middle of their runs. The constant f/4 aperture ensures smooth performance across all focal lengths, which is crucial when the lighting and conditions are constantly shifting on the mountain. This lens rocks and is on my camera about 95% of the time when I’m making a documentary in the snow.
Most Used Lens (Commercial) - Sony 35mm f/1.8
When I’m trying to find a more “cinematic” look and have the time to set up a shot, I often reach for prime lenses and my favorite is the Sony 35mm f/1.8 lens. Its wide f/1.8 aperture is perfect for capturing sharp, detailed footage even when the light starts to fade on the mountain or keep that blurry background. The 35mm focal length gives a natural, immersive perspective that brings viewers right into the action without losing that cinematic feel. When I pair it with a 1/4 pro mist filter, it adds a dreamy, soft quality to the footage, elevating the storytelling and making those cold, snowy scenes feel almost magical. It’s a great lens for capturing those moody, atmospheric moments on the slopes.
To broaden my creative options when filming skiing, I often bring along two additional lenses. The Sony 14mm lens is ideal for capturing wide, dramatic shots, especially when I want to emphasize the vastness of the mountains or get unique low-to-the-ground angles as skiers fly past.
On the flip side, the Sony 85mm lens is perfect for close-up shots, capturing the finer details like a skier’s focused expression or the texture of the snow being kicked up. Together, these lenses let me add variety to my shots, making the audience feel both the scale of the landscape and the personal intensity of the skier’s experience.
Audio - Tascam DR-10L and Rode VideoMic Pro
In skiing films, capturing high-quality audio is just as important as getting the visuals right. For interviews and on-the-mountain dialogue, I rely on the Tascam DR-10L lavaliere microphone. Its compact design makes it easy to hide under layers, and it delivers crystal-clear audio even in the unpredictable conditions of a ski shoot. When I’m out recording the natural sounds of the mountains—like skis cutting through snow or the wind across the slopes—the Rode VideoMic Pro is my go-to. It picks up those ambient sounds beautifully, adding an immersive layer to the film that really draws viewers into the skiing experience.
Drone - DJI Mavic Air 2s
I actually use the DJI Mavic Air 2s all the time when filming skiing because it’s perfect for capturing entire runs and really showcasing the scale of the mountains. Its 4K video and great color science allow me to follow skiers from above, giving a unique perspective that you just can’t get from the ground. The drone lets me show the full scope of the terrain, from wide sweeping shots of the mountain ranges to tracking skiers as they carve down the slopes. It’s become an essential part of my kit for adding that extra level of depth and grandeur to my ski films.
Gimbal - Zhiyun Cinepeer Weebill 3E
I love using the Zhiyun Cinepeer Weebil 3E gimbal when filming skiing because it brings a whole new level of smoothness and stability to my shots, especially when the terrain gets rough. Skiing is all about speed and motion, and a gimbal allows me to capture that fluidly without the shakiness that can come from handheld filming. Whether I’m following skiers down a run or shooting dynamic side angles, the gimbal ensures my footage stays steady, even in unpredictable mountain conditions. Plus, the lightweight design makes it easy to carry around all day on the slopes, which is crucial when you’re constantly moving. Overall, using a gimbal like the Weebil 3E lets me keep the focus on the action while delivering professional-quality shots.
Using Cameras as a Tool For Exploration…
As a dedicated skier and filmmaker, my gear is key to turning my passion for the sport into visually stunning and exciting videos. From my reliable Sony cameras and versatile lenses that capture every turn and detail on the slopes, to the audio and stabilization tools that bring viewers right into the action, each piece of equipment plays a crucial role in telling the story of skiing.
Whether I’m navigating steep backcountry lines or capturing the thrill of fast-paced resort runs, my carefully chosen gear ensures my audience can experience the adventure and beauty of skiing right alongside me.
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Roo is a commercial/documentary filmmaker and photographer based in Boulder, Colorado but travels all around the world for his filmmaking career. He has produced films for Outside Magazine in Ireland, camera operated for Netflix in the Rocky Mountain West, photographed among indigenous communities in Peru and Ecuador, directed videos with professional climbers in Mexico and has received notable recognition in his hometown of Orcas Island in Washington State for his work telling uplifting stories in the outdoor space.