You can attach skis to a backpack in a variety of ways: diagonally, vertically, horizontally, and A-frame. The best winter backpacks will have the necessary attachment points to accommodate most ski and snowboard carry positions. The Gregory Targhee FastTrack has its own method to attach skis or a splitboard without taking off the pack, but the rest have loops and/or straps to allow for multiple carry methods.  For diagonal, vertical, and A-frame, you’ll need to make sure a strap or loop is taught underneath the binding of your ski so that when you’re standing, the binding can rest on this strap. To A-frame carry your skis or splitboard, you’ll need a voile strap to fix the tips together while attaching each ski to a side of the pack. The horizontal method means strapping your skis to the top of your pack. Snowboarders can also slide their board between your back and pack and through the straps for short hikes.