Last January, a 2021 Subaru Outback owner headed up Highway 330 to Big Bear with his family for a weekend ski trip. He'd checked the weather, filled the tank, and packed warm clothes, but he hadn't considered vehicle-specific preparation. Twenty minutes past Running Springs, chain control went into effect. He had no chains, no way to install them if he did, and no experience with winter driving equipment. CHP directed him to turn around, and his family lost their entire weekend reservation. The wasted lodging deposit, lift tickets, and disappointment cost over $800. A set of quality tire chains, traction boards, and basic winter equipment? About $180 total, reusable for years.

That Outback owner represents thousands of Southern California drivers who underestimate mountain winter conditions because our coastal areas stay mild year-round. Ontario sits at just 980 feet elevation with temperatures rarely dropping below 40 degrees, creating a false sense that winter preparation isn't necessary. But within 90 minutes of our dealership, you can reach elevations above 7,000 feet where snow depths measure in feet, temperatures drop below zero, and conditions rival anywhere in the Rocky Mountains.

Your Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and high ground clearance provide exceptional capability for mountain travel, but even the best drivetrain needs proper equipment and accessories to handle extreme conditions safely. The difference between a successful mountain adventure and a dangerous situation often comes down to having the right accessories and knowing how to use them.

This guide covers the essential accessories every Subaru owner needs for winter mountain travel, optional upgrades that enhance capability and comfort, and how to choose equipment that matches your specific driving needs and destinations.

All-Weather Floor Mats and Cargo Protection

Winter mountain travel introduces moisture, mud, and debris into your Subaru's cabin at levels that exceed anything normal driving produces. Snow from boots, slush from parking areas, and mud from trailheads all end up inside your vehicle unless you have proper protection.

All-weather floor mats with raised edges are non-negotiable for mountain winter travel. The raised perimeter contains slush and snowmelt, preventing it from spilling onto carpet when you accelerate or brake on mountain grades. Deep channels molded into the mat surface hold moisture away from your boots and allow it to evaporate without soaking through to carpet backing.

WeatherTech and Husky Liner manufacture custom-fit mats designed specifically for each Subaru model. These aren't universal-fit mats that shift around during driving. They're precisely engineered to match your vehicle's floor pan contours, covering the full footwell area and staying securely positioned. Complete sets covering front and rear footwells cost $180-240, a modest investment compared to carpet replacement at $800-1,200.

Cargo area protection is equally important for Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, and Ascent models that carry ski equipment, snowboards, boots, and other wet gear. Cargo liners with raised edges contain moisture and protect the cargo area carpet from damage. Heavy-duty rubber liners handle sharp ski edges and snowboard bindings better than carpet, preventing tears and wear.

A Crosstrek owner from Rancho Cucamonga learned this lesson after several Big Bear trips without cargo protection. Melting snow from ski equipment had soaked into his cargo carpet repeatedly over two winters. When he traded the vehicle, the dealer noted water damage and musty odors in the cargo area, reducing his trade-in value by $600. A $120 cargo liner would have prevented the damage entirely while making cleanup after each trip take seconds instead of requiring carpet extraction.

Seat covers designed for winter sports provide additional protection for passengers who might sit in wet ski pants or snow-covered outerwear. Neoprene or waterproof seat covers prevent moisture from soaking into seat fabric, which can cause odors and promote mold growth. Quality covers cost $150-300 per row but preserve your seats through years of winter use.

Tire Chains and Traction Devices

California law requires vehicles to carry chains or have adequate snow tires when chain controls are in effect. Highway 330 to Big Bear, Highway 18 through the San Bernardino Mountains, Highway 38 to Barton Flats, and Interstate 15 over Cajon Pass all implement chain requirements during and after winter storms. Without proper equipment, you'll be turned around at chain control checkpoints, wasting your trip entirely.

Cable chains represent the best option for most Subaru owners who encounter chains requirements occasionally rather than frequently. These use steel cables instead of traditional chain links, making them lighter, easier to install, and less likely to damage wheel wells or vehicle bodywork. Quality cable chains like Security Chain Company Super Z6 or Konig K-Summit cost $80-140 per pair.

Purchase chains sized specifically for your Subaru's tire size. Check your tire sidewall for the size designation (like 225/65R17), then match chains to that exact size. Chains that are too large won't provide adequate traction, while chains that are too small can damage tires or won't install at all.

Traditional link chains provide superior traction compared to cable chains but are heavier, harder to install, and more likely to cause damage if installed incorrectly or if they break during use. Consider traditional chains only if you drive in severe conditions frequently or if you need maximum traction for off-pavement winter travel.

Practice installing chains in your driveway before you need them on a snowy mountain road. The process seems simple until you're doing it in 20-degree weather with frozen fingers while traffic backs up behind you. Fifteen minutes of practice at home makes actual installation take 5-10 minutes instead of 30 frustrating minutes in the snow.

AutoSock textile snow covers offer an alternative to chains that's legal under California chain requirements. These fabric covers slip over tires like socks, providing traction through friction and thousands of tiny gripping fibers. They install in seconds without tools, work well in moderate snow, but wear out faster than chains. AutoSocks cost $80-120 per pair and work best for occasional use in lighter snow conditions.

"The most common question I get is 'do I really need chains if my Subaru has all-wheel drive?'" says Jennifer Park, Parts Manager at our Auto Center Drive location. "The answer is absolutely yes. All-wheel drive helps you accelerate and maintain momentum, but it does nothing for braking or turning on ice. When CHP implements chain controls, they don't care what drivetrain you have. You need chains or you're not getting through. Plus, chains dramatically improve your safety margin even in a Subaru. The combination of all-wheel drive and chains is unbeatable in deep snow."

Roof Cargo Systems for Winter Equipment

Winter mountain trips involve substantially more gear than summer travel: skis, snowboards, boots, poles, helmets, winter clothing, chains, and emergency equipment all compete for limited cargo space. Roof-mounted cargo solutions free up interior space while keeping wet, dirty equipment outside the cabin.

Genuine Subaru roof rack crossbars provide the foundation for mounting cargo boxes, ski racks, and other accessories. These integrate with the roof rail system included on most Subaru models, providing secure mounting points rated for specific weight capacities. Crossbars cost $300-400 installed and accept a wide variety of cargo accessories.

Cargo boxes offer weatherproof storage for soft items like clothing, boots, and equipment that shouldn't get wet. Thule and Yakima manufacture cargo boxes in sizes ranging from 11 cubic feet to 22 cubic feet, accommodating different vehicle sizes and cargo needs. Boxes mount to crossbars using tool-free mounting systems that allow quick installation and removal.

A medium-size cargo box (16-18 cubic feet) works well for most Subaru owners, providing enough space for several sets of ski boots, helmets, jackets, and miscellaneous equipment while not being so large that it looks oversized or creates excessive wind noise. Quality cargo boxes cost $400-700 depending on size and features.

Ski and snowboard racks mount directly to crossbars, carrying equipment outside the vehicle where it can't drip melting snow into your interior. Racks accommodate 4-6 pairs of skis or 2-4 snowboards depending on the model. Locking systems prevent theft when you're away from your vehicle at the resort. Ski racks cost $200-400.

Aerodynamic considerations matter for mountain driving where elevation changes affect fuel economy significantly. Cargo boxes and roof racks create wind resistance that reduces fuel economy by 5-25% depending on speed and load. Remove roof accessories when not in use to maintain optimal fuel economy, or choose low-profile aerodynamic designs that minimize drag.

Weight limits for roof-mounted cargo must be observed carefully. Most Subaru models have dynamic roof load ratings of 150-176 pounds while driving, and static ratings (when parked) of 700 pounds. Exceeding these limits can damage the roof structure or create dangerous handling characteristics.

An Ascent owner from Upland loaded his cargo box with all the family's ski equipment, chains, emergency supplies, and extra clothing. The total roof load exceeded 200 pounds, well over his vehicle's 176-pound limit. During the drive up Highway 330, he noticed reduced handling stability and increased body roll in turns. After we explained the load rating, he redistributed heavy items to the interior cargo area, dramatically improving handling and safety.

Winter Emergency and Safety Equipment

Mountain weather can deteriorate rapidly, and even major highways through the San Bernardino Mountains can become impassable within hours during severe storms. Proper emergency equipment provides self-sufficiency when help might be hours away or when you need to handle situations yourself.

Traction boards or recovery boards help extract your Subaru if you become stuck in snow or mud. These lightweight plastic or metal boards slide under drive wheels, providing a solid surface for tires to grip when snow or ice prevents forward movement. MaxTrax, TRED, and similar brands cost $200-350 per pair and have extracted countless vehicles from situations that would otherwise require towing.

A compact snow shovel with a folding or telescoping handle fits in your cargo area without consuming excessive space. Use it to dig out around tires when stuck, clear snow from around your vehicle, or create a path through deep snow. Quality folding shovels cost $25-50 and prove invaluable multiple times per season.

Emergency blankets or sleeping bags provide warmth if you're stranded overnight or for extended periods. Mountain temperatures drop dramatically after sunset, and staying warm becomes critical if your vehicle loses power or runs out of fuel. Space blankets cost $5-10 each but provide genuine emergency warmth. A proper sleeping bag rated to 20 degrees costs $50-150 and offers substantial additional safety margin.

Jumper cables or a portable jump starter ensure you can start your vehicle if the battery dies. Cold weather reduces battery capacity by 35-60%, and a battery that works fine in Ontario might fail completely at 7,000 feet in 15-degree temperatures. Portable lithium-ion jump starters cost $60-100 and can start your Subaru multiple times without requiring another vehicle.

First aid kit, flashlight with extra batteries, water bottles, non-perishable food, and a fully charged cell phone round out essential emergency equipment. Store these items in a container that keeps them organized and accessible in your cargo area.

Reflective warning triangles or road flares alert other drivers if you're stopped on the roadside. Mountain roads often have limited shoulders and poor visibility around curves. Warning devices provide advance notice to approaching traffic, preventing secondary accidents. Triangle kits cost $15-30.

Communication and Navigation Accessories

Mountain areas throughout Southern California have limited or no cell phone coverage, and GPS navigation can be unreliable when topography blocks satellite signals. Backup communication and navigation tools provide critical redundancy.

Portable CB radio or ham radio allows communication with other travelers, emergency services, and highway patrol when cell service is unavailable. CB radios require no license and cost $50-150 for a quality portable unit. Ham radios require licensing but offer longer range and access to repeaters that extend coverage. Many mountain travelers monitor CB channel 19, the standard highway communication channel.

Satellite communicator devices like Garmin inReach or SPOT provide emergency communication capability anywhere with clear view of the sky. These units can send SOS messages to rescue services, share your GPS location with family, and send basic text messages even where no cell coverage exists. Devices cost $250-450 plus subscription fees of $12-65 per month depending on features and usage.

Detailed paper maps or downloaded offline GPS maps ensure you can navigate even when electronic devices fail or lose signal. California highway maps showing the full San Bernardino Mountain area cost $8-12. Download offline map areas in Google Maps or similar apps before leaving cell coverage.

Weather radio or NOAA weather alert radio provides current conditions and warnings for the areas you're traveling through. Mountain weather can change rapidly, and advance warning of approaching storms allows you to adjust plans before conditions become dangerous. Weather radios cost $25-60.

A Forester owner heading to Mountain High ski resort last February missed the weather warnings about an approaching storm because she had no cell service on Highway 2. She continued driving as conditions deteriorated rapidly, eventually getting stuck in heavy snow for three hours until highway crews reached her location. A $35 weather radio would have provided warning to turn back before the worst conditions arrived.

Lighting Upgrades for Mountain Driving

Mountain roads present lighting challenges that exceed normal driving conditions. Steep grades, tight curves, limited ambient light, and frequent precipitation all demand maximum visibility. Several lighting upgrades improve safety dramatically.

LED light bar mounted to the roof rack provides supplemental lighting for snow-covered roads where lane markings disappear under accumulation. Light bars rated 20-30 inches provide excellent forward illumination without being excessively large or consuming too much power. Quality light bars cost $150-400 plus installation.

Auxiliary fog lights or driving lights mounted to the front bumper improve visibility through falling snow and fog. These lights mount low and project a wide, flat beam pattern that illuminates the road surface immediately in front of your vehicle. Auxiliary lights cost $100-300 per pair plus installation.

Headlight bulb upgrades to higher-output halogen or LED bulbs increase light output by 30-100% compared to standard bulbs. Brands like Philips X-tremeVision, PIAA, or Osram Night Breaker provide substantially brighter illumination while remaining legal for street use. Upgraded bulbs cost $40-100 per pair and install in 15-30 minutes.

Headlight lens restoration improves light output if your Subaru has hazed or yellowed lenses. This hazing can reduce light output by 40-60%, essentially making your headlights function at half capacity. Restoration costs $80-150 and dramatically improves nighttime visibility.

Rear-facing lights or rock lights mounted under the vehicle provide illumination when you need to work underneath your Subaru to install chains, inspect for damage, or perform emergency repairs. LED strip lights or pod lights cost $30-80 and wire to accessory power or a manual switch.

Legal considerations for supplemental lighting vary by state. California allows auxiliary driving lights if they're wired through the high beam circuit so they operate only when high beams are active. Light bars and other high-intensity lights are generally restricted to off-road use only, meaning they shouldn't be used on public roads except during genuine emergencies.

Comfort and Convenience Accessories

Long mountain drives and cold weather make comfort accessories particularly valuable. Several additions improve the overall experience without being strictly necessary for safety.

Heated seat cushions for models without factory heated seats provide warmth during cold morning departures and extended drives through frigid conditions. Plug-in heated cushions cost $30-60 per seat and draw power from 12V outlets. They heat quickly and provide adjustable temperature control.

12V electric blanket or heated travel blanket keeps passengers warm during drives or provides emergency warmth if stranded. These plug into your vehicle's power outlet and cost $25-50. Choose blankets with automatic shutoff features to prevent battery drain if left connected.

Insulated water bottles maintain beverage temperature during long drives through cold conditions. Hot coffee or tea stays warm for hours in quality insulated bottles, while cold water doesn't freeze even in below-zero temperatures. Quality bottles from brands like Yeti, Hydro Flask, or Stanley cost $30-50.

Portable coffee maker or 12V kettle allows you to prepare hot beverages without stopping at facilities that might be closed during winter. These devices draw power from your vehicle's electrical system and cost $25-60.

Phone mounts that position your device within easy view reduce distraction while allowing GPS navigation or music control. Quality mounts with secure clamping and adjustable positioning cost $20-40.

Cargo organization systems including dividers, nets, and storage containers keep equipment organized during travel and prevent items from sliding around during acceleration, braking, and cornering on mountain roads. Organization accessories cost $30-100 depending on complexity.

Remote start systems allow you to warm your Subaru before entering on cold mornings, clearing frost from windows and bringing the cabin to comfortable temperature. Factory or aftermarket remote start costs $300-800 installed and provides substantial convenience during winter months.

Your 30-Day Mountain Travel Preparation Plan

This week: Research and purchase the essential accessories you need based on your typical mountain destinations and winter activities. At minimum, acquire tire chains sized for your Subaru, all-weather floor mats, and basic emergency equipment including traction boards, shovel, blankets, and first aid kit. If you plan to carry skis, snowboards, or substantial cargo, research roof rack solutions and order the appropriate crossbars and carrier systems. Verify that your vehicle's current equipment is adequate, checking tire tread depth, wiper blade condition, and battery health.

Within two weeks: Install purchased accessories and practice using them before you need them in actual conditions. Install chains in your driveway following the manufacturer's instructions, then remove them to verify you understand the complete process. Load your cargo system with the equipment you'll typically carry, ensuring weight stays within limits and that mounting is secure. Organize emergency equipment in your cargo area in a container that keeps items accessible but secured so they don't slide around during driving. Create a checklist of items to bring on each mountain trip so nothing gets forgotten during hurried departures.

By month's end: Take a test drive to nearby mountain areas like Mount Baldy or Lake Arrowhead during good conditions to familiarize yourself with mountain driving in your Subaru before attempting trips during winter weather. Learn how your vehicle handles elevation changes, steep grades, and winding roads. Identify where your emergency equipment is stored and verify you can access it quickly. Review the weather resources you'll use to check conditions before departing, including Caltrans QuickMap for highway conditions, mountain resort websites for current weather, and NOAA weather forecasts for detailed information. Add phone numbers for roadside assistance, CHP Highway Information, and your emergency contacts to your phone for quick access if needed.

These preparations take less than a full day initially and require just a few minutes before each mountain trip, but they transform your Subaru into a properly equipped mountain vehicle capable of handling whatever conditions you encounter safely and comfortably.

Choosing Accessories That Match Your Needs

Not every Subaru owner needs every accessory mentioned in this guide. Your specific requirements depend on several factors including typical destinations, frequency of winter travel, number of passengers, and types of activities you pursue.

Occasional Big Bear or Mountain High visitors need basic equipment: chains, floor mats, and essential emergency supplies. You're driving well-maintained highways to established resorts where help is readily available if needed. Focus on chain proficiency and basic safety equipment rather than extensive modifications.

Frequent backcountry travelers heading to remote areas need comprehensive equipment including recovery gear, communication devices, and extensive emergency supplies. When you're miles from the nearest plowed road and cell service doesn't exist, self-sufficiency becomes critical.

Family travelers with multiple passengers require cargo solutions that preserve interior space for people rather than equipment. Roof-mounted cargo systems become nearly essential to avoid cramming gear around passengers.

Solo or duo travelers have more interior cargo flexibility and might prefer keeping equipment inside the vehicle rather than investing in roof systems. Interior storage keeps equipment secure and doesn't affect fuel economy.

Budget-conscious buyers should prioritize safety essentials first: chains, emergency equipment, and floor protection. Add convenience and comfort accessories over time as budget allows rather than deferring essential safety equipment.

"I always tell customers to think about their worst-case scenario when choosing accessories," says Jennifer Park. "If your worst case is sitting in traffic for an hour during a highway closure, you need basic emergency supplies. If your worst case is getting stuck on a remote forest road during a snowstorm, you need comprehensive equipment including communication and recovery gear. Match your accessories to the actual risks you might face, not to what looks cool in the showroom."

Schedule Your Winter Accessories Consultation Today

The difference between a successful mountain adventure and a dangerous situation often comes down to equipment and preparation. Your Subaru provides exceptional capability for winter mountain travel, but even the best vehicle needs proper accessories to handle extreme conditions safely.

Our parts department stocks genuine Subaru accessories including crossbars, cargo systems, all-weather mats, and protection equipment designed specifically for your model. We also carry trusted aftermarket brands including Thule, Yakima, WeatherTech, and MaxTrax. Our parts specialists can recommend the right combination of accessories for your specific needs, ensuring you get genuine value without purchasing equipment you don't need.

Visit our showroom at 1195 Auto Center Drive in Ontario to see accessories displayed on vehicles like yours, or call our parts department for advice on specific products. We're easily accessible from I-10, I-15, and Haven Avenue, and our parts team can ship accessories directly to your home if you prefer.

Don't wait until chain controls turn you around or until you're stuck in snow without recovery equipment to realize you needed proper accessories. Prepare now, practice with your equipment, and enjoy the confidence that your Subaru is ready for whatever mountain adventures you pursue throughout Southern California's beautiful winter season.

Proper accessories transform your Subaru from a capable vehicle into a fully equipped mountain adventure machine ready for the San Bernardino Mountains, Sierra Nevada, and every winter destination between. That's the capability and confidence your Subaru was engineered to deliver. ⛰️