The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas: Your Family Ski Weekend Solution

Your family's first ski trip of the season: gear piled in the hallway, excitement building, and the open road calling. The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas transforms pre-trip chaos into calm confidence. With thoughtful cargo solutions, flexible seating, and practical roof-mounted options, this three-row SUV makes winter getaways as smooth as the drive itself.

From Guelph to Blue Mountain or beyond, the Atlas delivers the space and versatility Ontario families need. Here's how it handles everything from bulky boots to awkward ski poles—and why your next weekend escape starts with smart packing.

Roof Rails: Your Overhead Advantage

The Atlas comes standard with silver roof rails on all trims, giving you a secure foundation for winter gear transport. These aren't just cosmetic—they're rated to support aftermarket carriers designed for skis, snowboards, and rooftop cargo boxes.

Volkswagen offers a range of compatible accessories through its parts catalogue:

• Base Carrier Bars: Lock directly onto the roof rails, creating a stable platform for attachments
• Cargo Box Carrier (340 L): Weatherproof storage for skis, poles, helmets, and bulky outerwear
• Urban Loader Cargo Box: Compact option for smaller loads or shorter trips

By moving skis and boards to the roof, you free up interior space for passengers and soft gear. The roof rails also keep wet, snow-covered equipment outside the cabin—no more soggy seat backs or melting slush on your upholstery.

Split-Folding Seats: Maximize Your Interior Space

The Atlas offers 7-passenger seating across three rows, but its real strength lies in how those seats fold. The second row features a 60/40 split-folding design with Easy Access to the third row, while the third row folds flat when not in use.

For a family ski trip, this flexibility matters:

• Second row upright, third row folded: Seats 5 passengers with ample cargo space behind the second row—enough for a weekend's worth of luggage, boots, and après-ski gear
• Both rows folded: Opens up 2,735 L of cargo capacity, ideal if you're hauling equipment for the whole crew or need to transport larger items like a toboggan

The second row's split-folding design also lets you carry longer items (like cross-country skis) through the centre pass-through while still seating passengers on either side. No need to choose between people and gear—the Atlas accommodates both.

Cargo Space: Built for Winter Gear

Winter trips demand more than summer road trips. Bulky jackets, insulated boots, ski helmets, and layers for après-ski all take up space. The Atlas delivers:

• 2,735 L total cargo capacity (seats folded)
• Cargo cover (standard on Highline and Execline trims) to keep luggage out of sight
• 12V outlet in luggage compartment for charging devices or powering a portable cooler

Volkswagen also offers practical cargo accessories to keep your gear organized:

• MuddyBuddy Trunk Liner: Protects carpet from wet boots and melting snow
• Upper and Lower Cargo Dividers: Separate clean items from damp gear
• HD Trunk Extended Seat Back Cover: Shields seat backs when folding rows for extra-long loads

With these additions, you can pack efficiently, protect your interior, and keep everything accessible—even when you're digging for a forgotten glove at the ski lodge parking lot.

Quick-Scan: Atlas Cargo & Roof Features

• Standard silver roof rails (all trims)
• 2,735 L cargo capacity (all seats folded)
• 60/40 split-folding second row with Easy Access to third row
• Flat-folding third row for maximum cargo flexibility
• 12V outlet in cargo area (Highline, Execline)
• Compatible with VW roof accessories: Base Carrier Bars, Cargo Box Carrier (340 L), bike/ski attachments

Practical Packing Tips for Your Ski Trip

Even with generous cargo space, smart packing makes the difference between a smooth trip and a cluttered cabin. Here's how to make the most of the Atlas:

Use the Roof for Bulky, Weatherproof Items

Skis, snowboards, and rooftop cargo boxes belong up top. This keeps the interior dry and frees up space for softer items like jackets, blankets, and snacks.

Layer Your Cargo Strategically

Place heavy, infrequently accessed items (like extra boots or spare jackets) at the bottom of the cargo area. Keep essentials—snacks, water bottles, first-aid kit—within easy reach near the rear seats.

Protect Your Interior

Invest in a trunk liner and seat-back covers. Wet gear is inevitable on ski trips, and these accessories make cleanup effortless. The MuddyBuddy line is purpose-built for Canadian winters.

Fold Only What You Need

If you're travelling with 5 people, leave the third row folded and the second row upright. You'll still have ample cargo space—plenty for a weekend trip—without sacrificing passenger comfort.

Secure Loose Items

Use cargo dividers or bungee nets to prevent gear from sliding around during highway driving. The Atlas's cargo area is spacious, but unsecured items can shift and create noise or damage.

Power and Capability for Winter Roads

The Atlas handles Ontario's winter conditions with confidence. Every trim comes standard with 4MOTION All-Wheel Drive, which continuously monitors traction and distributes power between the front and rear axles as needed. This system provides confident handling on snowy highways and icy resort access roads.

Under the hood, the 2.0 L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine delivers 269 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Combined fuel economy sits at 11.0 L/100 km, balancing performance with efficiency for longer drives.

The Atlas also includes:

• Hill Hold Assist: Prevents rollback when starting on inclines
• Hill Descent Control: Maintains steady speed on steep, slippery slopes
• Driving Profile Selection: Adjust throttle response and AWD behaviour for different conditions

These features work together to keep your family safe and comfortable on Highway 400 traffic or winding resort roads.

Technology to Keep Everyone Comfortable

Long drives with kids (or adults) mean keeping everyone entertained and comfortable. The Atlas delivers:

• 3-zone electronic climate control (Highline, Execline): Front and rear passengers control their own temperature settings
• Heated front and outer rear seats (standard on Highline, Execline): Warm up quickly after a day on the slopes
• Wireless App-Connect (Android Auto, Apple CarPlay): Stream music, navigate, and stay connected without cables
• Harman Kardon Premium Audio System (10 speakers plus subwoofer): Clear sound even with highway noise

The 12.0" touchscreen infotainment system and Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro (10.25" configurable instrument cluster) put everything at your fingertips, from navigation to trip data.

Why the Atlas Works for Ontario Families

Guelph families know winter means more than just snow—it means gear, layers, and unpredictable road conditions. The Atlas handles all of it without compromise. Its roof rails and cargo accessories let you pack smart, while split-folding seats adapt to changing passenger and cargo needs. 4MOTION AWD and winter-focused tech keep you safe, and thoughtful interior features keep everyone comfortable.

From Blue Mountain for the weekend to longer trips to Mont-Tremblant, the Atlas gives you the space, flexibility, and confidence to focus on the fun—not the logistics.

Your Next Ski Trip Starts Here

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas is ready to handle your family's winter adventures. Visit Guelph Volkswagen to explore the Atlas in person, test its cargo flexibility, and discover how it fits your family's needs. Our team is here to walk you through every feature and help you plan your next getaway.