Abstract: A ski retrieval apparatus for mounting on a snow ski boot and attaching to the ski or ski binding for locating the ski when the skier falls and the ski is dislodged from the binding. The ski retrieval apparatus includes a housing fitted with a drum which receives a length of line, the free end of which extends from the housing and is attached to the binding or ski when the housing is secured to a ski boot. In one embodiment a winding knob projects from the spool and when the ski is dislodged from the boot, the line extends from the housing by rotation of the spool to link the skier with the lost ski. Retrieval of the ski is effected by manually winding the line back on the spool and pulling the ski to the skier. In another embodiment an automatic winding apparatus includes a spring-loaded ratchet which operates such that line is paid out from the housing against spring tension and may be rewound on the rotating drum or spool by releasing the ratchet mechanism and applying spring bias to the spool.