When it comes to skiing, most people acknowledge there’s a style of life around it. Now, it is true that technology makes our life easier. You see where I’m coming right?
There are thousands of apps for pretty much everything in life, from weather forecasts to cooking books and even fitness apps that monitor your daily workout routine, and so on. After all, phone apps are used with a purpose, and ski, of course, is not an exception. So, here you have a small list of ski and snowboard iphone and Android apps I cant live without so that I can have a better ski experience:
1. Ski Tracks (Best Ski Tracking App)
This might be the first and most downloaded ski app in the world. A must-have for every ski lover in search of getting the best out of their experience. The interface is not the most beautifully designed, but it’s complete, reliable, and easy to use. It can let you know with astonishing accuracy:
Top speed – Total skiing distance – Vertical descent distance – Altitudes reached – Total runs – Average gradient – Terrain profile
It also allows you to geotag all your pictures and the best of all is that the tracking is done via GPS, not data so you don’t have to worry about expensive data roaming if you’re traveling internationally, or poor signal due to the altitude. Available: iOS & Android Price: $1.99
2. Fatmap (Best Ski Map App)
If the previous one was not the champ in interface design, Fatmap on the other hand takes it to a whole new level. Some people are chomping on the bit to get the best 3D views of their experience and with a pleasant, aesthetically view of the mountain and this app is simply a hit, especially among off-piste skiers and ski tourers.
You can find the world’s biggest ski resorts in the app and quickly hop to a 3D render of the terrain including all the previously marked ski runs and surrounding area.
The list of features is ever-growing and very impressive. The basics of marked ski runs and lifts make the mountain easy to navigate. For more advanced riders you can pick out your perfect freeride line using mountain peaks, gradients, and conditions.
Another awesome feature is the use of local experts to outline popular backcountry spots plus first-hand directions to access points and what to expect. Available: iOS & Android Price: Free. In-app purchases.
3. 4Riders Ski (Best Social Ski App)
As we said at the beginning of this article, we can all agree that skiing is a lifestyle and we humans love the sense of tribalism and confidence that gives us the fact that we relate to others with similar preferences and passions. We can’t just help to create bonds with those who like the same as we do and all of the sudden conversations start to go in that direction.
Now, it’s not the same if we use Facebook or other social apps to find people with a passion for ski or gather our friends around it with the purpose find new places and plan new ski adventures. Great news is that 4 Riders offers that to us already.
The app mixes 3D mapping with the ability to track and keep in touch with your buddies.
This is nothing but handy when you want to plan an Apre’ Ski with a group of friends and everyone is at different places: Instead of wasting tons of time to explain what to do and where, just pin the place and locate everyone at the 3D map.
Also, you can compare how you did during the day with your mates to see which one rocked it! Available: iOS & Android Price: Free.
4. OnTheSnow (Best Weather and Ski Report App)
If you spend any time at all in a ski resort you’ll soon realize the most important conversation topics are snow conditions and the weather forecast.
This app is one of the essentials when you want to keep informed of what the weather conditions are to have a good day on the slopes.
To use it is very simple: Just select your mountain to see the weather forecast including incoming snow, freeze levels, and much more.
Grab daily snow reports to know where to head for the day and even set a powder alert to never miss out on fresh tracks (Yes, this is possible too).
What takes things one step further is the ability to view live webcams, photos from fellow skiers, and GPS-enabled trail maps. It’s just “freezing good”.
Available: iOS & Android Price: Free.
5. Carv (Best Ski Coach App)
And last but not least, may be one of the most important and advanced apps on this list. Carv is the perfect combination between technology and information during your ski activities. It has the most personalized teaching scheme plus constant monitoring of your activities.
Carv measures your pressure and motion 20 times a second, giving you personalized audio tips as you ski. And how does it do it? You need to get their device first and then place it under the liner of your boot and pair it with the app. They’ve packed 36 pressure sensors and a motion sensor into each insert and built it to withstand hard days of skiing. It uses advanced motion and pressure sensors to map out your technique before delivering real-time audio feedback. For intermediate and advanced skiers, wouldn’t it be awesome if there was an app that could hone your technique and provide feedback on your skiing?
Available: iOS & Android Price: Free to download. But the Smart Insole + Device will cost you up to $350.
Final Thoughts
Technology can definitely make our lives easier. We just need to know how to use the right tools for our benefit and then enjoy a better experience. Is just as they say: “Knowledge is Power”.