Technology makes our skiing life easier. There are thousands of apps for pretty much everything, and skiing is no exception. Here are the ski and snowboard apps I can't live without for a better experience on the mountain.
1. Ski Tracks — Best Ski Tracking App
This might be the most downloaded ski app in the world. The interface isn't the most beautiful, but it's complete, reliable, and easy to use. It tracks top speed, total skiing distance, vertical descent, altitudes reached, total runs, average gradient, and terrain profile. Tracking is done via GPS — not data — so no expensive data roaming internationally. Available: Android. Price: $1.99
2. Fatmap — Best Ski Map App
If Ski Tracks lacks in interface design, Fatmap takes it to a whole new level. The 3D renders of mountain terrain are stunning — especially for off-piste skiers and ski tourers. Find the world's biggest ski resorts and hop to a 3D render including all marked ski runs. For advanced riders, pick your perfect freeride line using mountain peaks, gradients, and conditions. Local experts outline popular backcountry spots. Free with in-app purchases.
3. 4Riders Ski — Best Social Ski App
Skiing is a lifestyle and we humans love the sense of community that comes with shared passion. 4Riders mixes 3D mapping with the ability to track and keep in touch with your buddies. Perfect for planning après-ski with a group when everyone is in different places — just pin the spot and locate everyone on the 3D map. Also lets you compare performance data with friends at day's end.
4. OnTheSnow — Best Weather & Snow Report App
The most important conversation topic at any resort is snow conditions and weather forecast. OnTheSnow keeps you informed. Select your mountain to see the weather forecast including incoming snow, freeze levels, and more. Set powder alerts to never miss fresh tracks. Live webcams, photos from fellow skiers, and GPS-enabled trail maps round out this essential app.
5. Mountain Hub — Best Trip Planning App
For serious mountain explorers who venture beyond the resort boundaries, Mountain Hub provides access to user-generated conditions reports, safety information, and trip planning tools. The community-sourced data is invaluable for backcountry decisions. Available on iOS and Android, free to use.