Skiing apps have become an increasingly common part of the mountain experience, helping skiers track their performance, check trail conditions, and navigate sprawling resorts. But as technology advances, questions are emerging about whether these tools are improving the sport or taking away some of what makes skiing special.
In a new video, SRG Skiing took a look at the growing number of apps available to skiers and snowboarders, exploring how features like real-time navigation and crowd tracking could change the way people experience the mountain.
The Growing Number of Skiing Apps
Skiing apps generally fall into several categories. Resort-specific apps provide trail maps, webcams, grooming information, lift hours, and ski patrol contact details. Tracking apps such as Slopes record statistics including vertical feet, distance traveled, number of runs, and time spent skiing or waiting in lift lines.
More recently, GPS navigation apps have emerged that aim to bring a Google Maps-style experience to ski resorts. These tools can help users navigate unfamiliar terrain and find efficient routes across the mountain. All-in-one platforms like the Epic Pass app combine several features, including trail maps, tracking, lift line estimates, and digital lift tickets.
Could Ski Navigation Apps Create More Crowds?
One of the biggest questions surrounding ski navigation technology is whether it could create new problems while attempting to solve existing ones.
Real-time congestion data could help skiers avoid crowded runs and lift lines. However, if enough people receive the same recommendation to visit a quieter area, that destination could quickly become overcrowded itself.
SRG Skiing also questions whether these apps could make skiing unnecessarily competitive. Tracking software already allows friends to compare vertical feet, speeds, and total runs. Navigation tools could encourage a similar focus on maximizing efficiency rather than enjoying the experience.
Finding the Right Balance Between Technology and Skiing
There are legitimate reasons to use these tools. Skiers visiting unfamiliar resorts may appreciate turn-by-turn directions, while those with limited time might want to reach specific terrain or return to the correct base area efficiently.
However, learning a mountain naturally, discovering overlooked runs, and developing personal knowledge of its terrain are also important parts of the sport.