The 7 Best Ski Apps for an Epic Day on the Slopes

For skiers and snowboarders, a great day on the mountain is all about the powder. But your phone can be just as important as your gear when it comes to making the most of your time on the slopes. The right ski app provides you with essential info on snow conditions, trail maps, and more to help you plan the perfect winter adventure.

In this guide, we‘ll explore the top 7 ski and snowboard apps to download before your next trip. Whether you‘re a seasoned pro looking to track your speeds or a newbie researching resorts, these apps have the tools to make your day epic. Let‘s check out how they can upgrade your on-mountain experience.

Why Ski Apps Are Essential

Before diving into the top picks, let‘s look at why ski apps should be on every skier and rider‘s phone.

Trip Planning and Research

One of the biggest benefits of ski apps is how they help you plan your ideal ski trip from home. Apps provide:

• Snow reports – real-time snowfall totals and condition updates for resorts. You can see which mountains have the best coverage.

• Weather forecasts – learn if a storm is coming or sunny skies are ahead. Check predicted temps, wind, and snow quality.

• Resort research – view trail maps, stats, reviews and details on lifts, terrain, lodging and more. Find the best spot for your ability level.

• Packing lists – some apps even provide recommended gear checklists based on weather and conditions.

Safety and Communication

In addition to planning, ski apps boost safety and communication on the mountain:

• GPS tracking – apps can monitor your real-time location via your phone‘s GPS and allow sharing it with friends. Useful if you get separated or in case of emergency.

• SOS features – some apps have direct dial buttons to local ski patrol or emergency contacts if you need immediate help.

• Groups – create group chats to easily communicate with family or friends you‘re skiing with throughout the day.

Convenience and Info Access

Ski apps make it easy to access useful info on the go:

• Trail maps – view interactive resort maps with your real-time location to navigate new mountains. Mark favorite runs.

• Lift wait times – get updates on lift line lengths so you can avoid crowds.

• Restaurant/lodging search – find on-mountain food spots or accommodation options and even make reservations.

Performance Tracking

For skiers and riders who like to geek out over the data, specialized tracking features provide:

• Speed – record your top and average speeds.

• Vertical drop – see total vertical feet traveled down the mountain.

• Distance – track mileages covered.

• Calories burned – estimate energy burned by activity and intensity.

Key Features To Look For

When choosing a ski or snowboard app, keep an eye out for these useful capabilities:

• Reliable snow reporting – frequent updates on real snowfall, snow depth, and slope conditions.

• Trail maps – high quality, zoomable resort maps for navigation. Bonus for 3D map views.

• Groups/messaging – tools to connect with friends on the mountain.

• Accurate GPS tracking – phone sensors precisely record your location, speed, vertical, etc.

• Detailed stats – in-depth performance data and ability to save history.

• Smooth performance – an app that doesn‘t drain your phone battery or crash frequently.

• Multi-resort – provides info and maps for a wide network of resorts, not just 1.

• Active development – regular app updates with new features and bug fixes.

Now let‘s look at the top ski and snowboard apps on the market today.

1. OpenSnow

OpenSnow is a favorite among skiers for its accurate and frequently updated weather forecasts. The app offers hyperlocal predictions for over 2,000 resorts worldwide, powered by a team of professional meteorologists.

Key Features

• Snow forecasts – get daily snowfall predictions out 7 days. See hourly timing of snow storms.

• Weather data – temperature, wind, visibility and more. View changes on an hourly graph.

• Custom alerts – receive notifications for snowfall totals, powder days, storm warnings and more for your favorite resorts.

• Ad-free experience – paid version removes ads for $19.99 per year.

• Cross platform – available on iOS, Android and web.

OpenSnow is all about the forecasts. While it lacks some of the social and tracking features of other ski apps, its accurate snow predictions from local experts are tough to beat.

Downsides

• Very focused on weather data. No trail maps, groups, or performance tracking.

• Must pay $19.99/year for ad-free experience and bonus features like custom alerts.

• Limited free version only provides basic forecasts.

Availability

• iOS and Android mobile apps
• Web version also available

2. Ski Tracks

For hardcore skiers who want to analyze every detail of their day‘s runs, Ski Tracks is a top pick. The app uses advanced GPS tracking to record key performance stats.

Key Features

• Accurate GPS tracking – records vertical drop, distance, top speed, average speed and more.

• Photo capture – take pictures while skiing to attach to your day‘s session.

• Background tracking – continues recording even when app is in the background.

• Sharing – export data to share daily stats and pics with friends.

• Superior battery management – uses optimized GPS tracking to minimize battery drain.

Ski Tracks impresses with its detailed performance tracking capabilities and excellent battery life optimization. It‘s ideal for data-driven skiers who want to analyze each run.

Downsides

• No forecasts, maps or groups. Very stats-focused.

• iOS only. Not available on Android.

• $6.99 cost. No free version.

Availability

• iOS mobile app

3. OnTheSnow

OnTheSnow aims to be your one stop shop for everything related to snowsports. It provides weather reports, resort guides, news and more.

Key Features

• Snow reports – real-time snowfall totals, snow depth and condition reports for thousands of resorts.

• News feed – latest headlines in the ski/snowboard world. See events, deals, gear releases and more.

• Forum – discuss topics with fellow riders in the ski community.

• Resort finder – search and filter to discover new mountains by stats and amenities. View details, trail maps, webcams and reviews.

• Lift ticket deals – find discounted lift tickets to save money.

OnTheSnow excels as an all-in-one hub for the latest intel on snowsports conditions, news, resort info and deals. The huge database of mountains makes trip planning easy.

Downsides:

• No groups, messaging, or activities tracking. More informational than social.

• Dated interface isn‘t as polished as some competitors.

Availability

• iOS and Android apps
• Website also available

4. Ski Tracker

Ski Tracker delivers advanced performance tracking in a streamlined app. It records all the key ski stats without unnecessary frills.

Key Features

• Speed and vertical tracking – monitor your top speed, average speed, total vertical and more.

• Mapping – follow your movement on the slopes on an interactive trail map.

• Statistics dashboard – see all your vital stats on one screen after each session.

• Fastest section – records your personal best stretch for speed, regardless of overall run.

• Multi-sport – track downhill and cross country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and more.

For skiers who just want robust performance tracking without the frills, Ski Tracker delivers the essential data easily. The polished interface makes accessing stats simple.

Downsides

• No forecasting or maps. Tracking-focused.

• In-app purchases required for full stats access.

• iOS version costs $5.99.

Availability

• iOS and Android apps available

5. SkiLynx

SkiLynx combines activity tracking with group messaging for a social take on ski apps. Stay connected with your crew on the slopes.

Key Features

• Group messaging – chat with friends and family within the app.

• Real-time location sharing – see your group‘s positions on the mountain via GPS.

• Run tracking – record speed, vertical drop and distance data.

• Apple Watch app – quickly access messages and tracking right from your watch.

• Photo sharing – upload pics to share right within your conversations.

SkiLynx makes it easy to stay connected with your crew through messaging, location sharing and run tracking in one app.

Downsides

• Currently limited to iPhone and Apple Watch. No Android version yet.

• Smaller resort database than some competitors.

Availability

• iOS app
• Apple Watch app

6. Jollyturns

Jollyturns takes a unique approach by providing super detailed 2D resort maps in their apps. This helps you master the layout of any new mountain.

Key Features

• 2D trail maps – high-resolution, zoomable piste maps for over 2,000 resorts worldwide.

• Location tracking – track your ski day stats like other apps.

• Run recording – map exactly where you skied using GPS tracking.

• Lift access info – find details on lifts like opening hours and suspension status.

• Restaurants and services – locate on-mountain restaurants, restrooms, parking and more.

Jollyturns makes navigating new resorts easy with excellent interactive maps. It combines handy navigation with typical ski app features.

Downsides

• No forecasts.

• Busy map interface takes getting used to.

• In-app purchases required for pro features.

Availability

• iOS and Android apps
• Apple Watch and web apps also available

7. FATMAP

FATMAP stands out for its use of 3D satellite mapping to provide an immersive view of each slope and terrain.

Key Features

• 3D maps – zoomable, rotating maps give a detailed 3D overview of the mountain.

• Terrain view – visualize slope steepness and aspects to find the best terrain.

• Offline maps – download maps to your phone to access anywhere without cell service.

• Social – share maps, stats and photos from your day with the FATMAP community.

• Multi-sport – use for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking and more.

FATMAP provides next level visualization of mountains with its 3D satellite imagery maps. The immersive views enhance planning and navigation.

Downsides

• Expensive pro subscription at $29.99 annually required for full access.

• Steep learning curve on advanced 3D map features.

Availability

• iOS and Android apps
• Web dashboard also available

Find the Right Ski App for You

With many excellent ski and snowboard apps to choose from, picking the right one depends on your specific needs:

• Forecasts – OpenSnow

• Performance tracking – Ski Tracks

• Navigation – Jollyturns

• Resort research – OnTheSnow

• Groups – SkiLynx

• Next level maps – FATMAP

Look for an app that aligns with your top requirements, whether that‘s weather data, stats tracking, groups messaging or advanced mapping.

Make sure to also consider cost, battery efficiency, overall interface and quality of development. Download a few favorites to test out before your next winter adventure.

The right ski app can take your snow day to the next level. These are the top picks to try this winter season to step up your on-mountain experience. Time to dust off those skis and hit the slopes!