Just as skis have advanced technologically from long wooden planks to the sleek pieces of fiberglass, metal, and acrylic seen today, so has the technology of the iPhone. Today there is a long list of app options that can help you to make the most out of every mountain.
Here's a list of some of the best skiing and snowboarding apps available for iOS.
1. FATMAP
FATMAP was designed for users who love mountain activities. Skiing and snowboarding are specifically catered to in this app, where you can research real-time weather forecasts, snow reports, resort reviews and hours, and more.
FATMAP provides some excellent features for planning a skiing trip. You can research the terrain, not just using reviews and pictures, but with 3D maps and walkthroughs.
Life is too short and expensive to takes guesses on which mountain will entertain you to the max.
Download: FATMAP (Subscription required)
2. Slopes
Many of the apps we've listed focus on various mountain conditions. However, Slopes is dedicated specifically to resort skiing and snowboarding. It uses a community of fellow skiers and snowboarders to provide you with accurate depictions of snow conditions, trail secrets, potential hazards, and more.
While at the resort, Slopes will automatically record every run and lift you take so that you can review your ski day later in the chalet with a hot chocolate. The app will also track your speed and distance.
You can connect the app to Apple Health on either the iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch and monitor your health progress as you get closer and closer to reaching your health goals at the mountain top.
Download: Slopes (Free, subscription available)
3. PeakVisor
If you love skiing mountains, PeakVisor is an absolute necessity. PeakVisor is an app that creates and provides 3D topographical maps for users. Although maps are easily accessible online, this app is perfect for skiers and snowboarders as it gives them visual access to mountains they’ve never seen before.
Use PeakVisor to help you plan the perfect skiing trip in the opposite hemisphere while you’re still sitting in the summer sunshine. You can use the 3D maps to virtually tour mountains, view ski hills and lifts, and decide which mountain resort is the next vacation spot for you.
PeakVisor can even help you identify your past vacation spots using nothing but mountain pictures!
Download: PeakVisor (Free, subscription available)
4. AllTrails
In addition to AllTrails' excellent guides on biking and hiking trails, the app also features some great options for skiers.
The most valuable aspect of AllTrails is the Lifeline tool. This option allows you to share your plans and location with pre-selected emergency contacts. Your friends or family members watch you along your journey and act as an emergency alert system if you run into any trouble.
This app is so user-friendly you may end up sticking your skis in the snow and taking a snowshoe instead!
Download: AllTrails (Free, subscription available)
5. snoww
Designed specifically for skiers and snowboarders, snoww acts as a sort of social media platform intended to communicate openly about the best conditions, resorts, and tips.
If you’ve been struggling to perfect a difficult maneuver, there is a community of athletes in snoww who can assist you. If you’re trying to book the perfect ski trip to teach your children the ropes, read reviews about the best resorts available.
This app is perfect for skiing or snowboarding in groups as you can challenge your friends and keep track of them using iPhone GPS tracking. Whether on a solo trip or a squad chalet retreat, snoww is a great tool for fun.
Download: snoww (Free)
6. Olympics
If you’re dreaming of being the next gold medal snowboard superstar, the Olympics app is a must-have. The app features Olympics by year, sport, and more to help you research past, present, and potential future winners in sports of all categories.
Although there are several reports of issues with medal standings, the app has a multitude of amazing content that all skiers and snowboarders will enjoy. The app not only discusses the winners of different events, but also has an Olympics channel that continually broadcasts events.
If you’re interested in a particular sport, like cross-country skiing, there are individual sections for your browsing pleasure.
Download: Olympics (Free)
7. OpenSnow
OpenSnow is an app dedicated to the best snow reporting. The app features some okay basic features, such as the avalanche forecast predictor and custom snow report alerts, but the best features for this app are included under the paid subscription.
The subscription opens up significantly more app access. This includes access to features like snow depth and snow coverage estimations, cloud maps, wind maps, historical reports, and more.
One of the best parts about this app is the ability to watch timelapse videos from mountains around the world so you can wait and watch patiently for your next ski adventure, right from home!
Download: Opensnow (Free, subscription available)
8. Relive
Relive allows you to experience your favorite outdoor adventures time and time again. It is dedicated to creating the ultimate video to summarize your amazing hike, beach trip, or skiing holiday.
As you enjoy your adventure, utilize Relive app to take photos, make comments, and track your movements. When you're finished, you can use the app to produce a fun and memorable video commemorating your hard work or positive experience.
This video can be shared with friends from the trip and parents overseas meaning that your solo ski adventure will be seen by all your supporters.
Download: Relive (Free, subscription available)
Year-Round Training
Skiing and snowboarding are already some of the best ways to stay active, healthy, and happy during the dark days of winter. iPhone technology is not only making skiing far more exciting and competitive, but also easier to predict and therefore keep safe.
Most ski resorts are located in mountains. Half of the year, these places are typically hot and sunny with no skiing available. To help keep you in shape during the off-season, do some dryland training with some free online fitness programs.