There’s nothing like the sound of a cellphone ring piercing the silence to remind you that you’ll soon be shaking the powder off your boots and returning to the demands of the real world.
But as phones have evolved into miniature computers, they’ve finally found their place on the mountain. Here are four apps that could amplify your next ski trip.
Ski Vertical Cost: $1.99 Platform: iPhone
Keep track of your stats on the slope with this app. Using your phone’s GPS, the app tracks vertical feet, distance and the amount of time you ski. The app also awards points for each run. The steeper the run the more points you get. You can then compare your stats for the day or the season with your friends. For the Android, try the free AlpineReplay app.
Adaptunes Cost: 99 cents Platform: iPhone Few things are lamer than sharing a lift with somebody who won’t turn down his music and have a conversation. Don’t be that guy. This app helps you be more social by eliminating the need to fumble with the volume control on the lift. As you slow down the volume decreases automatically. And the faster you ski the louder the music. For Android, try the free app Media Volume Control.
Ski Trail Map Cost: Free Platform: Android This app provides trail maps for more than 1,000 ski areas around the world, including nine in Washington. Just be sure you download the maps before you exit cell service. The free version also allows you to download weather forecasts and view webcams 15 times. The $1.99 version allows unlimited access to forecasts and webcams. For the iPhone, try the free app iTrailMap.
Ski & Snow Report Cost: Free Platform: Android and iPhone Check weather forecasts and skiing conditions at your favorite ski area and view web cams. This app even promises to tell you how many lifts and trails are open. It also shares firsthand reports from other skiers and boarders.
