The Ski Tracker App: I’m Convinced

I will admit it.

I’m a skiing app contrarian.

While I have long used apps to count steps and track running, the idea of fiddling with my phone when skiing, of having to remember to turn something on, and then worrying about battery life in cold weather has held little attraction.

(Click for a favorite post about skiing with friends, Get Connected. No App Required.)

That is, until I tried Ski Tracker & Snow Forecast (the app’s official name) this winter.

Ski Tracker & Snow Forecast came to my attention when one of the app developers, Lauren Ellis of Denver, emailed me.

Here’s why she said the app was worth trying.

• It’s currently free! No email login required. (Please note, it now costs $2.99)
• It has accurate and user-friendly tracking. Ski and snowboard movement is automatically detected. You can delete erroneous or unwanted data if needed. Ski lifts are not tracked.
• You can filter stats by individual run, day, season, or “all-time.”
• It includes a 7-day NOAA forecast. Check specific ski resorts and elevations and save your favorite locations.
• It will track your day using metric or Imperial measurements.

After reading this, I emailed Lauren back and asked about battery life.

She told me they hadn’t had issues and to keep my phone warm. That’s excellent advice whether you’re using an app or not. So I took her seriously.

I Like Ski Tracker A Lot. Here’s Why.

Okay, before we get too far into this, when I tested Ski Tracker it was free. It’s now $2.99.

Would I pay $2.99 for the app without having tried it? Probably not. But having tried it, would I pay $2.99? I think so. I know I’ve definitely received more than $2.99 of value from it.

Here’s why:

• Very little battery drain. Taking photos will use much more battery than an entire day of Ski Tracker when you keep your phone warm in a pocket close to your body.
• It’s easy to use. Some of the places we ski are a bit remote, often with no cell phone coverage. And while I realize GPS is something totally different, I was still curious to see how the app would work. Short answer: beautifully.
• The stats are simple and fun. Ski Tracker doesn’t track everything, just the basics: date, vertical feet, mileage, speed, and calories. It creates a map of each run showing speed by color and so detailed you can identify individual turns when skiing moguls. It’s really cool.
• Cumulative stats. After you save each session, the stats and map are saved and the numbers are added to your season totals. Stats can be recorded in either Imperial or Metric measurements. It’s rather exciting to see your total vertical skied build up!
• The Snow Forecast. I kind of love this one. You just tap the map (anywhere in US) and you’ll get the forecast. It’s so easy.

Why Use Ski Tracker & Snow Forecast

In my experience, you’re either someone who enjoys tracking statistics or someone who simply doesn’t care.

If you don’t care, none of this is for you.

If you care enough to try the app at $2.99, I think it’s a good option. This is especially true if you just want to use one app rather than downloading individual resort apps.

The only caveat: I hate the idea of people skiing too fast and out of control just to reach a certain speed on their app. Don’t do it. Stay safe.

Enjoy!

As always all opinions are my own and are exactly what I would tell my family and friends. I received nothing in exchange for this post.

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