You might not want to field phone calls while you’re on the slopes, but there are plenty of other reasons to carry your smartphone.
Here are seven apps that could enhance your next ski trip:
AlpineReplay
Free, Android and iPhone
Record your vertical, distance, speed, calories burned and time, and earn points and virtual awards for your performance. The app also allows you to compare yourself with friends. You can replay your runs in 3D and your season stats can be viewed at alpinereplay.com.
Ski School Advanced
$4.99, iPhone
In addition to tips and lessons, use your phone’s camera to record your runs, then watch your technique side-by-side with a flawless pro skier. For Android, try the SkiTips ($4.67 each) series of apps that offer video instruction.
Mammut Safety
Free, iPhone
Backcountry experts warn constantly about relying too much on technology to keep you safe, so remember this app is not a substitute for proper skills. The app estimates avalanche risk, updates current avalanche reports and includes an SOS function that communicates with search and rescue teams. For the Android, try FitClimb Avalanche Safety for 99 cents.
iTrailMap
Free, Android and iPhone
Check out trail maps from ski areas around the world and download maps for areas that don’t have cell service. A $4.99 version of the app for the iPhone offers 3D maps and other features as well as your GPS location.
Ski & Snow Report
Free, Android and iPhone
Check forecasts, view webcams and read first-hand reports from skiers and boarders at more than 2,000 ski areas around the world.
The Peak Bagging App
Free, Android
Strictly speaking, this isn’t a skiing app. However, if you’re a backcountry stat geek, you’ll love it. This app allows you to keep a tally of the peaks you ascend. As you log peaks, the app checks off your progress on various climbing lists such as the Mountaineers Six-Peak Pin (Adams, Baker, Glacier, Olympus, Rainier and St. Helens) or the state highpoint list. The app also offers topographical maps. The app doesn’t list nearly as many mountains as peak bagging websites such as peakery.com. For the iPhone, try PeakBagger (free).
Ski On Neon
99 cents, iPhone
This highly addictive app won’t improve your ski skills or keep you up to date on conditions, but it will keep you entertained if you get stuck on the lift. If you’re looking for a skiing game for the Droid, try “Ski Ski Ski.” Not quite as fun, but it’s free.
Craig Hill: 253-597-8497craig.hill@thenewstribune.com
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.