Best On Mountain Technology For This Winter

Featured image above courtesy of FatMap.com

We’ve all been there; it’s dumping snow, you’re strapped in, and have no idea where to go. While an innocent game of chairlift roulette can lead to epic stories at après, more often than not, a lack of insight into the terrain of a foreign resort can lend itself to an eternal hunt for the best stash. Don’t spend the next ski vacation wandering aimlessly around the mountain, and check out some of the newest technology dropping this Winter to ensure the biggest and best lines at any resort
For starters, Vail Resorts’ introduction of EpicMix Time adds the benefit of seeing up to date lift line status at 55 lifts and gondolas throughout it’s Colorado resorts. The newly updated version of the ski giant’s Epic Mix should take the guessing game out of wait times for the most popular lifts and gondolas at Vail, Beaver Creek, Keystone, and Breckenridge.
Another app well worth downloading this winter is Fatmap, which has been receiving accolades throughout the ski and snowboarding community for it’s insight into riding like a local. Available via both the Apple App and the Google Play stores, a Fatmap subscription offers a comprehensive database of 3D maps for resorts around the world,  along with the ability to record and share epic lines on the mountain. Essentially creating a “live” map using ultra high resolution satellite imagery, Fatmap’s aim is for skiers and snowboarders to make confident decisions when exploring a resort, and truly feel like a local when skiing anywhere. Based in the UK, the company’s database of maps has quickly spread to North America, where Fatmap has assembled a team of contributors throughout their resorts to create the most relevant and up to date profiles of skiing and riding available. Also providing information for out of bounds lines in the backcountry, it should be the best new gadget to ensure the best turns possible this Winter.
Lastly, don’t miss out on an inch with On The Snow’s  mobile app that alerts users to new snow accumulation, real time conditions, weather forecasts, and ski and snowboard deals. The mobile version of OnTheSnow.com, the website’s mobile app is home to a database of 2,000 ski areas, and gives up to date snow reports and hour by hour forecasts, along with crowd sourced condition reports to get a real time look at what it’s like on the mountain (and a chance to see if that resort really got the 10″ they said they did). Additionally, the app will have trail maps and reviews along with discounts on the best new gear.
Knowledge is power; the technology has arrived to take the guessing game out of your next trip to a new mountain. Head to the app store and get the insight into the best lifts and lines to ride this Winter, and make this ski vacation the best yet.