The best skiing apps

A modern app is much more than a digital odometer for the slopes. These clever helpers turn your smartphone into a comprehensive winter sports center, providing you with the best possible support before, during and after skiing.

The most important features at a glance:

• GPS tracking and speed measurement for detailed statistics on your runs
• Recording of vertical metres, kilometres of runs and lift rides for the perfect overview
• Up-to-date resort information, including slope status, open lifts, and snow conditions
• High-resolution slope maps for optimal orientation in the ski area
• Weather and snow conditions with regularly updated forecasts
• Social features for sharing and comparing with friends
• Safety features for freeriders and ski tourers

Particularly practical: Many winter sports apps also work offline, so you can benefit from the most important features even in remote mountain regions without mobile phone coverage.

First things first: The selection is huge! That's why we've listed our favourites for a wide range of uses below. From GPS trackers and resort information options to off-piste safety apps, you'll find the right solution for many needs. All options are available in both the Google Play Store and the App Store and offer interesting features for winter sports enthusiasts.

Want to know exactly how fast you went and how far you travelled? Ski tracking apps turn your smartphone into a precise GPS tracker that records every kilometre you cover. From your maximum speed and elevation gain to a detailed route map, these skiing apps offer comprehensive information and practical features for your adventures on the slopes. Perfect for those who want to continually improve their performance or simply enjoy tracking data from their skiing days.

Slopes: Ski & Snowboard App

This application is a powerful tool for skiers and snowboarders. It automatically tracks your activities and generates detailed statistics on runs, speeds, and vertical metres. With digital trail maps of thousands of resorts worldwide and offline navigation, users can access important information even without an Internet connection. Live location sharing allows friends and family to see where you are on the slopes in real time. The app also let you set personal goals and share your experiences on social networks.

Ski Tracks

The app features specially designed battery technology so you can record your snow adventures all day long. It measures your speed, records your route on the map, and creates complete statistics about your winter activities. All without the need for a mobile data connection.

Skiline

This free application works differently than traditional GPS trackers, but still provides a detailed overview of your day's skiing in numerous ski resorts worldwide. Once you enter your ski pass number, the app automatically recognises which lifts and slopes you use. This saves battery power and still gives accurate data on your elevation and kilometres skied. Users can also share their experiences, compare them with friends, or capture memories in ski movies and speed photos.

Turn your smartphone into a comprehensive information centre for planning the perfect day with the following ski apps. You'll already know in the morning if there's enough snow and which slopes are open. From current snow depths and weather forecasts to trail maps, the comprehensive information on thousands of ski resorts worldwide ensures that you are guaranteed to enjoy the best conditions.

bergfex

The bergfex app is probably one of the most popular outdoor applications on the market. It comes in several versions, including a tour app for discovering and planning routes, and a ski app for information on daily snow depths, detailed weather forecasts, and high-resolution slope maps for ski resorts worldwide. The app also lets you track your activities with statistics on duration, distance, speed, and altitudes.

Ski Resort - Ski App

This application features a comprehensive database of 6,000 ski resorts worldwide. It includes detailed slope maps, current snow and weather reports, webcams and live streams. Users can save their favourite resorts and access them offline, as well as sort them by various criteria. Test reports and reviews from other skiers can also be very helpful.

Snow Depth Ski App

The Snow Depths Ski App is a useful application for winter sports enthusiasts that provides up-to-date information on ski resorts in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France, Scandinavia, North America and other countries. It includes features such as snow and slope reports, weather forecasts, and useful information on ski pass prices and open lifts. The app also offers live cams, high-resolution ski maps and accommodation recommendations to round out the skiing experience.

Skiinfo app

This option is the perfect companion for skiers and winter sports enthusiasts, providing up-to-the-minute snow reports, slope maps, webcams and weather updates. With access to numerous ski resorts around the world, including popular destinations such as Zermatt and Kitzbühel, users can save their favourite locations and receive personalised notifications. The app allows to report right from the slopes and provides detailed information on snow depth and conditions as well as accommodations.

If you enjoy skiing off the groomed slopes, be sure to use safety apps. They provide up-to-date avalanche reports and some even work offline. Essential tools such as a compass, altimeter, and direct emergency call capabilities are mostly included.

White Risk

This application is an essential tool for anyone riding off-piste in the mountains during the winter. It provides up-to-date information on snow and avalanche conditions in Switzerland, Austria and France, as well as useful background knowledge for assessing avalanche risk. The app allows you to plan and adjust tours and provides access to high quality topographic maps with different layers for the offline use. You also get snow and temperature data from automated measurement stations to help you plan your trips. The application is available for free in four languages from the iTunes App Store and Google Play Store.

SnowSafe

This app offers up-to-date avalanche reports, reliable weather forecasts and useful tools such as an altimeter and compass display. It provides offline access to critical information and is continually optimised by new updates. The app supports several regions in Europe and is constantly being expanded. Users praise its ease of use and clear presentation of information, while experts emphasise that correct interpretation of avalanche reports is crucial.

Windy.app

This option offers accurate weather and wind forecasts, which are crucial for tour planning. The interactive wind map allows users to check current wind conditions, while comprehensive data on temperature and precipitation helps to better assess avalanche risk. Spot chats encourage interaction with other outdoor enthusiasts and provide valuable local tips. In summary, the app helps you make informed decisions and get the most out of your snow adventure.

With so many different app providers to choose from, it can be hard to find the best option for your unique skiing style and needs. While beginners should focus on reduced functionality and ease of use, advanced skiers often need more complex features such as detailed GPS tracking or safety tools for freeride adventures. The following questions will help you find the right ski app and make sure it helps you get the most out of your time on the slopes:

• Skiing style: Are you more of a recreational skier or a competitive athlete?
• Area of use: Just the slopes or also freeriding and touring?
• Desired features: Tracking, ski resort information or social media?
• Device compatibility: Will the app work with your smartphone or smartwatch?
• Offline functionality: Especially important in areas with poor mobile phone reception
• Battery life: GPS tracking can drain your battery

It's a good idea to check out different apps on your next ski holiday. Many apps offer free starter versions that allow you to try out the main features. This will help you determine which ski app best suits your needs.

Even the best app is of little use if it quits halfway through or important data is lost. Cold, moisture and extreme conditions put a lot of strain on your smartphone. That's why it's crucial to use your mobile phone correctly on the slopes. Follow these tips to get the most out of your app:

• Mobile phone protection: Keep your smartphone close to your body in the inside pocket of your ski jacket to protect it from the cold.
• Water protection: A neoprene cover protects against moisture and bumps
• Battery management: Enable power save-mode and use a power bank for longer days in the ski resort
• Offline mode: Download important maps and data at your hotel
• Data protection: Check your privacy settings before sharing your data

Remember: An app can never replace your own attention and skills on the slopes. Technology should support you, not distract you. Always focus on skiing first and check your data during breaks.

Many applications provide important features offline. GPS tracking apps often work without an Internet connection because they use your smartphone's signal. Safety apps also have options for offline use. Download the most important data, maps, and weather information before your day on the slopes. If you find yourself without mobile phone reception, you will still be well informed.

In principle, yes, but keep in mind that this will also drain your battery quickly. If you run GPS tracking, ski resort information and safety apps at the same time, your smartphone will quickly run out of power. It is better to choose one main app for tracking and use additional apps for weather or slope maps only when needed. Tip: Use an all-in-one app such as bergfex, which combines several functions.

Modern smartphones are very accurate, usually within 3-5 metres. Small deviations in speed and distance are normal, especially in narrow valleys or bad weather. For recreational sports, the data is absolutely sufficient and gives you a very good overview of your performance. However, professional sports requires specialised, more expensive GPS devices with higher accuracy.

An average skier covers around 15-25 kilometres of slopes per day, descending 1,000-2,000 metres in altitude. Beginners often only cover 8-15 kilometres, while athletic winter sports enthusiasts can easily manage 30-50 kilometres. These numbers vary greatly depending on your fitness level, slope conditions, breaks and style. With a skiing app, you can see exactly where you are and improve your performance step by step.