Sunday, January 6, 2013

Best iPhone App: Ski Tracks

Note:  This review was before the Summit released their own app which is awesome! Stay tuned for a review of the new Summit App.

Hands down the best skiing app for the iPhone has to be Ski Tracks - GPS Track Recorder by Core Coders Ltd.  There are too many reasons why this app is awesome so I'll start with a quick feature list from the Core Coders' website:

  • Does not require data
  • Does not require a phone signal
  • Runs in background
  • Up to 14 hours of recording
  • Run-by-run analysis
  • Comprehensive stats


The list goes on and on.  I tested this app for the first time at Crystal Mt. and have to say that it completely exceeded my expectations on every possible way.  I did exactly what the instructions said to do...turn on the app, put my iPhone back in my pocket, and hit the slopes!



At the end of my first run, I pulled out my iPhone to see what the app did, and I was blown away.  Right there on one screen was my top speed, the distance I skied, how many vertical feet I just skied, my max altitude, slope and duration of the run.  I couldn't believe that this much data was just gathered on a run!

There are plenty of screens to flip through as well to see even more details and stats.  Here's another screen where you can compare altitude vs your speed for the whole day.

I can't find any faults with this app at all.  You can add photos of your runs to it, and even upload your whole ski day to Google Earth and actually replay your ski runs.  I tested this myself after I got back home and it works perfectly.

For $0.99 you are getting an enormous amount of data to enjoy post-run, post-day, and even post-season.

Trying to break your own speed records?  This is the perfect app because it will show your max speed after each run...did you squeeze out that extra tenth of a MPH?  If not, maybe one less turn before bombing that run?  This app will let you push yourself to the limits, or you can just use it to impress your friends at the lodge over a beer.

The developers were spot on regarding battery conservation too.  My battery did not take a major hit at all after running nonstop all day up on the mountain.

For you snowboarders out there, the app can be toggled between skiers and boarders for that extra level of customization, so it's perfect for anyone on the mountain who is serious about their time on the snow and want to track what they did.

Next up, I will be taking this app up to Snoqualmie Pass and putting it to the test for the rest of the season for sure, both day and night skiing.

A huge thanks goes to the people at Core Coders for this awesome app!