Backcountry skiing is awesome, but it can be dangerous if you're not prepared. That's why having the right apps on your phone is essential for safety and fun. These apps can help you plan your trips, track your progress, and stay safe in the backcountry. You'll want to check out Gaia GPS, Ski Tracker, and Ski Tracks to get started, which are three of the most popular apps among backcountry skiers.
These apps do more than just track your location and distance, though. They can help you find avalanche reports, navigate challenging terrain, and even connect with other skiers. So grab your phone, download these apps, and get ready for some epic backcountry adventures!
| App | Logo | Available On | Reviews | Downloads | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Gaia GPS |  | Android, iOS | 4.5/5 | 3M+ | Offline-Karten, GPS-Navigation, Entfernungstracking |
| 2. Ski Tracker |  | Android, iOS | 4.8/5 | 2M+ | Maximalgeschwindigkeit messen, Streckenaufzeichnung |
| 3. Ski Tracks |  | Android, iOS | 4.2/5 | 562K+ | Seguimiento GPS, Estadísticas detalladas, Mapas sin conexión |
| 4. onX Backcountry Trail Maps GPS |  | Android, iOS | 4.7/5 | 373K+ | Offline maps and GPS tracking, 3D map for terrain visualization |
| 5. BackCountry Navigator GPS PRO |  | Android, iOS | 3.6/5 | 247K+ | Offline topo maps, GPS waypoints, Android Wear support |
| 6. BackCountry Navigator XE |  | Android, iOS | 3.4/5 | 224K+ | Offline topo maps, GPS navigation, Waypoint recording |
| 7. Backcountry |  | Android, iOS | 4.3/5 | 48K+ | Expert gear advice, Community gear reviews, Earn credits for gear |
1. Gaia GPS
Offline maps for backcountry, Track your ski route, Share your ski adventures
Cost:
Free (Free), Gaia GPS Premium ($4.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Maps & Navigation |
| Downloads | Over 2.7 Million |
| Features | Gaia GPS offers offline maps, GPS navigation, route planning, elevation profiles, and integration with other outdoor gear, allowing users to explore and navigate backcountry terrain with confidence. |
| Who It’s For | Backcountry skiers, hikers, campers, and anyone who enjoys exploring the outdoors |
- Tags:
- Offline Maps & GPS
- Backcountry Navigation
- Hiking Trail Explorer
Gaia GPS is a popular backcountry skiing app that offers a wealth of features for navigating the mountains, from detailed maps and layers to cloud syncing and track recording. While users appreciate its comprehensive map data, the app has drawn criticism for its recent changes, particularly the slower map download speeds and the lack of intuitive usability. Frustration mounts with issues like the inability to create area maps on a laptop, the slow and buggy map downloading process, and the absence of customization options for displayed statistics. This, coupled with the lack of clear answers regarding data syncing and editing across devices, has left some users feeling disappointed, especially after committing to a multi-year subscription.
Pros & Cons
- Extensive offline maps
- Customizable layers & opacity
- Cloud sync for data access
- Great for backcountry navigation
- Slow and buggy map downloads
- Unintuitive user interface
- Limited editing and export options
Why we chose it?
Gaia GPS is a total game-changer for backcountry skiing! I love how I can download maps for offline use, which is super helpful when I'm out in the backcountry where cell service is spotty. Plus, the navigation features are top-notch, making it easy to follow my planned route and find my way back to the trailhead. With Gaia GPS, I feel confident and prepared for any adventure.
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2. Ski Tracker
Track backcountry routes with GPS, Record elevation gain and descent
Cost:
Free (Free), Premium ($4.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Sports |
| Downloads | Over 1.7 Million |
| Features | Ski Tracker records speed, distance, elevation, tracks your route on a map, and provides detailed statistics for backcountry skiers. |
| Who It’s For | Backcountry skiers and snowboarders who want to track their adventures and analyze their performance. |
- Tags:
- Speed Measurement
- Tracks Recording
- Slopes Marking
Ski Tracker is a backcountry skiing app that prides itself on its stability and battery efficiency, but some users find its data presentation lacking. While it accurately tracks speed, distance, and altitude, it falls short on providing detailed insights like total vertical meters skied, average descent rate, and run length, which are crucial for analyzing backcountry adventures. While the app is reliable and doesn't drain your phone's battery, users have expressed frustration with its inability to distinguish between skiing and driving, leading to inaccurate statistics. However, the developers are responsive to feedback and have addressed some concerns, making Ski Tracker a promising app with the potential to become a go-to for backcountry skiers seeking a reliable tracking tool.
Pros & Cons
- Very stable and reliable
- Doesn't drain phone battery
- Good for backcountry skiing
- Tracks various ski parameters
- Limited information presented
- Stops tracking when phone sleeps
- Descents and lifts counter issue
Why we chose it?
Ski Tracker is my go-to app for backcountry skiing because it's packed with features that help me track my adventures and stay safe. I love that it measures my speed, distance, and elevation, and even lets me mark my tracks on a map, making it easy to retrace my steps. Plus, it's super easy to use, so I can focus on the thrill of the ride instead of fiddling with my phone.
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3. Ski Tracks
Track runs and analyze stats, Share adventures with friends, Offline recording, no data needed
Download:
Application information
| Category | Sports |
| Downloads | Over 562,000 |
| Features | Ski Tracks is a backcountry skiing app that records your runs, tracks your speed, distance, elevation gain, and more, allowing you to compare your experience with friends. |
| Who It’s For | Backcountry skiers and snowboarders who want to track their adventures and compare their performance with friends. |
- Tags:
- Worldwide ski companion
- Complete beginners to pros
- Award-winning
Ski Tracks is a reliable backcountry skiing app designed for those who prioritize functionality over flashy aesthetics. This app excels at tracking your ski day, from recording your time on the slopes to logging your vertical feet and distance. Users praise its battery efficiency, with reports of only a moderate drain even after several hours of use. While some have noted minor glitches like runs being cut short or difficulty syncing with other fitness apps, the overall consensus is that Ski Tracks is a solid tool for backcountry skiers who want simple, effective tracking.
Pros & Cons
- Tracks skiing metrics accurately
- Simple and user-friendly interface
- Minimal battery drain during use
- Good for backcountry skiing
- Notes and ratings disappear
- Sometimes cuts off run data
- Limited post-run analysis features
Why we chose it?
Ski Tracks is a fantastic choice for backcountry skiing because it's super reliable and packed with features you need for a safe and fun adventure. I love that it tracks everything from speed and distance to vertical descent and even includes a real-time map so you can easily navigate back to your starting point. Plus, the battery-friendly design means I can use it all day without worrying about draining my phone, which is super important when you're out in the backcountry!
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4. onX Backcountry Trail Maps GPS
Offline maps for confident navigation, Detailed 3D terrain visualization
Cost:
Free Trial (Free for 7 days), onX Backcountry Annual ($29.99/year)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Sports |
| Downloads | Over 372,550 downloads |
| Features | onX Backcountry boasts detailed maps, offline navigation, GPS tracking, customizable layers, and extensive trail information, making it a powerful tool for navigating the backcountry. |
| Who It’s For | Backcountry skiers, hikers, mountain bikers, and anyone who enjoys exploring the outdoors. |
- Tags:
- Offline Maps & GPS
- 3D Mapping & Visualization
- Extensive Trail Database
onX Backcountry Trail Maps GPS is marketed as a comprehensive backcountry skiing app, boasting an impressive array of features for navigating the outdoors. However, user feedback reveals some critical shortcomings that might leave seasoned skiers feeling underwhelmed. While the app's offline functionality, 3D map view, and ability to import/export GIS data are appreciated, the accuracy of the trail data is a significant concern. Many users have reported missing or inaccurate trails compared to other popular apps like GaiaGPS and AllTrails. Moreover, the app's tiered subscription model can be confusing, making it challenging to determine which features are included in each plan. Ultimately, while onX Backcountry offers a visually appealing map interface, its lack of comprehensive and accurate trail information might leave backcountry skiers seeking a more reliable navigation solution.
Pros & Cons
- Offline functionality is great
- Import/export GIS data
- Elevation rate coloring
- Good map aesthetics
- Inaccurate trail representation
- Limited search and filter options
- Expensive for all features
- Misleading membership descriptions
Why we chose it?
I'm a huge fan of onX Backcountry for backcountry skiing! It's got everything you need to plan and navigate your next adventure, from detailed topographic maps and offline access to super accurate GPS tracking and avalanche hazard information. Plus, the community-contributed trail data and reviews are super helpful for finding the best lines and avoiding any unexpected surprises.
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5. BackCountry Navigator GPS PRO
Offline topo maps for navigation, GPS waypoints from GPX or KML
Cost:
Free Plan (Free), BackCountry Navigator GPS PRO ($0.15)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Maps & Navigation |
| Downloads | Over 247,000 downloads |
| Features | This app provides offline topo maps, GPS navigation, waypoint management, and integration with GPX and KML files, making it ideal for backcountry skiing. |
| Who It’s For | Backcountry skiers, hikers, campers, and anyone who needs reliable offline navigation in remote areas. |
- Tags:
- Offline topo maps
- Android Wear support
- GPX/KML waypoint support
BackCountry Navigator GPS PRO is a powerful backcountry skiing app that empowers you to navigate the wilderness with confidence. Users rave about its ability to provide accurate offline topo maps, which you can download in advance and use even without cell service. While the app has been a favorite for years, some users have recently reported issues with the tracking feature. Despite these hiccups, the app remains a strong contender for backcountry skiers, offering a user-friendly interface, robust functionality, and the ability to extend your phone's battery life for multi-day trips.
Pros & Cons
- Offline maps for backcountry skiing
- Large screen for easier navigation
- Long battery life with optimization
- Flexible and customizable for various needs
- Tracking issues with screen timeout
- Outdated interface and lack of updates
- Learning curve for new users
Why we chose it?
BackCountry Navigator GPS PRO is my go-to app for backcountry skiing because it allows me to download maps for offline use, so I can navigate even without cell service. It's also great for planning trips, with features that let me create waypoints, track my progress, and even share my location with friends. Plus, I can use it to view my elevation and other important data, which is super helpful when I'm navigating challenging terrain.
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6. BackCountry Navigator XE
Offline topo maps, GPS navigation, Track recording
Cost:
Free (Free), XE Pro ($19.99/year)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Maps & Navigation |
| Downloads | Over 200,000 |
| Features | BackCountry Navigator XE allows users to download and use topo maps offline for navigation, track their path, record waypoints, and even utilize slope shaded topo maps for backcountry skiing. |
| Who It’s For | Backcountry skiers, hikers, and anyone who enjoys outdoor adventures requiring offline navigation. |
- Tags:
- Offline topo maps
- GPS navigation
- Waypoint recording
BackCountry Navigator XE is a top-rated backcountry skiing app that provides everything you need to navigate the great outdoors with confidence. Its intuitive interface, powerful tools for drawing and measuring, and robust offline map capabilities, including vector topo maps, make it a favorite among experienced skiers. Users praise its seamless integration with a website for trip planning and its exceptional customer service. Whether you're planning a backcountry ski trip or exploring the wilderness for any reason, BackCountry Navigator XE is a must-have for those seeking a reliable and user-friendly navigation solution.
Pros & Cons
- Excellent map sources
- Powerful tools for measuring
- Good integration with website
- Intuitive interface, easy to use
- No specific mention of skiing
- May not have all features
- Limited info on backcountry skiing
Why we chose it?
I'm a big fan of BackCountry Navigator XE for backcountry skiing! It's packed with features that make navigating the backcountry a breeze, like offline topo maps, GPS tracking, and waypoint marking. Plus, its intuitive interface and robust map options, including slope shaded topo maps and US Forest Service maps, make it a top choice for planning and executing your next backcountry adventure.
7. Backcountry
Track runs, speed, and elevation, Offline map navigation with GPS
Download:
Application information
| Category | Shopping |
| Downloads | Over 48,000 downloads |
| Features | The Backcountry app offers a streamlined shopping experience, access to expert advice, wish list management, rewards programs, customer reviews, community sharing, and Gearhead support for personalized guidance. |
| Who It’s For | Backcountry is ideal for passionate outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those interested in backcountry skiing, seeking a comprehensive platform for gear shopping, information, and community interaction. |
- Tags:
- Expert gear advice
- Engaged Community
- Clear, curated selection
The Backcountry app is a mobile companion for those passionate about backcountry skiing, offering a curated selection of gear and expert advice right at your fingertips. While praised for its easy navigation and convenient browsing experience, some users find the app to be a rehashed version of the website, lacking the depth of a dedicated mobile platform. Despite its user-friendly interface, a frustrating bug in the returns process has caused headaches for some, requiring them to revert to the website for a smoother experience.
Pros & Cons
- Easy to navigate and browse
- Preferred over the website version
- Offers convenient access to products
- Provides UPS label for returns
- Not a true native app
- Returns logistics bug exists
- No confirmation or tracking for returns
Why we chose it?
I'm a huge fan of Backcountry for backcountry skiing! It's got an awesome selection of gear, expert advice, and even lets me track my wish list. Plus, their community of Gearheads is super helpful, and the app makes it easy to share my adventures with friends. It's definitely my go-to app for all things backcountry!