Hit the slopes with confidence using the best backcountry skiing apps for your mobile phone. Whether you're an experienced backcountry skier or just starting out, apps like AllTrails, Gaia GPS, OnTheSnow Ski & Snow Report can help you plan your trips, track your progress, and stay safe in the mountains.
| App | Logo | Available On | Reviews | Downloads | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. AllTrails |  | Android, iOS | 4.7/5 | 30M+ | Discover 400k+ trails worldwide, Plan adventures with detailed info |
| 2. Gaia GPS |  | Android, iOS | 4.5/5 | 3M+ | Offline-Karten, GPS-Navigation, Entfernungstracking |
| 3. OnTheSnow Ski & Snow Report |  | Android, iOS | 4.7/5 | 2M+ | Powder alerts, Webcams galore, Local snow reports |
| 4. Ski Tracker |  | Android, iOS | 4.8/5 | 2M+ | Maximum skiing speed, Tracks distance, Ski tracks on the map |
| 5. onX Offroad |  | Android, iOS | 4.4/5 | 2M+ | Offline map saving, GPS navigation, Trail filtering |
| 6. Ski Tracks |  | Android, iOS | 4.2/5 | 562K+ | Worldwide tracking, No data/signal required, Battery efficient |
| 7. Slopes |  | Android, iOS | 4.7/5 | 427K+ | Live location sharing, Live recording, Interactive trail maps |
| Load more |
1. AllTrails
Discover 400k+ trails worldwide, Plan adventures with detailed info
Cost: AllTrails (Free), AllTrails Pro ($29.99/year)
Escape into the snowy wilderness with AllTrails, the ultimate backcountry skiing app for mobile devices. Discover thousands of meticulously mapped trails, complete with elevation profiles, detailed descriptions, and user-generated reviews. Plan your adventure with ease using the interactive maps and offline capabilities. Track your progress, log your vertical gain, and share your experiences with the vibrant AllTrails community. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-time backcountry skier, AllTrails empowers you to explore the untouched powder and create unforgettable memories in the mountains.
Download:
- Tags:
- Trail Discovery
- Custom Route Planning
- Offline Maps & GPS
Application information:
| Downloads | 30,424,521 |
| Features | AllTrails provides trail maps for hiking, biking, camping & backpacking, and includes features like GPS tracking, offline map access, and reviews from other users. |
| Pros | Easy to use, comprehensive trail database, helpful features like GPS tracking and offline map access. |
| Cons | Can be slow to load at times, some features require a paid subscription, not all trails are well-maintained or accurate. |
✨ Read more: app for directions
2. Gaia GPS
Offline-Karten, GPS-Navigation, Entfernungstracking
Cost: Gaia GPS Basic (Free), Gaia GPS Premium ($39.99/year or $9.99/month)
Gaia GPS is a mobile backcountry skiing app that provides downloadable maps, trip planning tools, and real-time tracking. The app includes a comprehensive database of backcountry ski trails, as well as user-generated content such as trip reports and photos. Gaia GPS allows users to track their progress, record their elevation gain and loss, and share their adventures with friends. The app also offers a variety of safety features, including the ability to send an SOS message and track your location in case of an emergency.
Download:
- Tags:
- Offline Maps & GPS
- Backcountry Navigation
- Hiking Trail Explorer
Application information:
| Downloads | 2,718,490 |
| Features | Gaia GPS is a versatile GPS navigation app that provides topographic maps, offline map storage, and detailed trail information for hiking, biking, and off-roading. |
| Pros | Easy to use, feature-rich, great for outdoor activities. |
| Cons | Can be expensive, subscription model, some features may require a paid subscription. |
Comments and Reviews from users:
– jridge16 x: “Used to be a great app - I've used it for many years. Now half its functionality is broken - offline downloaded maps don't work anymore, download routes/tracks hardly work as well. Folder structure is completely non-intuitive - as an example, I tried to download an offline map, it asks me what folder to put it in, when I supposedly finish the download, the folder can't be found, nor can the downloaded map. Any tutorials you find are outdated, as they made an update to the software last year.” – 2/5 in Play Store
– Dan Freeman: “2 Requests for Gaia developers: 1. Provide a gauge so you can tell the level of zoom on the screen. Sometimes when riding off the grid, there's no way to tell if you're viewing 50% magnification or 90% 2. Need a lock screen option to prevent accidental touches. Too often the nav screen is blocked by a waypoint dialog box after the screen gets accidentally touched, or it changes from "hourglass" navigation to something else and you don't realize until you're off course. Still the best nav app” – 4/5 in Play Store
✨ Read more: app hiking
3. OnTheSnow Ski & Snow Report
Powder alerts, Webcams galore, Local snow reports
Cost: Free, OnTheSnow Premium (29.99)
OnTheSnow Ski & Snow Report is the ultimate mobile app for backcountry skiing enthusiasts. With real-time snow reports, detailed weather forecasts, and interactive trail maps, the app provides all the information you need to plan and execute your backcountry adventures safely and confidently. The app also features user-generated content, including photos, videos, and trip reports, so you can connect with other backcountry skiers and share your experiences. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, OnTheSnow Ski & Snow Report is the essential tool for your next backcountry skiing adventure.
Download:
- Tags:
- Detailed snow reports
- Powder alerts
- Webcam and weather
Application information:
| Downloads | 2,008,389 |
| Features | OnTheSnow Ski & Snow Report offers real-time snow reports, snow forecasts, HD mountain cams, interactive trail maps, and ski resort reviews. |
| Pros | Comprehensive snow information, user-friendly interface, and extensive ski resort coverage. |
| Cons | May experience occasional glitches, and some features require a paid subscription. |
Comments and Reviews from users:
– A Google user: “Since the full update the app doesn't save any of your information (including login, favorites mountains, etc). The data is also inaccurate. It shows resorts closed that have been open for weeks, no recent snow accumulation when the lastest storm dropped 46 inches according to the resort website. It used to be helpful, but so bad now I uninstalled.” – 2/5 in Play Store
– A Google user: “Feb 2017 - Very anoying screen rotation issue on Samsung tablet. The application forcibly rotates between portrait and landscape when navigating from screen to screen. My neck starts to hurt... Dec 2019 - This WAS my favorite app for the ski resort data and conditions, not anymore. The interface became terrible, disorganized, and confusing. Need to click many times to get the data that used to be easily available. Good bye OnTheSnow!” – 2/5 in Play Store
✨ Read more: app for bike riding
4. Ski Tracker
Maximum skiing speed, Tracks distance, Ski tracks on the map
Cost: Ski Tracker (Free), Ski Tracker Pro ($4.99)
Ski Tracker is a mobile app that allows skiers to track their backcountry adventures. The app uses GPS to record the user's location, elevation, speed, and distance traveled. It also allows users to add photos and notes to their tracks. Ski Tracker can be used to plan and track ski tours, and to share adventures with friends. The app is available for free on iOS and Android devices.
Download:
- Tags:
- Speed Measurement
- Tracks Recording
- Slopes Marking
Application information:
| Downloads | 1,756,407 |
| Features | Ski Tracker allows you to record your skiing and snowboarding activities to track your time, distance, speed, altitude, and burned calories. |
| Pros | Easy to use, detailed tracking, social media sharing |
| Cons | May drain battery life, requires subscription for full features |
Comments and Reviews from users:
– A Google user: “I have bought your gold version app and I am surprised how little information is presented. No total vertical meters skied, no avarge rate of descent, no average run length, etc - nothing much in fact. Is this data behind a hidden menu or simply not available. On the plus side, it is very stable indeed and doesn't kill the battery. Aside from that I am disappointed - since competitor apps do more.” – 2/5 in Play Store
– A Google user: “The app stops when the phone is in sleep mode. PS. Okay, thanks for your support, I have changed my feedback to positive. However, on Huawei (Android 9) you need to go to Settings/Battery Manager/Protected Apps - find the app there and select manual management instead of automatic for this app. The path is Russian is Настройки/Батарея/Запуск приложений. There's one more problem that I discovered while skiing - the descents and lifts counter always shows zeros.” – 4/5 in Play Store
✨ Read more: app for running
5. onX Offroad
Offline map saving, GPS navigation, Trail filtering
Cost: Basic (Free), Premium ($29.99/year)
onX Offroad is the ultimate app for backcountry skiing enthusiasts. With detailed trail maps, snow depth data, and avalanche forecasts, onX Offroad helps you plan your trips safely and confidently. The app also includes a GPS tracking feature so you can always find your way back to the trailhead. Whether you're a seasoned backcountry skier or just starting out, onX Offroad is the perfect app to help you make the most of your time in the mountains.
Download:
- Tags:
- Offline Maps
- 615K Trail Database
- GPS navigation
Application information:
| Downloads | 1,660,732 |
| Features | Offers real-time GPS tracking, offline maps, public land boundaries, private property boundaries, and trail information. |
| Pros | Comprehensive navigation features, extensive map coverage, user-friendly interface. |
| Cons | In-app purchases can add up, occasional bugs and glitches, subscription-based pricing model. |
Comments and Reviews from users:
– Robert Sparks: “Does as advertised. I compared between it and others, when beginning off-road trips. It is the most beginner friendly. Easy to route trips. Interface is pretty smooth. Overall layout is smart . Go & track is convenient. Vehicle type is accurate. Moving around is a little clunky in 3d mode. Choosing lines when multiple lay on top of each other is sometimes difficult. Overall, glad I chose this one as a newb. Dev suggestions: allow larger high quality offline maps, track speed when tracking.” – 4/5 in Play Store
– RUSSELL PEDRI: “The app is great and very useful. There are a few things missing in the app. There should be a better legend to tell you more about the map features. Such as what the colors mean in the different modes. Not sure how often it updates property information. Some of what I have seen is outdated. I wish there was a subscription discounted if you subscribe to all three apps, or possibly an app that brings all three together in one app. I find great use of each one just can't afford to subscribe all” – 4/5 in Play Store
✨ Read more: app for tracking mileage
6. Ski Tracks
Worldwide tracking, No data/signal required, Battery efficient
Cost: Ski Tracks (€0,02), Ski Tracks Pro (€4,99)
Ski Tracks is the world's favorite winter sports app, used by millions of skiers and snowboarders. With Ski Tracks, you can track your skiing and snowboarding activities, analyze your performance, and share your experiences with friends. Ski Tracks uses your phone's GPS to track your runs, and it records your speed, distance, altitude, and vertical drop. You can also use Ski Tracks to find and explore new ski resorts, and to get real-time snow and weather conditions.
Download:
- Tags:
- Worldwide ski companion
- Complete beginners to pros
- Award-winning
Application information:
| Downloads | 562005 |
| Features | Ski Tracks records your skiing day and shows speed, distance, altitude, vertical meters, ascent and descent, slope steepness, time on slopes, ski lifts, and much more. |
| Pros | Easy to use, comprehensive, social sharing |
| Cons | Lacks some advanced features found in other apps, can be battery-intensive |
Comments and Reviews from users:
– A Google user: “Worked great on Pixel 2...10AM-3PM use brought battery from 98% to around 75%, which isn't bad and obviously it wasn't the only app running during that time (I did pause it while indoors at lunch). I like the simple interface, which favors key functions and usability over dazzling me with color. If I could ask for another feature, it would be more around the analysis one views after the day, in particular to make it easy to see where exactly my highest speed was achieved.” – 5/5 in Play Store
– A Google user: “I have used this app fo 4 years to track daily sking times, conditions, weather and notes of importance. It works well and allows me to monitor yearly goals including vertical ft and distance.... very cool tool. One issue is that occurs each time is that the star rating and notes disappear once app is closed and I end up entering them twice, it's mildly annoying.” – 4/5 in Play Store
7. Slopes
Live location sharing, Live recording, Interactive trail maps
Cost: Slopes Premium ($19.99), Slopes Lite (Free)
Slopes is a popular backcountry skiing app that tracks your skiing activity and provides detailed statistics. It uses your phone's GPS to track your runs, and it can also measure your speed, distance, and vertical drop. Slopes also includes a variety of features to help you plan your backcountry adventures, such as resort maps, weather forecasts, and avalanche conditions. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices.
Download:
- Tags:
- Live location sharing
- Interactive trail maps
- Detailed ride stats
Application information:
| Downloads | 426871 |
| Features | Slopes is a ski tracking app that provides detailed statistics, resort maps, and slope conditions. |
| Pros | Easy to use, accurate tracking, detailed statistics. |
| Cons | Can be battery intensive, may not be accurate in all conditions. |
Comments and Reviews from users:
– David Bauer: “Loved the app on iphone, so glad it's been ported over to Android. Now I can ride and compare stats with my friends. Only gripe: can't edit runs. This has been an issue as I'll leave the mountain and forget to stop recording. My last run is now the ride in the car and I can't delete it. I'm sure it's on the "to implement" list, so here's my vote to push it to top of the stack. Thanks for all the hard work porting this great ski tracker!” – 5/5 in Play Store
– John A: “Finally this app is on android! As others have mentioned the tracking is not the best so far. HOWEVER I realised after syncing to strava that all the data of the run is there! For some reason the app doesn't translate it as well yet. So there is hope not only for future improvement but also for "recovering" past activity. One feature that would be greatly appreciated is direct sync to google fit. Keep up the great work and let's make this a 5 star app!” – 3/5 in Play Store
8. onX Backcountry Trail Maps GPS
Offline maps and GPS tracking, 3D map for terrain visualization
Cost: onX Backcountry Trail Maps GPS Free (Free), onX Backcountry Trail Maps GPS Premium ($29.99)
Navigate the backcountry with confidence using the onX Backcountry Trail Maps GPS app. Access detailed topographic maps, trail information, and GPS tracking features to plan your adventures and stay safe in the wilderness. Find the perfect slopes, avoid avalanche terrain, and share your experiences with friends. With offline capabilities and a user-friendly interface, onX Backcountry is the essential companion for backcountry skiers who seek adventure and peace of mind.
Download:
- Tags:
- Offline Maps & GPS
- 3D Mapping & Visualization
- Extensive Trail Database
Application information:
| Downloads | 372550 |
| Features | Discover the outdoors with onX Backcountry's detailed trail maps, GPS navigation, and offline capabilities, making your adventures safer and more enjoyable. |
| Pros | Extensive trail maps, offline navigation, GPS tracking, and hunting-specific features. |
| Cons | Yearly subscription required for full access, some users have reported occasional bugs and glitches. |
Comments and Reviews from users:
– Alex Colangeli: “I really enjoyed this all and would have left a great review during the year I had a paid subscription. Bummed to learn the hard way when said year of paid for service expires you DO NOT get to keep any of the DOWNLOADED and available offline data you've stored. All routes, maps, everything vanishes when the subscription expires. You'd think with an individual account and data downloaded and saved would remain available. Lucky I wasn't counting on an offline map to get me home safe. Super lame.” – 2/5 in Play Store
– Ron Chen: “Overall, better than expected. In particular, the routing features and the quality of the 3D and satellite map layers are a plus. Unfortunately, it lacks the OpenTopo map layer that is often more accurate for trails and contain more map features such as backcountry campsites. If OnX has any plans to add the OpenTopo map layers, I'd like to know because GaiaGPS is better in this respect and might be the alternative I consider when my OnX subscription is up for renewal.” – 4/5 in Play Store
9. GPS on ski map
Navigate offline, Record GPS tracks, Share location
Cost: GPS on ski map (Free), GPS on ski map Pro ($4.99)
GPS on Ski Map is a mobile app that provides GPS tracking, mapping, and other features for backcountry skiers. The app includes detailed maps of ski resorts and backcountry areas, as well as real-time tracking of your location and speed. Other features include the ability to record and share your tracks, view weather and avalanche conditions, and access a database of ski trails and points of interest. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices.
Download:
- Tags:
- Offline Maps
- Real-time Tracking
- Shareable Location
Application information:
| Downloads | 332599 |
| Features | Maprika is a mapping solution for ski resorts, parks, and campuses. It is available as a mobile app and provides real-time GPS tracking, interactive trail maps, and weather and snow conditions. |
| Pros | Useful for skiers and snowboarders, easy to use, provides real-time GPS tracking, interactive trail maps, and weather and snow conditions. |
| Cons | May not be as accurate as a dedicated GPS device, may not work well in areas with poor cell reception, may require a subscription for full functionality. |
Comments and Reviews from users:
– A Google user: “Makes impossible to get lost. And best tracker diagram ever seen: speed, height, time and distance is presented on location base, visualy appearing on the skimap (5 dimension). I can check what slope took how many minutes, where I reached the fastest speed or which part of the mountain I was never riding. I'm impressed!” – 5/5 in Play Store
– A Google user: “Great tracking app. Very useful anywhere tracking is required but importantly they responded very quickly when the app stopped working as expected following the update to Android 10. Tracking stopped when the screen was off. First they advised changing the location setting to 'allow all the time' followed a week or two later with an update that keeps the app working when set to 'only when app is in use'. Well done guys & thanks for the quick response.” – 5/5 in Play Store
10. BackCountry Navigator GPS PRO
Offline topo maps, GPS waypoints, Android Wear support
Cost: BackCountry Navigator GPS PRO Free, BackCountry Navigator GPS PRO (19.99)
BackCountry Navigator GPS PRO is an app that turns your Android device into a fully functional handheld GPS and topo map viewer. With this app, you can navigate your way through the backcountry with confidence, even without an internet connection. The app includes a variety of features such as offline topo maps, GPS tracking, waypoint marking, and route planning. It also allows you to import and export GPX files, and to share your tracks and waypoints with others. BackCountry Navigator GPS PRO is an essential tool for anyone who enjoys spending time in the backcountry.
Download:
- Tags:
- Offline topo maps
- Android Wear support
- GPX/KML waypoint support
Application information:
| Downloads | 247045 |
| Features | An offline GPS app that allows you to explore the outdoors with topo maps, track your location, and mark waypoints. |
| Pros | Detailed topo maps, offline navigation, and waypoint marking. |
| Cons | May require a subscription for some features, limited customization options, and potential battery drain. |
Comments and Reviews from users:
– A Google user: “Have been a huge fan of BCN Pro for 4 yrs+. The tracking has recently stopped working. When tracking first starts it works until phone screen times out or you purposely close your screen, such as when you want to put it in your pocket. The tracking then freezes & no longer records. This happens on both my Samsung Galaxy S8 & S10. update 5/04/19: yes that worked! thank you very much!” – 5/5 in Play Store
– A Google user: “This app is awesome! I use this on my phone and I have a handheld garmin GPS, using them side by side, obviously I much prefer the screen size, brightness and responsiveness of my phone. Be sure to download your map ahead of time. While youre on the trail turn off mobile data, bluetooth, etc. Leave location services enabled. I also use the battery saver mode and can get my phone to go a few days without a charge. I always carry a backup battery just incase.” – 5/5 in Play Store
11. BackCountry Navigator XE
Offline topo maps, GPS navigation, Waypoint recording
Cost: BackCountry Navigator XE: GPS Topo Maps (Free), BackCountry Navigator XE Pro: GPS Topo Maps ($29.99)
BackCountry Navigator XE is a mobile app that provides offline topo maps and GPS navigation for backcountry skiers. With its detailed topographic maps, skiers can plan their routes, track their progress, and stay safe in the backcountry. The app also includes features such as slope angle shading, 3D terrain views, and the ability to download and store maps for offline use. BackCountry Navigator XE is an essential tool for any backcountry skier looking to explore the mountains safely and confidently.
Download:
- Tags:
- Offline topo maps
- GPS navigation
- Waypoint recording
Application information:
| Downloads | 224211 |
| Features | Download topo maps for offline use, track your location with GPS, plan and navigate routes, mark waypoints and save them to your phone, search for points of interest, and share your location with others. |
| Pros | Detailed topo maps, offline navigation, extensive search functionality, and easy-to-use interface. |
| Cons | Can be slow to load maps, sometimes inaccurate GPS tracking, and limited customization options. |
Comments and Reviews from users:
– A Google user: “This app is great for navigation outdoors. Wide variety of excellent map sources, including a vector topo map that's very efficient in terms of file size. Powerful tools for drawing and measuring on maps (for when you want to know how much farther it is). Good integration with a website for trip planning if that's your preference. I've tried several outdoor navigation apps and this is the best I've used.” – 5/5 in Play Store
– A Google user: “Overlander in the Southeast with thousands of miles of trips logged. I could not be more impressed by the development of this app! I’ve been along for the entire ride beta testing this app since I loved the previous BCNav Pro. It is SO MUCH MORE INTUITIVE THAN GAIA! Super easy to pick up the actions and settings. If you’re reading this and have experienced a problem, please report it to the developer so he can resolve it quickly! The customer service is impeccable and they really listen to the users. Love this a ton. I use it for overlanding all through the southeast. It works flawlessly when I don’t have cell service. It has helped me navigate through NF even when I have no prior tracks just by navigating the roads on the map. I've imported and exported so many .gpx files, tracks, waypoints etc. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!! (Non-paid review)” – 5/5 in Play Store
12. Backcountry
Expert gear advice, Community gear reviews, Earn credits for gear
Cost: Backcountry (Free), Backcountry Premium ($29.99/year)
Backcountry: Your Go-To App for Backcountry Skiing
Backcountry is the ultimate app for planning and tracking your backcountry skiing adventures. With detailed maps, avalanche forecasts, and snow conditions, you can stay informed and make informed decisions. Track your runs, log your vertical, and connect with other skiers in the community. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, Backcountry is the essential tool for a safe and unforgettable backcountry experience.
Download:
- Tags:
- Expert gear advice
- Engaged Community
- Clear, curated selection
Application information:
| Downloads | 48k |
| Features | Backcountry allows users to browse and purchase outdoor gear and apparel, track orders, and access exclusive content and discounts. |
| Pros | User-friendly interface, wide selection of products, fast and reliable shipping. |
| Cons | Some users have reported occasional app crashes and limited customer support availability. |
Comments and Reviews from users:
– A Google user: “Easy to navigate, I'd pick this over the website version any day.” – 5/5 in Play Store
– Shaun McCarthy: “Not a native app, it's just a reframing of the website. Given that, there's no reason to install it. Pretty poor effort for 2020.” – 2/5 in Play Store