Skiers and snowboarders always want to know the slopes like a local, but most tourists don’t have the time or resources available to make the most of the pistes. Developers at FATMAP are looking to lend a helping hand, with their 3D mapping app for the snow mountains.

The app contains detailed maps of mountains and pistes, created using high-resolution satellite imagery, which tell the skiers important facts about the slopes, such as gradient, difficulty and altitude. It also aims to make the adventure safer, giving skiers information on avalanche risk and dangerous crevasses. What’s more, the 3D map enables users to search for specific lines and watch fly-throughs in “skier view”, to see their runs and assess them before each move.

As well as marked pistes it also helps more experienced skiers and snowboarders map out their off road and back country routes so they can optimize their run. It also has info on local restaurants, bus stops and first aid points. FATMAP trips can be linked to users’ social accounts, so they can record times, share new routes and locations.

The app now has data from over 25 resorts in the US, Canada, Italy, France, Switzerland and Austria, and is free to download from the App Store and Google Play, but users can upgrade for premium features. 

What other niche areas of travel can benefit from a unique mapping platform?