EMSC
Well-known member
Admin recently published an article on the latest & greatest apps for primarily resort skiers. http://www.firsttracksonline.com/News/2010/9/2/Smartphone-Apps-for-Skiers-and-Snowboarders/
I was lucky enough to hear Vail's recent discussion of the Epic Mix app which records every lift you ride based on RF technology (and thus vertical) and pushes that heavily to social aspects of earning 'digital pins' for various things as well as to Facebook and Twitter. To the point that you could conceivably hook up with friends by seeing which mtn and lifts they are skiing 'live' (it's all opt-in for the various aspects of the App). I've been waiting for a more comprehensive mobile app to be released by someone (not for me really, but for the general public). Vail certainly thinks they have the beginnings of a 'game changing' app that will promote their brand, promote the social aspects of skiing which may draw in more of your friends at some point even, etc...
As long as you opt in and sign up on the epic mix web page the whole thing is free. Vail says surveys show 60% of their users already have Facebook pages to push the ski data and updates to (if they choose). I get the feeling most of the forum users here will not be much excited about such an app's existence, but what about for the industry in general? Do you see the average local interested in the technology? How about for the average family from Atlanta doing their one week annual trip?
It seems its a solid initial step, but still has a ways to go IMO. I thought for sure an app with GPS tracking of your descents and runs taken would be part of the landscape for smart phones by now. However, Vail went a very different direction for now since GPS chews up battery life (esp in cold), and it requires you to remember to activate/end it vs the totally passive way the data collection can be done by RF scans of your ticket/pass. Although again, ski hounds care about verts and descent rates, etc.. but do average skiers? This seems to be the only reason to incorporate 'digital pins' into the mix is to try to interest the average Joe. Of course then there are the kids for whom technology is so prominent. Will this entice more of them to show up knowing the interactivity and online tracking they can point to, play with, etc.. later? How about the potential for parents being able to check in on kids throughout the day with less worry (once they hit that age that is)? Too big brother-ish for that use? At least one thing missing in the world of mobile ski apps IMO - an interactive Map of open runs (possibly tied to GPS for instantly zooming the area on the map you are currently located). For early or late season skiers being able to know what is open, groomed (or even interactive with the time of day for stuff that closes early). It would be so much better than perusing the long lists of trails that are open, etc... as people have to wade through now online. And yes some resorts print up daily maps of groomers or etc..., but I still think it would be better for the average skier to see it 'live'.
All that said, here is the web page and short video about the Vail app http://www.snow.com/epicmix/home.aspx?cmpid=PARMX00001
What do you think about the direction and social network tie ins? I await the first person fired for streaming live updates to Facebook while having called in sick #-o :lol:
I was lucky enough to hear Vail's recent discussion of the Epic Mix app which records every lift you ride based on RF technology (and thus vertical) and pushes that heavily to social aspects of earning 'digital pins' for various things as well as to Facebook and Twitter. To the point that you could conceivably hook up with friends by seeing which mtn and lifts they are skiing 'live' (it's all opt-in for the various aspects of the App). I've been waiting for a more comprehensive mobile app to be released by someone (not for me really, but for the general public). Vail certainly thinks they have the beginnings of a 'game changing' app that will promote their brand, promote the social aspects of skiing which may draw in more of your friends at some point even, etc...
As long as you opt in and sign up on the epic mix web page the whole thing is free. Vail says surveys show 60% of their users already have Facebook pages to push the ski data and updates to (if they choose). I get the feeling most of the forum users here will not be much excited about such an app's existence, but what about for the industry in general? Do you see the average local interested in the technology? How about for the average family from Atlanta doing their one week annual trip?
It seems its a solid initial step, but still has a ways to go IMO. I thought for sure an app with GPS tracking of your descents and runs taken would be part of the landscape for smart phones by now. However, Vail went a very different direction for now since GPS chews up battery life (esp in cold), and it requires you to remember to activate/end it vs the totally passive way the data collection can be done by RF scans of your ticket/pass. Although again, ski hounds care about verts and descent rates, etc.. but do average skiers? This seems to be the only reason to incorporate 'digital pins' into the mix is to try to interest the average Joe. Of course then there are the kids for whom technology is so prominent. Will this entice more of them to show up knowing the interactivity and online tracking they can point to, play with, etc.. later? How about the potential for parents being able to check in on kids throughout the day with less worry (once they hit that age that is)? Too big brother-ish for that use? At least one thing missing in the world of mobile ski apps IMO - an interactive Map of open runs (possibly tied to GPS for instantly zooming the area on the map you are currently located). For early or late season skiers being able to know what is open, groomed (or even interactive with the time of day for stuff that closes early). It would be so much better than perusing the long lists of trails that are open, etc... as people have to wade through now online. And yes some resorts print up daily maps of groomers or etc..., but I still think it would be better for the average skier to see it 'live'.
All that said, here is the web page and short video about the Vail app http://www.snow.com/epicmix/home.aspx?cmpid=PARMX00001
What do you think about the direction and social network tie ins? I await the first person fired for streaming live updates to Facebook while having called in sick #-o :lol: