A new ski mapping tool called 'FatMap' is set to revolutionise skiing and snowboarding say its creators.
Available on a phone or tablet, FatMap combines cutting edge mobile and gaming technology to produce ultra-high resolution 3D maps for use by both piste skiers and freeriders to help then plan and enjoy ski adventures by giving them knowledge to shape the perfect ski day and the tools to explore further.
"Highly accurate GPS-enabled ski navigation will help users to locate themselves with ease in complex terrain whilst high resolution 3D fly-throughs of classic off-piste and piste lines will enable users to imagine themselves on the mountain before leaving the house. Combined with essential resort and terrain intelligence information, Fatmap will make it easy to plan a day on the slopes or a day exploring off-piste," said a statement on behalf of the company.
For freeriders detailed freeride mapping will show where the hidden off-piste lines are including information on steepness, length and difficulty. The app also promises detailed terrain intelligence that identifies avalanche risk zones, crevasse zones and slope gradients in addition to up-to-date conditions reports bringing together all of the essential information in one place.
For piste skiers the detailed piste mapping feature can be used to plan a day on the slopes and help identify the sunniest pistes, best restaurants and give information on lift status and weather conditions. It is also offers real-time location sharing and for those keen to record and share their experiences, FATMAP also allows users to record distance travelled, vertical descent and speed and create their own unique 3D fly-throughs for sharing on their social networks.
FatMap's founding partners Dave Cowell and Misha Gopaul came up with the concept when on a ski expedition to Albania in 2010.
Dave, an experienced software developer and Geography scholar from Oxford University is a self-confessed mapping geek and Misha is a successful Tech Entrepreneur who is also on the Swiss Mountain Guide training scheme and British ski mountaineering team.
Both are passionate off-piste skiers and climbers preferring nothing more than being away from it all at any chance possible.
"FatMap is based on a simple principle. 'Know more. Do more.' We believe that uncertainty can often stop skiers and snowboarders from challenging their limits, so we created FatMap to empower them with the tools and information, to explore further, safely," said Misha Gopaul.
FatMap will launch in December 2014, initially covering Chamonix, Verbier, Zermatt, Val D'Isere & Tignes (Espace Killy) and Les Arcs and La Plagne (Paradiski) with more resorts promised throughout the winter season.
It can be downloaded via the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. All users will be able to download a free trial prior to purchase. Once downloaded you can choose from either the 'Piste' or 'Freeride' version for your favourite resort. The cost of the version will vary depending on the size of the resort area however 'Piste' will be available from £2.49 per resort per year and 'Freeride' will be available from £9.99 per resort per year.
fatmap.com