From Boots to GPS – Is Technology Changing the Experience of Skiing?

The skiing landscape is steadily changing. How is technology modernising the experience and is it a good thing?

We’re all aware that technology is changing the world. From the early 00s onwards, it has been finding its way into every industry, with the most revolutionised including the fashion, financial, and gaming industries – all of which have grown to multi-billion-dollar valuations. 

We know, for instance, that most people pay with a contactless card in 2025. We also know that, instead of travelling to a brick-and-mortar casino, most people play slots online simply due to its convenience. 

But one thing that we don’t know – or at least, aren’t told about as much – is how technology is changing other, more niche sectors of our daily lives. In a way, it feels like it’s been happening without anyone really noticing, and nowhere is this more true than in the world of skiing. 

How is Technology Changing the Experience of Skiing?
Many people ski. That goes without saying. Just last year, an estimated 2 million UK citizens went on a skiing holiday, with over 370 million going skiing globally in the 2023/24 season. What many people don’t pay attention to, however, is how the ski industry has been quietly transformed over the last two decades, thanks largely to the rapid advancements in technology. 

Let’s start with GPS as an example. For ski enthusiasts looking to monitor their progress, it’s now become possible to use GPS-powered apps – like Slopes or Ski Tracks – that can track speed, distance, elevation, and even map out an entire run. Other top skiing apps like Map My Run also allow users to analyse their performance in real-time, and then share their results on social media in order to measure their improvements and compare it with friends. 

We also have smart clothing. Today, ski jackets, gloves, and boots can come equipped with built-in heated elements that can be controlled via an app, with the technology helping to regulate body temperature and ensure skiers stay comfortable throughout long days on the mountain. Some boots can even adjust their stiffness! On the market today, smart ski boots come with advanced sensors and mechanisms designed to adjust their fit based on the skier’s performance or comfort, helping them to adapt to various conditions and reduce painful pressure points. 

Changing the Sport at Professional and Amateur Level
Ski technology isn’t just about gadgets and clothing either – it’s about improving the sport itself. For more experienced, professional skiers, it’s also possible to buy performance-tracking devices embedded in skis to help them fine-tune their techniques. These sensors monitor things like edge angles, carving precision, and speed, providing data that can be synced with a smartphone and used to improve form over time. 

In terms of safety, technology has similarly made significant strides. To improve avalanche awareness, for example, GPS-enabled beacons and safety devices like the RECCO reflector can provide real-time location tracking and allow skiers to get real-time information on snow conditions and avalanche risks. There are also more standard apps working to monitor health metrics, including heart rate, oxygen levels, and fatigue, and these can be crucial in ensuring even the most amateur skiers don’t push themselves too hard and risk overexertion or injury.

Conclusion
Wherever you look, technology is slowly but surely making skiing safer, more accessible, and more enjoyable for skiers of all levels. Essentially, it is changing the experience that we all know so well, turning the sport into something that is far more intuitive and, in some ways, tailored to the individual. So if you’re going onto the mountain any time soon, take a moment to think about the technology you’ll be using, and perhaps say a silent thanks to the inventor!