Your season isn’t just about the biggest sends — it’s every run, every lap, and every day you made it out on snow. With the 2025|26 season wrapping up, it’s the perfect time to see how it all stacked up. That’s why we’re bringing back Slopes Highlights for a limited time.

Whether you snuck in a last‑minute trip, chased spring corn, or kept a streak alive way longer than you planned, your season’s story is ready and waiting.

Your Winter, Your World

This year’s Highlights bundle your entire 2025|26 season into a set of shareable cards designed to feel like a mini yearbook for your winter.

Opening your recap is easy: if you logged any activity in 2025|26, your Highlights are waiting for you right inside the app. Just fire up Slopes, view your recap, and relive your greatest days on snow. You’ll see the milestones you hit, the stats that grew, and the moments that play in your head again and again.

Each card is formatted for easy sharing, so you can save your favorites to your camera roll or post them straight to your socials.

Spotlight Your Achievements

Once you’ve taken it all in, don’t keep those stats to yourself. Share your Highlights with friends — and with us. Tag @SlopesApp to show how your winter stacked up, whether you’re flexing a huge vert day, a perfectly consistent streak, or that one unforgettable trip.

Your season is locked in. Now’s the time to relive it ⛷️🏂.

When all you want to do is ride, juggling multiple apps is the last thing on your mind. That’s why we've partnered with Ikon Pass to let your ski and ride days flow seamlessly between both apps.

It’s practically magic: when you link your Ikon Pass app account to Slopes, new Ikon Pass days will be added to your Slopes Logbook automatically. And the days you record in Slopes at Ikon Pass destinations? It'll appear right in the Ikon Pass app.

Even better, those synced days count fully toward Achievements and Leaderboards, so you won't have to choose between keeping your Ikon Pass standings and using your favorite tracking app.

Your new favorite combo, explained

• No more double-tracking. Keep all your Ikon Pass days together with everything you track in Slopes, instead of bouncing between apps.​
• Ikon Pass credit, either way. Record in Slopes at Ikon Pass destinations and your days will count toward Achievements and Leaderboards in the Ikon Pass app.
• Deeper stats for every lap. Relive vertical, distance, speed, lifts, and more with Slopes’ detailed stats and beautiful 3D maps.
• A lifetime Logbook. Build a single, long-term record of your winters – from first turns to biggest trips – that sticks with you season after season.

How to link Ikon Pass + Slopes

1. Open Slopes and go to the Account tab.​
2. Tap Integrations & Tools and choose "Sync with Ikon Pass".​
3. Sign in with your Ikon Pass account and approve the connection.

From there, ride like normal. Days you record in Slopes at Ikon Pass destinations will keep your Ikon standings up to date, while Ikon Pass–recorded days will start flowing into your Slopes Logbook.​ You can disconnect your accounts anytime from the same menu.

An FYI…

To keep things running smoothly, here are a few things to know:

• Only activities recorded after linking the accounts will sync.
• Transfer may take a few hours to trigger after you stop and save the recording.
• Days recorded in Slopes at non-Ikon Pass resorts will not appear in the Ikon Pass app.
• Multiple sessions in one day are combined into a single daily summary.
• Speed stats are visible in Slopes, but not in the Ikon Pass app.
• We don’t recommend recording in both apps at the same time.

Ready to link up?

Chase your Ikon Pass destination count and watch your Slopes lifetime stats climb at the same time! Connect Ikon Pass to Slopes and get a complete view of your season—on your app of choice. No more fumbling between apps, no more duplicate recordings, and no more worrying about your spot on the leaderboard.

Riding with an Ikon Pass crew? Share this so everyone can keep their stats (and stories) together ❄️.

Your ski year in stats is live! Check out your biggest moments, see where you went, and share the stoke.

From your longest streak and wildest rides to the unexpected fun facts only Slopes could track, your 2025 Highlights turn a year’s worth of runs into stories worth telling.

Whether you skied across continents, hit new personal bests, or simply chased those perfect bluebird days, Slopes has wrapped it all up into a set of story cards to celebrate your winter adventures and show off your achievements.

Relive Your Adventures

It’s your year in snow, all ready to go!

Opening your recap is easy: if you logged any activity in 2025, your Highlights are waiting for you right inside the app. Just fire up Slopes, view your recap, and relive your greatest days on snow.

Your Slopes Highlights are here until January 15! We’ll keep them updating live through December 31 to make sure every run is captured.

🤫 Missing any days? Import all your rides to complete your recap.

Let’s Make This a Moment

Your personal bests deserve the spotlight! 🎿View your Highlights now, and tag @SlopesApp when you share — we're excited to see your brag-worthy numbers!

View Your Highlights

Got some downtime while waiting for that fresh snow to fall? Why not take a few minutes to import your data from other apps that are compatible with Slopes? This way you can have all your epic winters in one place.

You can import data from the following apps and devices: Garmin, Ski Tracks, Strava, or other GPX files (including Snoww or Trace/Alpine Replay—if you still have the files saved).

Step by Step, App by App

• Slopes has a direct integration with Garmin Connect, which automatically imports up to five years’ worth of your ski data.
• Ski Tracks lets you export files in the .skiz format, which can be imported to Slopes without any additional changes.
• For Strava, you can follow their official guide to export GPX files here: Exporting your Data and Bulk Export.

‼️ Ski Track direct transfer: if you're on iPhone, you can directly export - import activtites from Ski Tracks to Slopes. Simply select the <Export as SKIZ> in the Ski Tracks app, then select Slopes as destination (might be under More tab - see visual instructions below).

GPX Import Requirements

If you’re using GPX files, they must include the following data for compatibility: latitude, longitude, altitude, and time.

To improve data accuracy, it’s best if your file also includes vdop and hdop (vertical and horizontal accuracy) information. Without this, you might see inaccuracies such as unrealistically high speeds.

How to Import

Importing files via your phone

• Open Slopes>Logbook, then tap at the top on the "+" symbol for iPhone / "⋮" symbol for Android to start the import.
• Select Import from File.
• Select the saved GPX file you'd like to import.

Import files in bulk - Mac to iPhone

On macOS Catalina or later, you can connect your iPhone to your Mac and use the Finder to import files in bulk. Simply drag and drop the files you want to import into the Slopes folder, and that's it. We'll do the rest.

Detailed Apple instructions here: https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT210598.

If you're on macOS Mojave or earlier, you can use iTunes instead: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201301.

Transferring Files from Computer to Android

To move GPX files from your computer to your Android device, you can either use your Google Account or a USB cable.​

• Using your Google Account: Upload the GPX files to a cloud service linked to your Google Account (such as Google Drive), then open the same service on your Android device, so you can import them into Slopes.​
• USB cable (Windows or Chromebook): Connect your Android device to your computer with a USB cable, set the USB mode to File Transfer, then drag GPX files from your computer into a folder on your device; detailed steps are here: https://support.google.com/android/answer/9064445.​

Once the files are on your Android device, import them using the Slopes in-app Import feature.

Transferring Files from Computer to iPhone

On Windows 7 or later, you can use iTunes to import files into Slopes in bulk: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201301.

With its no-BS interface, Slopes packs smart features that deliver detailed recaps and stat breakdowns of your days on the mountain — giving you a full view of your skiing or snowboarding adventures.

Whether you're learning to ski at your local resort or an expert chasing untracked pow, Slopes can take your snow days to the next level. We’ve put together this Cheatsheet with tips, tricks, taps, swipes, and settings to help you make the most of Slopes.

#1 Tip for Using Slopes - Update

Always make sure you have the latest app version installed on your device. Every season brings new features, and we’re constantly rolling out improvements. During peak season, updates can happen as often as every couple of weeks — so before you hit the mountain, take a moment to ensure your app’s up to date.

Download on the App Store | Get it on Google Play

2. Improve GPS Signal

GPS cutting out mid-run and throwing off your stats? Avoid these common issues to keep your GPS accurate and reliable:

• Too Many Layers: If your phone is buried under too many layers of clothing or tucked too deep in a pocket, it can weaken GPS reception.
• Airplane Mode: It might be tempting to use Airplane or Low Power Mode to save battery, but instead, just turn off cellular data to maintain GPS accuracy.

GPS Tips

Slopes uses GPS to track and record your activities. GPS (Global Positioning System) works by connecting the chip in your phone to overhead satellites and is us

Slopes Knowledge BaseSlopes

3. Save on Battery Life

When no other apps are running in the background, a phone with decent battery health can last up to 14 hours on a full charge. But even the best plans can go sideways, right? Here’s a few ways you can make it last longer:

4. Be Mountain Ready - Download Your Maps Ahead

Lost signal? No problem. You can save both classic paper-style trails and Slopes’ smooth interactive maps with searchable trail data right to your device. Before you hit the slopes, make sure to lock in your offline maps for your destination.

This feature is reserved for Premium Annual subscribers, offering the best offline experience all season long. Day Passes do not unlock the Offline Maps option.

5. Locate Your Friends on the Mountain

Never lose track of your friends on the slopes again. Slopes supports live Location Sharing — make sure "Share Location with Nearby Friends" is enabled when you start recording. Once enabled, you’ll see friends who are recording at the same resort (if they’ve turned on sharing too), and they can see you.

6. Find Me - Share a Temporary Safety Web Link

There are times you might want to let someone who’s not on the mountain follow along. Slopes makes that easy by letting you generate a temporary web link to your live activity.

7. See Exactly Where You Broke a Record — Smart Shortcut (Premium Feature)

One handy trick in the Activity Summary lets you pinpoint exactly when you hit top speed, logged your longest run, or reached your peak heart rate.

Check the Key Stats and/or Fitness sections of your day, tap the stat you want to explore, and Slopes will jump straight to that moment in the Timeline when it was recorded. Pretty neat, right? 😉

8. Edit Your Day – Trim Off the Drive Away for Accurate Stats

There’s nothing more frustrating than realizing you left Slopes running after hopping back in the car — throwing your stats completely off. Unless, of course, you’re trying to claim that top speed from the highway 😉.

9. Replay Your Day on the Timeline View

All your recordings live in the Logbook, listed as individual Activities. Each one includes detailed stats from your day, along with an interactive timeline and map that show every run and lift you took.

10. Compare Runs (Premium Feature)

Ever hit the same run a few times and push just a little harder on that last lap? It’s super easy to see the results of your efforts! Premium users can bring up two runs side by side and compare them in detail.

Even cooler (IMO)—this works with friends you rode with too. See who is sustaining the best speed, taking the most breaks, and get a full picture of how each run stacked up.

11. How We Measure Top Speed

Slopes measures sustained top speed—which means you need to hold that speed for a moment or two for it to count in your stats.

12. Keep Your Group Connected with Trips Planner

The countdown has begun and the group chat is buzzing with “Are you coming? Who’s joining?” Trips Planner is your one-stop solution for planning, inviting friends, and keeping tabs on trip details, all in one place.

While you're on a trip, you can see everyone's locations even if you're not recording. It’s perfect for tracking down stragglers after ending your activity or figuring out where to meet if you're joining late.

Slopes Pro Tip: Trips Planner

Add upcoming trips to Slopes, and invite your friends to share in the hype. Trips let you keep tabs on the conditions of resorts you’ll hit, who’s coming or not, who else was invited, all in one central place.

Slopes BlogSlopes

13. Add All Your Ski Buddies and Climb the Leaderboards

Friends on Slopes work a little differently than on other social networks—by design! There are no public profiles or usernames. Instead, Slopes keeps things simple and private by connecting you through an initial friend link. This goes a long way to avoid creepy strangers sliding into your DMs, bots, harassment, and other unwanted interactions.

14. Review Your Lifetime Stats

Ever wondered which resort you’ve visited most, your lifetime peak altitude, or your all‑time top speed? Curious how many days you’ve spent riding downhill? Tap the Lifetime Stats summary at the top of your Logbook to explore all the details.

15. Import Activities From Other Apps

New to Slopes? Why not take a few minutes to import your data from other apps that are compatible with Slopes? This way, you can have all your epic winters in one place.

Can Slopes import my data from other apps or devices?

Along with being able to use Slopes to record, you can import data from other devices and apps. Slopes supports the common GPX file-format, and some app-specifi

Slopes Knowledge BaseSlopes

16. Export Activities From Slopes

You can easily export your activity data recorded with Slopes. It's your data, and we will always make sure you can get to it. Slopes can export in GPX, KMZ, and a Slopes backup file.

Can I export my data?

Slopes can export your recordings in GPX, KMZ, and a Slopes backup file. To export a recording from Slopes, open the recording from the Logbook. Underneath the

Slopes Knowledge BaseSlopes

17. Connect to Strava

While Slopes itself doesn’t include public-facing profiles, that doesn’t mean you can’t share your achievements with the world if you want. That’s why we created an easy integration with Strava, allowing you to post your daily recaps directly to your Strava feed.

Link the two by going into the Account Tab → Integrations → Upload to Strava.

18. Connect to Garmin

Link your Garmin Connect and Slopes accounts, and Garmin Connect Autosync will automatically import your ski and snowboard activities. Once authorized, your last 5 years of Garmin snow history will be imported too (duplicates skipped).

19. Health Connect & Google Fit Integration

If you use an Android wearable or device that sends data to Google’s Health APIs, Health Connect can sync this fitness data into Slopes.

20. Find the Slopes Guy

Love Where’s Waldo? Track down Curtis on the slopes, say “Hi!” in person, and earn exclusive swag, including the rare “I met the Slopes guy” pin.

Hope we surprised you with at least one thing you didn’t know about Slopes, but most of all, that you found new joy in using and playing with the app. See you on the Slopes 🌨🤞!

For winter sport lovers, that first dump of snow can feel like the true kickoff of the season, right? But here at Slopes, the season always kicks off just a little earlier. Each September, Apple’s latest iOS release is what sets the stage for Slopes' first major update of the season. And with iOS 26 now live, we’re dropping the opening run of updates that’ll carry you—and us—through a legendary winter.

Think of this as your first lap before the lifts spin—packed with shiny new features and slick design tweaks to track your best days, catch your top runs, and get hyped for every twist and turn.

Liquid Glass Comes to Skiing and Snowboarding

We're fully embracing iOS 26’s brand-new Liquid Glass design to bring a fresh and immersive look to the skiing and snowboarding experience.

Get excited! The classic Slopes look that you know and love now feels lighter and more fluid, so you can get a deeper connection with the mountain, including:

• Liquid Glass Visuals: The main ride card and on-screen controls, along with AR views, now feature Apple’s new glass elements — creating an adaptive, elegant experience that lets the map and mountain visuals shine through.
• Fresh Identity: The redesigned app icon reflects the clean, dynamic aesthetic of iOS 26.
• A redesigned Watch start screen streamlines getting into a run + new configurable Watch widgets let you track conditions at multiple resorts at a glance.
• Slopes' location-based widgets will show up in your Smart Stack at supported ski resorts to prompt recording.

Slopes + AirPods Pro 3 for Live Heart Rate Monitoring

From its release date, Slopes will support Airpods Pro 3's live heart rate monitoring function. We are one of the first apps to tap into Apple’s newest HealthKit API and wearable sensor technology, unlocking a new level of on-mountain performance tracking.

With AirPods Pro 3, you will gain real-time heart rate data that's seamlessly embedded into Slopes, delivering immediate performance insights.

Our new design and features are now available for iPhone and Apple Watch, coinciding with the iOS 26 release. So be sure to strap in and update now. This winter, Slopes has your back as the ultimate mountain sidekick!

by Sakura - Growth, International Markets @Slopes

Japan is home to over 450 ski resorts scattered across snow-covered mountains, islands, and even volcanoes. Yes, the powder really is that good. But the fresh lines are only part of the experience. You can’t miss out on the food, culture, onsens and those small, unexpected moments you won’t be able to find anywhere else.

Whether it’s your first trip or your fifth, here are 10 things you’ll want to know before heading into the deep.

1. 🏔️ Waking up in a Different World: Japow is Real

If you haven't experienced it yet, picture this: going to bed after a big day on the slopes and waking up to your tracks completely gone the next morning. The trees are frosted, cars buried, and everything’s blanketed in champagne powder so light it barely makes a sound when you step through it.

Japan’s famously dry and fluffy powder (lovingly called Japow) isn’t just a myth, it’s a meteorological miracle. The cold air blowing off Siberia picks up moisture over the Sea of Japan and dumps it onto the mountains of the Japanese Alps and Hokkaido resulting in resort snowfall averages that would make your jaw drop.

If chasing powder is your priority, the sweet spot to visit is from mid-January through mid-February. Resorts like Hakuba, Myoko, Niseko, and Yuzawa can get multiple meters of fresh snow in a single week. This isn’t the “occasional” powder — this is everyday powder.

2. 🚗 Getting There Hassle-Free

Japan’s ski towns might feel like hidden gems nestled in remote mountain valleys, but they're surprisingly easy to reach thanks to the country’s high-speed rail network and reliable winter infrastructure.

The Nagano area has been a longtime favorite among international skiers, and it's easy to see why. Resorts like Hakuba Valley, Nozawa Onsen, and Shiga Kogen offer legendary snowfall, epic terrain, and a great blend of traditional charm and modern convenience. To get there, simply hop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagano Station (which takes about 90 minutes).

From there, it depends on where you're heading next:

• Hakuba Valley is about an hour away by shuttle
• Nozawa Onsen is only 25 minutes from Iiyama Station (one stop after Nagano) by bus
• Shiga Kogen is about a 60-minute bus ride from Nagano Station

If you’re planning on bringing your ski gear with you or you want to hit multiple mountains, renting a car might be a better option — just be sure it has winter tires, and remember, Japan drives on the left side of the road.

Looking for something even more convenient?

Head to Yuzawa, one of the easiest snow escapes in the world. The Joetsu Shinkansen will take you from Tokyo to Echigo-Yuzawa Station in just 75 minutes. You could be skiing by lunchtime! Resorts like GALA Yuzawa, Ishiuchi Maruyama, and Kagura are all close by as well, and some are connected directly to the station.

Bonus tip: If you find yourself at the station with some time to spare, grab a hot Ekiben (bento boxes sold at train stations) before boarding. Ski trips taste better when they start off with good seafood bowls and beer on the rails!

3. 💸 Surprisingly Affordable

Japan doesn’t just deliver the best snow — it also happens to offer one of the best deals in the global ski world.

A full-day lift pass at most Japanese resorts ranges from ¥4,000 to ¥6,500 (roughly $25–45 USD). Even bigger-name destinations like Hakuba or Niseko rarely break the ¥8,000 mark (about $55 USD), and many resorts also offer multi-day discounts.

But it doesn’t stop at the lifts.

Most lodgings include breakfast and dinner — sometimes even with an onsen — for under ¥15,000 a night. That’s about $100 USD, what a sweet deal.

Even a mid-mountain ramen lunch with your Slopes crew — complete with a view and a steaming bowl of tonkotsu, or even fresh sashimi, will rarely run you more than ¥1,200 to ¥2,000  ($8-13 USD). You’ll walk away full, happy, and ready for another round.

You’ll also find that gear rentals, restaurant prices, and transit costs are a lot cheaper than the Alps or Rockies. This means you can budget for a powder guide, or add in a few more days of riding deep snow without the (deep) credit card burn.

4. 🗾 Extend the Adventure: Culture, Convenience & a Smooth Ride Home

Japan isn’t just a ski destination — it’s a whole other world to explore. If you’re making the trip, we highly recommend booking an extra day or two at the end of your ski trip. Why? Because when the snow settles, there’s still so much more to experience.

Wander through a snow-covered temple in Nagano, take a stroll through the lantern-lit streets of Nozawa’s historic village, or explore Tokyo on your way home. With its street foods, arcades, cafes, and late-night ramen, it’s the perfect urban reset after a week in the mountains.

And if you're planning on visiting in late March or April, you might even be able to catch Tokyo’s cherry blossoms in full bloom — the ultimate spring send-off to your winter adventure.

And here’s a game-changing tip for anyone traveling with gear: don’t bother with wrestling your ski bag through subways or up narrow staircases by yourself. Instead, use Yamato Transport (Black Cat) or Japan Post to ship your skis or board straight to your hotel or resort. It'll cost around ¥2,000–3,000 ($13–20 USD), and delivery usually takes 1–2 days.

You can even send your gear back to the airport ahead of time and pick it up just before your flight — no stress, no hauling, just smooth transitions from the slopes to sightseeing.

5. 🏧 Cash is Still King

Japan might be one of the most high-tech countries in the world, but when it comes to money — it’s still surprisingly analog in a lot of mountain area.

While major resorts and hotels (especially in spots like Niseko or Hakuba) generally accept credit cards, you’ll run into plenty of other situations where cash is the only option. Consider the mom-and-pop ramen shops, mountain huts, local buses, traditional inns, and vending machines. Even most taxis only accept cash payments.

Don't fret if you forgot to do a currency exchange beforehand or if you're running low on cash. ATMs are widely available, especially at 7-Eleven, Lawson, and post offices, with many accepting international cards. That said, it can be hit or miss — with some working, and others out of operation, and occasionally you’ll run into withdrawal limits around ¥50,000 to ¥100,000 (~$650 USD) per transaction.

So better be safe than sorry — grab some yen before your trip, and always keep a bit of cash in your pockets, just in case. You never know when you’ll pass a bakery window and spot a steaming ¥400 pork bun calling your name.

6. 🌲 Tree Skiing Heaven (With Rules)

The tree skiing in Japan is nothing short of phenomenal. Long, flowing lines through perfectly spaced trees, deep snow underfoot, and the kind of turns that leave you laughing at the bottom. When it’s on — and it often is — you’ll understand why riders from all over the world come here chasing powder.

But make no mistake — off-piste come with strict rules. Many resorts prohibit tree runs outside designated areas, and ropes are not to be ignored. Ducking them can result in your pass being revoked, or worse, trigger a rescue response that puts others at risk.

If you’re planning to venture beyond the marked trails, do it right. Check with patrol, look for official gate systems, and most importantly, hire a local guide if you’re exploring the backcountry. Conditions in Japan can change quickly, and avalanche risk is very real. Riding with someone who knows the terrain (and speaks the language) is the best way to stay safe and find the deepest lines.

There’s endless terrain out there. Just make sure you explore responsibly.

7. 🍶 Après-Ski, the Japanese Way

Après-ski in Japan has its own rhythm — its less about going wild, and more about winding down, sharing stories, and warming up from the inside out.

After the lifts stop spinning, you’ll usually find riders heading straight to an onsen to soak away the day, then meeting up with friends at a local izakaya (Japanese pub) and catching up over plates of grilled yakitori, sashimi, edamame, and good local sake. It’s casual, comforting, and always hits the spot.

Not ready to end the night just yet? Many ski towns also have cozy karaoke bars. Whether you’re singing with friends or locals, it’s completely normal to end the night with a mic in one hand and a highball in the other.

In Japan, après isn’t just one thing — it’s a mix of ritual, food, and fun. There's something for everyone, whether you’re looking for vibes or volume.

8. 🗣️ Learn a Little Japanese

You don’t need to be fluent to ski in Japan, but learning a few basic phrases goes a long way, especially once you leave the big, tourist-heavy resorts.

Simple words like “arigatou gozaimasu” (thank you) and “sumimasen” (excuse me / sorry) can totally change the vibe of an interaction. Locals appreciate the effort, even if your pronunciation isn't quite right. Plus, it makes those little moments — like chatting with a liftie, ordering at a ramen shop, or getting directions — way more fun.

Here are a few handy ones to keep in your pocket:

Konnichiwa (こんにちは) = Hello
Daijoubu (大丈夫) = I’m okay / It’s alright
Oishii! (おいしい) = Delicious!
Doko desu ka? (どこですか？) = Where is ___?
Onsen wa doko desu ka? = Where’s the hot spring?

And if you forget everything else?
Just smile and bow — it’s the universal Japanese superpower.

9. 🙇‍♂️ Keep an Eye Out for the Small Details

Japan is all about the details — and that includes how people move, speak, and share spaces. Understanding a few basic cultural habits will help you blend in and avoid any unintentional faux pas.

For starters, quiet is the norm, especially in public areas. Whether you're in a gondola, on a shuttle bus, or walking through your ryokan hallway, keep your voice low and phone calls to a minimum. It’s not about being stiff, it’s just part of the respect-driven culture.

Here are a few other things worth knowing:

・Take your shoes off when entering homes, ryokans, and sometimes even restaurants or changing rooms. If there’s a step-up and slippers nearby, shoes off is the way to go.

・Don’t bring your towel into the onsen water. Wash first, leave the towel on the side, and soak respectfully.

・Always follow the line. Japanese skiers queue up neatly for lifts, buses, and restaurants — no crowding, no cutting, just quiet order.

The beauty of Japanese ski culture isn’t just in the powder — it’s also in the way people treat each other and the mountain. When in doubt, follow the flow, observe what others do, and don’t be afraid to ask politely.

10. 🏔️ It’s More Than a Ski Trip

The powder might be what brings you to Japan — and yeah, it’s incredible — but it’s everything else that will stay with you.

It’s the quietness of a snow-covered forest. The feeling of stepping into a steaming onsen as flakes swirl around you. The first sip of hot sake after a long day in waist-deep powder. The warmth of strangers who help you with directions even if you don’t speak the same language. The vending machine green tea that somehow hits just right.

Skiing in Japan is a rhythm: deep turns, deep rest, deep respect. It’s a chance to slow down, reconnect with the mountains, and experience a culture that moves with quiet intention.

And here's another piece of advice so that you can enjoy your trip without worry — book everything ahead of time. Resorts, trains, and ryokans fill up fast, especially in peak powder season. Planning early means less stress for yourself… and more time to float through the good stuff.

You’ll come for the snow.
And you’ll leave thinking about how to get back.

We can't wait to meet you out on the slopes! ❄️🎿

Time flies when you're having fun! Back in November, we kicked off the season with a challenge to win an all-inclusive trip to Hakuba Valley with the Slopes team. Now, with spring right around the corner, we've returned from an unforgettable week in the snow with the winners. From fresh powder to après-ski laughs, these are memories we'll cherish long after the snow melts.

Meet Kevin and Noah!

Of course, none of these memories would exist without our challenge winner, Kevin from Spokane, WA, and his friend Noah, who joined in on the adventure. From the moment they landed in Hakuba, they brought an infectious energy that perfectly matched the mountain's magic.

A Smooth Start 🌲❄️

Kevin’s favorite moment happened on the very first day of our trip. We were greeted with deep powder and an incredible terrain, making it impossible to resist spending the entire day in Tsugaike Mountain Resort's famed Double Black Diamond (DBD) zone. This area is known for having some of the best lift-accessed powder in the entire valley, and it certainly didn't disappoint.

Tucked beside the resort’s upper lift, the DBD zone transported us into a powder-filled realm of its own. With deep snow blanketing the forest and sunlight filtering through the trees, each run felt like we were uncovering a new hidden treasure.

But don't mistake serenity for simplicity. As Tsugaike’s crown jewel for advanced riders, DBD offers resort-managed access to steep, ungroomed terrain with all the feels of a true backcountry without the long approaches. Be prepared to sign in at the gate, collect your avalanche gear (beacon, shovel, probe), and check with patrol before entering.

The terrain delivered in every way imaginable with its long technical tree runs, natural features, deep gullies, and neverending powder bowls. The light, bottomless Hakuba powder practically demanded us to give big turns and bolder drops. We followed Kevin and Noah through glades that twist along the frozen creek bed, and paused only to soak in the silence and exchange wide-eyed grins with one another.

Ringing the bell 🔔

While part of the crew was busy carving lines in the DBD zone, the rest of us worked just as hard at the gondola midstation, hosting our Slopes pop-up booth. With fluttering flags waving in the breeze, our little blue-and-white canopy became a beacon of attention, drawing in crowds eager to swap stories and share hearty laughs.

Our lucky draw had Slopes enthusiasts queuing for a chance to win exclusive merch like t-shirts, water bottles, and stickers. Every winner was announced with a cowbell ring from our one-and-only Emma. You could hear its echo rolling down the slopes and luring in any curious passersby. From locals to international visitors, so many stopped by just to talk about Slopes, share their love for the mountains, or simply warm up with some good vibes. What a fulfilling first day in the valley!

Into the Backcountry We Go! 🗻

The next two days took us into the backcountry of Tsugaike with a private guide. We explored fresh lines, took in unbeatable views, and even had a truly magical encounter — spotting a kamoshika hanging out between the trees! These elusive creatures are considered to be one of Japan’s national symbols. They’re often referred to as the “spirit of the forest” because of their quiet, solitary nature and ability to seamlessly blend into their surroundings. Seeing one in the wild is a good omen — a sign of good fortune for many years to come.

And the real star of the show? The snow itself. Tsugaike is famous for its “Tsuga POW,” a super light, dry powder that makes you feel like you're floating. Locals know it, and now we do too: on some runs, it felt like we were barely touching the ground. The combination of elevation, weather patterns, and perfectly spaced terrain gives this area some of Hakuba Valley's most playful, rideable snow. Turn after turn, it was nothing but pure fun.

From Our Lens... 📸

We’re beyond grateful to our team photographers Justin and Travis who were able to capture these moments for us to look back on. Their lenses preserved the entire trip without missing even a single moment: from our first glimpse of Mt. Shirouma's peaks to foot onsen après-ski sessions — and who could forget the walks to dinner with those towering eight-foot snow walls surrounding us?!

Japow Meets Japanese Cuisine 🍜

Of course, we have to mention all the amazing food we ate: steaming bowls of ramen, chewy udon, crispy katsu, and mouthwatering donburi. And don't forget the sukiyaki we feasted on at a traditional Japanese house in Otari Village! Dinner was always a welcome change from the quick bites we managed to grab between runs. Every meal was a new adventure that left us more than satisfied.

The fun doesn't just stop there though. We also ventured into the legendary world of Japanese karaoke. What started as a low-key plan to sing a couple songs to wind down quickly escalated into something more. Before we knew it, we were passing around the mic like pros and didn't stop until our voices were hoarse and unrecognizable.

More Than Just Skiing 🎤🎉

Noah said it best:

“The sensory overload of endless, deep snow made the ski trip undeniably exotic, a feeling that found comforting resolution in the steaming, savory embrace of mountain ramen.”

But what really marked this trip as one for the books wasn't just the bottomless powder or even the life-changing ramen (though they were really, really good). It was the crew who made these moments unforgettable—from slightly out-of-tune karaoke to jokes that cracked everyone up. It’s proof that with the right combination of friends and amazing snow, you're bound to leave with stories you'll retell for years to come.

Whether you're chasing that legendary Tsuga POW, dipping into the backcountry, or trying to get a taste of the food and karaoke, Hakuba has it all.

So, are you dreaming of your own Hakuba adventure? We certainly are! We've already started planning our next trip. Heads up: hotels in Tsugaike and across Hakuba Valley are booking fast for next season (we've secured ours already).

We can't wait to meet you out on the slopes! ❄️🎿

Last Update: Nov 15, 2025

Live status is currently available for +60 resorts in North America. We're expanding this feature throughout the season, but it takes a few spins, runs, and weeks to test new locations.

If you've been following our Instagram Stories, you know we've been testing out a super cool feature. The plan was to spend more time testing it and launch it with more polish and wider coverage, but honestly, it's such a killer feature we simply couldn't wait.

Live Lift & Trail Status on Slopes

View Live Lift & Trail Status directly on the recording screen, and anytime on the interactive maps in the Resorts tab. Supported resorts will display lift status for all users, including those of you using the free version of Slopes.

Trail status is available for Slopes Premium riders, and trails will be faded out when they are marked as closed. Filters are enabled by default and can be toggled via the map settings.

Live status is also integrated with the resort search card, so you can quickly check any lift or trail, and filter on status, type, and categories.

So, here's to an epic season on the Slopes, and don't forget to update the app, and check out our latest awesome features! Happy Holidays!

When I set out to build Slopes in 2013, I had a ton of ideas that I knew I'd only be able to pull off if I ever got lucky enough to build not just an app, but a team. Building Slopes without external funding meant it took me three years after launching to go to full-time by myself, and a couple more to lay the foundations for a team. But we've only grown (fast!) since then.

As of this season, Slopes is a team of seven full-time employees, two contractors, two interns, and me. 🤯 Everything you've seen in Slopes over the past few years around interactive resort maps is the kind of feature only an amazing team can pull off. I thought it'd be cool to start pulling back the curtain and allow others at Slopes to share the awesome stuff they've been cooking up directly with you, beginning with Jess and Lydia from our mapping team...

— Yours, Curtis aka the Slopes Guy 🌨🤞

2000+ resorts are covered by Interactive 3D Maps, so you can confidently ski the world.

Guest Writers - Lydia, Jess @Mapping Team

No matter if you're riding in Europe, North America, Australia, or Japan, on Epic, Ikon, or any other ski area, we want Slopes to be there for you wherever you go and whenever you need it.

We’ve been consistently expanding our coverage of 3D interactive maps since they were first introduced in 2021. And now, we’re kicking off this season with over 1,500 new resorts added to the list, bringing our total coverage to 2,000+ resorts across the world. About 650 of these areas feature custom Slopes mapping meticulously crafted by our team, while the rest are sourced through a special integration with OpenStreetMap (OSM).

The idea of leveraging OSM data to rapidly expand our mapping coverage was game-changing. Hand-mapping each resort is rewarding but time-intensive. By pulling in and enhancing OSM data for 1,500+ resorts, we tripled the size of our map collection, creating one of the largest sets of high-quality digital ski maps on a single platform.

If you're curious about how we develop our custom-crafted maps and why they're so time-intensive, Lydia offers a more in-depth look at the process in our blog post here.

What's Cooking Next

We're laser-focused on further enhancing the mapping experience in the upcoming releases. We've just made major backend upgrades to the mapping system, to support complex layers of information such as ropes, gates, slow zones, restricted areas, and resort points of interest.

Breckenridge Resort and Tsugaike Mountain Resort will debut these enhancements today, offering an exclusive glimpse into our future. In the coming months and seasons, we'll gradually roll out this next generation of High-Definition Maps for top resorts.

Finally... A Celebration! Join the Slopes team in Japan! 🇯🇵

Japan takes center stage this season as we expand our international support. Slopes is now the official app of Tsugaike Mountain Resort in Hakuba Valley, and we're rolling out features tailored to the Japanese market, along with exclusive Slopes Premium perks for Tsugaike Mountain visitors. If you happen to be visiting Japan, our maps now support trail names and resort info in English, in addition to Kanji, Katakana, and Hiragana. Bonus, you can enjoy new Japanese-themed app icons.

To celebrate this partnership, we're planning a pow trip to Hakuba Valley from February 23rd to March 1st. Want to join our crew? We're offering a 1+1 spot on our trip to the winner of this 2024 Challenge!* More details can be found here.

Join the Challenge

Don't forget to update Slopes to the latest version and let's ski the world together!

*Open to U.S. residents only, 18+. While we aimed to make this an international challenge, legal restrictions on promotional activities and prizes in various countries forced us to limit eligibility to the territory where our company headquarters is based.

by Lydia - GIS Spatial Analyst @Slopes

Living in Montana, I'm blessed with seemingly endless snow and tree runs to take turns through. But traveling around, I've come to find that there's a thrill in discovering new places and sliding into new worlds with fresh snow and new sensations rushing under my feet. There's always the excitement (and anxiety!) of navigating a new resort - “Did I take the right turn?"- hoping not to end up on the opposite side of where you're supposed to be, or worse — in someone's backyard.

Slopes interactive maps are really cool and handy. They allow you to see your position on the mountain relative to the runs, lifts, and amenities of the resort, and also look for your friends. Whether you're searching for the best tree runs or the easiest route from the summit to where your party is, our maps are the best way to help you orient yourself with your surroundings, in real-time, in 3D.

We have an entire department dedicated to creating and maintaining maps. Yes, we make our own maps, which often raises the question, "Why do you do it? Haven't ski resorts been mapped a thousand times already?" The short answer is… not so short. We create our maps because we realized there wasn’t any reliable (and large enough) collection of high-quality digital resort maps out there — and it's not like we weren't searching. Moreover, this approach allows us to structure and maintain the data in perpetuity and in a way that seamlessly integrates with our app, providing the best possible experience.

Is it time-intensive to map ski resorts? You bet! Is it worth it? We wouldn't do it otherwise. Curious to see how?

The Process

At the most basic level, each symbol on a digital map represents at least one set of geographic coordinates that relate to a specific location on the Earth’s surface. Spatial data like this is most useful when stored using geographic information systems (GIS). GIS is a powerful tool that allows us to store the data we create with a host of non-spatial information, aka attributes, containing essential information for displaying and describing the resort data. Attributes are stored as layers in the software - Walkways, Runs, Lifts, Buildings, are all layers used to create the maps in the app.

Slopes maps include almost everything you'd find on a resort trail map and enhance the spatial awareness when navigating resorts. It's hard to find your way among the trees with a printed or an overlayed pdf, but that's not the case on Slopes ¯\(ツ)/¯.

Starting the process, it’s important to know where to find the most current and accurate information to reference. This information comes from two primary sources: 1) the official ski resort website and 2) Skiresorts.info, maintained by the National Ski Area Association (NSAA).

Creating Spatial Data

Mapping ski resorts from scratch, we use GIS software to layer our data over high-resolution imagery and other spatial datasets. This imagery, often at 1-meter resolution in many parts of the world, comes from satellite and aerial sources. We use it as a reference to manually draw resort features (yup, that's right, we draw overlays by hand) in their correct geographic locations. The fine resolution of the imagery allows us to clearly map lifts and resort buildings.

While we can often see where trees have been cleared for ski runs, accurately placing the runs is more challenging. Run paths are often close together, and there's no clear marker to indicate their start and endpoints. Similarly, it's difficult to determine the location of walkways from imagery alone. To accurately map runs and walkways, we need additional information. How do we really know where the runs go? This is where our Slopes data comes into play.

We use fully anonymized data from Slopes recordings to improve the accuracy of our maps. We plot a subset of this data as a heatmap and layer it under the resort. Combined with official trail maps, we are then able to determine where to add run lines, and their orientations. This information removes the guesswork and provides us with good accuracy.

Map QA

After mapping a resort, we then check to make sure the data is correct. Our first quality assurance step uses a custom-built tool designed for Slopes resort data structure. This tool identifies unusual combinations or missing attributes, flagging errors and warnings. Alerts prompt us to review and correct the data as needed.

Getting a second pair of eyes is essential in catching errors such as discrepancies with official resort maps, misspellings, misplacements, and incorrect attribute inputs. We use Slopes heatmaps in our QA checks to verify that features are correctly positioned.

QA is a constant, ongoing process. Our resort map data is revisited annualy, when ski areas are upgraded, removed, or expanded. At the start of each season, when new maps are released, our data analyst manually compares the current trail map to the one from previous seasons. They will identify features that need updating and pass the information to our GIS analysts for changes.

But that’s not all! We also make updates based on user-submitted corrections. These submissions are invaluable to our QA process, and we can't stress that enough. We have a network of dedicated snow sports enthusiasts who help by submitting corrections through the app  (one of them might even be you). When a user reports an issue, our mapping team starts to investigate the matter further.

Once the mapping process is complete, Curtis does his server magic, and the resort data becomes available for users to interact with and enjoy.

It takes a ski village to get it right, so we highly encourage slopes enthusiasts to write in about the maps and submit corrections. You help us make the app great, and we appreciate the feedback.

Japan takes center stage this season as we expand our international support. Slopes is now the official app of Tsugaike Mountain Resort in Hakuba Valley, and we're rolling out features tailored to the Japanese market, along with exclusive Slopes Premium perks for Tsugaike Mountain visitors.

To celebrate this partnership, we're planning a pow trip to Hakuba Valley from February 23rd to March 1st.

Want to join us in Japan? We're offering a 1+1 spot on our trip to the winner of this 2024 Slopes Challenge!

All you have to do is Join This Event in the app (❗tap the link from your mobile device), use Slopes to start your season and record your ski and snowboard days until December 31st, 2024. Each day counts as one entry, so the more days you record, the better your chances of winning.

If you’ve started the season and recorded a few days in your Logbook already, don't worry—we'll count those days, too!

To Join the Event, open this link on your mobile: https://my.getslopes.com/app/event/japow_25

During the first week of January, we'll randomly select a winner from all valid entries. If selected, you can bring a friend to ride with us to Japan, travel expenses included. Just make sure that you'll both be available to travel from February 22nd to March 1st, 2025.

What's Included for the Trip?

The idea is for the two of you (winner + friend) to be part of our crew for the 6 days we're spending in Hakuba Valley and Tsugaike Mountain Resort. Accommodation has already been arranged for everyone in a nice complex of villas, as well as complimentary lift tickets and other perks. We will be covering:

• Return flights from an airport in your nearest city to Tokyo and the transfer to and from Tokyo to our accommodation in Hakuba Valley.
• Double/twin room accommodation in one of the villas reserved by the Slopes team for this trip.
• Ski passes and local transportation fees for the resorts we visit.

Generally not included: travel visa, meals & groceries, insurance, medical costs. If you wish to fly first class, you will need to pay the difference ¯\(ツ)/¯.

Official Rules

You can read here the extensive version of the official rules, but please remember:

• Only Slopes activities recorded and saved via iPhone, Apple Watch, and Android will be counted for the challenge. No manual or import entries are accepted. The recording period for activities is October 1st - December 31st, 2024.
• The promotion is open to U.S. residents only, 18+. We wanted to make this an international challenge, but legal restrictions on promotional activities and prizes in various countries forced us to limit eligibility to the territory where our company headquarters is based.
• You must be 18 years or older to travel with us. If a participant is discovered to be under 18 years of age, they will automatically be disqualified.
• No purchase of Slopes premium is required (free).
• You are responsible for having valid passports, visas, travel insurance, and essential travel documents. Travel expenses are non-transferable and non-convertible to cash.

Official Rules: https://getslopes.com/storage/Slopes_2024_Challenge_Official_Rules.pdf

If there’s one thing that Spyder and Slopes have in common, it’s a passion for innovation. Whether it’s high-quality technical ski apparel, or the latest feature on the Slopes app, our products are engineered to help you to get the most out of your time on the mountain.

This season, we’re teaming up with Spyder to bring you the latest gear to keep you warm and dry while you’re tracking your winter adventures.

Get 15% off on the new collection with the code Slopes15 at eu.spyder.com.

• 15% off full price products, valid until March, 31st 11:59PM.
• The code is valid exclusively on non-discounted products, cannot be combined with any other discounts, and it's limited to 1 use per customer.

If you need some shopping inspiration, here's some of our favorite items:

The Pinnacle Jacket - seen here on the World Cup alpine ski racer Steven Nyman. The Pinnacle is an iconic Spyder favourite, featuring EXO Shield 30K. This Spyder fabric boasts 30K/30K waterproofing and breathability, as well as a 4-way stretch system, great for some of our pow adventures and the inevitable tumbles in deep snow.

The Falline Down Jacket - because ladies, we're ready to rock the slopes in style... and comfort! A cozy extra-tall collar and high-loft 650-fill goose down surround you in warmth (nope, we don't like to freeze in the chairlift either). The Falline has EXO SHIELD 30K/30K waterproofing, 4-way external stretch and full stretch interior, and all the pockets you could ask for.

Don't forget, European Slopes users benefit from 15% off on the new collection with the code Slopes15 at eu.spyder.com.

Wow, it's mid-September already. We're t-minus almost a month until the first resorts open in the US. While we all wait, Slopes has a massive update for you!

Three seasons ago, we introduced interactive resort maps, ushering in a new era for Slopes. We've grown beyond a simple activity tracker; our custom digital maps have transformed Slopes into the essential app for your winter adventures both on and off the mountain. However, this dramatic set of new features led to some design challenges.

It was time to refresh the Slopes interface

TL;DR -  iOS Release Notes https://getslopes.com/whatsnew_ios.

After months of refining the user experience, we're ready to unveil the new Slopes, coinciding with Apple's iOS 18 release. We've completely reimagined the app experience, centering it around interactive maps and personal activity stats.

The app's key sections now boast sleek UI data cards that work in perfect harmony with map visualizations:

• The Recording Screen automatically tracks your location and maps your route through the resort. It pinpoints your friends' locations and allows instant searches for lifts, runs, facilities, and more. Emergency services are just one tap away.
• The Logbook Screen displays on the map all the resorts you've visited in your lifetime. The new data card comes with nice surprises, such as new Lifetime Stats previews, Upcoming Trips, and a comprehensive history of your seasons and activities.
• The Activity Screen maps out your recordings, putting the replay button at your fingertips. This feature immerses you in a detailed recreation of your skiing or snowboarding experience.

• Finally, the Resorts Section now allows you to navigate, explore nearby resorts, and search for your favorite locations. This provides direct access to resort information, ski maps, current conditions, and snow forecasts.

Siri, ask Slopes for snow conditions at Keystone Resort.

Slopes is among the first apps to integrate Apple Intelligence and other iOS 18 features at launch. New capabilities include dark mode and tinted app icon support, Apple Watch improvements with double-tap gestures and Smart Stack widgets, and most notably, enhanced Siri Shortcuts for controlling recording via voice or Control Center, in preparation for AI:

• Pause, resume, or end recording via Shortcuts.
• Get summaries of in-progress recording stats, specific stats, or details about your last run via Siri & Shortcuts.
• Retrieve lists of nearby resorts for Shortcuts, and use them to get forecasts, conditions, or open resorts in Slopes.
• Use a Control Center widget to start recording (or just to have a ski or snowboard icon on your lock screen—because why not?).

Siri, start skiing with Slopes. Ask Slopes for the snow report at Vail Resort. Check snow forecast for Laax with Slopes. End recording in Slopes.

Combined with the new iOS 18 integrations, Slopes now offers the most immersive and intelligent winter sports experience available. The fresh new look in Slopes is available as of today for iPhone and Apple Watch, coinciding with the iOS 18 release. Update now and experience your ski adventures like never before!

Our team is really passionate about winter sports, with some of us having relocated to be right in the middle of the action almost year-round. You can "find the Slopes guy" most of the winter in Colorado (clocking an average of 50 days per season when not coding on some awesome feature 🙃). We have a stronghold in Montana and another in Switzerland /the European Alps.

And, starting next season, our JaPow dreams come true, as Tsugaike Mountain Resort will be our home base in Japan 🙌. Slopes has just become the official partner of Tsugaike Mountain Resort, a partnership meant to bring Japan closer to you. The partnership will combine Tsugaike's abundant snow and authentic Japanese experiences with the innovative features of the Slopes app for an enhanced skiing experience for all resort visitors.

As the official partner app of Tsugaike Mountain Resort, Slopes' interactive map with official ski resort information will be available for free to all skiers within the resort. All the latest features, including lift operations and course maintenance status, will be available at Tsugaike Mountain Resort. Slopes will provide a fully customized digital map, including restaurant and DBD area safety information.

Also, all visitors to Tsugaike Mountain Resort will receive complimentary Slopes Premium vouchers, giving them access to advanced tracking features and detailed performance analytics. This initiative is part of our commitment to enhancing the skiing and snowboarding experience, providing guests with valuable tools to optimize their time on the slopes.

Tsugaike Mountain Resort, part of Hakuba Valley, is located north of the Hakuba mountains and is known for its high-quality, abundant powder snow (average about 400 inches / 10m of snowfall throughout the season). The charm of the resort lies in its authetic vibe, true to the Japanese experience, with natural thermal hot springs (onsen), a variety of traditional Japanese cuisine, and what we loved most is its diversity in catering for a wide range of skiers and snowboarders of various levels.

First of all, the sheer expanse of the slopes is impressive. For beginners experiencing winter sports for the first time, the spacious and gently sloped learning areas are particularly appealing. At the upper parts of the mountain, a variety of options are available for skiers and snowboarders seeking advanced challenges, including demanding courses, and tree runs in the famous Tsuga Pow DBD area.

Although our visit this season was in the first week of April, when Japan is getting into "sakura" spring mode, we still got plenty of action, a taste of Tsuga Pow, and some nice tree runs. For now we'll let you enjoy the scenery with these awesome shots from the Kauffman brothers, but stay tuned for more Japanese news and surprises when the new season starts.