Strava Review for Skiing & Snowboarding
Strava is a popular fitness tracking app known for its social and community-driven features, initially developed for cyclists and runners.
Recently, Strava expanded to include a variety of sports, including skiing and snowboarding. Strava acquired the FATMAP App in January 2023 and completed the integration to Strava on October 1st, 2024.
Strava allows users to track their routes, analyze performance, and share their activities with others.
While it doesn’t offer specialized ski metrics like dedicated ski apps, it does allow users to log skiing activities, especially useful for ski touring and backcountry skiing enthusiasts.
Features and Functionality
Key Features:
- GPS Activity Tracking: Record your skiing or snowboarding routes, track distance, speed, and elevation change, similar to other sports activities like cycling or running.
- Route Sharing & Heat Maps: Users can see popular routes and share their ski tracks, providing insights into frequently used paths.
- Integration with Slopes: Strava has partnered with the Slopes app, allowing users to link their accounts and view detailed skiing metrics on Strava.
- Social & Competitive Elements: Engage in challenges, compare times with friends, and share your activities in the Strava community.
- Backcountry Ski Tracking: Suitable for logging ski touring activities, allowing users to document routes, analyze performance, and share with others.
Best Use Cases
Who is this app for?
Strava is best for skiers and snowboarders who want to log their activities, share their routes, and engage with a broader community. It’s especially valuable for those who also engage in other sports like cycling, running, or hiking, given the app’s multi-sport capabilities.
When should you use this app?
Use Strava for tracking your ski routes, comparing performance, and discovering popular paths. It’s also great for sharing your experiences and staying motivated through community challenges.
Why We Love Strava
- Versatile Activity Tracking: Strava tracks multiple sports, making it a go-to app for those who are active year-round across various activities.
- Community Engagement: The app’s social features allow users to connect, share, and engage in friendly competition with others worldwide.
- Easy Route Sharing: Share your ski tours and explore routes that other users have posted, ideal for discovering new backcountry paths.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent social and community features, including challenges and friend comparisons.
- Integration with other apps like Slopes, enhancing skiing metrics.
- Multi-sport tracking, beneficial for users who engage in activities beyond skiing.
Cons:
- Not specialized for skiing; metrics may not be as detailed as ski-specific apps.
- Can drain battery life when tracking activities over extended periods.
- Limited separation of ski lifts and actual runs, which can affect data accuracy.
User Experience and Interface
Design and Usability:
Strava features a clean, intuitive design. Users can easily switch between activities, view performance stats, and connect with friends. However, those looking for detailed ski-specific metrics might find it less robust compared to dedicated ski apps.
Performance:
The app works smoothly, but the GPS tracking can lead to increased battery usage, particularly in remote or mountainous regions.
Compatibility and Pricing
Platforms Supported:
- Available on iOS, Android, and via web browser.
Free vs Paid Version:
- Strava offers a free version with basic activity tracking and social features. The premium subscription ($7.99/month or $59.99/year) unlocks advanced analytics, route planning, and other premium features.
In-App Purchases:
- Users can purchase the premium plan for enhanced features, including advanced performance metrics and custom route creation.
Real User Reviews
What users are saying:
“Strava is my go-to for tracking all my sports activities. It’s great to see my ski tours alongside my bike rides and runs.”
– 5-star review
“I love the social aspect of Strava, but it’s not as accurate for tracking ski runs as dedicated apps like Ski Tracks.”
– 4-star review
“Easy to use, but I wish it had more ski-specific stats without needing to connect another app.”
– 3.5-star review
Overall Rating:
4.3/5 stars based on user feedback.
How to Get Started with Strava
Step-by-Step Guide
- Download: Get Strava from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store.
- Create Account: Set up your profile, and you’re ready to start tracking activities.
- How to Use: Begin logging your ski runs, connect with friends, and share your routes. Link with Slopes for enhanced skiing data.
Similar Apps
- Slopes – Integrates with Strava for detailed ski metrics and performance tracking.
- Ski Tracks – Dedicated ski tracking with detailed stats and offline capabilities.
- Gaia GPS – Offers detailed mapping and navigation, suitable for backcountry skiing.
Final Verdict
Strava is a versatile app that’s particularly useful for those who engage in multiple sports, offering basic ski tracking features with a strong community element. While it doesn’t specialize in skiing, its integration with other apps like Slopes and broad activity support make it a valuable tool for ski enthusiasts looking to share their routes and engage with a global community.
Download Strava Today
Ready to track your ski adventures and share them with the world? Download Strava and start logging your activities!
