The Loss of FATMAP and the Future of Backcountry Navigation

Imagine you’re a backcountry skier, navigating a remote mountain pass, relying on the detailed 3D maps and user-generated guidebooks of FATMAP to make informed decisions about your route. Suddenly, this crucial tool disappears, leaving you and thousands of other outdoor enthusiasts scrambling for alternatives. This is the situation facing users of FATMAP, the popular 3D mountain mapping and navigation app, after Strava, the fitness tracking giant that acquired FATMAP in early 2023, announced its discontinuation on October 1, 2024.

FATMAP, with its intuitive interface, high-resolution winter imagery, and rich database of user-generated content, including guidebooks and waypoints, has become a staple for backcountry skiers, mountaineers, and other adventurers.

The news of its shutdown, despite Strava’s promises to integrate some of its features, has sent shockwaves through the outdoor community. Concerns abound about the loss of crucial features, the potential for data loss, and whether a social media platform like Strava can truly replicate the functionality of a dedicated mapping tool. This situation raises critical questions about the future of backcountry mapping and the needs of a community in transition.

Strava Absorbs FATMAP: What to expect

FATMAP was acquired by Strava in January of 2023 and the app and website were discontinued on October 1st, 2024. Strava plans to integrate some of FATMAP’s features into its own platform.

While both platforms catered to outdoor enthusiasts, FATMAP specialized in detailed 3D mapping and navigation, especially valuable for backcountry skiing, while Strava is primarily a fitness tracking and social media platform. This is a case study in the making, After reviewing everything I could find on the topic (and the outrage), here are my key takeaways on the FATMAP to Strava transition.

The Integration: Promises Met and Unkept

Strava, upon acquiring FATMAP, assured users that it would integrate “many of FATMAP’s 3D maps and other features” into its platform. The company highlighted the addition of FATMAP’s 3D maps to Strava’s Flyover feature, which enables users to view terrain in three dimensions. Strava further emphasized its ongoing efforts to incorporate winter satellite maps and terrain tools into its map screens. Additionally, FATMAP route content, excluding user-generated routes, is slated to be migrated to Strava. Users are encouraged to proactively transfer their routes from FATMAP to Strava using a provided data tool.

However, Strava’s promises have been met with a wave of skepticism from the FATMAP user base. Many users, particularly those who relied on FATMAP for backcountry skiing and mountaineering, have expressed doubts about Strava’s ability to fully replicate the functionality and user experience they valued in FATMAP. The sources, especially comments on Reddit threads, reveal a sense of distrust in Strava’s commitment to serving the specific needs of this niche community.

The integration of FATMAP into Strava highlights a fundamental tension between the social media-centric approach of Strava and the requirements of a dedicated mapping tool for backcountry navigation. Strava’s primary focus has been on tracking and sharing fitness activities, with its mapping capabilities playing a secondary role. In contrast, FATMAP was designed from the ground up as a mapping tool, prioritizing features and functionality tailored for outdoor exploration and navigation. The concerns raised by users suggest a fear that Strava’s social media features might overshadow or compromise the mapping capabilities that made FATMAP so valuable.

Read more about how to transition from FATMAP to Strava here:

FATMAP Transition to Strava: Everything You Should Know in 2024

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Impact on Users

• Loss of a Valuable Tool: The shutdown leaves a gap in the market for detailed backcountry mapping, particularly for skiers who relied on FATMAP’s user-generated route information and 3D winter maps. As Max Ritter from Powder Magazine states,

“Right now, the ski community is losing an invaluable tool that has made mountain travel easier, safer, and more accessible to a wider audience.”

• Data Migration: Users were urged to download their data, including routes and waypoints, before the shutdown. While some data can be transferred to Strava, the platform currently lacks the same functionality.

“Strava is really good at what it does and enjoys a massive 100 million+ users, but it’s a social media app, not a mapping app.”

– Max Ritter, Powder Magazine

• Limited Feature Integration: Strava has integrated some FATMAP features, like the 3D Flyover, but crucial aspects like offline maps, winter-specific maps, waypoints, and personal guidebooks are absent. This limits the usefulness for many users, especially during the upcoming winter season.

“Having a mini model of the mountain range you’re moving through on your phone is maybe the best thing that’s happened to skiing since the invention of fat skis.”

– Max Ritter, Powder Magazine

These r/Strava users on Reddit had some things to say about the FATMAP to Strava transition.

Strava’s Position

• Focus on Integration: Strava aims to incorporate “several” FATMAP features but hasn’t specified a timeline. They are “in the process of integrating FATMAPs 3D map, including winter satellite maps and terrain tools,” but it’s unclear when these will be available.
• Subscription Transition: FATMAP Explore subscribers not currently subscribed to Strava will receive a 6-month Strava voucher. Those with unexpired subscriptions are eligible for a prorated refund.
• Data Handling: Strava emphasizes that user data will be permanently deleted after October 1st. They encourage users to export their data before the deadline.

“Bringing mapping technology from FATMAP to Strava continues to be a key priority for us.”

– Strava Support

Potential Outcomes

• Community Adaption: The skiing community will likely explore alternatives like OnX Backcountry, Gaia GPS, or Caltopo. There’s also potential for a new platform to emerge to fill the void left by FATMAP.
• Strava’s Development: The success of the integration will depend on Strava’s ability to effectively incorporate FATMAP’s core functionalities and address the needs of the backcountry skiing community.

Overall, the integration of FATMAP into Strava presents both challenges and opportunities. While the loss of a dedicated platform is significant for many users, the potential for enhanced features within Strava remains to be seen.

Lost Features: A Threat to Backcountry Safety

A critical concern arising from the FATMAP and Strava integration is the exclusion of several key features that were central to FATMAP’s appeal, especially for backcountry enthusiasts. Strava has explicitly stated that features like waypoints, personal guidebooks, national topographic maps (including IGN and OS maps), offline map downloads of the FATMAP map, and live snow and piste information will not be available on Strava, at least not in time for the upcoming winter season in the Northern Hemisphere.

The loss of these features has significant implications for backcountry safety and navigation. Waypoints, for example, are crucial for marking points of interest, potential hazards, or changes in terrain. Their absence could make it considerably harder for users to navigate complex terrain or find their way back to a safe location, especially in challenging conditions. Similarly, the inability to download maps for offline use poses a serious risk for those venturing into areas with limited or no cell service. FATMAP’s offline functionality was a lifeline for many backcountry users, allowing them to access maps and plan routes even in the most remote areas.

Furthermore, the lack of detailed topographic maps and live snow and piste information could hinder users’ ability to assess avalanche risk, plan safe routes, and make informed decisions in dynamic backcountry environments. The absence of these features, coupled with the uncertainty surrounding Strava’s future development plans, has understandably fueled anxiety among FATMAP users about their ability to safely navigate and enjoy the backcountry.

Adding to the sense of urgency is the impending deadline for data export. All FATMAP user data, including waypoints, guidebooks, and routes, will be permanently deleted after October 1st. While Strava provides a tool for exporting this data, it is essential to note that only user-created routes are included in the export. Users who have saved routes created by others or rely on FATMAP’s extensive library of guidebooks must take additional steps to download this information before the deadline. The loss of this valuable data, coupled with the absence of key features, paints a concerning picture for the future of backcountry navigation in the post-FATMAP era.

Alternative FATMAP Mapping Apps

While the loss of FATMAP is a significant blow to the outdoor community, especially for those who rely on its specialized features for backcountry navigation, the sources highlight several existing and emerging alternatives that users can consider. Here’s a closer look at some of the options discussed:

• Gaia GPS: Gaia GPS is a well-established mapping app with a strong reputation among hikers, backpackers, and off-road enthusiasts. It offers a wide range of map sources, including topographic maps, satellite imagery, and public land data, making it a versatile tool for various outdoor activities. One user mentions that Gaia GPS allows for importing waypoints in bulk, a crucial feature lost in the Strava transition. However, another user notes that it lacks the high-quality 3D rendering and satellite imagery found in FATMAP.
• Caltopo: Caltopo is another powerful mapping platform, known for its advanced features and customization options, making it popular among experienced backcountry users. Like Gaia GPS, it can import waypoints, offering a solution for those concerned about data loss. However, similar to Gaia GPS, it lacks the real-time 3D view that FATMAP provided.
• OnX Backcountry: OnX Backcountry focuses on providing detailed maps and data for hunting, fishing, and off-roading, particularly in the United States. While its strength lies in its US-specific data, it has limited functionality in other regions, as one user points out that it only offers waypoints and lacks other essential layers like roads, routes, and elevation data for the Alps.
• PeakVisor: PeakVisor is a mountain identification and 3D mapping app, praised for its user-friendly interface and beautiful 3D map visuals. One user, who works for PeakVisor, claims that their 3D functionality and UI surpass FATMAP’s, but acknowledges that they lack the extensive winter satellite imagery and user-generated route collection that FATMAP possessed.

In addition to these existing alternatives, there are several new and developing mapping apps that have emerged in response to FATMAP’s demise. These include:

• skimomap.com: This website has been actively developed as a direct replacement for FATMAP, specifically targeting the backcountry skiing community. The developer of SkiMoMap emphasizes its focus on importing FATMAP data, including waypoints, and plans to add features like route planning and more basemaps and overlays.
• reliefmaps.io: This app boasts similar functionality to FATMAP, featuring 3D topographic maps, easy route planning, and slope shading. The developer of Relief Maps is actively working on incorporating features requested by ex-FATMAP users.
• Contou.rs: The Contours app offers a potential alternative, though not as feature-rich as FATMAP. It allows importing FATMAP data and is actively being developed with more features planned.
• Alpmap: Currently in development, Alpmap aims to be a user-friendly 3D mapping app similar to FATMAP and is actively seeking feedback from the outdoor community.

This emergence of new mapping platforms underscores the demand for a dedicated solution tailored to the specific needs of backcountry enthusiasts. The FATMAP/Strava shuffle paints a picture of a community in transition, actively seeking solutions and advocating for the features and functionality they value.

While the loss of FATMAP is a significant setback, it also presents an opportunity for innovation and the development of even more robust and user-friendly tools to support safe and enjoyable adventures in the backcountry. And I can’t wait to try them all.

A Community in Transition: Anger, Boycotts, and Advocacy

The discontinuation of FATMAP has provoked strong reactions from its dedicated user base. The sources, particularly the Reddit thread, are filled with expressions of anger, disappointment, and frustration, reflecting the sense of loss felt by many who relied on FATMAP for their outdoor adventures.

• Anger and Disbelief: Many users expressed disbelief and outrage at Strava’s decision to shut down FATMAP, especially given its initial promises to integrate features. Comments like “Strava screwed us “big time””, “FUCK STRAVA”, and “Down w/ Strava. I kinda hate them now for killing my Fat friend” vividly capture the raw emotions felt by those who feel betrayed by the decision. The perceived lack of transparency and communication from Strava regarding the integration process further fueled the anger, with users feeling left in the dark about the fate of their beloved app.
• Boycott Strava: Several users declared their intention to boycott Strava in protest. Statements like “Boycotting Strava over this” and “If Strava retires Fatmap, I really don’t have a need for a subscription anymore” highlight the strong negative sentiment towards Strava and a refusal to support a platform perceived as responsible for the demise of FATMAP. This sentiment underscores the loyalty users felt towards FATMAP and the importance they placed on its unique features and functionality.
• Advocacy and Feedback: Despite the anger and disappointment, there is also a strong sense of community and a willingness to advocate for the features and functionality lost with FATMAP. Users are actively engaging in discussions about alternative mapping apps, sharing information, and offering recommendations to one another. They are also using various channels to voice their concerns and make their needs known, including sending emails to FATMAP support, posting on Strava’s community forum, and even suggesting blowing up Strava’s Instagram with hashtags like #BringBackFATMAP.

This collective action demonstrates the passion and dedication of the FATMAP community, their determination to find solutions, and their hope that Strava will ultimately listen to their feedback and deliver a mapping experience that meets their needs.

The outpouring of emotions and the proactive efforts of users to find alternatives and advocate for change paint a vivid picture of a community in transition. The loss of FATMAP has undeniably left a void, but it has also ignited a collective spirit of resilience and a drive to shape the future of backcountry navigation. It remains to be seen how Strava will respond to this groundswell of user feedback and whether it can successfully bridge the gap between its social media-centric approach and the specific demands of the backcountry community.

Strava’s Response and User Skepticism

While Strava has acknowledged user concerns and emphasized its commitment to incorporating FATMAP features, its response has been met with skepticism and distrust by many in the FATMAP community.

• Vague Promises and Lack of Transparency: Strava’s communication regarding the integration process has been criticized for being vague and lacking concrete timelines. The company has repeatedly stated that it is “working on” or “exploring” the addition of key features but has provided little specific information about when or even if these features will be implemented. This lack of transparency has fueled user anxiety and fostered a sense that Strava may not be fully committed to replicating the functionality that made FATMAP so valuable.
• Strava’s Social Media Focus vs. Backcountry Needs: A recurring theme in user critiques is the fundamental mismatch between Strava’s primary focus on social fitness tracking and the specific needs of backcountry users. Strava’s strength lies in its ability to track and share activities, fostering a sense of community and competition among athletes. However, many FATMAP users are primarily concerned with safety and navigation in remote and challenging environments. They fear that Strava’s social features may overshadow or even compromise the mapping capabilities that were central to FATMAP’s appeal.
• Data Export Deadline and Lost Content: The looming deadline for exporting FATMAP data has further exacerbated user concerns. While Strava provides a tool for exporting user-created routes, many users have emphasized the importance of guidebooks and community-generated routes that are not included in the export. The loss of this valuable content, coupled with the uncertainty surrounding Strava’s future development plans, has heightened fears that essential information for backcountry navigation could be permanently lost.

User comments and reactions suggest that Strava faces a significant challenge in gaining the trust of the FATMAP community. To alleviate concerns, Strava needs to:

• Provide a Clear Roadmap: Communicate a detailed roadmap outlining specific features, implementation timelines, and development priorities. This would demonstrate a genuine commitment to meeting the needs of FATMAP users and provide much-needed reassurance.
• Prioritize Backcountry Features: Clearly prioritize the development and integration of features essential for backcountry safety and navigation. This could include offline map downloads, waypoints, detailed topographic maps, and tools for assessing avalanche risk.
• Address Data Loss Concerns: Develop solutions for preserving and migrating community-generated content, including guidebooks and routes created by others. This would demonstrate respect for the valuable contributions of the FATMAP community and help maintain continuity of essential backcountry information.

Ultimately, Strava’s success in integrating FATMAP hinges on its ability to address these concerns and deliver a mapping experience that meets the unique demands of backcountry enthusiasts. Failure to do so risks alienating a significant portion of the FATMAP user base and eroding trust in Strava as a reliable platform for outdoor navigation.

A Glimmer of Hope and Lingering Uncertainty

Despite the widespread disappointment and anger over the FATMAP shutdown, there are hints of progress and potential solutions emerging from the sources.

• Strava’s Recent Update: One user, who had previously been highly critical of Strava’s handling of the situation, reports a notable improvement. They observed that Strava updated its route feature, allowing browsing in a “FATMAP-esque map” with various overlays like heatmaps and trail maps. While this update seems to be focused on summer activities and doesn’t fully address the concerns of backcountry skiers, it suggests that Strava is actively working on incorporating some FATMAP features. This could be a sign that Strava is starting to listen to user feedback and prioritize mapping functionality.
• Emerging Alternatives: As mentioned, there are several promising alternative mapping apps that are either specifically designed as FATMAP replacements or are actively developing features to cater to the needs of ex-FATMAP users. These platforms offer a potential lifeline for those seeking a dedicated solution for backcountry navigation, particularly for winter activities like ski touring.
  • skimomap.com stands out as a particularly dedicated effort, with the developer actively engaging with the community and prioritizing features like importing FATMAP data, including waypoints, which are crucial for backcountry safety and navigation.
  • reliefmaps.io is another app actively incorporating feedback from ex-FATMAP users, focusing on 3D topographic maps, route planning, and slope shading.
  • PeakVisor is positioning itself as a strong contender, boasting superior 3D functionality and UI compared to FATMAP. While currently lacking in winter satellite imagery and user-generated route collections, its active development and focus on backcountry skiing make it a promising option.
• Community Efforts: The sources reveal a strong sense of community and resourcefulness among FATMAP users. People are actively sharing information about alternative apps, offering recommendations, and even downloading GPX files for each other to preserve valuable route data. This collaborative spirit is crucial in navigating the transition and ensuring that backcountry enthusiasts can continue to enjoy their activities safely and responsibly.

While these developments offer a glimmer of hope, significant uncertainty remains.

• Strava’s Commitment: It’s unclear whether Strava’s recent update is indicative of a genuine commitment to replicating the full functionality of FATMAP, particularly for winter activities. The company’s communication remains vague, and many key features, like offline map downloads and detailed avalanche information, are still missing.
• Success of Alternatives: It’s too early to tell whether the emerging alternative apps will be able to fully fill the void left by FATMAP. Their long-term success depends on factors like continued development, user adoption, and their ability to secure funding and resources.

The future of backcountry navigation for ex-FATMAP users remains in flux. While Strava’s recent efforts suggest a potential shift towards incorporating more mapping functionality, the company needs to provide a clearer roadmap and concrete timelines to regain user trust. Simultaneously, the emergence of dedicated alternative apps offers hope for a future where backcountry enthusiasts can access the tools and information they need to explore the mountains safely and confidently.

A Catalyst for Innovation

While the loss of FATMAP is undoubtedly a setback, it has the potential to be a catalyst for innovation and the creation of even better tools for backcountry adventures.

By actively engaging with developers, advocating for essential features, and supporting emerging platforms, the outdoor community can help shape a future where technology empowers safe and enjoyable exploration in the backcountry.

FATMAP to Strava Transition

What are the key changes that users of the FATMAP app can expect as the service integrates with Strava?

Here are the key changes FATMAP users can expect as the service integrates with Strava:

FATMAP app and website retirement: The FATMAP app and website will be retired on October 1, 2024. After this date, the app will remain on your device but will be unusable.

Feature integration with Strava: Strava is prioritizing the integration of FATMAP’s 3D maps and terrain tools into its platform. FATMAP’s 3D map is already available in Strava’s Flyover feature, with the ability to pause and modify flight speed. FATMAP’s 3D map images are also visible in the Strava feed.

Route content migration: FATMAP route content, excluding user-generated content, will be moved to Strava. Users can proactively transfer their routes from FATMAP to Strava before October 1st using a data tool. Only the route title, description, and route line can be transferred. To retain other information like assigned grades and photos, users need to export them separately.

Features not immediately available in Strava: Some FATMAP features will not be available in Strava in time for the coming northern hemisphere winter, including:

• Waypoints
• Personal guidebooks
• National topo maps (including IGN and OS maps)
• Offline map downloads of the FATMAP map
• Live snow and piste information

• Data transfer and deletion: Users can transfer their Routes to Strava using a data tool. Adventures, Guidebooks, and Waypoints cannot be transferred; users must download them using a provided tool. All account data should be exported before October 1st, after which it will be permanently deleted. Account data can be exported multiple times, but no more than once per day. Only user-created routes are included in the export; routes created by others and saved in guidebooks will not be included. Users can export their account data and delete their account via the FATMAP website or the Settings menu in the mobile app.
• FATMAP Explore membership: Users with a FATMAP Explore membership linked to their Strava subscription will continue to enjoy certain FATMAP features on Strava. However, their access to the FATMAP app and website will end on October 1st. Explore privileges will not remain valid after October 1st; users need to collect their codes and use them before that date.
• Subscription voucher and refund: FATMAP Explore members whose subscriptions do not include Strava will receive a 6-month Strava subscription voucher. They are also eligible for a prorated refund if their paid subscription period has not expired. Refund requests should be sent to explore@fatmap.com.
• Pro account transition: The FATMAP Pro Access program will not continue. However, Pro users may be eligible for a Strava Pro Badge.

You can find further information on using routes in Strava on their website and in the app. There is also information available on how to make a route available offline and follow it in the Strava app. Instructions for exporting a route to a GPS device or as a GPX file are also available. Strava also offers some brand discounts via Challenges. More information about Strava’s data processing practices and user rights can be found in their Privacy Policy.

How will the integration of FATMAP features into Strava impact the experience for both free and paid users?

Here’s how the integration of FATMAP features into Strava will impact the experience for both free and paid users:

Impact for All Users:

• End of FATMAP App and Website: The FATMAP app and website will be retired on October 1, 2024.
• FATMAP 3D Maps in Strava: FATMAP’s 3D maps will be integrated into Strava, including the ability to pause and modify flight speed in the Flyover feature.
• Integration of Terrain Tools: Strava plans to integrate FATMAP’s 3D maps, winter satellite maps, and terrain tools into other map screens within the Strava app and website.
• Transfer of FATMAP Route Content: FATMAP route content (excluding user-generated content) will be moved to Strava. Users can proactively transfer their routes from FATMAP to Strava using a data tool before October 1st.

Impact for FATMAP Explore Subscribers:

Strava Subscription Voucher: FATMAP Explore subscribers who do not have a Strava subscription will receive a 6-month Strava subscription voucher.

Prorated Refund Option: Explore subscribers with remaining time on their subscriptions can choose a prorated refund instead of the Strava voucher.

Loss of Some Features: Certain FATMAP Explore features will not be immediately available in Strava, including:

• Waypoints
• Personal guidebooks
• National topo maps (including IGN and OS maps)
• Offline map downloads of the FATMAP map
• Live snow and piste information

Impact for FATMAP Pro Account Holders:

• End of Pro Access Program: The FATMAP Pro Access program will not continue.
• Potential for Strava Pro Badge: Pro account holders may be eligible for a Strava Pro Badge.

Data Export and Account Deletion:

• Data Export Deadline: Users are encouraged to export their account data before October 1, 2024, as it will be permanently deleted after that date.
• Account Deletion: Users can delete their FATMAP accounts via the mobile app or website.

Key Takeaways:

• The integration will bring some FATMAP features to Strava, enhancing the experience for both free and paid Strava users.
• FATMAP Explore subscribers will receive benefits like a Strava subscription voucher or a prorated refund.
• Some FATMAP Explore features will not be available in Strava initially.
• Users should export their data before the October 1st deadline to avoid permanent deletion.

What specific features will remain available in Strava after the October 1st shutdown, and what features will be discontinued?

Here is a comprehensive look at the features that will and will not be available on Strava after the FATMAP shutdown on October 1st, 2024, based on the provided sources:

Features Remaining in Strava after October 1st

• FATMAP’s 3D map: This is already integrated into Strava’s Flyover feature. Users can pause and adjust the flight speed. FATMAP’s 3D map images are also viewable in the Strava feed.
• Winter satellite maps and terrain tools: Strava is currently working on incorporating these elements from FATMAP into their map screens on the app and website.
• FATMAP route content (excluding user-generated content): Strava is in the process of moving these routes onto their platform.
• Offline route downloads and following: Strava allows users to download and follow routes offline.
• Route export: Strava users can export routes to GPS devices or as GPX files.

Features Discontinued After October 1st

• FATMAP app and website: These will no longer be available.
• Waypoints: These cannot be transferred to Strava.
• Personal Guidebooks: These cannot be transferred to Strava.
• National Topo Maps (including IGN and OS maps): These will not be available in Strava.
• Offline Map Downloads of the FATMAP map: This feature will not be available in Strava.
• Live Snow and Piste Information: This feature will not be available in Strava.

Important Notes

• Users are encouraged to transfer their routes from FATMAP to Strava before October 1st using the provided data tool. However, only the route title, description, and route line can be transferred. Other route data like assigned grades and photos must be exported separately.
• Adventures, Guidebooks, and Waypoints cannot be transferred to Strava, but users can download them using the FATMAP data tool.
• All FATMAP account data will be permanently deleted after October 1st, so it is crucial to export any desired data before this deadline.
• FATMAP Explore members with Strava subscriptions will continue to enjoy certain FATMAP features on Strava, but their access to the FATMAP app and website will end on October 1st.
• FATMAP Explore members without Strava subscriptions will receive a 6-month Strava subscription voucher and may be eligible for a prorated refund.

What happens to FATMAP user account data after October 1st?

After October 1st, 2024, all FATMAP user account data will be permanently deleted. This includes all routes, adventures, waypoints, guidebooks, and any other data associated with your account. It’s important to note that only routes created by the user will be included in the data export. Routes created by others and saved in the user’s guidebooks will not be included.

The sources emphasize the importance of exporting your account data before the October 1st deadline to ensure you retain a copy of it. This data can be exported multiple times, but no more than once per day. Even if you plan to continue using the FATMAP app until its shutdown, you should still export your data as a precaution.

Once the data is deleted, it cannot be retrieved. Therefore, if you want to keep a copy of your FATMAP data, you must export it before the October 1st deadline.

Will users of FATMAP Explore memberships receive a refund or a Strava subscription voucher?

Here’s a breakdown of what happens to FATMAP Explore memberships after October 1st, 2024, based on the provided sources:

FATMAP Explore Memberships with Existing Strava Subscriptions

• These users will continue to enjoy certain FATMAP features on Strava after the shutdown.
• However, their access to the FATMAP app and website will end on October 1st.
• Explore privileges will not remain valid after October 1st; users are advised to use any associated codes before that date.
• The sources do not explicitly state whether these users will receive a refund or a Strava subscription voucher.

FATMAP Explore Memberships Without Existing Strava Subscriptions

• These users will receive a 6-month Strava subscription voucher so they can continue using certain FATMAP features on the Strava platform.
• They are also eligible for a prorated refund if their paid subscription period has not yet expired.
• To request a refund, users should send a message to explore@fatmap.com.

In essence, all FATMAP Explore members will either receive a Strava subscription voucher or a prorated refund, depending on whether they already have a Strava subscription and the remaining duration of their paid FATMAP Explore membership.

What FATMAP features are not being integrated into Strava at this time?

Here are the FATMAP features that are not being integrated into Strava at this time, based on the provided sources:

• Waypoints: These cannot be transferred to Strava and will not be available after the FATMAP app and website are retired on October 1, 2024.
• Personal Guidebooks: Similar to waypoints, personal guidebooks cannot be transferred to Strava and will not be accessible after the October 1st shutdown.
• National Topo Maps: These include maps from sources like IGN and OS maps, which will not be integrated into Strava.
• Offline Map Downloads of the FATMAP map: While Strava allows offline route downloads and following, it does not currently support offline map downloads of the detailed FATMAP maps.
• Live Snow and Piste Information: This real-time data feature from FATMAP will not be part of the initial Strava integration.

While these features are not immediately available in Strava, the sources indicate that Strava is exploring the possibility of adding these and similar features in the future.

The sources emphasize that users should export any data they want to keep from these features before the October 1st deadline, as all FATMAP account data will be permanently deleted after that date.

Sources Explored for this Article:

• Strava Support Page – What to Expect as FATMAP Transitions to Strava
• Powder.com – Strava Turned Off Fatmap – What That Means For Skiers
• Reddit’s Subreddit: r/Strava – Fatmap being killed off by Strava