Industry News
With Utah’s ski resorts becoming increasingly crowded, more skiers and snowboarders are venturing into the backcountry in search of fresh turns and solitude. But with that freedom comes risk—particularly the danger of avalanches. Recognizing the growing need for easily accessible safety information, the Utah Avalanche Center has launched a new mobile app designed to keep backcountry users informed and prepared.
The app serves as a one-stop resource for avalanche forecasts, real-time observations, and essential terrain analysis. Users can report avalanches, check slope angles with the inclinometer tool, and view detailed terrain maps to help choose safer routes. While avalanche forecasts are already available on the Utah Avalanche Center’s website, this app makes them instantly accessible with just one tap. Given how quickly weather and snow conditions can change, having up-to-date information on hand is crucial for backcountry travel.
Beyond avalanche forecasts, the app provides weather updates specific to selected areas, allowing users to better anticipate changing conditions. Backcountry travelers can also submit their own observations—such as recent slides, snowpack stability, or hazardous conditions—helping to create a more comprehensive safety network. The app even includes road conditions and live webcams, helping skiers and snowboarders plan efficient routes and avoid traffic congestion or unsafe roads.
The Utah Avalanche Center app is available for free on both the App Store and Google Play. Its development was made possible through a partnership with KÜHL Clothing, a Utah-based outdoor apparel brand, and the Division of Outdoor Recreation. This new tool is a major step forward in backcountry safety, providing critical information in real-time to help Utah’s growing backcountry community stay informed, make smarter decisions, and ultimately, stay safe in an unpredictable mountain environment.
