iPhone applications for winter

From condition reports to bargains on ski and snowboard equipment, here are some of the top iPhone applications to check out this season.

The North Face Snow Report
Since its launch last year, North Face’s free Snow Report has widely become the go-to app for conditions, with a mix of social media so users can see what others are saying about snowfall totals and other resort-related news with the built-in Twitter feature. The link to a resort’s webcam provides an instant look at the mountain, and mapping technology allows the user a hassle-free location feature. For backcountry enthusiasts, North Face this year released the free Trailhead, an app that finds trails and hikes based on your location and tracks your speed, distance, and elevation with GPS (Global Positioning System).

Ski and Snow Report
While not quite as dynamic as North Face’s version, the free Ski and Snow Report from Skireport.com tends to load a lot quicker. The app allows you to search and save your favorite resorts for easy access. Each resort report contains first-hand accounts and photos from others, both of which are nice resources, especially if you don’t always buy the resort’s ballooned snow report.

OnTheSnow Gear Guide
Thanks to OnTheSnow’s comprehensive app, prospective equipment buyers can head to their retail shop with all the information they need. The Gear Guide features detailed information on more than 230 pieces of ski and snowboard gear. Get reviews, pricing, and technical specifications, all of which you can compare against other products.

RealSki
Like a technological window, RealSki utilizes augmented reality technology to provide enhanced details about one’s surroundings. The free application, which requires a minimum of 3GS on the iPhone, will label trails, chairlifts, and other resort amenities simply by holding your phone as if you were going to snap a photo. Data pertaining to your immediate location will pop up on the screen, providing a precise way to determine locale. The technology can’t be used everywhere, but a handful of New England resorts are RealSki-ready, including Sunday River, Stowe, Jay Peak, and Loon.

Theodolite
Diving a little deeper into augmented reality technology is Theodolite, which displays real-time information about altitude, position, and inclination. If lost in the backcountry, it could provide a valuable tool for navigating back to civilization, provided you have a signal, of course. Three versions are available: Free, Basic ($1.99), and Pro ($3.99).

ITrailMap
The days of fumbling with a map on a windy lift ride are over. ITrailMap compiles the official maps for more than 650 resorts worldwide into one convenient app. While the free version allows the ability to download and store maps, iTrailMap 3D ($4.99) goes a step further, combining the traditional maps with GPS and 3-D technology, allowing you to track your vertical and distance skied, and upload those stats to Google Earth.
The Weather Channel
No weather app delivers so much simplicity with so many options. The Weather Channel remains the gold standard for pinpointing outdoor plans with its ease of use and the ability to transition between stored locations instantly, a tool that allows skiers and riders to try to discover which area is forecast to get more snow on any given day. The free version also includes animated radar and regionalized video forecasts. Upgrade to The Weather Channel Max ($3.99), and you’ll also receive traffic cameras and customizable maps.

Adaptunes
Whether you should be cruising down the mountain with your earbuds in is probably arguable. But in any case, the 99-cent Adaptunes will make sure you hear the music over the wind with an app that automatically adjusts your volume based on speed. Simply select the sort of activity you’re performing and volume control will be based on your movements.

Backcountry
For those thinking about getting into the backcountry experience, Backcountry provides invaluable tools for the novice. Find hikes in your area, including a GPS-led guide leading you to your start point, as well as tips and a checklist for venturing out into the mountains. Free.

Tapped
A handful of New England resorts — Sunday River, Okemo, Smuggler’s Notch, and Stratton — host Tapped, a free app that allows you to locate yourself with GPS on each resort’s specific trail map. You will also have the ability to locate family members and friends with a sharing function, locate key resources at the mountain, get up-to-the-minute resort information including snowfall and lift status, and record your tracks and log your vertical for the day.

Steep and Cheap
A longtime favorite online retailer for outdoor enthusiasts, Steep and Cheap released its first app this year, providing some of the best deals available. If you have used Steep and Cheap, it’s the same deal with the free app, one item at a time for sale for a limited amount of time, or until supply runs out.

Skullcandy
Outdoor action sports retailer Skullcandy gets into the mobile business with its free 3-in-1 app, providing the latest weather and conditions related to surfing, skating, and skiing and riding. Additionally, you will be able to stream music from over 50 artists, and watch action sports videos created by the Skullcandy team. Due to some mature material, this app is recommended for those over age 12.