As technology has helped evolve the skis and snowboards we slide on, so too has it helped evolve the skier experience in other ways. Bluetooth is now as common as blue ice at most Colorado resorts these days. Some people love it, others have mixed feelings, some despise the new technology on the mountain, but like it or not, high-tech is here to stay. And those who choose to adapt have an array of gadgets and gizmos to enhance their on-mountain experience.
Here’s a look at a few of this year’s devices sure to please even the most tech-savvy.
Recon Instruments
“Ironman” spoiled us forever to the heads-up display, leaving us wanting a see-through display that shows exactly what’s happening around us. But Recon acknowledges the safety hazard and executes the data delivery nicely with a tiny screen in the corner of your goggles. The heads-up display provides a wealth of information available directly to your eye and to download onto your smartphone. Flip through the screens to access trail maps automatically loaded to the system based on location. Check your speed, airtime, vertical feet and more using the glove-friendly toggle buttons on the included wristband. The screen can be tough to see for some faces, and the battery has a lower capacity than we’d have liked, but it’s a great gadget for information-lovers wanting something techy out of their skiing experience.
Uclear boomless helmet communication
On-hill communication gets a facelift with UClear’s boomless helmet communication device, the next generation of wireless communication. The base function of the UClear Force helmet communicator is to connect via intercom with buddies on the ski hill. Other functions of the UClear Force include a bluetooth connection to your smartphone, providing a simple solution to answering calls and listening to music. The Force includes hop technology, enabling up to 10 devices to pair up and cover broad distances. What I liked best about the Force is the ability to chat clearly while moving. Powerful speakers coupled with noise-canceling technology in the microphones make communication a breeze – once you’re connected. Works best with an audio-ready helmet to accommodate the Force.
Juice Bar charger
A few tech innovations carry nicely into summer adventuring. The JuiceBar solar battery provides a way to save energy for later use when in the backcountry, whether skiing or backpacking. It’s the top-selling solar charger on cableorganizer.com at a mere $50. It’s small, compact and relatively lightweight, providing a good bang for the buck. The battery charges with the sunshine, keeping energy stored for when you need it. It comes with a handful of hookups for various devices and charges effectively in bright sunshine.
