App Review: Vermont Powder

For the winter sports enthusiast, Vermont Powder [1] is a simple but effective tool. Produced by the Norfolk, Va.-based Concursive Corporation, the app was originally conceived by a group of skiers who wanted to integrate social-networking tools such as Facebook into their winter pastimes. The result is a solid, user-friendly app that provides a lot of information.

The main page of the app features uploaded comments, trails near the user and related topics. You can create a profile, either through the app or by linking with Facebook, post photos and comments, and view friends’ activity. Users can view photos from all other users, or opt just to see pictures from their own circle.

Vermont Powder also helps you find activities related to winter sports. Under the Events tab, a short calendar lists races, festivals and the like. Though it isn’t highly populated at the moment, it’s easy to see the name, date and location from the main page, and clicking on an event leads you to specific details.

The Directories section provides a comprehensive database of the skiing/snowboarding areas in Vermont. They’re listed alphabetically, from Bolton Valley to Suicide Six, and there’s a short, descriptive summary for each. Select one to see photos, videos, updates from users (e.g., whether the mountain has opened for the season) and nearby hot spots, including hotels and restaurants, which have their own summaries and contact information.

Unfortunately, you need a stable connection, either to Wi-Fi or 3G/4G, to access the information on the app. That can be a roadblock in parts of Vermont — particularly on those mountains.

Still, Vermont Powder offers a new way to experience the ski and snowboard season, contains useful information, and connects you with like-minded users. Even if you can’t always access it on the go, it’s a helpful tool for planning trips, and at a bargain price.

Vermont Powder: Available for 99 cents at the Apple Store.