Email

Can GPS tracking help keep kids safe on ski slopes this winter? For more and more ski resorts offering lessons to children, the answer is a resounding yes. There’s something about being out in the snow that wakes up the inner adventurer in most kids, but on a mountain ski slope, trekking off by yourself can be a dangerous and even fatal choice. That’s why many schools now require kids who come for lessons or ski camps to wear devices that will keep track of their movements any time they hit the slopes.

Parents who love to ski themselves often go out of their way to make sure their kids get ski lessons at an early age. That’s a wonderful opportunity for kids, but it can also cause undue stress for moms and dads. Kids can easily get hurt or lost if they stray away from the group, and in extremely cold conditions, things can turn nasty fast. With GPS tracking, however, ski instructors know the position of each student at all times and can immediately take action if someone wanders too far.

The GPS devices strap to the skier’s wrist or ankle and will automatically alert the instructor if the wearer moves beyond a certain distance. They will also record information such as average speed and top speed, routes and distance covered, and slopes conquered. Many schools allow students to log into a secure website at the end of their ski trip to view this information and more, giving them the opportunity to show parents and friends what skills they mastered out in the snow. Some ski resorts will also rent tracking equipment to adult skiers who simply want to keep track of their top speeds and routes covered. While only a limited number of ski resorts currently use the technology, skiers can expect more widespread use as those currently implementing the devices see positive results.

With several hundred students hitting the slopes at a single resort on any given day during peak skiing season, resorts must take cautionary measures to ensure that each student remains safe at all times. GPS tracking puts that ability into the hands of individual instructors and allows them to intervene before situations become dangerous. As winter progresses and snow accumulates, parents can put their minds at rest knowing that their children have the opportunity to enjoy the allure of the slopes without the danger of getting lost.

Article Written by Greg Bartlett