Smartphone Avalanche Apps on Market
iPhone app released and Android app in testing
An app for iPhones has been released to help with avalanche rescue whilst a similar Android app is currently being tested in Courchevel by skiers and resort staff.
iSis is a newly developed app intended for off-piste skiers as an additional level of avalanche security.
The app, once installed, will automatically detect if the user is caught in an avalanche. On detection the app sends out an alert to piste security and friends notifying them of the victims last known location.
The app also activates a Bluetooth 'bubble' which is designed to work in a similar fashion to an avalanche beacon, allowing the search team to finalise the search in the standard cross fashion.
The iSis app is available for free on iTunes (only available via French iTunes right now but due on UK store in April).
Over in Courchevel & La Tania skiers and resort staff have been testing an Android app that is designed to work in a similar fashion, with the exception that the user needs to hit a button to activate the alarm. The app called Alpify is in Beta testing and is available for free on the Andoird market.
It should be noted that these apps should not replace proper avalanche & off-piste training nor should they replace traditional avalanche equipment; transceiver, shovel & probe.
