We’re all into our new gadgets these days, I mean, what would we do without a cell phone or mp3 player? One thing I’ve learned, is to never go anywhere without my cell phone (especially us girls), not just for safety, but to keep me connected to the world. Even though my cell phone has become my ultimate accessory, I am always looking for new ways to make it my ultimate life tool as well. I heard about this new trail map service for the iPhone called Podpro a few months back and have seen the commercials where you can get trail maps right on your mobile device. Not having an iPhone myself, I didn’t pay much attention to them until a friend told me it worked the same on your iPod or Blackberry phone as well. That sold me straight up. I’ve never step foot on a mountain without my iPod (or Blackberry for that matter) and what could be better news than the fact that soon I could have a digital trail map too.

Podpro is a free website offering snowboard guides designed for iPhones, iPods and Blackberry devices. It offers full mountain trail maps, video guides, along with other special features -all available to you while you sit on the chair lift, up at the summit, or when you are chilling at the lodge. This service knows the best lines, parks details, and will give you mountain info as well the latest weather updates.

Currently I could only find guides to Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains in Whistler B.C., for the iPod. The iPhone downloads include resorts and mountains in Canada, the United States, Austria, France, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. There are 8 states within the US, with more resorts to follow suit. The great thing about the site is it not only puts the trail maps and guides on your phone, it links you up with the mountains resort to check out daily weather, snow reports, lodging, and activity listings. It really could be your one stop winter vacation go-to shop.

I think this is a whole new way to get your much needed mountain and trail information in the palm of your hand where ever you may be. Not to mention the valuable trees you save by not collecting and trashing printed trail guides every time you ride.

Per the Podpro website, the company is also creating guides for other major Canadian and US mountain resorts for the 2009 winter season. These free resort guides can be viewed online at: http://www.podpro.ca/ Check it out and let us know if it works for you.

Tags: Snow