The famous mountaineer and explorer Reinhold Messner asserted that “The mountain does not forgive arrogance, it requires respect and humility”. Words that contain decades of experience among the highest peaks in the world and that every hiker should keep in mind, because if it is true that the mountain is capable of offering extraordinary experienceswhere adrenaline, the sense of discovery and the splendid views reign supreme the dangers and pitfalls it brings are equally reala case that requires preparation, awareness and prudence.
Today the technology it offers us tools that the pioneers of mountaineering could not even imagine. The smartphoneswhich we always carry with us, can become a travel companion essential for safety. Mind you, it is obviously not a question of replacing experience and knowledge with an electronic device, but of adding an additional level of protection. The applications that we will see transform the phone into a personal operations center: from emergency geolocation to offline maps, from avalanche bulletins to peak identification.
So let’s see what they are the six apps that can really make a difference during a hikewhile remembering how much they represent just a precious helpwhich can never replace adequate personal preparation.
GeoResQ: the direct connection with mountain rescue
The official application of the National Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps, promoted by the Italian Alpine Club with the support of the Ministry of Tourism. GeoResQ represents a real digital lifesaver. The app allows you to send requests for help directly to the mountain rescue operations centers, active 24 hours a day in Sardinia and Campania.
There are three main functions. The first, called “Position”, provides the exact geographical coordinates of the point where you are located. The second, “Tracciami”, records the route in real time and archives it on the dedicated portal. The third, “Alarm”, allows you to immediately send your position to the operations center in case of emergency. The specialized operators of the CNSAS receive the alarm and immediately contact those who have requested help, forwarding the call to the competent bodies.
From 2023 the service is completely free for all users. An important peculiarity: the app works exclusively on Italian territory.
Downloads: Android | iOS
Mountain Maps: artificial intelligence at the service of trekking
Born from a Trentino startup, Mountain Maps uses the services of artificial intelligence in itinerary planning. The MIA virtual assistant answers specific questions about the routes, the shelters available along the route and any other doubts regarding the excursion.
The application presents several detailed maps of the entire Italian Alpine range and Austria, which can also be consulted in three-dimensional mode. The maps can be downloaded free of charge for offline use and are activated automatically when there is no internet connection. A really interesting aspect concerns the “Recommended routes” function: just indicate the starting area, the desired duration and some additional filters to receive targeted suggestions.
The app also allows you to import and export tracks in GPX format, view CAI trails and share your routes with other users. Most features are accessible for free, while some advanced options require a Premium subscription.
Downloads: Android | iOS
PeakVisor: Identify peaks with augmented reality
PeakVisor represents the perfect union between technology and passion for the mountains. The app uses augmented reality to identify the peaks in front of you in real time: just point your smartphone camera towards the horizon to see the names of the mountains, altitudes and distances appear on the screen.
The high-precision three-dimensional maps allow you to study the area before leaving and to visualize the paths in the real context of the landscape. The “Sun Trail” function shows the path of the sun during the day, useful for photographers and for those who want to plan breaks based on sun exposure.
The app includes an accurate altimeter, a 3D compass, and the ability to follow other users to find out where they’ve hiked. The free version already offers numerous features, while the Pro version unlocks offline maps and further advanced tools.
Downloads: Android | iOS
SityTrail: Professional-grade topographic maps
SityTrail is characterized by access to the highest quality official topographic maps, including those from the national geographical institutes of France, Belgium, Spain and other European countries. The app stores routes with geolocalized photos and complete technical data, such as distance, average speed, calories consumed and altitude profile.
A particularly useful feature is the alarm that goes off when you stray from your intended route, a way to reduce the risk of getting lost. The app automatically activates points of interest along the route and can read texts with text-to-speech. The Premium version adds the possibility of downloading maps even offline, accessing the public catalog of community routes and using voice guidance during navigation.
The online editor allows you to create and edit routes comfortably from your computer, then finding them on your phone ready to be followed in the field.
Downloads: Android | iOS
SnowSafe: snow safety and avalanche bulletins
For those who practice ski mountaineering, freeriding or snowshoe excursions, SnowSafe is a truly indispensable tool. The app provides official avalanche danger bulletins for Austria, South Tyrol, Germany, Trentino, Veneto and many other Alpine regions.
The strong point is the ability to work offline: the app automatically synchronizes avalanche reports as soon as it finds an internet connection, allowing them to be consulted even in areas without coverage. The notification system warns when an alarm is issued for high avalanche danger, or when a new bulletin is published during the day.
The application also integrates a reliable weather forecast service dedicated to the mountains, essential for deciding whether or not to undertake an excursion. The simple and intuitive design makes it easy to consult even with gloves, just like an avalanche transceiver (avalanche search device).
Downloads: Android | iOS
Wikiloc: the global hiking community
With over 50 million shared trails and 14 million users worldwide, Wikiloc is one of the most popular platforms among outdoor enthusiasts. The strength of this app lies in the immense database of itineraries created and recorded by the users themselves with GPS.
Each route includes detailed information on length, difference in altitude, average duration and difficulty. Users can leave both reviews and photos, and create a sort of collective diary of excursions. The free version allows you to view routes and record your tracks, while the Premium version offers turn-by-turn navigation, offline maps, a route planner and a real-time tracking function to share your location with family and friends.
The new “Peak Identifier” augmented reality feature lets you point the camera at surrounding peaks to see their names and altitudes displayed in real time on the screen.
Downloads: Android | iOS
Final thoughts
Let us reiterate once again how important the six applications just observed are invaluable supportwhich however it can never replace personal preparationexperience and common sense. Before each excursion you will need to carefully study the route, consult the weather forecast, inform someone of your destination and bring the appropriate equipment with you.
We also remember some equally fundamental aspects:
That’s why it is It is always advisable to have a paper map, a compass and know traditional orientation techniques with you. Apps are very valid tools, but they should be considered as a complement to classic preparation, certainly not as an alternative.
Downloading these applications before leaving and familiarizing yourself with the different functions can make the difference between an unforgettable excursion and an emergency situation. Moral of the story: the mountains deserve respect and preparation, digital tools help us visit them with greater safety.
