What it does
Slopes is a comprehensive GPS tracking app for skiers and snowboarders. It records every run and lift, providing detailed statistics like speed, vertical feet, and distance. Beyond personal tracking, the app functions as a social utility and planning tool, allowing users to share their location with friends on the mountain, plan upcoming trips, and access detailed interactive resort maps.
Where it shines
Slopes excels by blending powerful data tracking with thoughtful user experience details. The onboarding process is a prime example, using a gamified checklist (00:04) to guide users through necessary setup steps in a motivating way. The app's monetization strategy is also clever, offering exclusive physical merchandise that can only be unlocked through in-app achievements (02:20), which creates a unique long-term engagement loop. Furthermore, the trip planning feature is highly flexible, letting users create a trip from the main logbook or contextually from a resort's detail page (05:30).
UX highlights
- Gamified Setup: The onboarding checklist turns tedious permission requests and sign-ups into a satisfying, goal-oriented experience.
- Personal Touch: A welcome message from the founder, "Curtis, The Slopes Guy," (00:01) establishes a friendly, indie-developer rapport from the start.
- Clear Progress: Checkmarks and a filling progress bar (01:01) provide constant positive feedback as the user sets up their account.
- Multi-Entry Point Design: Key actions like planning a trip can be initiated from multiple logical places, reducing friction for different user intents.
- Earned Rewards: The merch store (12:50) locks items behind usage milestones, creating a compelling reason to keep using the app long-term.
- Interactive Maps: The app provides detailed 2D and 3D resort maps (08:23) that can be downloaded for offline use, a critical feature for areas with poor cell service.
Monetization & growth
Monetization is centered around a premium subscription, which unlocks advanced features. The app presents this offer after the initial setup is complete (01:21), functioning as a soft paywall. The paywall screen itself is well-designed, featuring a carousel of benefits, social proof with an Apple Design Award badge and user testimonials, and clear plan options. The most unique growth mechanic is the achievement-locked merchandise, which encourages both deep engagement and real-world brand advocacy.
Who it’s for
Slopes is designed for avid skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Casual riders can use it to track their days and see their basic stats, while more serious enthusiasts will appreciate the detailed performance analytics, season-over-season comparisons, and social leaderboard features. The trip planning and friend-finding capabilities also make it ideal for groups and families who ski together.
Notes & opportunities
The app forces account creation and several permission grants before the user can explore the main interface. While the checklist mitigates this, some users might drop off. An opportunity could be to allow exploration of resort maps or features before requiring a full sign-up. Additionally, the process of adding an avatar (00:47) feels slightly disconnected from the main checklist flow, which could be integrated more smoothly.