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Top Free Apps That Will Make Your Ski Season Awesome

DENVER (CBS4) - Ski season 2015/2016 has arrived and nearly every resort in Colorado is open.

Whether you're a seasoned rider or a beginner, there are a few apps out there that can make your mountain experience even better. Keeping track of your friends, checking on snow reports, and finding your way down the mountain are imperative for a day on the slopes, and can all be made easy with an app or two.

Check out the ones below for the best rated -- and free -- smartphone apps to improve your season.

Ski Tracks - This app has been around for several years, and it just keeps getting better. As its name suggests, Ski Tracks allows you to track a variety of stats, including maximum speed, distance skied, and altitude. Press "start" in the app and begin recording your day, which you can later break up by runs. One huge plus is that Ski Tracks does not require data or phone signal to function (sometimes hard to come by in the mountains). Another smart feature is that it can access your iTunes, bringing you music in just one app. The full version is $0.99 and a LITE version is available for free.

Liftopia - Couldn't afford that almighty ski pass this year? Download this app and you'll be able to see deals on lift tickets at any mountain! Users say it works best if you have a flexible schedule and can jump on the random deals that pop up, but you will definitely save. The app also has information on snow conditions.

OnTheSnow Ski & Snow Report - A comprehensive report on over 2,000 ski areas worldwide. Find out about snow conditions and weather, deals and discounts, and set up powder alerts! You can also access news from the industry and check out maps of each mountain.

iSnowReport - This one is Colorado specific. It covers all resorts in the state, from Wolf Creek to Powderhorn to Vail, with basic information on each. Check it for snow conditions, open terrain, hours, and resort features.

skiing apps
(credit: iSnowReport and Find My Friends)

Find My Friends - This app does exactly what it says. It's easy to get separated on the slopes in a big group, so this app helps you stay informed: you can follow friends and family using their iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, and always know their location.  You can also elect to turn off the service if you don't want to be followed to the secret powder spot.

Waze - Not exactly for the slopes, but for your drive to the mountains. Waze will show you the most efficient way to get from point A to point B using real time road data to map your route. We think it'd be most handy when both I-70 and the pass are closed due to weather.

RealSki - The most impressive feature of this app is its mapping capabilities. Point your smartphone like a camera in the direction of a slope and watch as information appears. The app uses an augmented reality to build trail maps, and also shows facilities, chairlifts, and activities in the area.

EpicMix - Skiers and riders who have used this app in the past seem to approve. It works in conjunction with Vail Resorts and tracks data from each of the mountains you visit. Check the map at Breckenridge, track your speeds at Keystone, and view photos from Vail. All Vail Resorts mountains are compiled into this app. Its newest feature for 2015? Wait times for lift lines. That addition arrives in December.

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