Google Maps has reinstated its ski trails, lifts, and lodges feature for the winter season after removing it in October 2024, following user feedback with updated data for popular resorts in North America and Europe.
The feature originated as an experimental addition to Google Maps in 2013, enabling skiers and snowboarders to view ski trails, chairlifts, and lodges directly within the app. This functionality served as a practical tool for planning winter trips, displaying these elements overlaid on maps to help users navigate resorts effectively before heading out.
Over the subsequent years, the data underpinning the feature became outdated and inaccurate, diminishing its reliability for users relying on it for trip preparation. By October 2024, Google decided to remove the ski trails, lifts, and lodges layer entirely from the Maps application.
Google explained the removal in a statement, noting that people preferred to use maps directly from the individual ski resorts, since they’re seen as the most authoritative source of this information. This decision reflected observations of user behavior favoring resort-specific resources over the generalized Maps integration.
The company soon reversed course after receiving input from users who expressed a desire for the feature’s return. A Google spokesperson told POWDER, “We heard from many people who missed having ski information on Google Maps, so we’re bringing ski lifts and trails back this winter.” The spokesperson added, “You’ll see up-to-date ski information starting with popular resorts across North America and Europe.”
Alongside the reinstatement, Google has refreshed the underlying data sources. The updated maps now incorporate new imagery alongside information from ski resort maps, which positions the feature to deliver greater accuracy compared to its prior version before the October 2024 removal.
Currently, the feature covers several prominent resorts. These include Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia, Park City Mountain in Utah, and Palisades Tahoe in California. Coverage extends to additional popular locations across North America and Europe, as indicated by Google’s announcement.
Despite the rollout, certain resorts lack support at this stage. Examples include Red Mountain Resort in British Columbia and Hoodoo Ski Area in Oregon, as observed by Android Authority reporter Andy Walker.
