Strava's FATMAP Technology: How 3D Mapping is Changing the Way We Ski
- Colton Barry
- Mar 20
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 21
Introduction: A New Way to Track Your Ski Adventures
Ski-tracking apps have come a long way from simple speed readings and vertical feet logs. With the integration of FATMAP’s 3D mapping technology In Strava, skiers can now visualize their runs like never before. Strava’s FATMAP feature not only allows users to track their skiing stats but also retrace each run in 3D—helping skiers analyze their performance, plan routes, and relive their best days on the mountain.
More than just a feature to evaluate personal performance, Strava's FATMAP technology is also used by ski resorts like Crystal Mountain in Washington, allowing skiers to explore the resort terrain before they even arrive.
Having used FATMAP firsthand on recent ski trips, I discovered just how powerful this tool can be—not only for tracking runs but also for pre-trip planning and post-ski analysis.
What is FATMAP Technology?
FATMAP was a standalone high-resolution 3D mapping platform designed specifically for outdoor sports, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and mountain biking. It provided:
✅ Detailed topographic maps with real-time overlays
✅ Ski run tracking in 3D, with elevation changes and speed data
✅ Route planning tools to scope out the terrain before arrival
✅ Avalanche safety features to assess risk areas
FATMAP was acquired by Strava in 2023, bringing its advanced mapping capabilities to Strava's global community of athletes.
How Strava's FATMAP Technology Enhanced My Ski Trips at Crystal Mountain & Steamboat
Crystal Mountain: Planning My Runs Before Arrival
Before my trip to Crystal Mountain, I used Crystal's virtual 3-D map presented by Strava to virtually explore the resort the night before skiing there. Instead of relying on flat, 2D trail maps, I was able to:
Visualize terrain and elevation changes to find runs that looked the most fun and challenging.
Plan efficient routes to maximize ski time and avoid unnecessary lift rides.
Scope out backcountry access points for off-piste skiing.
By the time I arrived, I already had a mental map of the resort, making my first day much smoother.
Steamboat: Retracing My Favorite Runs
At Steamboat, I discovered another benefit of FATMAP technology—reliving my best runs after a long ski day.
After skiing, I pulled up my Strava activity and used its 3D feature to retrace my exact routes.
I identified my favorite spots on specific runs, pinpointing the location of the best terrain and hero jumps I wanted to hit again.
I mapped out which runs on Mahogany Ridge I wanted to repeat the next day and planned out how to get there.
This feature added a new level of excitement to my ski experience—it wasn’t just about tracking stats but using the immersive 3D technology to re-live my best runs.
Strava’s New Proprietary Map Rendering Engine (MRE)
In early 2024, Strava announced its proprietary map rendering engine (MRE), built on top of FATMAP's existing technology, designed to improve speed, interactivity, and visual detail across all Strava mapping features. This feature was finally released at the beginning of March.
What Does This Mean for Skiers?
According to Strava, "With the new MRE, users can expect the new map layers to provide a greater level of insight including:
Avalanche Gradient - Shows only the slope gradients where an avalanche is likely to release, from 25° to 45°+.
Gradient - Shows slope angle from 0° to 90° to help users understand the steepness of their terrain.
Aspect - Shows the direction a slope faces to help users find the best snow and understand how much sun a particular face of the mountain might receive.
Winter Map Style - Winter-focused map for better planning and reliving of snow activities."
This upgrade makes the existing mapping features on Strava even more powerful, giving skiers much-desired visualization of their routes, terrain, and avalanche risk.
Why MRE is a Game-Changer for Skiers
1. Smarter Route Planning
Instead of guessing which runs to take, skiers can pre-plan routes with high-resolution 3D maps. This is especially useful at large resorts or for backcountry skiing, where terrain knowledge is critical.
2. Enhanced Post-Ski Analysis
With traditional ski apps, tracking is limited to a flat GPS line. FATMAP, on the other hand, lets skiers:
Review speed variations in different sections of the run.
See elevation changes in a realistic 3D format.
Analyze technique & terrain choice for future improvement.
3. Better Avalanche Awareness
For backcountry skiers, FATMAP includes real-time avalanche risk data, allowing users to identify potential danger zones and plan routes accordingly.
How to Effectively Utilize Strava MRE
Want to try it yourself? Here’s how:
1️⃣ Simply record your ski day activity in Strava
2️⃣ Once the activity is published, click on your activity map
3️⃣ View your ski tracks in 3D—zoom in, rotate, and analyze your performance. Or press the play icon to get a live replay of your day.
Final Thoughts: Will Strava MRE Become the Future of Ski Tracking?
After using the mapping features of Strava at Crystal Mountain and Steamboat, I can confidently say that 3D ski tracking is the future. Whether you're a data-driven skier looking to analyze your performance or just someone who wants to replay their best powder days, this technology makes it all possible.
With Strava’s new MRE release, we may soon see more ski resorts leveraging this technology, making ski navigation easier and more immersive than ever.
What are your thoughts? Have you used the FATMAP features In Strava? Do you plan to the next time you're on the slopes? Let me know in the comments! ⛷️🎿
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