Best Practices for Recording in Bad Weather — GPS Tips for Fog and Snow

Some of the best skiing happens in less-than-perfect weather. Fresh snow days, foggy mornings that clear by noon, and overcast afternoons with empty slopes — these are the days real skiers live for. And your GPS recording still works in all of them, as long as you follow a few practical tips.

GPS Works in Any Weather

Here is the good news: GPS signals come from satellites orbiting at 20,000 km altitude. Clouds, fog, rain, and snow do not block them. Your phone will receive GPS data in a blizzard just as well as on a bluebird day. The signal travels through the atmosphere without issue.

The Real Enemy: Cold Batteries

What bad weather does affect is your phone's battery. Cold temperatures cause lithium batteries to lose charge faster and can even trigger unexpected shutdowns. Here is how to manage it:

• Keep your phone in an inside pocket — Body heat keeps the battery warm and performing normally.
• Use a battery case — If you regularly ski in very cold conditions, an insulated battery case is a worthwhile investment.
• Start recording before your first lift — Begin the session while your phone is warm. GPS lock is faster when the phone is at operating temperature.
• Carry a power bank — Keep it in an inside pocket too. A quick top-up at lunch extends your recording through the afternoon.

Fog and Flat Light Tips

In flat light and fog, having the Bonvo.Ski 3D map with My Location active is invaluable. You may not be able to see the slope markers, but your position on the map shows you exactly where you are and which slope you are on. It is like having a compass that speaks ski resort.