Montana Mountain Biking App guides users to trails, shops

The trails at Montana Mountain in Carcross, Yukon, have been called "epic" and "world class" by the international mountain biking community and now an app is making those trails easier to navigate.

The Montana Mountain Biking App uses high-resolution maps and interactive features showing trail distancesand difficultyto helpriders choose from the area's growing numberof single-track trails.

The app also provides information on local businesses and events and has an emergency feature making it easier to call for help.

Staying found

The idea was born last summer after software developer Stephan Bardubitzki met some tourists who had gotten lost on the local trails.

"Most people nowadays have a smart phone. There should be an application that can guide people," he says.

The app's tracking software lets riders know their exact location and once downloaded for $9.99 it can be used without wifi or data.

Bardubitzky says that'sone of the most important features, considering the number offoreign visitors who come to the area and want to avoid expensive roaming fees. Cell serviceisstillrequired forcertain extra features of the app, like weather updates andthe emergency function.

Good for businesses

The app was funded by Carcross Tagish First Nation andTechnology Innovation at the Yukon Research Centre with the intention of bringing economic benefits to the local economy.

Eirik Sharp, project officer with Technology Innovation, says that while mountain biking apps are becoming quite common, this one is unique for combining mapping and marketing.

"It provides the ability for Carcross businesses to access some of the mountain bikers on the trail and bring them then into the community and keep some of those tourism dollars here in Carcross."

In addition to providing informationabout local restaurants and attractions, the app pinpoints them on a map.

'Perfect timing'

Carcross is a small community about 45 minutes south of Whitehorse that sees a heavy influx of cruise ship passengers coming in from Skagway, Alaska, as well as growing number of mountain bikers.

JonahClark is opening up a small rental bike and repair shop in Carcross as an offshoot of his retail storein Whitehorse, Icycle Sports, andsays it's a happy coincidence the app was just released.

"It's kind of perfect timing," he says. "I think anything like this app that helps build mountain biking and making it more accessible ... that contributes to the whole scene and community that we have here in the community for mountain biking."

If the app is successful, developers hope a similar app can be marketed to other areas in the territory. They plan to update and improve the app based on user feedback this summer.