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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

Hiking and Skiing vs Ikon Pass

Hiking and Skiing 4.6★ · Free + IAP 75
Winner Hiking and Skiing
Ikon Pass 4.7★ · Free + IAP 40

Hiking and Skiing (App A) is better for general outdoor exploration and peak identification, while Ikon Pass (App B) is specifically for Ikon Pass holders but suffers from significant usability and reliability issues.

Full reviews: Hiking and Skiing · Ikon Pass

Hiking and Skiing (App A) excels at identifying peaks, providing navigation, and offering 3D mapping for general outdoor enthusiasts, despite some complaints about its subscription model and occasional accuracy issues. Ikon Pass (App B) is designed for Ikon Pass holders to track skiing, view resort info, and manage passes, but recent updates have led to widespread dissatisfaction regarding its buggy tracking, poor UI, and removal of useful features.

Head to head

Features and Functionality edge: Hiking and SkiingR2R9R11R14
Hiking and Skiing Users praise Hiking and Skiing for its ability to identify mountains and peaks using AR, 3D mapping, and navigation features for planning routes and tracking trips R2R11R14R26. It's useful for general outdoor curiosity and even real estate . However, some users find its navigation features inconsistent or not reliable enough for critical backcountry use , and some specific peaks are not identified R9.
Ikon Pass Ikon Pass aims to provide ski tracking, group tracking, lift and trail status, and pass management across Ikon resorts R78. However, many users report that tracking is buggy and unreliable, often failing to record stats or losing data R79R81R87R91. Key features like viewing open runs and lifts are often buried or missing in the new updates R61.
Ease of Use and User Interface edge: Hiking and SkiingR1R6R12R20
Hiking and Skiing Hiking and Skiing is described as easy to use and fun by some R20R58, with a great visual app . However, others find it too complicated for simple tasks R1, difficult to navigate and search R6, and slow to load R12. There are also complaints about small font sizes and the need to download data frequently .
Ikon Pass Ikon Pass is widely criticized for its poor and clunky user interface, especially after recent updates . Users report difficulty finding information, navigating the app, and accessing basic features . The app often defaults to non-ski maps instead of trail maps R66, and favorite mountains or destinations frequently fail to save R66.
Reliability and Performance edge: Hiking and SkiingR10R14R25R28
Hiking and Skiing Hiking and Skiing is generally seen as reliable for AR peak identification and horizon accuracy R14. However, some users report issues with compass calibration R25, peaks moving around , and the app being inaccurate or outlining mountains incorrectly R28. There are also reports of the Mac version being buggy R10 and the app losing its place when switching to other apps .
Ikon Pass Ikon Pass has significant reliability issues. Tracking often fails or stops working mid-day R79R81R87R91. The app frequently crashes , and users report problems with maps not loading or turning blank . Many users also complain about constant updates R83 and the app not working without cell service .
Price and Value edge: Hiking and SkiingR15R16R24R26
Hiking and Skiing Hiking and Skiing is a free app with in-app purchases, but the free version is very limited, allowing only one use per day R15R37R40R45. Many users express strong dissatisfaction with the subscription model R24, preferring a one-time purchase. The pro version is considered expensive by some R16 but offers significant value for those who purchase lifetime access R16R26.
Ikon Pass Ikon Pass is a free app, but it is tied to the Ikon Pass itself, which users note has increasing prices and reduced renewal discounts . The app's value is diminished by its poor functionality, with users feeling it's not worth the hassle given the cost of the pass R91. Many users suggest using alternative apps for tracking due to Ikon Pass's unreliability .
Support and Updates edge: Hiking and SkiingR51R54R58R83
Hiking and Skiing Hiking and Skiing receives praise for its responsive and tenacious tech support R54R58. However, some users are irritated by frequent updates R51.
Ikon Pass Ikon Pass users complain about constant, often daily, updates R83, which frequently break existing functionality like tracking . The app's chatbot support is described as weak .
Pick Hiking and Skiing if

You are an outdoor enthusiast, hiker, or traveler who wants to identify mountains, plan routes, and track trips using AR and 3D maps R2R11R14R26. You are willing to pay for a subscription or lifetime purchase for full functionality R16R26. You value responsive customer support R54R58.

Pick Ikon Pass if

You are an Ikon Pass holder who primarily needs to access your pass barcode and check basic lift statuses, and you are willing to tolerate significant app frustrations R78.

Evidence note: Reviews for Ikon Pass are heavily skewed negative, particularly regarding recent updates, which may inflate the perceived difference in quality. Many Ikon Pass users are comparing it unfavorably to previous, separate resort apps.

Frequently asked

Can I use Hiking and Skiing for free?
Yes, Hiking and Skiing has a free version, but it is very limited, typically allowing only one use per day before requiring a subscription R15R37R40R45.
Does Ikon Pass reliably track my skiing activity?
No, many users report that Ikon Pass's tracking feature is buggy and unreliable, often failing to record stats, losing data, or stopping mid-day R79R81R87R91.
Is Hiking and Skiing available for Apple Watch?
Some users have reported issues with Hiking and Skiing not working on their Apple Watch Ultra, even after reinstalling R3.
Are trail maps easy to find in the Ikon Pass app?
No, many users complain that trail maps are difficult to find, often buried behind multiple clicks, or that the app defaults to less useful 3D or village maps instead of traditional trail maps R61R66R78R82.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R2] Hiking and Skiing 5/5 · US My review: I don’t use this app often but when I do it’s awesome. I love using it when I travel and want to know something like “what’s that mountain” or how tall is it. Defiantly a worth while app👍
  2. [R9] Hiking and Skiing 3/5 · US Far from perfect: For $30/year, you would think it could identify Ben Nevis when you’re looking right at it. After all, it is the tallest munro in the British isles.
  3. [R11] Hiking and Skiing 5/5 · US Wow, just wow!: I just tried this new app up in the Eastern Sierra and I am speechless. It, in combination with Gaia, are going to open new hiking routes that i never imagined. Freedom.
  4. [R14] Hiking and Skiing 5/5 · US Just right: This is the best functioning AR peak/summit app as far as reliability and horizon accuracy. It also has a great suite of navigation and history keeping features; being able to plan routes, save your tracks and trips, and leave reviews and check ins all works well together.
  5. [R1] Hiking and Skiing 1/5 · US Too complicated: Very hard to just do the simplest thing like going from point A to Point B and following it. Can not figure it out yet
  6. [R6] Hiking and Skiing 3/5 · US Searching could use work: Navigating and searching in general is somewhat difficult. It only has peak names, and not all of them and doesn’t list county, or even state. So for common named peaks, there are many results and it’s not obvious which one is being referred to. And then navigating around in the immersive map, you can’t zoom or move very quickly, so it’s hard to orient yourself. For exam
  7. [R12] Hiking and Skiing 3/5 · US Great app, slow to load: Great app, love the content but very slow to load
  8. [R20] Hiking and Skiing 5/5 · US Amazing!: It is easy to use and really fun!
  9. [R10] Hiking and Skiing 2/5 · US Beautiful app, but.: Mac version is incredibly buggy, nearly impossible to use.
  10. [R25] Hiking and Skiing 1/5 · US Compass calibration: The Compass calibration seems to be messed up and I can’t get it fixed
  11. [R28] Hiking and Skiing 2/5 · US barely works: would be way cooler if it was accurate. it can barely properly outline and label the mountains, it’s completely off. it’ll outline a “mountain” in the completely wrong spot and it’ll just be an outline in the sky. i paid $30 for this just for it to never work. I’d look for other apps that work properly
  12. [R15] Hiking and Skiing 3/5 · US (Free version) “One location per day”?: The app seems to work beautifully, but I would not have expected the “one location” limitation to lock me out during an hour’s loop walk around the Viewpoint neighborhood in Prescott Valley Az. I downloaded the “area data” before starting out. What’s a ”location”?
  13. [R16] Hiking and Skiing 1/5 · US Cost Outrageous: Too much money for as little as one uses
  14. [R24] Hiking and Skiing 3/5 · US I DETEST SUBSCRIPTIONS!: Please just figure out what a fair price is for the app (high or low) and I’ll pay it. I am overwhelmed with monthly subscriptions and will not buy anymore. I would gladly pay whatever you consider a fair price to own it. It’s getting out of control. Too bad because it appears that the full version is amazing. :( 9/4/21 Any consideration given to a one time fee? If you th
  15. [R26] Hiking and Skiing 5/5 · US 3D Mapping at its best: Have been playing with the app for a few years. The free version tickled my curiosities about the scenery around me. I really started using the app when the 3D Mapping became awesome. I purchased a "lifetime" membership because I like to know where I am when snowmobiling. The ability to import .gpx files from Garmin Eathmate, COTrex, etc into PeakVison is incredible. I
  16. [R51] Hiking and Skiing 1/5 · US My goodness, it has updates every few days!: I just don't understand why this app has so many updates. I'm glad I didn't pay for it because I'm deleting it now. Too many other apps out there which don't require updates as often as this one. Very irritating! Goodbye, you have been fired! The tribe has spoken!
  17. [R54] Hiking and Skiing 5/5 · US Great hiking app!!: If you have ever been on a hike or been anywhere that there is a view of mountains in the distance this is an awesome app to help you properly identify surrounding peaks. I have not used it yet for orienteering or mapping out hiking routes but I would think would be incredibly useful. I emailed the developer with some follow up questions and they responded right away which i
  18. [R58] Hiking and Skiing 5/5 · US Great app!: I love this app! It is quick and easy to use and gives detailed info either in real time or with photos. Tech support is awesome and gives one to one service. Recently had a bug and the support was tenacious and persistent in figuring out the problem. I highly recommend.
  19. [R83] Ikon Pass 1/5 · US Have to update the app almost every day: Title says it all. Fix it, Ikon
  20. [R37] Hiking and Skiing 1/5 · US Too much upselling: As a free app this is next to useless! Only one use per day! Disappointed is an understatement
  21. [R40] Hiking and Skiing 1/5 · US Useless: Only one usage per day, but it counted my initial setup as a “use.” So I downloaded it onto my other phone, and… it didn’t do anything. What a waste of time.
  22. [R45] Hiking and Skiing 3/5 · US 1 use a day?: Only one use a day before having to pay $23/ year. Not too happy. Hard to tell how this is working b4 I pay other then the reviews.
  23. [R79] Ikon Pass 2/5 · US Tracking is buggy: Many times I have started the day with tracking on only to find mid day that it failed to collect any stats. Only fix seems to be force quit app and restart.
  24. [R81] Ikon Pass 1/5 · US Don’t expect much: Where do I start…. What a frustrating app! I had it open from a day earlier, and said it was still tracking, but it wasn’t. Lost an entire day of stats. Need to blow away the app. Each night. And be prepared to login again each time, particularly frustrating when you’re all geared up and it won’t recognize your face. And don’t get me started when it won’t start tracking becaus
  25. [R87] Ikon Pass 2/5 · US Unreliable: Tracking works only when the app feels like it. About 1 day out of 4 it decides I’m not “authorized” to track. And before you ask, my iPhone is always up to date. The app is (still) simply not good enough for prime time.
  26. [R91] Ikon Pass 2/5 · US What are they doing?: This app got significantly worse for the 2025-2026 season. The tracking barely ever works and it is way more complicated to track with a group - to the point where I never track on Ikon anymore. The layout is more difficult to navigate and I always get thrown error messages. Additionally, I can never select resorts in my wallet so I can’t use my mountain credits. These frauds
  27. [R3] Hiking and Skiing 3/5 · US Won’t work on an Apple Watch: I’ve tried installing it and reinstalling it and still am unable to pull up the app on my Apple Watch Ultra. Can you offer any suggestions?
  28. [R61] Ikon Pass 1/5 · US No trail maps???: The app seems to have removed the ability to view trail maps at Palisades, at least in the offseason, replacing it with only their awful “3D” map that you could get a better version of in any other all-purpose mapping app. The only thing I used this app for was trail maps. Is this someone’s idea of a joke?
  29. [R66] Ikon Pass 3/5 · US Ski App - But Defaults to Non-Ski Map? 🥴: App is ok, it doesnt seem to want to save favorite mountains. Biggest complaint is it always defaults to the map of the resort which is NOT the trail map. Can’t think of a reason why this would be except Alterra wanting everyone to know where to buy expensive F&B. Would really like to see this change to default to trail map.
  30. [R78] Ikon Pass 3/5 · US Good, but not as good as the previous Palisades app: On the plus side, this app has all the key information skiers need, including which lifts are open and scheduled, trails open and closed, parking info, and even lift wait times, although that last info is oddly hard to find as it's only showed on the map in Trails mode, which is not the default. The map in the default Village mode is useless to
  31. [R82] Ikon Pass 3/5 · US Steamboat map: New steamboat map is good if you want to track but i cant use it to find out witch trails are open. Old map is better.

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store