onX Launches New onX Backcountry App for Trail and Snow Enthusiasts

Pairing robust GPS technology and mapping tools with thousands of expert-curated adventure guides

onX, a pioneer in outdoor digital navigation, today announced that its third app, onX Backcountry, is now available on iOS and Android devices as well as any browser. The ultimate adventure tool, onX Backcountry is designed to empower trailblazers and powder seekers of all ability and experience levels to find new outdoor experiences and relive old favorites. 

Industry-Leading GPS and Mapping Tools

At its core, onX Backcountry is powered by the company’s industry-leading GPS technology that millions of recreationists have relied on for over a decade. Upon opening the App, users are immersed in an intuitive world of outdoor possibility–one featuring 650,000 miles of distinguishable trails and color-coded land management areas. Icons dot the map, representing 500,000+ points of interest–from river put-ins and campgrounds to scenic stops and breweries. And with a tap, users can transform the landscape into 24k topo, satellite, hybrid, or 3D map views.

Expert-Curated Content

“In addition to reliable navigation, all adventurers enjoy a little inspiration and local beta,” said onX Backcountry General Manager Andrew Burrington. “Through recent acquisitions, we’re working with Outdoor Project and Adventure Project contributors to bring thousands of their hiking and snow adventures to life in an intuitive and reliable mobile experience. We’ve also partnered with Beacon Guidebooks and groups like Colorado Mountain Club to add content and connect communities across the U.S.”

In the App, these expert-curated guides are called “Backcountry Adventures,” and are identified by blue trailhead and purple skier icons. They include trip overviews, photos from past explorers, and other helpful information. To organize these outdoor opportunities, onX Backcountry users can toggle between two modes–Trail Mode and Snow Mode–accessing seasonal-specific Backcountry Adventures and map functionality with the tap of a button. 

Trail Mode Functionality and Features

At launch, Trail Mode will feature 3,000+ hiking and backpacking Backcountry Adventures, but users can plan to explore 30,000 expert-curated experiences across the U.S. by summer with more on the way. With so many paths to choose from, onX makes it easy to remember favorite places, peaks summited, and cozy campsites with custom tools like Tracker and Waypoints. Users can also add photos and customizable icons for quick reference and share them with friends and family. 

“When I’m out on the trail, I’m focused on the path ahead,” said Jeff Garmire, thru-hiker and author with a handful of fastest known times under his belt. “From the moment I open the App, onX Backcountry let’s me see relevant information about my location and my surroundings, even when I’m far from cell service. That means I can spend more time looking around and less time looking down at my phone.” 

Snow Mode Functionality and Features

Snow Mode builds on Trail Mode’s capabilities and adds seasonal functionality like slope angle overlay and localized avalanche forecasts aggregated by the American Avalanche Association. At launch, Snow Mode will highlight 1,500+ Backcountry Adventures, and that coverage will grow to include 3,200+ ski and splitboard experiences by the end of the winter season.

“I’ve relied on guidebooks and a combination of outdoor apps for expert beta and in-the-field navigation for years, but none of those resources bring it all together into one tool like onX Backcountry,” said professional skier Cody Townsend. “Whether I’m skiing a big line in Colorado or I’m on a backyard adventure in Tahoe, onX Backcountry delivers the info I need with just a few taps. I’m stoked to work with them as they continue to refine the ultimate tool for backcountry skiers and snowboarders.” 

“While building their app, onX has demonstrated their commitment to snow safety and the snow community by working with snow and avalanche experts and supporting avalanche safety organizations,” said American Avalanche Association (A3) Executive Director Dan Kaveney. “We’ve been pleased to work with onX as our new sponsor and are delighted to have them as part of the A3 family.”

onX Backcountry is currently available in the Apple App and Google Play Stores. For more information, visit https://www.onxmaps.com/backcountry/app. New users can explore the App with a free seven-day trial. An annual, nation-wide membership is $29.99 for the first year and the subscription will renew at $39.99 the following year.

About onX

Founded in 2009, onX is a pioneer in digital outdoor navigation, developing software that helps inform, inspire, and empower outdoor recreationists. onX Backcountry, onX Offroad, and onX Hunt make up the company’s suite of apps and are built by explorers for explorers. Because off-the-beaten-path experiences are at the heart of what onX does, the company also leads initiatives to protect and expand access to public land. Since 2017, onX has worked with various partners to secure and improve recreation opportunities on public land through direct funding and by supporting key legislation with data analysis and research. 

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Contacts:

Molly Stoecklein: molly.stoecklein@onxmaps.com

Lizzie Strazza lizzi.strazza@backbonemedia.net