GPS 'Satski' is a pricey way to enjoy the slopes

(Credit: Satski)

If it's possible for skiers and boarders to actually agree on anything other than their shared love of snow, it might be something like this. The "Satski" is a GPS device developed specifically for the slopes to provide such invaluable information as the best runs, levels of difficulty and--most important--which lifts have the shortest lines.

Like Garmin's "Edge" line for bikes, the Satski can also store uploaded information that can be shared with others, as well as record such real-time performance stats as speed, distance and altitude. And for the apre-ski lodge, Gadgetizer says it has an MP3 player and games to boot.

There's just one problem--it costs almost $3,000. Which means we'll have to stick with the brandy snifter and fake cast for accessories.

[vernesto]

This device is not so excellent as it looks. as a matter of fact I am quite unsatisfied after purchasing a device unit of this so called Satski GPS. First of all the price is acceptable. But the quality is rather cheaply produced. One of the buttons went defect during my 2nd day at Le Menuire ski piste. Terrible! Also satellite receipt at the piste : very unreliable. frequently no receipt at all.. how is this possible and how can I make a full ski summary? the device is unreliable. To me this device looks like cheap Eastern manufactured. Althougt at first glimp the device looks awesome. But after using for 1 week I can advise everybody not to purchase this gadget.

[jenny_jennifer]

This is device is not reliable at all. It appears losing it's gps signal each 5 minutes. Which causes not only navigating problems. But also missing route playback recordings. And this last one was my main reason of purchasing it. My impression is that the manufacturing is not so solid. I would say it is made in China for a cheap price. And the price is much too high. It should be half the price if the quality is also half of the promises I got on satski website. So I've got mine for sale:-( Rgrds, Jenny.

[john_christian]

Thanks for these honest feedback. I considered purchasing one. But I reviewed all objective comments of users all accross internet. And most of them seem to be quite negative. I was considering last skiing season. But I wil definitaly not purchase this device. Maybe I should wait for a couple of years. Or just buy a Garmin device:-).

Have a look at http://www.ispo-brandnew.com/Winner_Finalist.Finalists.Finalist_Product.aspx?productid=443. Satski seems to have something to hide in that forum. It is my guess that they try to sell a nice looking Chinese Rubbish device. But this is based on the user opinions I have read on the internet...

[patrickkeen]

I have read a lot of discussions about hardware reliablity and problems regarding Satski GPS. I personally have no experience with this product. However to all who are considering to purchase a Satski (like me), I would suggest to read the below forum: http://snowheads.com/ski-forum/viewtopic.php?t=48595.
How safe is Satski for advance payment credit card transactions and (longer term) service issues? Satski ltd. was dissolved from Companies House Register this year. I think this last fact and the discussion on snowheads forum say important things to make the right decission. The 'behaviour' of their CEO is also described in several forums. Check the whole story out I would personally advise.