Interactive ski map runs on standalone device or mobile phones and offers a unique “push/buy” sales and marketing opportunity to Big Sky retailers.

October 1, 2008, Big Sky, MT: SatSports Inc  have chosen the Big Sky/Moonlight combined ski areas for its U.S. launch of the company’s Satski interactive ski map and electronic resort directory.  Already present in over 50 European resorts, Satski has revolutionized the whole skiing experience by placing a real-time, touch screen GPS ski map and resort directory in a skier’s hands. The Satski application is available either on standalone units available for rent in the resorts, or downloadable onto a mobile phone.

In its simplest form, Satski allows users to navigate around the mountain in real-time on an electronic version of the familiar paper trail map. The color display shows a skier their current location on the mountain, provides live statistics and even records the day’s skiing for replay either in 2-D or in 3-D via Google Earth. Satski enables the skier to receive live instant messages such as emergency alerts, weather forecasts or updates on lift closures. In addition, skiers receive the latest live information from local retailers such as restaurants, shopping and real estate companies and allows skiers to purchase those good or services directly from their cell phone.

Designed to be used by all ages, Satski lets both beginners and intermediate skiers plan their  day out on the slopes. The Navigate function allows a skier to plot the most appropriate route from their current location on the mountain to another location such as the base, lift or restaurant while avoiding certain runs to ensure that they arrive quickly and safely to their chosen destination. More experienced and competitive skiers can plot harder runs and measure and record their speed and the terrain covered. A “buddy” feature allows a group of users, such as a family, to link their Satski’s and locate each other on the mountain. In addition, Satski includes an emergency locate feature that alerts the ski patrols to the exact location of the skier.

For local Big Sky retailers perhaps the most exciting feature of Satski is its “push/buy” marketing functionality that also allows skiers to make purchases right from their cell phones. Subscribed retailers not only get a full listing of their business in the electronic directory, but can push live messages to the cell phones of Satski users to promote a product, service or event. Satski users can then purchase that product or service right from their mobile phones.

One example of Satski’s “push/buy” feature might be a ski retailer who pushes up a message to a Satski user’s cell phone announcing a special ski model on sale. The Satski user can read about the ski, view a photograph and simply click on the “buy” button embedded into the message; the ski is immediately charged to their credit card which is already on file with SatSports, so streamlining the complete purchasing process. An order confirmation text message provides information on where and when to collect their purchase.

In another example, a realtor might push a message about an open house, which would not only include a description of the property but can also include a photograph. Another example might be a restaurant that can push a message about a special event or menu that evening, and even use that message as an electronic discount coupon.

Jean-Claude Baumgartner, director of SatSports states: “We have had great success with Satski in Europe and now that the application can be downloaded on to mobile phones, it’s easily available to anyone. Having Big Sky and Moonlight Basin as the first U.S. resorts covered by the system prior to a nationwide launch next year was a natural choice.” Continues Baumgartner: “Skiers just love it, but for retailers in a resort it is a unique cost effective marketing and sales tool. Retailers need to reach the more affluent skiers while they are in the resort, and there is no better place than having a company’s full information sitting on someone’s mobile phone. And perhaps most exciting of all is the ability for a retailer to get a promotional message, including a photograph, right to that skier, and get them to purchase right now.”

Says Baumgartner:” Traditional media advertising has its place -  but what’s better than getting your product, event or message in to the hands of potential clients right when they are here in the resort and can act and buy immediately?”

SatSports is offering Big Sky retailers to enroll which then provides an entry in Satski’s interactive resort directory and unlimited-fee based push-marketing messages to users. Monthly subscription is $99.00; the cost of push marketing messages is $50.00 for text only, $100 for text plus one photograph plus transaction fees for the “push/buy” functionality. Satski charges a one-time annual account fee of $750.00.

For more information, contact SatSports at 406.534.0877

Detailed Information For The Skier:

·         Satski tracks and updates your current real-time position on the mountain.

·         Updates statistics showing real-time stats (average ski speed, maximum speed, distance skied, altitude climbed/descended and much more!).

·         Records your day’s travels and stores your statistics in a data file for review later on 2-D Ski Viewer and for replay of your full days skiing on 3D Google Earth.

·         Track your friends and family on the mountain

·         Links to emergency contacts: a series of emergency numbers that will be readily available if for any reason something goes wrong (e.g. local doctor/mountain rescue/mountain security). Also provides exact location on the mountain.

·         Provides photos and information on local restaurants and amenities nearest to you.

·         Promotional offers and deals from local retailers on and around the mountain sent directly to Satski users.

·         Users also receive timley weather and lift reports as well as daily updates on all the current events.

·         Standalone unit are available for rental at the resorts