uberSki: It’s Uber for Skiing

Uber launched its first service targeted directly at skiers, operating in the Salt Lake City area of Utah.

The uberSki service has been implemented in conjunction with backcountry.com and will let skiers hitch a lift to resorts on the Wasatch Front. Among those served are Powder Mountain, Snowbird, Alta, Park City, Deer Valley, Solitude and Brighton.

Instead of struggling to fit your skis and gear inside a standard Uber vehicle, the uberSki service ensures riders are sent all-wheel-drive vehicles with ski racks. The ride-hailing service has become hugely popular in cities across the United States, and the new service marks a new direction for the company.

By offering a specialized service, the company shows its appetite for innovation and makes life easier for skiers in Utah. It may be a good way for the company to attract new users who do not have a car appropriate for ski trips.

The additional cost of just $4 means the service won’t break the bank either. Travelers to Salt Lake City could theoretically jump off the plane, order an uberSki via the app and be whisked straight to the mountain. Those traveling on a budget might prefer to take a Utah Transit Authority bus to the mountain, which costs just $4.50 one way.

With the advent of uberSki, it will be interesting to see if the company implements other specialized services in different ski areas.