Planning my Gstaad trip last week, I figured maps would save my butt since I get lost easier than a squirrel in traffic. Started digging around for options, totally winging it as usual.
Free Stuff First Obviously
Downloaded three free apps right away. The first one looked like someone drew it with crayons – super blurry when I zoomed in. Useless for finding tiny trails. Second one crashed twice while trying to see where the ski lifts were. Total garbage. Third one actually kinda worked for basic roads but showed this fake shortcut that would’ve dumped me into a river. Dodged that bullet!
- Free ones feel like demos – they show big stuff but hide important details
- Offline mode kept glitching – gotta have that when cell service disappears
- Zero info about elevation or hidden trail gates
Paid Maps Worth Paying For
Said screw it and paid for this map that’s crazy popular with hikers. Instant upgrade! Like trading flip-flops for snow boots. Trails marked with difficulty colors, secret picnic spots locals know about, even ski rental shop hours. Best five bucks I spent.
Also tried this premium ski-focused one costing way more. Overkill for my trip but my pro-skier friend swears by it. Shows snow depth live and avalanche zones – good if you’re doing hardcore slopes. For my chill hiking trip? Nah.
How I Actually Used Them
Mixed both like peanut butter and jelly during the trip. Used the free map for driving between towns when I just needed highway exits. But soon as I stepped onto dirt paths? Switched to paid version immediately. Life saver when this hidden trail got super steep and the map warned me before I face-planted.
Pro tip: Bring a power bank! These map apps drain batteries faster than me after Swiss cheese fondue. Saw three tourists crying over dead phones at viewpoints.
If you’re cheap or just passing through, free maps cover basics. But wanting to explore properly? Pay for a solid map. Saved me from becoming a “missing tourist” headline.
