Used VERT: Altimeter & Ski Tracker for iOS?


Editors’ Review

Download.com staff

VERT: Altimeter & Ski Tracker, created by Nadzeya Yashchuk, is an iPhone app that records elevation and mountain activity for skiers, snowboarders, and hikers. It uses the iPhone barometer to deliver live altitude readings without a network connection, while keeping a local session log. The app also offers run detection, photo tagging by altitude, GPX export, and visual elevation summaries aimed at outdoor users who need reliable, device-local tracking.

Hardware-backed altitude reporting that works offline

VERT relies on the iPhone's built-in barometer to produce continuous altitude readings, and the interface surfaces device-provided accuracy figures alongside those values. Because the altimeter does not depend on cellular data, the app can show live elevation during remote outings; those hardware-tied readings are the functional core for tracking vertical gain and maximum altitude in mountain conditions.

Automatic run detection and persistent session saving simplify logging

The app automatically differentiates downhill runs from lift time, producing cleaner descent statistics without manual tagging. Recording runs happens in the background and data is written to disk in real time, which the developer describes as protection against data loss from crashes or battery failure. Session history stores vertical gain/loss, top altitude, speed, and distance for later review.

Exports, visuals, and platform requirements suit common mapping workflows

VERT supports GPX export to share tracks with platforms such as Strava, Komoot, and Garmin, and it generates elevation profiles plus season-long summaries. Photo integration pins pictures to the altitude where they were taken, aiding post-trip review. The application is available for iPhone and requires iOS 17.0 or later for the latest features.

The interface and market footprint create practical limits for some users

Users and reviewers note a clean, minimalist interface that emphasizes compact screens over many on-device controls, which may hide advanced settings behind deeper menus. As a relatively new release, it is still building its user base and review history, meaning community resources and third-party tips are presently more limited than older alternatives.

Enlarged image for VERT: Altimeter & Ski Tra…
VERT: Altimeter & Ski Tracker 0/1
  • Pros

    • Accurate barometer altimeter with real-time accuracy figures
    • Automatic ski and snowboard run detection excluding lift time
    • Background recording that writes to disk to prevent data loss
    • GPX export for Strava, Komoot, Garmin compatibility
  • Cons

    • iPhone-only app, requires iOS 17
    • Minimalist interface limits discoverability of advanced options
    • No built-in cloud sync or account-based backups

Bottom Line

A privacy-focused tracking tool best for single-device mountain users

VERT fits outdoor athletes who prioritize device-local recording and privacy, since the design avoids accounts and cloud uploads. That same choice means users who want cross-device continuity or automatic cloud backups will need a different solution. For people who value local altitude accuracy and discrete session logs over ecosystem features, VERT is a straightforward, privacy-centric option; those seeking a mature community or synced history should look elsewhere.


Used VERT: Altimeter & Ski Tracker for iOS?


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