Communicating with large group on the mountain...

[IndecisionsIndecisions]

We are a group of nine skiers, all different levels - has anyone found a really good way to communicate on the mountain? From the basic (just use your iPhone) to the sublime - Apple watches? Helmet audio? Really good walkie talkies? We use iPhones, but the battery can die easily in the cold (investing in an insulated pocket this year), and the kids put them in their pockets and then never look at them. This is still probably the best way but I am just wondering if we are missing a trick ... one thought is whether getting some wireless headphones and wrapping them through the hook in the back of their ski jacket might work (like these https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-WI-C310-Bluetooth-Wireless-Headphones-Black/dp/B07R37BSZ6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=7E5O60EZ4J9C&keywords=sony+wi-c310+bluetooth&qid=1707140443&s=electronics&sprefix=sony+wi-c310+bluetooth%2Celectronics%2C305&sr=1-1

My Apple Watch was brilliant last year because I could have my phone in my inner pocket keeping warm and I could hear my Apple Watch ring or ding with a message, I could even use it for find my friends (although resort apps are the best for finding each other we found, eg the Meribel app). I just felt a bit of a tw*t talking into my wrist like some spy.

PS none of us have helmets with the ear pockets for a helmet audio system and this year I can't see that changing... so sadly no nunchucks etc.

We're a group of 13 this year. We tend to have a basic plan if we split into subgroups. Eg. Meet at X restaurant for lunch and then use a WhatsApp group for general communication. Like you say it's not ideal but not found a better way over the years.

Thanks Massistar, I think this is going to be us too - I have bought some magnetic holders for my lunatic son’s airpods for £3.99 on Amazon so he can’t ignore the pings and going to rely on phones! There do seem to be sone fun in helmet audio systems out there where you can keep in touch with up to 15 people all over the resort, but that will have to wait until we win the lottery!

That does sound cool @IndecisionsIndecisions . Although does that mean I'd need to listen to my lunatic daughter all day flying from off-piste jumps?

We all had walkie talkies many years ago which was hilarious as we mostly spent our time calling each other saying, "This is Broadsword calling Danny Boy. I repeat. Broadsword calling Danny Boy." 😂😂

Worth it for the comedy value!

I think it would drive me nuts having constant chatter in the ear while trying to enjoy the slopes. Part of what’s wonderful about skiing is the vastness of the mountain and the quiet moments you sometimes get to enjoy the beauty of nature with your companions. So while it’s a pain, stopping and the odd WhatsApp checking on the group suits me fine!

I did think of that! Am assuming you can switch it off when you want? Also could be chaos with 9 people expressing their opinion on where to have lunch…

I think the point of it was that you didn’t have to have cellphone signals.

Resort WiFi and WhatsApp?

we just agree to meet at eod and we only ever snowboard with 3 people and still lose people and then it’s so much more serene to go at my own solo pace.

We’ve had a group of 20 this week. Perhaps larger than ideal but we generally stayed together. Group WhatsApp was easiest. Used to have Broadsword/Danny Boy walkie talkies, but phones are easier.

We have used in helmet audio systems before. Didn't like them. We just use WhatsApp.

I used to ski with a group who used walkie talkies. This was okay except that another group (people we didn’t know) would also use them and get annoyed that we were on their channel.