In a notable reversal of a recent decision, Google has restored detailed ski resort information to its Maps service just in time for the peak winter sports season. This move comes after the company faced significant criticism from the skiing and snowboarding community for removing the feature last year, highlighting the delicate balance tech giants must strike between streamlining services and meeting user expectations.
The Feature's Return and Updated Data
Google has officially brought back the ability to view ski trails, lifts, and lodges within Google Maps. The company confirmed the reinstatement, stating it acted in direct response to user feedback. A Google spokesperson explained that after hearing from many people who missed the functionality, the decision was made to reintroduce it for the winter. Crucially, the returning feature is not simply a rollback to the old system. Google has updated the underlying data using new satellite and aerial imagery, as well as information provided directly by the resorts themselves. This update aims to address the primary issue that led to the feature's initial removal: outdated and inaccurate information that had accumulated over the years.
Timeline of the Ski Feature in Google Maps
- 2013: Feature introduced as an experiment.
- October 2024: Google removes the feature, citing user preference for resort-specific maps.
- December 2025: Google reinstates the feature with updated data for the winter season.
The Backlash and Initial Removal
The feature, which first appeared as an experiment in 2013, was quietly removed from Google Maps in October 2024. At the time, Google justified the decision by stating that user data showed most people preferred to use maps provided directly by the ski resorts, which were considered the most authoritative source. This explanation did not sit well with the outdoor community. A petition on Change.org, started by skiing enthusiast Donát Sugataghy, garnered nearly 3,000 signatures. The petition argued that the removal was more than an inconvenience, disrupting daily life for mountain residents and hampering tourism, a critical economic driver for many regions. The collective voice of these users appears to have been a key factor in Google's decision to reverse course.
Reported Resort Coverage (As of December 2025) Currently Supported:
- Whistler Blackcomb (British Columbia, Canada)
- Park City Mountain (Utah, USA)
- Palisades Tahoe (California, USA)
Reported as Missing:
- Red Mountain Resort (British Columbia, Canada)
- Hoodoo Ski Area (Oregon, USA)
Current Availability and Limitations
While the feature is back, its rollout is not universal. Initial support focuses on popular resorts across North America and Europe. Specifically named resorts include Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia, Park City Mountain in Utah, and Palisades Tahoe in California. However, notable gaps remain. According to reports, resorts like Red Mountain Resort in British Columbia and Hoodoo Ski Area in Oregon are not yet included in the updated maps. This selective availability suggests that Google is prioritizing major destinations first, potentially with plans to expand coverage based on further data integration and user demand.
The Bigger Picture for Tech Services
This episode serves as a compelling case study in how large technology companies manage their product ecosystems. Google, known for frequently discontinuing features and services, demonstrated a willingness to listen to its user base and reinstate a removed tool. For winter sports enthusiasts, the return of this data is a practical win, offering a convenient, centralized tool for trip planning that integrates lift locations, trail endpoints, and lodge information. For Google, it reinforces the importance of community feedback in shaping product decisions, even for niche features. As the winter season progresses, it will be worth watching how the accuracy of the new data holds up and whether Google commits to expanding support to a broader range of ski areas worldwide.