Startup of the Year Finalist skiKrumb Tackles Mountain Safety

For many skiers, a day on the mountain is all about freedom and fun—but for the team behind skiKrumb, it’s also about peace of mind.

The Westbank-based startup has developed the first and only radio-based GPS tracking device purpose-built for ski resorts. Designed to function even without cell service, skiKrumb delivers live location updates every 10 seconds on a 3D interactive map—making it easier for families, ski schools, and lone skiers to stay connected on the slopes.

CEO and Founder Keith MacIntyre, whose inspiration came after a harrowing experience when his son went missing on a mountain over a decade ago, says the problem was tougher to solve than it initially seemed. “It turns out it’s not an easy problem to solve,” he said. “But nothing works as well as skiKrumb when it comes to finding peace of mind on the slopes.”

Unlike AirTags, which require proximity to an iPhone to function, skiKrumb’s radio-based system can cover far larger areas of mountainous terrain. The company also offers a dedicated device to ensure reliable tracking throughout the ski day, regardless of mobile coverage. A device-independent app is set to launch this winter—but the original hardware will remain the gold standard for alpine use.

Since launching, skiKrumb has expanded to a team of seven and has signed partnerships with seven major resorts, including Big White, Sun Peaks, Revelstoke, and SilverStar. With over $600,000 raised from investors, and a pilot project launching in Switzerland this winter, the momentum is growing.

The journey hasn’t been without challenges. Self-funding the early stages was tough, MacIntyre admits, but support from Accelerate Okanagan and success in competitions like New Ventures BC helped propel the company forward.

As a BC Tech Startup of the Year finalist, skiKrumb sees the spotlight as another step toward its mission: making GPS trackers as common as helmets on ski hills. “Every time we’re recognized, more people learn about the value of skiKrumb,” MacIntyre said. “And we’re always stoked for a good pitch competition.”