Mountain Mastery
skiKrumb is a pioneering company that has developed the world’s first and only radio GPS tracker specifically designed for ski resorts. Unlike traditional GPS systems that rely on cell signals, skiKrumb’s technology utilizes radio waves, allowing it to cover a much larger area of the mountain. This innovation enables skiers to keep track of their friends and family live on an interactive 3D map, even in areas where cell phone connections are unavailable. skiKrumb significantly enhances the skiing experience, with many customers reporting that it has transformed how they navigate and enjoy the slopes, to the point where they can’t imagine skiing without it.
The Okanagan startup’s flagship product is a compact radio device that transmits location data every 10 seconds. This device can be purchased or rented at participating ski resorts, providing flexible options for customers. Beyond skiing, skiKrumb is expanding its coverage to include new areas for activities like hiking and mountain biking, broadening their application and appeal.
Additionally, skiKrumb offers the Polar Bear integrated ski school registration application — a top-tier software for ski resorts to efficiently manage their ski schools — and they’re currently preparing to launch ‘skiKrumb Unbound,’ which will allow users to see live locations on their phones, even at resorts with no cell service. This comprehensive approach ensures that skiKrumb not only enhances the skiing experience, but also supports resort operations and customer engagement.
Peak Performance
Initially planning to launch in late 2020, the company sprang into action when Big White reached out in April 2022. Despite not writing any code until August of that year, they managed to launch their ski school registration software by November. This rapid development led to a three-year device contract with Big White, equipping every child and instructor in group lessons with a skiKrumb for enhanced safety. Last season, skiKrumb successfully launched its consumer product and is now in discussions with most major Canadian resorts for the upcoming season.
This year, skiKrumb is aiming to go deeper in the New Ventures BC Competition. After entering last year with unproven technology and initial negotiations with partner resorts, the mentorship and learning gained by being in the top 25 proved invaluable. Building on their recent success as a top 6 finalist in the Okanagan Angel Summit, the West Kelowna startup hopes to leverage their momentum and growth to break into this year’s Top 10.
As they compete in this year’s competition, skiKrumb is also navigating a major growth period as a company. They’ve visited 14 resorts since January and are negotiating with several others. The company has already struck deals with Sun Peaks, Revelstoke, and Mt. Sima, and they’re on track to launch at most major Canadian resorts this winter. This rapid success on home soil has skiKrumb planning a US launch, targeting 50 new resorts for the 2025/26 season.
Farm to Mountain
Keith MacIntyre, CEO and founder of skiKrumb, started his career in an unconventional way. Growing up on a small farm, he took on various tasks like painting fences, chopping wood, herding cattle, and cutting hay. His first formal job was as a shelf stocker and cashier at a drugstore. As a shy, introverted individual, this job pushed him out of his comfort zone, teaching him valuable communication skills and a dedication to customer service. These early experiences laid the foundation for his career in tech, where he began with technical support and programming for touchscreen voting systems. Over his 25 years in the tech industry, the customer service principles he learned in his first job have remained a core value. Even today, those early skills come in handy when opening shipments of skiKrumbs!
About the Founder
Keith MacIntyre, Founder and CEO
Fun Fact: Keith’s nickname in university was “Big Bear” which became the name of the software consulting company he founded and ran for 20 years.
Company Cheatsheet:
City: Westbank
Founded: May 12, 2020
Sector: Radio GPS Tracking
