# Avalanche Forecasts vs OpenSnow

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Avalanche Forecasts at none against OpenSnow's 3. Avalanche Forecasts also leads on iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.0). OpenSnow's advantage is update cadence (every 11 days vs every 8 months) and ratings volume (9.1K vs 403). On price, rating, review sentiment and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. OpenSnow sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $49.99 per year. Avalanche Forecasts asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Avalanche Forecasts against 4.7 for OpenSnow. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: OpenSnow has 9.1K ratings behind it against 403, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 76% of Avalanche Forecasts's written reviews are positive against 80% of OpenSnow's.

Avalanche Forecasts ships an update every 8 months, OpenSnow every 11 days. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Avalanche Forecasts | OpenSnow |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (403 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/avalanche-forecasts/id501231389/reviews) | [4.7 (9.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/opensnow/id780890907/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 403 | **9.1K** |
| Positive reviews | 75.7% of reviews | **80.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 8 months | **Every 11 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#29** |
| Size | 37 MB | 125 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Sierra Avalanche Center](https://appshunter.io/developer/1651253835) | [Cloudnine Weather, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/487445927) |

## What reviewers say

### Avalanche Forecasts

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/avalanche-forecasts/id501231389)

Access real-time avalanche danger levels across North America with this app. View color-coded danger levels on a map for your chosen timeframe and explore detailed forecasts from over 20 forecasting centers. Stay informed about conditions wherever your adventures take you.

**Highlights:** Real-time avalanche danger levels, Map view with color-coded danger levels, Selectable timeframes (Today, Tomorrow, 2 Days Out), Detailed forecasts from over 20 centers, Support for NWAC, CAIC, UAC, and more

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy-to-use interface and navigation
- 🗺️ Consolidated map view of multiple avalanche regions
- ⚡ Quick access to critical avalanche forecasts
- 🆓 Free app with valuable safety information
- 📱 Simple and intuitive design for on-the-go access

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and stability issues
- 🐛 Color coding not displaying correctly (especially Washington state)
- 🐛 Offline cache feature not working for certain regions
- 🐛 Regional data not populating even when connected to internet
- 🔄 App not updating forecasts from certain centers (NWAC)

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes at startup
- Color coding displays as gray for entire regions
- Offline cache not functioning for NWAC zones
- Mt Hood zone not populating data
- Clicking on regions shows all state forecasts instead of specific region

**Requested features**

- iPad Pro screen size optimization
- Trip planning tools
- Slope evaluation features
- Checklists for backcountry planning
- Inclinometer tool


### OpenSnow

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/opensnow/id780890907)

**Currently charting:** #29 Top Grossing · Weather, #45 Top Free · Weather (US App Store)

Get the most accurate snow forecasts, detailed snow reports, and severe weather maps. Access 15-day forecasts, local expert insights, and offline 3D maps for snow depth, avalanche risk, and more. Track storms with advanced radar and AI-powered weather systems.

**Highlights:** 15-Day Snow Forecast, Local Expert Snow Reports, 3D & Offline Weather Maps, AI-Powered Weather System, Severe Weather Tracking, Mountain Webcams, Snow Depth & Avalanche Risk Maps

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| OpenSnow Legacy | $49.99 | per year |
| OpenSnow Base | $49.99 | per year |
| OpenSnow Base Legacy | $49.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Accurate snow forecasts
- 📊 Detailed weather data and maps
- 🗺️ Comprehensive coverage of ski resorts
- 💻 Intuitive and user-friendly interface
- 🤖 Reliable and consistent forecasts

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Subscription model can be expensive
- 🌐 Limited coverage outside of North America
- 🕰️ Occasional delays in updating snow conditions
- 🤖 Inconsistent accuracy in long-term forecasts
- 🔒 Paywall restricts access to some features

**Reported bugs**

- Occasional crashes or freezes on certain devices
- Inconsistencies in the display of weather data and forecasts

**Requested features**

- Expand coverage to more international ski resorts
- Improve offline functionality and data availability
- Introduce more customization options for user preferences
- Enhance integration with other outdoor activity planning apps
- Provide more detailed snow and weather data for backcountry use


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Avalanche Forecasts free?

Avalanche Forecasts is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is OpenSnow free?

OpenSnow is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Avalanche Forecasts or OpenSnow?

Avalanche Forecasts and OpenSnow are both rated 4.7 out of 5 on the App Store, from 403 and 9.1K ratings respectively.

### Do Avalanche Forecasts or OpenSnow have ads?

Neither Avalanche Forecasts nor OpenSnow shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Avalanche Forecasts or OpenSnow?

Avalanche Forecasts ships an update every 8 months, and OpenSnow every 11 days. Most recently, Avalanche Forecasts was updated on October 9, 2026 and OpenSnow on October 12, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*