Uber Launches Ski Feature for Winter Rides

As ski season rapidly approaches, Uber is aiming to carve out a significant share of the lucrative winter tourism market with the launch of Uber Ski.

The ride-hailing giant announced Uber Ski on Thursday, a new service designed to transport users to and from nearly 40 ski resorts across the U.S., Canada, Switzerland, and France. The service, available through March, represents a strategic diversification for Uber, leveraging its existing platform to tap into the seasonal demand for transportation to mountain destinations.

In a key partnership, Uber is collaborating with Vail Resorts, allowing riders to book an Uber Reserve directly to the mountain resort company’s destinations. This integration streamlines the travel experience for skiers and snowboarders, offering a seamless connection from their doorstep to the slopes. Furthermore, users can conveniently purchase an Epic Pass, granting access to over 90 ski and snowboarding resorts, directly through the Uber app. This integrated approach not only enhances user convenience but also positions Uber as a comprehensive travel solution for winter sports enthusiasts.

Understanding the specific needs of skiers and snowboarders, Uber is offering options for larger vehicles. Riders can reserve an UberXL or UberXXL up to 90 days in advance, providing ample trunk space for skis, snowboards, and other bulky winter gear. This proactive approach to addressing logistical challenges underscores Uber’s commitment to providing a tailored and user-friendly experience.

The launch of Uber Ski is part of a broader suite of updates and features Uber is introducing as it gears up for the holiday season, a period of heightened travel and increased demand for its services.

According to Pradeep Parameswaran, Uber’s global head of mobility, the new features are designed to help “people spend less time stressing about logistics and more time enjoying the moments that matter” during the often-hectic festive months. This focus on user experience and convenience underscores Uber’s broader strategy of positioning itself as a reliable and stress-free transportation solution during peak demand periods.

Beyond Uber Ski, the company is also expanding its Uber Share service to several major airports. At John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport in New York and Orlando International Airport in Florida, riders can utilize Uber Share to potentially save up to 25% by opting to pair up with other travelers heading in the same direction. This move aligns with Uber’s ongoing efforts to promote efficiency and reduce transportation costs, particularly in high-demand areas.

Furthermore, Uber has unveiled a new “Send a Ride” in-app feature. This feature allows users to cover the cost of someone else’s ride by sending a voucher link that can be automatically applied to the recipient’s next trip. This builds upon the success the company has seen with its gifting option for Uber Eats, and offers users another convenient way to provide transportation solutions as a gift.

Adding a touch of personalization to the gifting experience, when using the Send a Gift feature, customers now have the option to include a video message. These video messages can be personalized or chosen from a selection featuring celebrities, including Megan Thee Stallion, the Jonas Brothers, and Tracee Ellis Ross, adding a unique and engaging element to the gifting process.