Features

How MountainEars works

A safety companion for anyone heading out on the mountain — built to keep the people who care about you informed, and to keep working even where the signal doesn't.

Start an activity

Before heading out, start an activity and tell the app when you expect to return.

Your route and location are recorded automatically and shared with your approved trackers, helping them know where you are and whether you're progressing safely.

Even if mobile coverage is lost, the app continues working and synchronises when connectivity returns.

Start Activity screen in the MountainEars app, with activity type, route details, and expected return time

Stay connected with trusted trackers

Choose the people or groups who should be able to monitor your activities. Trackers may include:

  • Family members
  • Partners or spouses
  • Hiking clubs and running groups
  • Event organisers
  • Mountain safety organisations
  • Volunteer rescue support groups

They can see when you're active, where you are, and whether your activity is progressing as expected.

Trackers & groups screen in the MountainEars app, showing approved trackers and groups

Welfare monitoring

The app doesn't only watch for overdue activities.

If prolonged periods of inactivity are detected, the app checks in with you to confirm that everything is alright.

A simple response provides reassurance to the people monitoring your progress, and may prevent unnecessary concern.

Welfare check-in prompt in the MountainEars app, asking “Are you OK?” after a period of inactivity

Share hazards and incidents

Mountain safety is about more than your own activity. Users can raise alerts relating to:

  • Damaged trails
  • Fallen trees
  • Fires or smoke sightings
  • Dangerous wildlife activity
  • Criminal incidents
  • Injuries
  • Other hazards affecting outdoor users

Alerts can include a category, severity level, description, photos, and ongoing updates — helping others make safer decisions before and during their activities.

Raise Alert screen in the MountainEars app, with category, type, severity, and message fields

Record emergency contacts for when you need them

The app allows the storing of emergency contact numbers, helping users quickly find and dial the most appropriate point of contact when assistance is required.

My Details screen in the MountainEars app, showing medical conditions and emergency contacts

Designed for the realities of the outdoors

Mobile coverage is often unreliable in mountainous terrain. MountainEars has been designed to continue functioning when offline — core functions remain available, including:

  • Activity tracking
  • Route recording
  • Alert creation
  • Activity completion

Data is synchronised automatically once connectivity returns.