Decades of Global Snow Resort Research
Patrick’s working life has corresponded with the growth of information technology. In the early 1990s he used newly available personal computing to research and build the first database of ski resorts worldwide, initially taking three years to locate over 6,000 ski centres of all sizes in more than 80 countries.
This database was then used in everything from printed directories and guide books, CD ROMs such as Ski Europe (which bridged the gap between print and the start of the internet), and then the first websites. The data was also used in cartographic products – both printed atlases, early computer maps including Microsoft’s Autoroute Express CD ROM. Early ski websites using the data included AOL, BBC, Fall Line, Skiinfo, GoSki, 1Ski, iSki, J2Ski, SkiNet, Snow, TeleAtlas and Snow-forecast.com
Exploring the World of Snow
The Snow Hunter World Ski Resort Database eventually grew to contain up to 500 stats and facts on every ski resort and became a major updating task each year. Other users included prototype car sat nav systems wanting to give drivers information on ski resorts they approached.
Patrick Thorne The Snow Hunter 