Vancouver based music and mountain lovers YodelTECH Inc are aiming to connect snowboarders and skiers on the slopes with their next-gen walkie-talkie type wearable called YodelUP. There are plenty of reasons why communication on the slopes is a good thing, and in the age of cellphones and apps such as WhatsApp, LINE, etc it’s not exactly new.

The difference with YodelUP, apart from it being worn on the wrist, is it uses Push-to-Talk Over Cellular (PoC or PTT) technology so it can be used walkie-talkie style with multiple users at one time. There are quite a few Push-to-Talk apps available that turn smartphones into walkie talkies, but ski gloves and smartphones don’t mix too well.

YodelTech set out to bring a more ideal solution with their watch-like gadget that’s worn over your ski glove and has extra-large buttons designed so you can feel them through the gloves. YodelTECH have teamed up with Zello, a PTT app that already has over 50 million downloads. The new wearable has a built-in microphone, and with one press of the Yodel button on the side of the device you’re instantly sharing one-to-one or one-to-many conversations.

You still need to have your smartphone with you to use YodelUP as a cellular network is needed for the Zello PTT technology. The wearable connects to your smartphone with Bluetooth, we’re not sure exactly which version, but YodelUP has been tested up to 10 meters, so as long as you’re within that distance of your smartphone YodelUP gives you unlimited range to communicate with your friends as it uses cellular networks.

Along with being a PTT communicator, the snowsports wearable’s other purpose is controlling your favorite music apps, such as Spotify, Shazam and Soundcloud. You can skip, pause, play and adjust the volume of your tracks while carving up the powder without the need to take your phone out its warm bed (your pocket). The Yodel button can also be used to answer incoming calls.

YodelUP is compatible with iOS and Android devices, and works with any wireless or wired headphones and helmets with built-in audio.

YodelUP is a cool looking wearable and comes in four different colors: Thermal Green, Stealth Black, Tiger Orange and Fresh Blue. As you’d expect with a skiing/snowboarding gadget, it’s shockproof and IP67 water-resistant.

The new winter-sports wearable is powered by a rechargeable battery with a claimed play-time of 8 hours at -20°C; 1 full day at room temperature; and 7 days standby. It’s charged with a magnetic USB cable.

YodelUP is expected to retail at $159 USD. Discounts are still up for grabs over at Kickstarter with an estimated shipping date of December 2016.