Morzine ski resort in France, working with a company called Ski-Nav, is offering the first ski-slope navigation system based on GPS technology with special sets to rent this season.

Using the latest technology, Ski-Navigator is a pocket-PC with a tactile colour screen, displaying a 3D digital piste map, directly connected to a satellite. It's very easy to use, even with ski gloves on, according to the resort.

The unit allows users to immediately find out exactly where they are in the ski area, plan a route to ski lifts, mountain restaurants, or back to the resort centre. Skiers can obtain any technical information about the slopes they're on (including length, total vertical drop, altitude and so on). Ski Navigator also supplier their personal performance statistics (speed, kilometres covered...).

There are 500 Ski-Navigator units available at the Morzine Tourist Office for 60� per week.