Note: Ski Mode is currently only available on the HOVERAir X1 PRO and PROMAX models.
What is Ski Mode?
Ski Mode is a purpose-built flight mode for skiing, snowboarding, and other high-speed snow sports. It allows the X1 PRO & PROMAX to automatically track your movement while maintaining smooth, cinematic footage, even on steep or snowy slopes. Compared to regular Follow Mode, Ski Mode provides:
- Enhanced Target Recognition: Tracks dynamic skier movements, including crouching, leaning, or unusual skiing positions.
- Terrain Optimizations: Maintains smooth performance over steep, snow-covered slopes and challenging terrain.
- User Experience Adjustments: The drone returns to you automatically after three seconds of stillness, simplifying retrieval.
- Image Optimizations: Camera parameters adjust automatically for bright, snow-covered landscapes, producing vibrant footage straight out of the drone.
Ski Mode lets you focus on skiing while the drone handles following, framing, and exposure adjustments automatically, ensuring professional-looking footage with minimal effort.
Getting Ready
Ski Stickers
If snow comes into contact with the drone, melted snow can potentially cause damage and void the warranty. Apply waterproof Ski Stickers before takeoff to minimize risk. Remove them after skiing.
Tip: Avoid using Ski Stickers in warm weather above 15°C / 50°F, as this may cause overheating.
Cold Resistance Mode
Cold temperatures can reduce battery performance. For operation below 0°C:
- Use a fully charged Thermo Smart Battery.
- If the battery temperature is too low, the system automatically enables Cold Resistance Mode.
- Wait until the snow icon appears in the app before takeoff to protect battery performance and maximize flight time.
Beacon
Included in both the Ski Bundle and the All-In-One Bundle, the Beacon elevates your skiing and snowboarding experience with essential controls such as Live Preview and Return-to-Beacon.
Purpose-built for mountain environments, the Beacon enables hands-free filming and smarter flight control, giving you safer, more reliable, and worry-free performance on the slopes.
Flight Parameters
You can use the on-device buttons or the X1 App to:
- Select Ski Mode.
- Adjust flight parameters such as height and follow direction.
- Explore 120fps slow-motion to capture detailed action shots.
Proper preparation ensures smoother footage, safer operation, and optimal battery usage in challenging snow conditions.
Taking Off Safely
- Ensure there is enough space for takeoff. Wait for the red light on the drone camera to turn on, then accelerate gradually.
- Avoid flying in strong winds or heavy snow. The X1 PRO & PROMAX can withstand winds up to Level 5 (10.7 m/s) and reach a maximum follow speed of 42 km/h.
- Palm Takeoff / Voice Control Takeoff: You can start your flight quickly and conveniently using a hand gesture or voice command, making it easier to begin skiing sessions without touching the drone or remote.
Enhancing Your Ski Mode Experience
Return to Safety & Emergency Control
- Palm Landing: For hands-free retrieval, you can safely land the drone using a simple hand gesture, making it easy to catch or settle the drone without touching the remote.
- If tracking is lost, the drone will hover in place.
- Manual control options:
- X1 App: Open Manual Control
- Beacon: Press the Fn button, then use the left directional button to guide the drone back
Return to Beacon and Emergency Control: If you do find yourself far away from your device, you can instantly recall the drone back to you using Return-to-Beacon.
In case of unexpected wind or obstacles, Emergency Control lets you manually guide the drone to safety at any time.
Find my hover: Beacon also includes a Find My HOVER function — simply open the QR code on the Beacon display, scan it with your phone, and you can locate your drone’s position instantly if it lands out of view. This makes retrieval fast and stress-free, especially on wide-open slopes or tree zones.
HoverLink
- Connect the Beacon for extended range and improved tracking accuracy.
- Best suited for outdoor ski resorts.
- Learn more: HOVERLink Guide
Core Features
Default Back Follow
By default, Ski Mode uses Back Follow:
- Tracks you from behind, keeping you centered in the frame.
- Provides stable footage for high-speed descent and carving motions
- You can also adjust Follow Sensitivity in the X1 app to control how actively the drone moves left and right. For frequent, irregular, or high-intensity movements, choose High Sensitivity for quicker response. Otherwise, select Low Sensitivity to keep the camera motion smoother and more cinematic.
Dolly Track (added in 8.2.6)
Version v8.2.6 introduced Dolly Track Position, allowing you to follow from the front. This is similar to normal Dolly Track but with specific optimizations for skiing and snowboarding. Dolly Track will create a dynamic shot as you carve down the mountain.
How to switch: Open the X1 App and toggle between modes.
Usage Recommendations:
Dolly Track (Front Follow): Best for wide, open areas, straighter runs, or slower speeds. Captures facial expressions and action for a more engaging perspective. For high-speed and intricate runs, we recommend using Back Follow. Switching modes mid-session can add variety and dynamic perspectives to your footage.
Smart Ascend (v8.2.6)
Smart Ascend automatically raises the drone when detecting other people or obstacles, reducing collision risks. To use this feature, make sure it is enabled in the X1 App before your flight. This is especially useful on:
- Crowded ski slopes
- Terrain with other obstacles
Smart Ascend improves safety while adding vertical motion to your shots, creating more dynamic and cinematic footage.
Even with Smart Ascend on, please always be mindful of your surroundings and respectful of other people.
Ski Bundle
For skiing and snowboarding, we recommend the Ski Bundle as the ideal setup. It includes not only the Beacon for safer flights and easy mid-run control, but also the PowerCase, Thermo Battery, and Ski Stickers—all designed to help your HOVERAir X1 PRO & PROMAX perform reliably in harsh mountain conditions.
The Thermo Battery intelligently self-heats before takeoff, ensuring stable voltage and dependable performance even at –20°C. Paired with the PowerCase, you get:
- Extended Flight Time: Up to 40 extra minutes of shooting.
- Battery Protection: Keeps the Thermo Battery warm—your drone’s portable “home” in cold weather.
- On-the-Go Convenience: Charge anywhere, whether you're on a remote slope or moving between ski resorts.
The Ski Stickers provide additional labeling and protection, making it easier to manage gear during fast-paced ski sessions. With Beacon + PowerCase + Thermo Battery + Ski Stickers, the Ski Bundle gives you everything you need for safe, worry-free, and uninterrupted filming on the mountain. Know more about Power system in cold weather: https://hoverair.com/blogs/tech/cold-weather-power-system
Tips & Best Practices
Flight Speed & Height: Adjust according to terrain and skill level. Dolly Track works best at slower speeds; Back Follow handles fast slopes safely.
Angles: Use Back Follow to capture movement and surroundings; Dolly Track emphasizes facial expressions and detailed action.
Cold Weather: Thermo Battery and PowerCase enable reliable operation down to -20°C.
Beacon: Wear the Beacon on your helmet or clip it to your goggle strap with the top facing up for a strong signal, and make sure to follow the Beacon tutorial for proper use.
Avoid Issues: Ensure sufficient space for maneuvering and monitor battery levels closely.
Creative Variation: Switching between Back Follow and Dolly Track mid-session can enhance footage diversity.
Creative Ideas
Back Follow + Scenic Capture: Showcase speed and surrounding landscapes simultaneously.
Dolly Track + Front View: Highlight expressions and detailed action.
Alternative Techniques:
- Low Flyby: Glide close to the ground to emphasize speed
- Angle Switching: Alternate between Back Follow and Dolly Track for cinematic variety
Troubleshooting & FAQ
Ski Mode not responding or footage unstable → Check app connection and ensure firmware is up to date
Dolly Track not selectable → Confirm Ski Mode is active and drone is in a safe, open area
Smart Ascend fails → Ensure sensors are clean and unobstructed
Conclusion
Ski Mode transforms your X1 PRO & PROMAX into the ultimate companion for snow sports. Features like Follow Position and Smart Ascend provide creative flexibility while ensuring safe, smooth footage. Experiment with different modes, switch angles, and capture your best skiing moments effortlessly.
Note: Always verify local regulations at ski resorts before flying to ensure compliance and safety.
