Smartphone Users Hit the Slopes: Free Snow Reports Now Available From REI and Zumobi

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), the national outdoor gear and apparel retailer, and Zumobi, the innovative mobile media company, today announced the availability of the REI Snow Report, a free application that lets iPhone, Blackberry and Windows Mobile users get instant information about conditions at ski resorts and mountains in the United States, Canada, Europe and elsewhere. Available now as a free download, the REI Snow Report also provides one-touch access to REI’s website, featuring winter sports products and helpful information on recreating outdoors.

“When temperatures drop or snow begins to fall, enthusiasts everywhere will know which of their favorite destinations to head to for the best conditions”

The REI Snow Report lets Smartphone and “Superphone” users (the term coined by Zumobi for the next generation of Smartphones, including iPhone, etc.) quickly select a slope and access information, including temperature; new, top and base snow depth; snow conditions; and number of open lifts. Each listing includes one-touch access to the resort’s contact information, as well as live Webcam images where available.

“When temperatures drop or snow begins to fall, enthusiasts everywhere will know which of their favorite destinations to head to for the best conditions,” said Tom Vogl, vice president of Marketing for REI. “We are committed to helping people recreate outdoors, and the REI Snow Report is a handy resource for snow lovers to access information through a quick touch on their Smartphone.”

The REI Snow Report further demonstrates The Zumobi Network’s ability to deliver engaging and highly compelling mobile experiences for brands.

“Zumobi is absolutely thrilled to be partnering with the premiere outdoor lifestyle brand on the REI Snow Report application. REI’s enduring commitment to quality is a great match with our approach to creating compelling mobile experiences for leading brands, and we’re excited to welcome them to the Zumobi Network,” said Zumobi CEO Ken Willner.

The REI Snow Report is free to users, and can be downloaded to Windows Mobile and BlackBerry devices via the Zumobi website at www.Zumobi.com or from their mobile browsers at rei.zumobi.com. iPhone users can download from iPhone App Store.

About REI

REI is a national outdoor retail cooperative dedicated to inspiring, educating and outfitting its members and the community for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship. Founded in 1938 by a group of Pacific Northwest mountaineers seeking quality equipment, REI operates retail stores nationwide, two online stores – www.rei.com and www.REI-OUTLET.com – and an adventure travel company, REI Adventures. REI offers products from all of the top brands for camping, climbing, cycling, fitness, hiking, paddling, snow sports and travel, including its own line of award-winning outdoor gear and apparel. While anyone may join or shop at REI, members pay a one-time $20 fee and receive a share in the company’s profits through an annual member refund based on their purchases. As an active supporter of the communities in which it does business, REI is committed to promoting environmental stewardship and increasing access to outdoor recreation through education, volunteerism, gear donations and financial contributions.

About Zumobi

Zumobi is a mobile media company that creates free and innovative applications which run on next-generation Smartphones, including Ziibii, its newest offering for the iPhone. These applications provide unique and compelling experiences for brands to engage and interact with their target audiences. For more information, please visit www.Zumobi.com.