New Uber Service Caters To Skiers, Snowboarders

Uber has launched a new feature aimed at skiers and snowboarders called Uber Ski, according to a report.

Starting on Dec. 17, the ride-hailing company will allow customers to order a ride with extra cargo space containing a ski or snowboarding rack.

“[No two customers are] the same, which is why part of our platform strategy is unlocking capabilities for unique needs at the right times,” said Nundu Janakiram, head of rider experience. “Uber Ski is the latest step toward that goal, and we’ll have more to share in the future as we continue to identify ways we can do more in the vein of Uber Ski, Uber Pet and more for riders that love Uber’s convenience.”

Janakiram said Uber plans to release more features like this in the future.

The ski/snowboarding option will be available in cities that have mountains and snow, like Anchorage, Boise, Boston, Eastern Washington, Flagstaff and Arizona and Grand Rapids, Green Bay, Lehigh Valley, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New Hampshire, Portland (Oregon and Maine), Salt Lake City, Seattle, Upstate New York, Vermont, Wilkes-Barre Scranton and Worcester.

The option will also be available in many Colorado cities with resorts, like Colorado Springs, Denver and Fort Collins.

Uber is diversifying its rider options in an attempt to attract new riders and keep its existing base. The company didn’t say whether the option would be extended outside the U.S.

The new feature will include a surcharge on top of the regular rider fee; the charge will be viewable on the app when the ride is selected. The service is not automatically selected; users can choose not to participate by deselecting the option in the app’s Preferences menu.

Drivers who want to take part in Uber Ski will need to take a photo and upload it to the Documents section of the app to confirm that they are eligible to participate.