Imagine skiing down a serene, snow-covered mountain, only to realize your child is missing. For Keith MacIntyre, this terrifying experience became the foundation of skiKrumb – a revolutionary product that combines safety, innovation, and peace of mind for families on the slopes.

The Founder’s Story: A Leap of Faith

In 2010, Keith relocated to Penticton, B.C., to raise his family. While the move offered a quieter lifestyle, it also posed professional challenges. Driven by his entrepreneurial spirit, he grew Big Bear Software into a 30-person company. Yet, Keith’s true calling lay elsewhere. A pivotal moment occurred when his young son got lost during a ski lesson, sparking the idea for skiKrumb – a product designed to prevent such unexpected incidents.

Building skiKrumb: Innovation Through Experience and Vision

Transforming skiKrumb from an idea into a groundbreaking product was no easy journey. Early tests with Keith’s sons highlighted its immense potential – like the time his youngest son crashed halfway down a run, allowing Keith to watch him recover and safely meet up with the family. Moments like these showcased the device’s ability to offer families a profound sense of relief and peace of mind.

These initial trials also highlighted the unique challenges posed by ski resorts’ unpredictable environments. Leveraging his consulting experience, Keith and his team developed a scalable and reliable product that integrates seamlessly with resort infrastructure. Today, skiKrumb is trusted by major B.C. ski resorts, including Big White, Sun Peaks, and Revelstoke, with plans for broader expansion.

At its core, skiKrumb’s mission is simple yet powerful: to provide safety and peace of mind on the slopes. Keith envisions a future where skiKrumb is as essential as helmets, becoming a standard for skiers of all ages. Parents consistently praise skiKrumb as a game-changer, describing it as something they “will never ski without.”

In 2024, skiKrumb launched “skiKrumb Unbound,” a breakthrough product  that allows users to access the app without cellular coverage, ensuring safety even in the most remote locations. With an emergency button that connects users to ski patrol in areas with limited cell service, skiKrumb continues to deliver on its promise of convenience and security for every skier and snowboarder.

skiKrumb’s Journey Through Startup Competitions

Keith MacIntyre’s journey through startup competitions showcases his determination to refine skiKrumb into a standout innovation. In 2023, skiKrumb debuted as a Top 25 Finalist in the New Ventures BC Competition, where Keith gained valuable feedback that sharpened his business model and messaging. The experience highlighted the importance of understanding market needs and effectively communicating skiKrumb’s value.

Building on this momentum, skiKrumb advanced to the Top 6 in the Okanagan Angel Summit the following year, further validating its innovative potential and strengthening its market position.

In 2024, Keith returned to the New Ventures BC Competition with even greater resolve. This time, skiKrumb won third place and won the Regional Startup Prize, solidifying its reputation for innovation and growth. Keith’s commitment was evident when he chose to drive 4.5 hours each way to Vancouver twice to pitch in person, despite the convenience of presenting online.

“Meeting the panelists face-to-face was invaluable,” Keith shares. During the long drives, he rehearsed his pitch over 100 times to ensure it was compelling and polished.

“These competitions weren’t just about winning,” Keith reflects. “They were about proving our concept, building relationships, and preparing for the next stage of growth.”

Through these milestones, skiKrumb has emerged as a leader in outdoor safety and connectivity, earning recognition from investors, industry experts, and ski enthusiasts alike. Keith’s relentless drive and ability to adapt have propelled skiKrumb forward, positioning it as a game-changing solution in the ski industry.

Reflection and Inspiration

Today, skiKrumb is celebrated for its groundbreaking technology and customer-centric approach. Recent milestones include partnerships with five major ski resorts and international recognition in industry publications. Looking ahead, Keith envisions skiKrumb as a dominant global brand, synonymous with outdoor safety.

Keith’s journey with skiKrumb exemplifies the power of resilience and innovation. For startups entering niche markets, his advice is clear: “Validate your ideas with real-world experience, listen to your customers, and never stop learning.”

As skiKrumb continues to grow, its mission remains unchanged: to make skiing safer, more connected, and infinitely more enjoyable for families everywhere.

About skiKrumb

skiKrumb is a smart GPS device designed to keep skiers and snowboarders safe and connected while on the slopes. It provides live location updates every 10 seconds regardless of tree cover, hills, or anything else on a mountain that might normally interfere with a transmission signal.

Compact, durable, and waterproof, skiKrumb attaches easily to outerwear or fits in a pocket, making it perfect for winter adventures. Its long-lasting battery ensures reliable performance in freezing conditions, far exceeding the range of standard trackers. Currently, skiKrumb is available at five popular ski resorts: Big White, Revelstoke, Sun Peaks, Apex, and Mt. Sima.

With skiKrumb, users can:

• Track live locations: Monitor friends and family in real-time on an interactive map for added safety and coordination.
• Replay daily activities: Review the day’s runs and routes for fun and performance insights.
• Enjoy a simple app experience: Connect and manage devices effortlessly with an easy-to-use mobile app.

Whether you’re skiing solo or with loved ones, skiKrumb offers peace of mind, ensuring you stay connected and safe while enjoying the slopes. To find out more about skiKrumb, visit their website at https://skikrumb.ca/