Why is cell reception so bad on popular ski mountains?

Question

Why is cell reception so bad on popular ski mountains?

Answer 1

because your in the mountains you numb nut.

Answer 2

Mostly it is a line of sight issue, and a money issue. Like the others said, a cell phone signal will not get into every nook and cranny of the mountain. Most big resorts do have cell towers near the base lodge area. And anytime you can see the base lodge from somewhere on the mountain, chances are you will have cell service (or if you are on the top of a peak). However, if you are skiing the backside of the resort, you probably won't.

Answer 3

believe it or not it is actually a mixture of things.

1. You are at higher elevations and cell phones have don't function well in cold weather, damp weather, and high elevations,

2. Ski resorts have the option to get smaller cheaper cell towers that don't require roaming for any cell carrier, It is money thing, they won't make money off of it so what is the point for them

3.You are often far from cities and towns and that means no cell towers for  miles

4, Other mountain's blocking the cell tower

Answer 4

Most cell phone reception is pretty much line of sight.  cell phone transmissions are not obscured by most modern structures but mountains are a different matter.  the wrinkles and folds of the mountains and their density deflect the signal.  In many areas they have repeaters to direct and expand a local signal.  but... they just cant afford to put one in every canyon on the mountain.  Still, I agree that some of the resorts would do well to consider the customers wishes and strive to improve local reception.  But, as usual, it  just comes down to money.

Answer 5

Money is one reason, there is not enough cell phone use to warrant the expense of building cell phone towers to cover every hill and valley in the ski area. A cell phone tower needs power, and a transmitter/receiver and a computer system to operate properly.  Some areas do not have all of that in every section of the mountain.