Above the Snow News

[p][/p][p]Above the Snow has just reached 10,000 wishlists on Steam, and we honestly can’t thank you enough! [/p][p]Every wishlist, comment, and share helps more than you might think and keeps us motivated to push forward and make the game as good as possible.[/p][p]We’ll do our best to make it worth the wait. [/p][p]Thank you for being part of this journey![/p][p][/p][p][/p]

[p]The trail-building system is another major pillar of gameplay awaiting the player. This is where the everyday duties of a shelter manager intertwine with deeper strategic decisions--ones that can have long-term consequences. In today’s post, we’ll take a closer look at the trail system and the mechanics standing between you and success.[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h3]Build Your Own Network of Trails[/h3][p]When thinking about high-mountain shelters, scenic routes are often the first thing that comes to mind--but our system aims for much more than that. While some trails do indeed lead to mountain summits or old viewpoints, creating paths to camps or quest objectives is just as important. Trails also come with varying difficulty levels, from easy routes suitable for everyone to extreme paths accessible only to seasoned alpinists.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h3]A Diverse Cast of Guests[/h3][p]Every group of climbers has different expectations. Some set out simply to admire the views, while others want to push themselves to the limit--hard enough to talk about it for the rest of their lives. Among your guests, you’ll also find thrill-seekers searching for demanding, technical sections filled with hidden dangers and challenges. If a trail turns out to be tougher than what the guidebook promised, all the better for them![/p][p]The game features eight distinct types of alpinists. As the shelter manager, it’s your job to match the right routes to the right groups, ensuring the highest possible level of satisfaction.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h3]The Weather Has a Mind of Its Own[/h3][p]Blizzards, strong winds, or unexpected sunshine can ruin even the most carefully planned expedition. Sometimes everything goes wrong at once--one climber runs out of strength while another struggles to catch their breath. Random accidents may force an expedition to call for help. In moments like these, the player must react quickly and decisively, dispatching a rescue mission to those in danger. Unpredictable events can seriously disrupt your plans--and drain your resources.

[/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h3]Gear and Equipment[/h3][p]Before heading into the mountains, guests will almost certainly stop by the equipment rental. It’s a great way to boost the shelter’s budget. At the same time, that very gear can be used by your own staff during story-driven missions. Proper tools reduce the risk of accidents on the trail as well.[/p][p]Dozens of kilometers and entire days of travel await your guests across ice-covered peaks. The better equipped your alpinists are, the smaller the chance that things will go wrong.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]We hope this blend of strategy, exploration, and risk management will keep you hooked. [/p][p]More coming soon![/p][p]
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[p]Merry Christmas to you and your families!
Thank you for your support throughout the year![/p][p]The past few weeks have been very busy for our team as we prepare the first public demo, which will be available early next year. Thank you for being with us, following and wishlisting the project - it means a lot to us. See you soon in the mountains. ❄️🏔️[/p][p]Stay warm,
The Above the Snow Team[/p][p][/p][p][/p]

[h3]Introduction[/h3][p]The building system in Above the Snow gives players the ability to create their own functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces, tailored either to the challenges posed by the game or, in Endless Mode, fully driven by creative freedom. [/p][h3]Cleaning the Shelter[/h3][p]The first challenge the player faces is restoring order in a neglected shelter. When we see the interior for the first time, it's cluttered and and far from welcoming.[/p][p][/p][h3]Interior Furnishing[/h3][p]Interiors are composed of several layers of objects that can be placed on a grid in build mode. From rugs, through bedside tables and dining tables, to tall cabinets – everything has been carefully designed by our artists. The game features five distinct furniture styles, giving players the tools to create their own dream interiors.[/p][p][/p][h3]Careful Placement[/h3][p]Inside player has the same tools as outside, here you can see a little sneak peak of the grid based building/furnishing: [dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][h3]Inspirations and Design Process[/h3][p]The Mid-Century Modern design style, through its combination of noble wood types with unconventional materials such as plastic and metal, introduces a sense of modernity into traditional interiors. At the same time, it fits naturally into the organic structure of the building itself. It responds to the needs of tourists and alpinists who, after long mountain expeditions, seek a touch of luxury and comfort in visually pleasing interiors.
Below, we would like to present an example of the process behind designing furniture.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]If you would like to follow the development progress and help us reach new players, add Above the Snow to your Steam wishlist and let us know in the comments what kind of interiors you would like to create in your own mountain shelter.
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[p]The demanding world of mountain exploration and strategy in Above the Snow gains an extra layer of authenticity thanks to a unique partnership with Cortazu, a technical mountain sports brand. We spoke with the company, which revealed that the game's blend of management and deep exploration captivated them most, reminding them of real-life climbing challenges. Find out why making long-term, strategic decisions is key to success in the game and what role their high-performance gear will play in , snowy environment.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]What captivated you most about the game Above the Snow that made you decide to collaborate?[/h2][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]For me, the scenery and the concept of the game were the most important. I am a big outdoor enthusiast, and at Cortazu I can put my passion into practice. But, I have also spent some healthy hours indoors in gaming, from first-person shooters to (since I have grown older) more slow-paced simulation/management games like Frostpunk. Above the snow has this combination of exploration and management, which I really like. With that, I think its vision on exploration fits well with our brand. [/p][p] [/p][h2]Does the game remind you of real-world mountaineering experiences?[/h2][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]In essence, it shares many of the same choices that you have to make while mountaineering. When mountaineering or hiking, you have to think long-term. Sure, running up the mountain in a straight line might make the fastest progression in the beginning, but I can assure you that you will be caught up by the person who chooses the path of the least resistance, that is, able to keep a pace without getting tired. This means sometimes taking a route that is a bit longer, and ´´seems´´ more time-consuming.
When exploring in Above the Snow, you have to make similar decisions. Exploration takes effort and materials, dependent on the path you take. Strategy is key![/p][p] [/p][h2]How do you see Cortazu´s role in the game?[/h2][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Cortazu is a technical mountain sports brand. We design our products for a specific purpose, and from there on look at how we can add features to make it as versatile as possible. With Cortazu, you can prepare yourself for anything that nature throws at you. And now you can wear our gear in Above the Snow![/p][p] [/p][p]We gave the developers from Above the Snow creative freedom, so I am also curious to see exactly what role Cortazu will have in the game when it launches. But I think in essence our different lines of jackets, pants, and mid-layers can make great items suited for different types of weather or circumstances. A better jacket means better protection from the natural environment, increasing your chances of a successful exploration. So be sure to outfit your characters in some Cortazu![/p][p] [/p][h2]Do you think video games can have an impact on the popularization of mountain tourism and Himalayan mountaineering?[/h2][p][/p][p][/p][p]Yes, although I think the two markets (gaming and outdoors) have very different target audiences. In essence, it is of course paradoxical: Playing a game indoors, to explore the outdoors. But I think (like I have) a balance between the two is what makes both so engaging, and maybe even strengthens the fun from both worlds. Games can be great learning tools and a source of inspiration, hopefully enough to take action and do that one hike in your area that you have always wanted to do.

What I think lies still an opportunity is to link real-life spots, trails, and events to a game, so people can try what they are playing in a virtual world, themselves in the real world. How great would it be if you had to explore a mountain trail in-game, to find out then this hiking trail really exists and you can explore it yourself![/p][p] [/p][p][/p][h2]How did your sports community react to the news of your participation in the game?[/h2][p][/p][p][/p][p]We have still kept it internally so far. When the game is near launch, we want to create a social media push to get our fans to try the game. For us, a partnership with a game is totally new, but we think it makes for a very original and, in this case, also a logical fit, so high hopes![/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]In one sentence, how would you recommend the game Above the Snow?[/h2][p][/p][p][/p][p]In this time of always being busy, I think it is good to kick back and engage with something that has a form of ´´deepness. To give an example: A book is in the most classic form; once engaged, you can lose yourself in it completely and forget the time. I think the younger generation is less book-oriented, but still can spend time and thought into things they find interesting. A game like Above the Snow fits into this space and is a great way to relax while still requiring strategic thinking and conscious decision-making. So yes, if this style of gaming is new to you and you like the outdoors, try Above the Snow![/p][p][/p][h2]Thank you for the interview!

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