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The HOVERAir X1 PRO MAX (RRP £639) is a breakthrough for skiers who want cinematic aerial footage without the bulk or complexity of traditional drones. Designed for action sports and built around a controller-free experience, it launches from your palm in under three seconds and autonomously tracks your descent with impressive precision. For solo skiers, influencers, or filmmakers, it’s a sleek companion that captures stabilised 8K video while you focus on the ride.
Weighing just 192.5 grams and folding into a protective cage, the X1 PRO MAX fits easily into a ski jacket or backpack. It’s engineered to fly over snow, cliffs, and even at night, with a rugged Thermo Smart Battery that functions down to -20°C.
The drone’s AI tracking system locks onto the skier and follows at speeds up to 42 km/h, with short bursts up to 60 km/h—more than enough for carving turns or hitting jumps. Its wind resistance is rated to Level 5 (10.7 m/s), making it viable on exposed ridgelines or breezy bluebird days.
And when you’re not using it it folds up and fits in your ski jacket pocket!
Camera specs are equally impressive. The PROMAX shoots 8K/30fps with a 1/1.3″ CMOS sensor and a custom 7-layer lens, offering 14 stops of dynamic range and a 107° field of view. Stabilisation is handled by a two-axis gimbal and electronic image stabilisation (EIS), ensuring smooth footage even on variable terrain. Storage is generous too, with 64GB onboard and support for SD cards up to 1TB—ideal for multi-day trips or high-volume creators.
The companion app offers over ten flight modes, including orbit, follow, and zoom, with fast Wi-Fi 6 downloads for rapid editing. The Beacon accessory adds up to 1 km of transmission range and voice control, while the Power Case extends flight time by 40 minutes and doubles as a 12,000 mAh power bank—perfect for charging on the go.
Skiers should be mindful of drone regulations at resorts. Many ski areas in Europe and North America restrict recreational drone use due to safety, privacy, and wildlife concerns. Filming near lifts, pistes, or avalanche zones is often prohibited unless pre-approved. Some resorts though offer designated drone zones or allow usage for professional shoots with permits. Always check local policies before flying—unauthorised use can result in fines or confiscation.
In short, the HOVERAir X1 PRO MAX is a powerful, skier-friendly drone that blends portability, autonomy, and pro-grade footage. It won’t replace high-end rigs for wide panoramas, but for slope-side storytelling and solo content creation, it’s a smart, stylish solution.
The company has also announced they’ll be launching HOVERAir Aqua early in 2026… the world’s first 100% waterproof self-flying drone.