lisamamot
Angel Diva
So hilarious!You can ask @lisamamot and @Jenny of my encounter with a gate at Mount Ellen where I apparently caused quite the scene trying to figure out which pocket to get nearest the reader
So hilarious!You can ask @lisamamot and @Jenny of my encounter with a gate at Mount Ellen where I apparently caused quite the scene trying to figure out which pocket to get nearest the reader
They weren't asking folks to lift goggles this year. They were watching with tablets, though.I know they ask you to lift you goggles at WB first gates....And I don't think I wore a gaiter out there. So much warmer than in the east.
Missed the fact that not only is Gore going to RFID, also happening at Whiteface and Belleayre. Not too surprising since all three are owned and operated by ORDA, a part of NY State government. Can find mention of RFID pass cards on all three websites.Gore in NY will have RFID gates for 2019-20. I would guess just at the base lifts.
It's happening! Boyne Resorts will roll out RFID at Big Sky and Loon for 2019-20. Like Alta just over 10 years ago, Boyne partnered with Axxess to come up with a new variation for RFID at a ski resort. Alta insisted on RFID gates that could move, both rotating out of the way for grooming and up-and-down as the snowpack increased. Boyne wanted both long range (UHF) capability and short-range (access gates). Vail Resorts opted for UHF a decade ago, which is why Epic passes are hand scanned for lift access but EpicMix gets data from gateless readers. Boyne has been working towards RFID for a decade apparently.
https://www.prweb.com/releases/boyn..._dual_frequency_lift_access/prweb16524114.htm
" . . .
Last season marked Boyne Resorts’ first installation of access gates that utilize a new UHF technology that provides guest-centric benefits. The gates were manufactured and installed by Axess and each is equipped with a special long-range antenna and RFID (radio frequency identification) reader that detects chip cards such as RFID-enabled lift tickets and season passes. UHF technology enables a less invasive experience for skiers as compared to the short-range equipment more commonly deployed by ski resorts operating gate systems. The UHF read range is also wide and early model gates proved a need for greater precision. The design installed last season by Axess captures that precise read, operated successfully.
“Thinking long term, our commitment to use only long-range technology came easy, yet many resorts—including our partners, use short-range readers, and leaving skiers to carry the burden of our decision wasn’t an option,” said Dan Beeler, chief information officer of Boyne Resorts. “Axess assembled a project team who fully adopted our guest-centric approach and we share great pride in what we have achieved. Whether it’s a season pass from our resorts, an Ikon Pass or other partner pass, or a daily lift ticket the skier is wearing, fast and hands-free lift access powered by the world’s first dual-frequency gates can be experienced this next season at our Big Sky and Loon Mountain resorts.”
Skiers will benefit from the many conveniences of RFID technology as well as more efficient flow in the lift loading areas. An additional benefit is more personalized communication from the resort while at the resort, such as special offers and conditions updates and eventually providing wait times for restaurants and activities such as ziplining.
“We are proud of being chosen by Boyne Resorts to be partner in the development of dual-frequency lift access,” said Claudia Kopetzky, chief marketing officer of Axess. “With this new product, we and Boyne Resorts are a step ahead of other companies and resorts and skiers can enjoy so much more benefit out of it. Even more is possible. With UHF technology, resort management is able to check and announce wait times at the lifts and even monitor occupancy rates of their restaurants.”
. . ."
I would expect that Boyne plans to put the RFID system into all their resorts. But since they are using gates, that requires both money and construction. From my experience at Loon and SR, Loon needs it more. My sense of Boyne Resorts is that they think long term. The priority at Big Sky was clearly lifts first, then base village, with RFID to come when it was ready.Yay for Loon, they need it soooooo bad!! I want Sunday River too though! lol
I would expect that Boyne plans to put the RFID system into all their resorts. But since they are using gates, that requires both money and construction. From my experience at Loon and SR, Loon needs it more. My sense of Boyne Resorts is that they think long term. The priority at Big Sky was clearly lifts first, then base village, with RFID to come when it was ready.
Powdr chose to build the Summit Lodge at Snowbird for a few million dollars before installing RFID gates in 2017. Neighboring Alta and Solitude beat them by about ten years.
Hopefully with RFID at Big Sky and Loon, Ikon passes will be direct-to-lift for 2019-20. A nice feature of Ikon over MCP is not having to spend time to initiate an Ikon pass on the first day.
As it turns out VR won't integrate the Peak Resorts locations into the VR RFID system until after the 2019-20 season is over. Guess VR has had enough experience integrating more than one ski area/resort at the same time to know that trying to that in only a couple months for 17 locations would be asking for trouble. There is a note in the Epic FAQ related to Peak pass upgrades.With the addition of 17 locations to Vail Resorts because of the buyout of Peak Resorts announced in July 2019, there's been some discussion of RFID and EpicMix. The fact that the VR RFID passes can be handled using hand scanners is making it possible for VR to get new resorts onto the VR system very quickly because RFID gates do not need to be installed. For instance, the sale of Triple Peaks was finalized Sept. 27, 2018. Okemo and Sunapee were on the VR system for the 2018-19 season based on using hand scanners.
RESORT OPERATOR DELIVERS 'EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCES' WITH INNOVATIVE RFID LIFT ACCESS - 2008