RFID Electronic Lift Tickets

[TheBEast]

Having skied at Jay the last two seasons I can say they DID NOT charge me for the RFID. But as Steve pointed out they DID CHARGE $5 in their first season of use 3 years ago, but after that decided against charging an additional $5 for it.

Just keep the think in a thigh pocket and be prepared to do a little truffle shuffle to get the thing to read sometimes ;-)

 

[gregnye]

I actually like the RFID cards! You don't need to have someone hold up the line anymore and attempt to scan your ticket! And they work for me--the pocket of my ski jacket lines up right at the scanner.

Plus, it only is a big investment to ski areas that have many lifts that start at the base--you don't need scanners for lifts that start half-way up. (Loon should consider doing this--they usually need an "army" of staff with scanners during the "rush hours" on the Kanc. Quad)

 

[Bumpsis]

So what's the upside for the ski area to invest in the RFID system? Is it fewer employees? Or are here some other cost savings?

If they are saving some operational costs, it absolutely galls me when they try to pass the cost of investment onto customers ($5 fee). I understand that some areas like Jay don't anymore. I know that Ragged which was my "regular" hill introduced it last year and out of principle, I have not set my foot there all season long. Even if the card is refundable upon return, it's a hassle to have to do that.

 

[steamboat1]

So what's the upside for the ski area to invest in the RFID system? Is it fewer employees? Or are here some other cost savings?

If they are saving some operational costs, it absolutely galls me when they try to pass the cost of investment onto customers ($5 fee). I understand that some areas like Jay don't anymore. I know that Ragged which was my "regular" hill introduced it last year and out of principle, I have not set my foot there all season long. Even if the card is refundable upon return, it's a hassle to have to do that.

They take your name, address, ph# & e-mail for marketing purposes which can be sold. Probably cuts down on number of lift attendants also.

 

[Hawkshot99]

So what's the upside for the ski area to invest in the RFID system? Is it fewer employees? Or are here some other cost savings?

If they are saving some operational costs, it absolutely galls me when they try to pass the cost of investment onto customers ($5 fee). I understand that some areas like Jay don't anymore. I know that Ragged which was my "regular" hill introduced it last year and out of principle, I have not set my foot there all season long. Even if the card is refundable upon return, it's a hassle to have to do that.

It is a whole lot easier to ride the lifts for free with out the RFID system. Every ticket adds up and add the cost savings it will pay for itself.

 

[darent]

I like the system, have used it out west and here on the ecoast. first used it in europe and saw the benefits for the areas. fewer employees manning the lifts, most lifts had one person attending.