RFID Is Coming to Snow Valley: What You Need to Know
A new way to access the lifts is coming to Snow Valley this winter.
As we get ready to celebrate our 75th season, we’re making a major investment in the way guests access the mountain. This winter, new SKIDATA RFID gates will be in place at our ski and snowboard lifts, including our carpet lifts.
It’s a big change for Snow Valley, but the technology itself isn’t completely new around here. We’ve been using RFID access at our Tube Park for several seasons. Now, we’re bringing it across the resort.
So, what does that mean for you? Here’s what you need to know.
First things first: What is RFID?
RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification. In simple terms, your lift ticket or season pass contains a small chip that can be read by the gate as you approach.
That means you won’t need to pull out your pass or ticket every time you head to the lift.
Keep it in the right spot, approach the gate and you’re good to go.
Season Passholders will receive a new pass
Because of the move to RFID, all Snow Valley Season Passholders will receive a new RFID-enabled season pass for the upcoming winter.
If you’re used to receiving your season pass shortly after our summer Season Pass Sale, there is one important change this year:
Your season pass will arrive later than usual.
We are currently waiting for our new RFID card supply to arrive before we can begin printing and mailing passes. We expect mailing to begin this fall and will keep passholders updated as we get closer.
There is nothing additional you need to do right now.
If we still require a waiver, photo or other information to complete your pass, our team will contact you separately.
Where should I keep my pass?
Here’s one tip worth remembering before your first day on the slopes:
Keep your pass or lift ticket in a LEFT pocket.
Your new RFID pass does not need to be visible to the gate, so once it’s in the right pocket, leave it there and let the technology do the work.
For the best experience, keep your pass or ticket on its own and away from items that may interfere with the RFID signal.
LEFT POCKET. PASS IN. LET’S SKI.
[Insert “Keep Pass or Ticket in a Left Pocket” graphic here]
What about day lift tickets?
RFID isn’t just for Season Passholders.
Our daily ski and snowboard lift tickets will also use the new system, so both passholders and day guests will be using RFID access at the lifts this winter.
We’ll share more information about purchasing, picking up and using RFID lift tickets as we get closer to opening day.
Why are we making the change?
Our goal is pretty simple: make getting to the snow easier.
Moving to RFID gives us a more modern way to manage lift access and reduces the need for guests to stop, show or scan a traditional ticket each time they load.
And while there may be a little learning curve as all of us get used to something new, our team will be there to help along the way.
More information is coming
This is one of the biggest changes to lift access at Snow Valley in many years, so we know there will be questions.
Over the coming months, we’ll share more information about:
- Using your new RFID pass or ticket
- Where to keep your RFID card
- What to expect when you arrive at a lift
- Daily lift ticket pickup and access
- What to do if you forget or lose your card
- Answers to other frequently asked questions
And, of course, we’ll keep our Season Passholders updated as we get closer to mailing your new passes.
A new chapter for our 75th season
There’s something pretty fitting about introducing this change as Snow Valley gets ready to celebrate 75 seasons.
A lot has changed since Snow Valley first welcomed skiers to the slopes, but one thing hasn’t: we want your time here to be about enjoying winter with family and friends.
New gates. New passes. Same Snow Valley.
We can’t wait to welcome you back for a very special winter.
See you on the slopes!