STEAMBOAT SPRINGS and WINTER PARK, CO- July 27, 2015 - Intrawest Resorts Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SNOW), a leading North American mountain resort and adventure company, today announced that RFID (radio-frequency identification) technology will be launched at its Steamboat and Winter Park resorts for the upcoming 2015/16 winter season with SKIDATA.

 

“Always looking to enhance the guest experience, we’re excited to roll out RFID technology at Steamboat and Winter Park this season,” said Sky Foulkes, Chief Operating Officer for Intrawest. “Industry-leading guest service is at the core of our resorts, and the RFID technology will improve the guest experience and enhance our operating efficiency.”

 

"We are thrilled to work with Intrawest; and, in particular, Steamboat and Winter Park this winter," said Laurent Vaucher, US Subsidiary Manager and General Manager for Mountains for SKIDATA. "As a global leader in ticketing solutions, SKIDATA's RFID ticketing technology provides a seamless and enhanced guest experience at these two ionic North American resorts."

 

All daily lift tickets, season passes and frequency products will be available on QuickTrax™ cards, which are embedded with an RFID chip to enable hands-free access to lifts. When a guest passes through the RFID gate, the gate will open automatically after registering the QuickTrax card. As in previous seasons, lift operators will be on hand to assist with the access gates and ensure a smooth and efficient guest experience.

 

“With RFID technology, the new system will move guests even faster and more efficiently, allowing more time for carving up the Champagne Powder® snow in Steamboat or the bumps of Winter Park’s famous Mary Jane Territory,” said Matt Bowers, Chief Marketing Officer for Intrawest.

 

The RFID system will be installed in Steamboat at the gondola, Christie Peak Express, Preview, and Thunderhead Express chairlifts. Installation at Winter Park includes the Zephyr Express, Arrow, Gemini Express, Challenger and Super Gauge Express chairlifts providing a simple, fast and hands-free guest experience at both resorts.

 

The new QuickTrax card will be reusable over multiple seasons and can be reloaded online or over the phone, allowing guests to bypass the ticket office. All guests will also have the option to sign up for Resort Charge, which eliminates the need to carry cash or a credit card on the mountain. Resort Charge allows guests to make purchases at any resort operated restaurant, rental and retail location, ski and ride school, and more by attaching a credit card to their QuickTrax card.

 

With the implementation of RFID, the resorts will issue and mail new RFID-enabled season pass and frequency products at no cost starting in early October.

Summer in the Boat is in full swing and continues daily through Labor Day; then weekends (Fri-Sun) in September.  Enjoy scenic Gondola Rides, Steamboat Bike Park, Coca-Cola Adventure Zone, Movies on the Mountain, Mountain Music Series, Delightful Summer Dining and a calendar full of events and activities. For details, steamboat.com or 800-922-2722.