Whistler Blackcomb To Replace RFID Cards With Phone App Lift Tickets

Ian Greenwood
·1 min read

Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia, announced plans today to phase out physical RFID tickets, replacing them with Moblie Lift Tickets and Mobile Passes accessed and utilized via the My Epic phone app starting next winter.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Whistler Blackcomb (@whistlerblackcomb)

The system—debuted at Vail Resorts' 36 U.S. properties this winter—is straightforward.

"This new technology allows you to buy your pass or lift ticket online and activate and store it on your phone in the My Epic app," an Instagram update from Whistler Blackcomb reads. "From there, it's easy: put your phone in your pocket, get scanned – hands free – via Bluetooth."

I hear you: I can't just leave my phone in my pocket? Yes. After following a prompt in the app, you're set to be scanned hands-free. You just can't close out of the app—it has to be running in the background.

To accommodate the Moblie Lift Ticket program, Whistler Blackcomb will replace its RFID gates with crew members holding hand scanners.

Whistler Blackcomb will continue providing physical RFID tickets to those who prefer the real thing "as requested," a press release shared with POWDER notes.

The press release explained that the shift away from physical tickets accomplished two goals: eliminating ticket window wait times at the base area and reducing the waste created by old RFID cards.

The My Epic app includes several other features that Whistler Blackcomb skiers already have access to, like interactive trail maps, personalized ski day statistics, and weather updates.

Related: Candide Thovex Sometimes Crashes, Apparently

Don't miss another headline from POWDER! Subscribe to our newsletter and stay connected with the latest happenings in the world of skiing.

We're always on the lookout for amusing, interesting and engaging ski-related videos to feature on our channels. Whether you're a professional or just an amateur, we want to see your best footage and help you share it with the world. Submit your video for a chance to be featured on POWDER and our social channels. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch high-quality ski videos.