Revolutionary Technology Streamlines Customer Visits at Mt Hutt, Coronet Peak and The Remarkables

Posted on 26 February 2010 at 01:24 PM

There will be no frustrating fishing around for passes tucked inside ski gear as skiers and boarders access the lifts at Coronet Peak, Mt Hutt and The Remarkables this year.  NZSki is introducing a world leading, radio frequency ID system which includes microchips on all passes that can be read through clothing while safely stored in a ski jacket or pants pocket.

The new system is similar to those already installed in many North American and European ski areas, however the NZSki system will be the world’s first fully integrated, stored value card. This integration allows guests to purchase NZSki product online, which will automatically be loaded onto the pass for direct to lift access. And the passes are re-usable, once guests have their pass and set up a customer profile, it can be loaded with credit or product each time they visit an NZSki mountain for years to come allowing for a seamless, direct to lift, direct to rental or direct to lesson experience.  Alternatively the pass can be linked to a credit card with skiers and riders able to go directly to the lift where the day lift ticket value will be debited from their cards real time.  The same process can be used to purchase other NZSki product including lessons, retail items and food & beverage.  

“Lift access will be streamlined as the passes are electronically checked when skiers and boarders pass through specially designed gantries,” said NZSki CEO James Coddington.

“Season pass holders will enjoy being able to leave their pass in a pocket without having to produce it for checking each time they access a lift. After collecting their pass this year, they will be able to directly reload season passes in future years, subject to rules around changing and updating photos. Our shorter term guests also will only have to make one visit to a Guest Services desk.  Once they have their pass and have set up an account/profile, they can reload additional NZSki product via one of our on-mountain kiosks, computer or smart phone at any time in the future.  Over time we expect this to significantly cut down queue times and deliver a much more customer centric experience.”

The new system is also expected to virtually eliminate fraudulent use of and people skiing without passes.

“All relevant information, including images, will come up on a screen which lifties can easily check without having to request people to produce their pass.“

Work on installing the new system is underway and will be complete at all three ski areas in time for the season opening in June.

For more information contact James Coddington 027 229 8958 or www.nzski.com