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Vail Ski Resort goes all Hi Tech

Published : 19-Sep-2010 03:52

Vail Resorts Launch Ground Breaking Technology Service for Guests on Their Slopes

In the ever accelerating move towards the use of technology on the slopes, heavy hitter Vail has announced its new Epic Mix service, a new online and mobile application which allows skiers and snowboarders to digitally capture their ski experience and the company promises that (if you opt in),

"… will completely transform the vacation experience for skiers and snowboarders this year."

Epic Mix is being offered at all five of the company's resorts in California and Colorado - Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Heavenly and unlike most of the new technology poferings now appearing does not directly require a smart phone or similar, at least not when you're on the slopes, as it works using the chip in your Epic lift pass and an RF (radio frequency) connection to the company's 89 ski lifts.

As part of the service however there is however a free EpicMix mobile app which will alert guests when their Facebook friends are on the mountain, and can be used to send private messages to meet up. EpicMix will also allow guests to share their statistics and accomplishments through updates on Twitter and Facebook and guests can create special EpicMix leader boards with their Facebook friends.

"We're describing the app as a cross between Nike+ because it tracks your physical activity (vertical feet, number of days skied) and Gowalla because it has a social gaming aspect with reward pins for milestones and location-based accomplishments - with the added ability to connect and share with friends through Facebook, Facebook Places and Twitter." said a resort spokesperson.

"To our knowledge, this is a first-of-its kind for the industry, especially considering the unique use of RFID technology to allow for a completely passive "check-in."

The mobile application will also provide trail and grooming information, snow and weather reports, as well as resort news and traffic updates. EpicMix will also have a special website for kids under the age of 14, which will allow them to connect with their parents' accounts, but will have content designed specifically for them and unique pins only kids can earn. The kids' site also will have special privacy restrictions. Parents will also be able to use EpicMix to track the lift rides of their kids in real time.

"With the advent of new technology in equipment and new features on the mountain, skiing and riding have become the ultimate form of creative expression in sports and travel. At the same time, the rapid growth of social media has given people a whole new way to express themselves online and connect with friends and family.

EpicMix is a groundbreaking experience that brings both together in a seamless and hassle free way for all of our guests," said Rob Katz, chairman and chief executive officer of Vail Resorts.

Vail Resorts say that the privacy of their guests is of paramount importance to the company and that no information collected through EpicMix will be shared unless a guest "opts in" and specifically chooses to share their information. Guests can choose to disable the RF chip in their pass to prevent any scanning.

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