Coronet Peak introduces revolutionary NZSki tech

Coronet Peak introduces revolutionary NZSki RF technology

Queenstown’s Coronet Peak opens tomorrow (Saturday 5th June) introducing a world first, the NZSki RF technology system which is set to streamline and improve access to all NZSki mountains and services.

The new RF (Radio Frequency) system is a fully integrated online platform which allows users to pre-purchase product online before arriving on the mountain. Products like lift passes, ski lessons and rental equipment are loaded to individual passes (called the ‘mypass’). Each and every time a user passes through the RF gates, their movements are recorded by the system so that by the end of their day, they can visit the ‘mypass’ website and view information such as runs completed, lifts used and vertical metres descended.

The concept has been three years in the planning and has been rolled out across Coronet Peak, Mt Hutt and The Remarkables in time for the start of the 2010 winter season.

Skiers and riders will collect an individual ‘mypass’ with their first purchase this season. Their details, including a photo, will be loaded into the system to appear at the gates or at a point of sale every time the card is used. Guests, if they wish, can then load further details to their profile online, record Snow Stats and share these through social media networks.

NZSki CEO James Coddington explains that the system is based on European and American systems which normally run off line, but the NZSki system takes the technology to a whole new level.

“It is online and offers many benefits to our guests and partners. Just one visit to any of our guest services counters or snow centres and you will be set up with a mypass that you can then load up with any of our services through online purchase. At the end of the day or week you can either recycle the mypass with us, or have fun with profiles and social media networks.”

More about NZSki RF (Radio Frequency identification)

The technology behind NZSki’s direct-to-lift system has been designed and implemented by CommArc, and has also included CommArc primary business partners, Alchemy Group (responsible for the software engineering), Axess AG (gate technology) and Intouch Technology (ticketing systems and software).

The concept is based around a business / technology model that is unique in the ski industry. In Europe, RF technology is used in an offline system to capture lift usage (because ski resort lifts are often owned by multiple landowners and revenue needs to be apportioned).

NZSki’s RF technology is a fully integrated online platform. The RF ticket concept has been integrated right through the business (lift access, rentals, ski school, guest services, creche, and for 2011 it will be integrated into retail, transport and food and beverage along with becoming a loyalty program) and also incorporates a built -in business to business system that supports our agents and local (NZ) retail partners.

The Technology

The technology is based around a "smart" RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) card and software platform. This card is issued to guests when they make any purchase, and it communicates to the ‘back-end’ systems via the RF gates and RF readers.

The RF gates have dual antennas which allow the RF card to be placed almost anywhere on the body. When users go through a gate it reads the card details and compares this with what the user has purchased. If the product is valid, then the gates open and the guest skis/boards on through.

At the end of the day guests can choose to recycle the mypass (they can be reused many times), or take it home and register via the mypass website. When guests register their card their online profile is activated and they can buy NZSki products online and go "direct to lift".

Activated mypass holders can view Snow Stats, (vertical metres, number of runs and days skiing), link friends and family to their profile, view other people’s Snow Stats and even buy products for others.

NZSki has also developed its own agent platform that streamlines the arrival and pickup process for international and national guests.

ENDS

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