NZSki 'mypass' is all go for ski season

With just under three weeks till the opening of Coronet Peak, and with Mt Hutt and The Remarkables to follow, NZSki is all systems go for the launch of this year’s new RF (radio frequency) ID system - better known as the ‘mypass’.

All pass holders can now collect their mypass from the Snow Centres in Queenstown or Methven, where they will each be given a unique web code which they can use to create their individual online profiles on the nzski.com/mypass website.

Once your online profile is set up, it is linked to your mypass card and can simply and easily be topped up with other NZSki products and services such as rental and Snowsports school lessons.

Using an advanced electronic system, the mypass is a credit card sized card that records the user’s daily activities – which they can later view on their online profile; including the number of runs made, lifts used and vertical metres skied or boarded.

The mypass offers quick and easy access to lifts as they are automatically scanned by radio frequency antennas on the new gates. This eliminates fishing around for passes tucked inside ski gear as the microchip on the card can be read through clothing.

“Once you collect your pass from either a Snow Centre or Guest Services, it’s very simple to start using and enjoying the mypass,” said NZSki CEO James Coddington.

“You just leave the mypass in a pocket without having to produce it for checking each time you access a lift, then you can reload additional NZSki product via one of our on-mountain kiosks or online at any time in the future. Over time we expect this to significantly cut down queue times and deliver a much more customer friendly experience.”

The new system is also expected to virtually eliminate fraudulent use of passes and people skiing without passes, due to the many checks and balances programmed into the system.

“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.“

The mypass card and online technology being introduced by NZSki this season is a world first and will continue to deliver new add-ons and benefits like loyalty programmes in the coming years. The technology will also extend to other on-mountain departments such as transport, retail and F&B. Ultimately; the technology will even link external tourism operators to the new RF card, giving tourists a completely seamless holiday experience.