RFID Lift Access
Windham Mountain Resort instated RFID Technology beginning with the 2018/2019 Winter Season. This eliminates the need for guests to present their lift ticket or season pass to a lift attendant prior to loading all base area lifts. RFID Cards can be reloaded via a home computer or smartphone, and can be used season after season.
RFID Technology – Frequently Asked Questions
What is RFID?
RFID is an acronym that stands for Radio Frequency Identification. RFID is a generic term for technologies that use radio waves to recognize people or objects through the use of a microchip and an antenna (the chip and the antenna together are called an RFID transponder or an RFID tag). The antenna enables the chip to transmit the information to a reader. The reader converts the radio waves reflected back from the RFID tag into digital information.
Is RFID new?
RFID is a proven technology that’s been around since the 1970s. Until recently, it’s been too expensive and too limited to be practical for many commercial applications. As it becomes more affordable to manufacture tags, RFID will likely be used to overcome many of the problems associated with bar code scanning. Radio waves travel through most non-metallic materials, so they can be embedded in protective plastic, like Windham’s new RFID ticket media, for weather-proofing and greater durability.
How does RFID work?
The RFID reader sends out electromagnetic waves. The tag antenna is tuned to receive these waves. A passive RFID tag draws power from a field created by the reader and uses it to power the microchip’s circuits. The chip then modulates the waves that the tag sends back to the reader and the reader converts the new waves into digital data.
What is Windham’s RFID ticket Media?
Windham’s new RFID ticket media replaces traditional lift tickets and serves as your lift access at Windham. It has a small RFID tag embedded in the card. When you approach a lift equipped with an RFID reader and automated lift access gates, the tag will register and the gate will open automatically.
What is a reload number?
This number, on your Windham RFID Card, is associated with each unique guest profile and will allow you to purchase lift access online in advance of your visit and go direct-to-lift without stopping at a ticket window. No personal information is stored on individual RFID cards.
Why is Windham’s RFID ticket media better than a lift ticket?
There are three attributes that make Windham’s RFID Card better than a lift ticket:
- Direct-to-lift access
- Convenience of online purchases
- Ability to pre-load and re-load cash value for on-resort charging
Do I wear my Windham RFID Card like a lift ticket?
No. Fumbling with gloves, zippers and lanyards to present your lift ticket or season pass prior to loading a lift is a thing of the past at Windham. You carry your Windham RFID card inside a pocket on the left side of your body, as the readers will be located to your left as you pass through the gates. The card must be placed in a left chest or arm pocket ideally. To encourage easy readability, you should keep it separate from your cell phone, iPod or any foil-wrapped items, such as chewing gum, cold medicine, etc. When choosing a left pocket, think about the “strike zone” in baseball; carrying your Windham RFID card well above your knees and below your shoulders is optimal for the RFID reader.
I have an RFID card from another mountain. Will it work at Windham? Can I carry more than one RFID card at a time?
No. RFID cards from other resorts will not function at Windham Mountain Resort. Guests are permitted to carry only one Windham RFID Card while on the mountain. Any additional RFID cards carried, either from Windham or other resorts, will result in errors or restricted access at the gates
Will all my same pass services such as snow dough and resort charge work with a Windham RFID Card?
Yes. Instead of a cashier scanning a barcode they will scan your RFID card using a special reader at each point of sale.
Is RFID better than lift ticket scanning?
RFID and bar code scanning are just different technologies. The big difference between the two is that bar codes are line-of-sight technology. A scanner has to “see” the bar code to read it. Radio frequency identification, by contrast, doesn’t require a line of sight. RFID tags can be read as long as they are within range of a reader. Bar codes have other shortcomings as well. If a label is ripped, soiled or falls off, there is no way to scan the item. You can keep your Windham RFID card safe in your pocket and do not have to show it each time you load a lift.
What information is stored on Windham’s RFID Card?
The RFID tag in your Windham RFID Card contains only a randomly generated number associated with each unique guest profile. No personal information is stored on individual RFID tags.
Can Windham’s RFID Card be used to access my personal information?
No. Each unique Windham RFID Card contains a randomly generated multi-digit number associated with a specific guest profile. This profile is encrypted and secure.
Are there any environmental concerns associated with RFID?
No. Using RFID technology allows us to replace paper lift tickets and disposable wickets with durable, re-usable cards.
Can a magnet damage or destroy my Windham RFID Card?
No. Magnets have no effect on RFID tags.
Is it okay if I punch a hole in my Windham RFID Card?
No. Holes or other physical alterations should not be made to RFID cards, as damage to the RFID antenna or connections in the card could occur. If your Windham RFID Card is damaged, a replacement fee will be charged.
Will my Windham RFID Card be okay if it goes through the wash?
Maybe. Windham RFID Cards are designed to withstand normal use. However, running them through the wash and dry cycle with your laundry may damage and inactivate the card. Heat, in particular, can be damaging to your card. If your Windham RFID Card is damaged, a replacement fee will be charged.
Will Windham’s RFID Card and its RFID technology interfere with or damage my wireless technology?
No. The radio frequencies used by RFID are assigned by regulatory agencies around the world to help ensure that no interference occurs.
Can my Windham RFID Card and its RFID technology be read by drones or from satellites?
No. The maximum reading distance is about 30 inches.
What if I lose or damage my Windham RFID Card?
Please report any lost or stolen cards to Guest Services. In the event of a lost, stolen or damaged Windham RFID Card, guests will need to purchase a new RFID Card, and the lost card will be deactivated and will no longer work at the lift gates.
Can I transfer my Windham RFID Card to a friend or family member?
All Windham RFID Cards are non transferable with the exception of Triple Play Cards.
Are there any health risks associated with RFID and radio waves?
RFID uses the low-end of the electromagnetic spectrum. The waves coming from readers are no more dangerous than the waves being received by your car radio.