We have exciting news to share: Hands-free Mobile Pass and Mobile Lift Tickets technology will make its long-awaited debut at Whistler Blackcomb via the My Epic app, in time for the 2024/25 ski and ride season! Guests will be able to skip the ticket window and buy their Pass (or lift ticket) online, then activate and store it in the My Epic app. Upon arrival, they can get scanned, hands-free, straight from their pocket using Bluetooth technology designed for low energy use. With this enhancement, the My Epic app will provide our guests a ‘one-stop app,’ offering lift access, real-time resort updates, personalized stats, account information, and more.
This is a big deal for us – not only do Mobile Pass and Mobile Lift Tickets make it easier and faster to get up the slopes by skipping the ticket window completely, but they also support our Commitment to Zero sustainability efforts by helping to reduce plastics over time. This new technology was successfully rolled out at Vail Resorts’ U.S. resorts during the 2023/24 ski and ride season and received positive guest feedback. We can’t wait to offer it to skiers and riders at Whistler Blackcomb!
To our guests who aren’t ready to go mobile yet, rest assured – you will still be able to use physical cards at Whistler Blackcomb during the 2024/25 season. And in the future, physical cards will continue to be available to any guests who cannot, or do not want to use their phone.
To enable Mobile Pass and Mobile Lift Tickets, we will be re-introducing hand scanning at its lifts and removing the gate system. While the gates were a compelling innovation when introduced many years ago, technology has changed dramatically since then. We believe the most meaningful technological innovation for the future is Mobile Pass and Mobile Lift Tickets, which eliminates the need to stand in line at ticket windows and provides a more environmentally friendly experience. With hand scanning, we’re looking forward to having team members greet and welcome guests as well as improving lift loading efficiency.
The My Epic app is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play App Store. More information and guest education about using Mobile Pass and Mobile Lift Ticket will be shared leading into the 2024/25 winter season.