It’s no secret that Reddit abounds with contentious viewpoints on virtually every topic imaginable. The latest debate originates from Reddit user bbrk9845 in the r/skiing subreddit (as expected) regarding RFID systems installed at ski resort chairlifts.
“I find it incredibly frustrating how Ikon resort passes from Epic incorporate these irritating RFID gates. These things drive me absolutely crazy due to their inconsistency and because they frequently require you to come to a full stop for scanning, even when the lifts are unoccupied. Additionally, there’s always the risk of accidentally bumping your knee into the gate while trying to pause,” as stated in bbrk9845’s comment.
Nevertheless, many of the remarks on the post argue that bbrk9845 simply requires a jacket featuring a pass pocket or should improve their skills when it comes to operating the RFID machines.
Is RFID an irritatingly unreliable annoyance or a sophisticated tech solution that just requires a bit of getting used to?
If you’re not familiar with it, RFID refers to radio-frequency identification technology. Skiing lift tickets and access passes include an embedded RFID tag connected to a specific identifier stored within the tag’s memory. This typically includes details like the purchaser’s name or photograph. The entry gates at ski lifts contain RFID readers capable of detecting these tags’ signals and signaling the gate to unlock automatically. Additionally, some facilities employ portable RFID scanners; however, these do not require removing the ticket from your pocket.
In the 2008/09 season, Vail became one of the premier ski resorts to adopt RFID pass scanning technology. This new system debuted at Vail’s owned property, Whistler Blackcomb—the biggest ski area in North America—in time for the 2014/15 season. Since then, numerous ski destinations globally have embraced RFID tech as an effective solution for reducing wait times at lifts, curbing counterfeit tickets, and enhancing overall skier safety.
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As bbrk9845 mentions in their Reddit post, RFID isn’t foolproof. Having both your phone and card in the same pocket might interfere with the RFID signal detection. Occasionally, these readers simply require extra time; after all, they’re merely… machines?
We’ve all encountered that individual in the ski lift line who struggles with their pass and holds up everything, having to dig through their pockets and halting the entire queue as a result. It’s understandable; these people can be quite frustrating, often treading on your skis or disrupting the flow in an attempt to hurry things along. However, should we blame the entire technology of RFID for one person’s incompetence?
It appears they likely have various skiing abilities that need improvement. Actually, considering the poor queuing etiquette I observed in lift lines this year, perhaps everybody should refresh their understanding of forming orderly queues right from the start of the season.
As bbrk9845 mentioned with their comment about needing to bump your knees against the barrier sometimes; my friend, if coming to a halt in a ski lift line proves challenging for you, you might be the same individual who steps on the backs of others’ skis.
and
Hitting me on the head with the bar when you lower it without permission can be quite annoying. Just a bit of caution could make a big difference, buddy.
Sure, I’ll indulge our upset Reddit user regardless.
I have cherished memories from my childhood of the (likely) intoxicated guys who solely focused on checking passes in the ski lift queue while maintaining a positive atmosphere. These individuals were consistently cheerful and exhibited more enthusiasm and vigor than one would expect from someone earning $11.50 per hour standing out in the cold.
Economically speaking, employing specialized ticket scanners may have contributed to job creation at the resort. These positions could simply involve monitoring the RFID scanners to ensure they match with individuals’ pictures. Additionally, there’s a sense of nostalgia associated with placing a ticket inside a small pocket on your jacket or aligning it precisely over the zipper on your pants. This winter, I’ve retained the ticket from Mount Baker that I received early this year and attached it to my ski bibs throughout the entire skiing season as a keepsake.
On the contrary, I must agree with how convenient it is to glide through a turnstile when you know your small RFID card is securely tucked away in one of those pockets that manufacturers have begun adding to nearly all ski jackets nowadays.
Each morning throughout this year’s ski tests, as I excavated my pass lanyard from beneath multiple layers while simultaneously managing skis, boots, and coffee, I developed a newfound respect for RFID entry systems.
I cannot argue against their efficiency or safety features, nor the ease with which one can reprint a pass (especially since I often leave mine behind when spring skiing wearing just a hoodie instead of my outer shell). However, even the portable RFID scanners make me feel somewhat akin to an item of produce at a supermarket, which isn’t exactly a feeling I enjoy.
*Bee bee* hop on the elevator, you tiny green bell pepper. Yuk. I rest my case.
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