Tickets FAQ

Why are we using RFID technology, A.K.A. SKI3 Cards?

There are many benefits to RFID technology. First and foremost, it gives hands-free access to our lifts. Once you have your RFID-enabled SKI3 Card, you can reload additional days online eliminating any stopping at the ticket window. Your SKI3 Card will last multiple seasons, this way you can simply reload your ticket or pass and use it season after season. So don’t throw it away!

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/cards, 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 our SKI3 Cards, for weather-proofing and greater durability.

How does it work?

The cards use RFID technology to notify gates at each base lift to open when you approach. This eliminates the need for the lift operator to scan your ticket. Simply place your RFID Direct-to-Lift Card/Pass in a jacket or pants pocket and the gate will open as long as you have days loaded onto the card. If you don’t have any days remaining on your card, you can load more days at any time either online or at a ticket window.

What is a SKI3 card?

The RFID-enabled SKI3 Card replaced our traditional lift tickets, Season Passes, and Frequent Skier Cards and has a small RFID chip integrated into the card. When you pass through the lift line, the chip will register and open the lift access gate automatically. All guests loading the lift will need a SKI3 Card.

How to use your SKI3 card

Your Season Pass, Frequent Skier Card, or Lift Ticket will be encrypted onto a SKI3 Card with an RFID chip inside.
Place your SKI3 Card in a jacket pocket by itself, between shoulder and waist height.
The access gates at the lifts will read your SKI3 Card and open automatically if valid for that day.
Skip the ticket window and go directly from your car to the lifts, without having to present your SKI3 Card to attendants.
Reload your SKI3 Card online and use it for several years! This reduces waste and adds convenience for you.

Where should I carry my RFID direct-to-lift card/pass?

Keep your SKI3 Card in a jacket or pants pocket, between knee and shoulder height. This will help the gate’s antenna pick up your signal clearly and allow for a smooth loading process. You do not need to remove the access card from your pocket for scanning. Many jackets have a small pocket in an arm sleeve or around the waistline specifically designed for RFID cards.

*It is important not to have more than one SKI3 Card on you, as they will all be scanned when you go through the gate and validated for that day. PLEASE keep the card away from credit cards, cell phones, iPods and all other electronic devices that may interfere with signal transmission.

Are SKI3 cards transferable?

No, as always, passes and tickets are not transferable. The lift attendants will see your picture as you pass through the gates.

Can I punch a hole in my SKI3 card?

No. Holes or other physical alterations should not be made to SKI3 Cards, as damage to the RFID antenna or connections in the card could occur. If your SKI3 Card is damaged, a replacement fee may be charged.

Do you have a Military discount?

Get verified and start saving! Military members can save 50% OFF Monday-Friday, non-peak day lift tickets and 25% OFF Saturday, Sunday and peak day lift tickets! Discounts are offered to the following military groups:

All Active US* Military and their dependents
Army, Navy Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard
US Military Veterans
Members of the US Reserves & National Guard
Active Canadian Military

Your military discount will be verified by GovX. GovX ID instantly verifies your military status online with no document upload. Once verified, you purchase your tickets online and pick them up at any of our onsite pick up boxes.

Apply Now »

Are Passes And RFID Direct-to-lift Cards Transferable?

No, as always, passes and tickets are not transferable. The lift attendants will see your picture (for passholders) as you pass through the gates.

What Is A Reload Number?

This number, on the back of your 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.

Can A Magnet Destroy An RFID Card?

The chip information is not stored magnetically. The use of a magnet or other erasing devices has no effect whatsoever on the chip.

What About Pacemakers?

The lift access system is CE certified and complies with all standards. Individuals with such medical devices should be familiar with any precautions recommended for use with devices generating electromagnetic waves. The general recommendations for using electromagnetic units should be observed: Guests with pacemakers should not wear their lift access media cards near the heart when passing through the gate and a distance of 8 to 12 inches should be observed in the case of queues and while passing through the gate.

What Happens If You Accidentally Wash Clothing Or Place It In A Dryer With Your RFID Pass / Direct-to-lift Card Inside?

We do not recommend washing or drying a garment with the RFID Pass/Direct-to-Lift Card in it. The heat and moisture used in washers and dryers could ruin your card. We recommend removing your card from your garments before you wash them.

Can RFID Be Used To Access My Personal Information?

Each unique RFID card contains a multiple-digit number randomly associated with a user profile. This profile is kept as a secure component of our point of sale system and user database. In accordance with privacy laws, your personal information is not shared with any third parties without your consent.

What Information Is Stored On Pass / RFID Direct-to-lift Card RFID Cards?

Each RFID card physically contains only the randomly generated number associated with each unique user profile. No personal or additional information is stored on individual RFID cards.

Are There Any Environmental Concerns Associated With RFID?

Using RFID technology allows us to replace paper lift tickets and disposable tickets with durable, re-usable cards.

Did ORDA Eliminate Liftie Jobs By Installing The RFID System?

We simply replaced the hand-held scanner with RFID gates. We will have a staff of Gate Attendants to provide guest service at the gates, similar to the employees who scanned in previous years. Staffing levels will remain the same.

I’ve Seen Scanning At Other Resorts, Is RFID Better?

RFID and bar code scanning achieve the same goals through different means. Bar codes require a line of sight so that each ticket or pass can be read by a hand scanner. RFID cards are read by an antenna on our RFID lift access gates. This means you can keep your card in your pocket and do not have to show your pass/card each time you load the lift. No fumbling with gloves, zippers and lanyards to present your lift ticket or season pass prior to loading a lift.