RFID

FASTER TO THE FUN with RFID

Getting on the slopes at Sierra-at-Tahoe has never been easier, thanks to the implementation of hands-free gate access systems (known as RFID) to all entry lifts. These gates will scan your reloadable RFID card from inside your pocket; we will no longer be manually scanning tickets or season passes. Guests may now expect streamlined access to the lifts and an easy pass-reload system, allowing for more time shredding and less time in line.

Sure, this sounds great and all, but you may still be wondering to yourself, “What is RFID, and what does it do for me?” Great questions - read on below to learn everything you need to know!

What is RFID:

RFID stands for Radio Frequency IDentification, and is a small chip and antenna integrated into your Reloadable Lift Ticket or Season Pass. When you pass through the lift line and go through the new RFID gates, this chip will register your card, whether it is a Season Pass or Day Ticket, and open the access gate automatically.

*Reload ability available once we open for the season, after first purchase is made and you received your card.

Why RFID:

Sierra has switched to RFID to provide the most streamlined guest experience available. Guests will no longer have to physically show their Season Pass or Lift Ticket to the lift attendant between every lap—the RFID card will register through your pocket or sleeve to the gate, which will open automatically as you approach! Guests will also be able to use the same card, day after day, season after season, without having to go to the Season Pass Office between uses.

*Reload ability available once we open for the season, after first purchase is made and you received your card.

How To Use RFID

Don’t hold up the line. Follow these four simple instructions when using your RFID card and get on the slopes faster!

DO place RFID ticket in a left-hand side sleeve or pocket.

DON'T place near your wallet, phone, or other RFID device (this will block the signal).

DON'T bend or hole-punch your card—this may damage the card and you will need to purchase a replacement.

DO *reload your card for days & seasons to come!

*Reload ability available starting this December after first purchase is made and you received your card.

How to use your RFID card

How to Pick Up Your Lift Tickets

Quick, Easy + Touchless

Your lift ticket or 3-PAK will be RFID enabled, meaning a chip inside of it will automatically open a gate to allow you to load the lift once you have your card. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth experience:

After purchasing ticket(s) online, print your QR code from home or save the confirmation email on your phone.
When you arrive, head to a pickup box located next to ticket windows in the base area for contactless service.
Using your phone or printed email, scan the QR code.
Your RFID card(s) will print. Place card in left-side pocket.
Proceed to lift and enjoy your day!

Out With The Old:

If season pass photos are not uploaded and release forms are not signed before November 1, 2023, we can not guarantee your season pass will be mailed.

If you believe you've submitted all required information before November 1, 2023 and haven't received your season pass in the mail by December 1, 2024, sign into your profile online here and check to see if your season pass photo is uploaded to your account. If your photo appears in your profile, you may not have signed your release form.

If you've purchased your pass, but still need to fill out our Release Of Liability form, please click here 2023/24 to complete the Release of Liability form online.

*If you're experiencing technical difficulties when accessing the online Release of Liability form, please click here 2023/24 to download a PDF version to physically complete.

After filling out the PDF version, return the completed form to Sierra-at-Tahoe by either:

Email: passoffice@sierraattahoe.com

Mail: Season Pass Office, 1111 Sierra-at-Tahoe Rd., Twin Bridges, CA 95735

If you are having difficulties or have questions, please contact the season pass office at 530-543-3108 or passoffice@sierraattahoe.com.

How To Reload Your Card:

How To Reload Your RFID Card

Loading additional days onto your card is simple. Visit the online store, login to the account associated with your *Lift Ticket (or create a new account), and purchase. The new tickets will automatically be uploaded to your *lift ticket and you may proceed directly to the lift. Or you can also add additional days at our season pass office.

*Reload ability available starting this December after first purchase is made and you received your card.

What $5 Fee?

A one-time ticketing fee will be added on to all first time card purchases. When reloading your RFID ticket or pass, you will not have to pay this fee.

Dude, Where's My Card?

Misplaced your season pass or lift ticket card? No sweat, Sierra can replace it! Season Passes can be replaced at the Season Pass Office. There will be a small fee to replace a lost or forgotten Season Pass.

RFID Lift Tickets

To access lifts all guests will require a Reloadable RFID Lift Ticket, a credit card sized lift ticket with smart card technology.

This reusable ticket will act as your lift ticket all season long. Upon pick up at any ticket window, you’ll receive the reusable ticket for your initial lift ticket purchase. When you’d like to return, head to our online store to buy tickets before you arrive. Once your transaction is complete, you’re all set and ready to get on the lift (no waiting in line at the ticket window needed).

How does it work? The new Reloadable Lift Ticket uses RFID technology to notify gates at each base lift to open when you approach. This eliminates the need for you or the lift operator to scan your ticket. Simply place your *Reloadable RFID Lift Ticket in an empty pocket on the left-hand side and the gate will open as long as you have days loaded onto the ticket. If you don't have any days remaining on your ticket you can load more days at any time either online on our online store from your computer/tablet/phone or at a ticket window.

*Reload ability available starting this December after first purchase is made and you received your card.

RFID Season Passes

Get FASTER TO THE FUN this season with your new, state-of-the-art Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) enabled season pass! No more showing your pass between each lap.

Getting Your Pass :

Sierra is now equipped with a radio frequency identification (RFID) system at all base area lifts. All passholders will automatically have an RFID-equipped Season Pass loaded on it.

First Time Pass Purchasers :

After purchasing your season pass through our online store , New passholders will be required to take a photo for their season pass, which will be uploaded into the RFID system (photo will not appear on media but will be used to validate passholder in lift line). This can be done in our online store or at the season pass office at the resort.

FAQs:

So you’re the kind of person who raises their hand in class, huh? Respect. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions.

What is the difference between a Season Pass and a Reloadable Lift Ticket?

A Season Pass card is purchased for one flat rate and loaded once per season, lasting for the entirety of the winter (though certain restrictions apply for Value Passholders). Season Passes will be vertical in orientation and may be *reloaded and reused, season after season.

A Lift Ticket card may have multiple days loaded onto it (for example, a 3-PAK) but is valid only for the days purchased and will eventually run out. This Lift Ticket may also be *reloaded and reused, and will be horizontal in orientation.

Both Season Passes and Lift Tickets are non-transferable.

*Reload ability available starting this December after first purchase is made and you received your card.

Where do I put my RFID Lift Ticket or Season Pass?

Your RFID enabled card should be kept in a jacket or pants pocket on the left side of your body, between knee and shoulder height. This will allow the gates’ antenna to pick up your signal clearly and allow for a smooth loading process. For best results, place in a pocket away from your wallet, phone, keys, credit cards or any other RFID device. It is important not to have more than one lift ticket or season pass on you as they will all be scanned when you go through the gate and validated for that day.

Is my Lift Ticket or Season Pass transferable?

No. Sierra *reloadable RFID cards are linked to individual customers. California has a theft of service law for the fraudulent use of tickets and passes and that will be enforced. The misuse of a ticket or pass could result in the loss of the ticket/pass and a fine.

*Reload ability available starting this December after first purchase is made and you received your card.

Where are new RFID gates located?

We have installed RFID gates at all entry lifts: Grandview Express, Tahoe King, Nob Hill, Rock Garden, Easy Rider Express, West Bowl Express, Puma and Slider Carpet.

Can I punch a hole in it?

No. The lift ticket or season pass has an antenna embedded that surrounds the RFID chip. Any damage to the antenna will render the media inactive, so we recommend never punching a hole in the lift ticket or season pass.

Can RFID be used to access my personal information?

Each unique RFID tag 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 and you have access online via our online store to check and update your preferences.

What information is stored on the RFID Lift Ticket or Season Pass?

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

Will RFID technology interfere with my wireless technology such as avalanche beacons?

The radio frequencies used by RFID are assigned by regulatory agencies around the world to help ensure that no interference occurs. Avalanche beacons operate on 457kHz whereas the our RFID readers are on the 13 MHz frequency, so no there is interference between the two.

RFID

FASTER TO THE FUN with RFID

What is RFID:

Why RFID:

How To Use RFID

How to Pick Up Your Lift Tickets

Quick, Easy + Touchless

Out With The Old:

How To Reload Your Card:

What $5 Fee?

Dude, Where's My Card?

RFID Lift Tickets

RFID Season Passes

FAQs:

Thanks!

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