Whistler (BC), Canada – Avon, Colo.-based Resort Technology Partners (RTP) is launching the first wireless app on the market to offer mobile ticketing for the ski and snowboard industry. In the future, skiers and riders will be able to use their mobile phone as their ski pass. The app, powered by the RTP|LivePass engine, is being launched by RTP in cooperation with Whistler Blackcomb and TELUS. Initially it be available on iPhone and Android devices.nThe free Whistler Blackcomb Live Powered by TELUS app will also allow skiers and riders to track their runs using GPS, view trail maps, track the total vertical and distance they’ve traveled and their maximum speed, share their speeds and vertical, take photos and share them with friends via Twitter and Facebook, and view information and ads about features of the resort.
“To be able to see exactly where you are on the mountain, track runs, compare vertical, share on-mountain experience via social media; these are all things Whistler Blackcomb customers want,” says Stuart Rempel, Whistler Blackcomb’s senior vice-president of marketing and sales. “Partnering with RTP to develop this industry leading app will enhance our guest experience. Guests will be able to keep track of their days on the mountain and have access to up-to-the-minute condition and lift status information. The social media integration will give guests another touch-point to interact with the Whistler Blackcomb brand in real time. The industry leading mobile ticketing functionality is the premier function we’re excited to introduce in the near future.”
Whistler Blackcomb is the first resort to offer an app powered by the RTP|LivePass engine and is the first resort to test mobile ticketing. The Whistler Blackcomb Live Powered by TELUS app is available in the iTunes app store and Android Market.
Whistler Blackcomb is testing the mobile ticketing function internally this month and expects to introduce the mobile ticket function to all guests in the near future. Additional app functions are being planned for the 2011-12 season.
The free Whistler Blackcomb Live Powered by TELUS app is available for iPhones (models 3GS and 4) and a number of Android models (versions 2.2 and above).