RFID Card Information

Ski Big Bear introduced an access card containing an RFID chip during the 2020/21 winter season to replace paper tickets. Your season pass or lift ticket is loaded onto a card containing RFID microchip technology. With RFID cards, you are now able to make ticket purchases online. If it is your first time visiting us and you had already purchased tickets online, you can head straight to the pick up kiosk (located next to our ticket windows) when you arrive at the mountain… there is no need to wait in the ticket sales line! Once you have an RFID card, you can reload additional lift/tubing tickets onto your RFID card through your online account.

Basic RFID Do’s & Don'ts

• DO verify that you are carrying your own RFID card. They are non-transferable.
• DO reload tickets onto your RFID card online to save time and money.
• DO save your receipts as proof of purchase of your RFID tickets or passes. You will need the barcode on your confirmation email to pick up your card at the kiosk.
• DO wear your RFID card on the left side of your body in a jacket or pants pocket.
• DON’T forget, lose or damage your RFID card. There is a $5 fee to replace daily lift ticket RFID cards and season pass RFID cards. There is a $20 fee to replace Masthope Mountain Community RFID cards. Masthope cards can be replaced at the Property Owners Office.
• DON’T punch a hole in your RFID card. It will destroy and deactivate the card.
• DON’T place your RFID card in your pocket with a cell phone or credit card.
• DON’T carry multiple RFID cards on your person when approaching the Axess gates.
• DON’T let someone else use your RFID card. You will lose your access privileges.

What is RFID?

RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification Device. Each of our new RFID cards contain a unique microchip that holds information pertaining to your season pass or lift ticket. Your card is automatically read when you approach the Axess gates at each lift, and the gate will open when your ticket or pass is validated. All in the blink of an eye!

FAQs

Q: What does the RFID card look like?

While your RFID card looks different than your old season pass or member pass, the real difference is what's inside. Each card has an embedded antenna and serialized microchip, which registers with the Axess gate when you approach the lift.

Q: Will RFID cards be used for Daily Lift Tickets and Tubing Tickets as well?

YES. All lift tickets will be loaded onto RFID cards, and once you have an RFID card, there is no need for you to go to a ticket window again. The only exception would be for beginner access > all mountain access upgrades or morning access > full day access upgrades.

Q: Can my RFID card survive going through the laundry?

Probably. RFID cards are designed to survive normal wear and tear for years, including going through the wash. However, the silver stripe on season/member passes where we print the webcode for your card is thermally activated and it can be affected by extreme heat. If this occurs and you cannot read the webcode number on your card, or if your card does not register through the Axess gate, please return it to a ticket window for replacement.

Q: Will RFID technology interfere with my other wireless technology?

No. The radio frequencies used by all manner of electromagnetic devices are specifically assigned by federal and international regulatory agencies to help ensure that no interference occurs.

Q: What do I do if I lose my RFID card?

Notify Ski Big Bear Guest Services immediately and we will deactivate your RFID card so it cannot be used by anyone else. If you need to get a new RFID card, you will be charged a replacement fee.

Q: Can I carry multiple RFID cards through the Axess gates, such as my child's card?

No. Carrying multiple RFID cards can affect their readability. You should carry only one RFID card through the lift Axess gates, and that RFID card should be yours.

Q: How does Ski Big Bear know my RFID card belongs to me?

Ski Big Bear has a quality color photo associated with our season passholder and Masthope member profiles. This photo displays at the lift each time you pass through the Axess gates, so don't let other people use your card because YOU will be the one who lose your access privileges.

Q: Where should I carry my RFID card?

For most people, you should carry your RFID card in a pant or jacket pocket on the left hand side of your body. Taller or shorter people may want to wear their RFID card a little lower or higher, so that it passes between the reader panels at each gate. Be sure to keep your RFID card in a pocket by itself, separate from any metallic or foil items that disrupt readability, such as cell phones, mp3 players, etc. Please note, you should not carry multiple Ski Big Bear RFID cards or RFID cards from other resorts as this affects their readability and may cause the wrong ticket or pass to be read.

Q: What information is stored on my RFID card?

The microchip in your RFID card contains a unique serial number called a webcode. The webcode is associated with the ticket or pass you buy. No personal information is stored on the RFID card, but the webcode does relate to your customer account.

Q: Why RFID card and Axess gate technology?

The most important reason is to improve your experience at Ski Big Bear. RFID cards give you hands-free access to the lifts, so you don't need to fumble around to present a barcode/paper ticket each time you ride a lift. Also, once you have your RFID card, you can purchase tickets online whenever you want to visit.

Q: Will my RFID card interfere with other RFID products?

No. The unique embedded microchip of your RFID card is specifically registered to Ski Big Bear. Because your card can only be used at Ski Big Bear, it does not affect the performance of any products you might have. That said, we do specify that you do not carry two Ski Big Bear or other resort RFID cards at the same time as this can adversely affect their readability.

Q: Are there any concerns associated with RFID technology?

No. Ski Big Bear has selected to use passive RFID technology from a global access control vendor. Passive RFID cards do not radiate any electromagnetic energy on their own. They simply 'power up' to read/write data whenever they pass through the Axess gates.

Q: Can I punch a hole in my RFID card to attach it to a lanyard?

No. You must never punch a hole in your RFID card as this destroys the operability of the embedded antenna and microchip. RFID cards should be worn on your left side at upper arm height. The RFID chip in the pass tells the lift systems who you are and opens the gates that allow entry to chairlifts. It also tracks your movements on the mountain. You will be charged a fee each time you forget your season pass or pay a fee if lost. If you lose a daily ticket, you will also be charged a replacement fee.

Q: Can magnets destroy my RFID card?

No. The information stored on the microchip of your RFID card is not affected by magnetic fields.