FAQs

How does it work?

When you pass through the lift line and go through the new Axess RFID gates, your card will be read and validated automatically. If you have skier days loaded onto your card the lights will change indicating that you can pass thru the turnstile. If your pass isn’t valid, then a warning sound and red light will indicate there is a problem with your daily lift ticket or Podium Pass. Our friendly lift attendants will direct you to Guest Services to resolve any problems.

Axess Gated Lift Entry Control: 

MSLM uses Axess RFID gated entry control system as a solution for security, safety, and ease of access to skiing and snowboarding guests.

The resort’s RFID access control system uses a card (like a credit card) called a Louis Xpress card that uses RFID technology to verify a guest identity and season pass/lift ticket/lesson or rental validity.

RFID Axess gated lift entry control system has five parts:

RFID Chip. An RFID chip is installed in your Louis Xpress card which guests use to gain access to the ski resort’s chairlift/magic carpet system.

RFID Gate reader. RFID readers are installed at chairlifts and magic carpets to which they manage access. They contain antennas, which receive data transmitted by RFID chip.

Control panel. The control panel is a computer server that reads and interprets the data passed along by the RFID gate reader.

Gated release mechanism. If the control panel verifies a guest season pass/lift ticket/lesson/rental validity, it sends instructions to the chairlift’s electric panels. These instructions open the gates and allow the guest to use the chairlift/magic carpet.

Lane Control Monitor. This displays photographs of the customer along with lift ticket/season pass data for Lift Operators to view and compare images to prevent fraud.

How does Axess RFID gated control system work?

RFID access control uses a system of tags, readers, and computer servers to allow chairlift/magic carpet access to guests who present valid Louis Xpress cards loaded with lift tickets/season passes/lessons and rentals.

To use the RFID system, guests must place their Louis Xpress card securely in their left-hand side jacket pocket as they pass by the gates. The system uses a High-frequency RFID that can only activate the gate from up close.

Here’s what happens when a guest uses their Louis Xpress RFID card:

The skier/snowboarder skis up to the gate reader. This allows the reader and the RFID tag to communicate over a wireless connection.

The gate reader’s antenna establishes a connection to the RFID tag. The RFID tag uses this connection to send data to the reader. Then, the reader forwards that data to the control panel.

The control panel verifies the guests season pass/lift ticket/lesson/rental validity. When the control panel receives the WTP# encoded into the signals sent by the RFID tag, it checks that number against a database.

The gated control panel instructs the gate to open. After the control panel verifies the validity, it sends signals to the RFID gate to open and permit the guest to load the chairlift or magic carpet.

A photograph is taken by cameras at the top of the Axess Lift Entry Gate. The customer photographs along with Ticket/Season Pass information are displayed at the Lane Control Monitor and are visible to Lift Operators. Comparison of the images takes place at this step.