Having a fantastic run on the ski slopes is something you’ll want to talk about with your friends, but Vail Resorts now has a new mobile smartphone app that will let you share your experience on the slopes before you even get back to the lodge. EpicMix is a new online and mobile application that allows skiers and riders a seamless way to digitally capture and share their mountain experiences. From either a computer or via free mobile app for the iPhone, Android or other smartphones, the EpicMix takes advantage of newly installed state-of-the-art radio frequency (RF) scanners that are in place at 89 lifts across five mountain resorts.
With an RF-enabled chip guests with Vail Resorts’ season passes or PEAKS lift tickets can automatically be tracked, providing details on vertical feet skied and days on the mountain. Special achievements and accomplishments can be unlocked – just like in a video game but this time for real life activities. Users can even earn commemorative “digital” pins for their efforts. Runs on the slopes can be shared, and users can post their statistics and accomplishments through updates on Twitter and Facebook, whilst there is even an option to create EpicMix leader boards with friends.
The free mobile app will also alert guests when Facebook friends are on the mountain, and through the app users can send private messages to arrange a ski meet up. To ensure privacy for the kids, the EpicMix site for younger skiers will feature special content as well as privacy restrictions. This version is specially designed for youngsters under 14-years of age, who can connect via a parent’s account. Additionally, parents can use the app to track the lift rides of their children in real time.
“With the advent of new technology in equipment and new features on the mountain, skiing and riding have become the ultimate form of creative expression in sports and travel,” said Rob Katz, chairman and chief executive officer of Vail Resorts. “EpicMix takes the fun of playing and sharing online and marries it with the very real experience of skiing and riding. By not requiring our guests to do anything new, EpicMix is accessible to everyone, not just those already familiar with social media.”
Additional features of the app include trail and grooming information, snow and weather reports, plus news and traffic updates. As mentioned, the EpicMix app will be useable by any guest with a Vail Resorts’ season pass and PEAKS lift tickets. It will available beginning November 5, 2010 on opening day at Keystone Mountain, and can be used by guests at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Heavenly.