For skiers seeking world-class slopes and unforgettable experiences, Snowbasin in Utah and Sun Valley in Idaho—both part of the Grand America Hotel and Resorts family—have long been destinations of choice. Sun Valley, known as one of North America’s high-end resorts, has welcomed visitors for 90 years and was among the country’s first destination ski resorts. Snowbasin has been ranked among the top three ski resorts in America for three consecutive years, according to three of the most industry-renowned industry publications.
This winter season, Snowbasin and Sun Valley installed close to 60 AX500 Smart Gate NG units equipped with flap modules, offering efficient access to their lifts. In addition, 9 Axess PICK UP BOX 600 units provide self-service ticket printing and pickup. By simply scanning the QR code from an online ticket or receipt, skiers can collect their physical prepaid ticket quickly and effortlessly, then validate it at the gates to access the slopes.
Modernizing lift access at a busy resort requires careful planning and strategic decision-making. Selecting the right system and partner is essential to ensure efficiency, and a smooth transition across the resort. Snowbasin shared their experience firsthand, offering insight into their decision to choose Axess as their partner for access management solutions.
“Before implementing the solution, we were facing the challenge of aligning more closely with industry standards while creating a seamless experience for guests accustomed to skiing at other resorts in the area”, explains Tyce Welling, Director of Sales at Snowbasin. “The opportunity to improve guest satisfaction and operational efficiency became even more pressing as we approached the end of life for our existing hand scanners. Seeing the timing align with Sun Valley, we decided to make the change across our sister resorts, ensuring a unified, modern experience for all visitors.”
Another key factor in Snowbasin’s decision was the strong local presence of Axess in North America. With 35 dedicated employees supporting operations, the team provides close, reliable assistance to resorts in the region. The proximity means issues can be resolved quickly, while the strong customer service and long-standing partnership ensure a seamless experience for both staff and guests.
"We were pleased to find a local support hub in Park City. It’s great to know that there are parts and service available in-state, let alone closer than Europe or the East Coast", highlights Tyce Welling as a key factor in choosing Axess Solutions.
The unauthorized transfer of ski passes is a costly and persistent challenge to the ski industry, but Axess SMART GUARD has been installed to address this problem.
This innovative AI-based software for ticket fraud prevention uses a learning algorithm to automatically compare and sort images of skiers captured at access points, matching them to the ticket ID every time skiers walk through the gate. It then calculates a similarity score, flagging any suspicious activity where the appearance of the user changes significantly. A prioritized list of potential fraud cases is provided to the operator, who can quickly assess and, if necessary, deactivate the pass with just a few clicks.
Axess SMART GUARD performs its analysis without storing any biometric data. Instead, it evaluates visual patterns such as color, shape, and texture, enabling efficient fraud detection while respecting privacy and regulatory requirements.
“Currently, Axess SMART GUARD is most used on tablets to verify guests as well as provide guest service if a gate doesn't open due to an invalid pass”, adds Tyce Welling.
With the installation complete, Snowbasin and Sun Valley now enjoy solutions that were not only easy to implement but also elevate the guest experience. Skiers can move seamlessly from online ticketing to physical access, while operators benefit from streamlined operations and reliable technology. The combination of simple installation, advanced access management, and enhanced service ensures that both resorts are well-equipped to deliver memorable days on the slopes for every guest.
All image credits: Snowbasin