RFID Access

Starting this 2024-25 season, all Sunlight Mountain lifts will use RFID cards for access. Both season passes and tickets will have a new look and feel. But don’t worry—these changes are designed to make lift access more efficient, getting you to your next run even faster!

To help with the transition, we’ve answered all your questions below about the new RFID access cards and how they’ll impact your season. If you have any additional questions, feel free to reach out to us at info@sunlightmtn.com.

What is RFID?

RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification Device and consists of a small chip integrated into your pass or ticket that allows for seamless, wireless scans at the lifts. It also gives you the ability to reload additional tickets or passes online, letting you skip the ticket window on your next visit!

I bought my ticket/pass online, what do I need to do before accessing the chairlifts?

You can pick up your ticket from our Pick-Up boxes located at our Downtown Shop or up on the mountain or you can still pick up your ticket at our Ticket Office. All passes must be picked up from our Ticket Office. Once you have your pass, you can go directly to the lift! If you already have a Sunlight-issued RFID card, you can reload your card online or at our Ticket Office.

Are the season passes different now that we have RFID cards?

Season passes will look and feel different from the past. Our new RFID cards are durable for multiple years, allowing you to conveniently reload your season pass through the online store or in person. Remember: your season pass is for personal use only, non-transferable, and cannot be resold. Your photo will still be taken and displayed to the lift operators to verify your access to the lift.

Where should I put my lift ticket?

Always keep your lift ticket or pass in a separate pocket, by itself. Items such as cell phones, keys, foil wrapped items like gum wrappers, credit cards, or passes from other mountains can cause interference with your lift ticket. Many ski/snowboard jacks have built-in RFID pockets located on the left sleeve, which is ideal for your RFID ticket or pass! Another option is to keep it in your left glove!

Can I punch a hole in my ticket/pass?

Holes must never be punched in any RFID lift tickets or passes. The card has an antenna embedded in the card, which surrounds the RFID chip. Any damage to the antenna will result in the card being inactive and needing to be replaced.

What about lanyards or key rings that I’ve used in the past for my pass?

Because the RFID cards allow for contactless scanning at the gate, you will not need to take your card out of your pocket unless it has trouble scanning. If you punch a hole in your card, you will need to purchase a replacement card.

How much does it cost to replace a lost or damaged RFID card?

Damage or lost cards cost $5 to replace and you must visit the Ticket Office. Our Ticket Office will deactivate the lost card so no one can use it and issue you a replacement.

Why do I have to pay extra for an RFID card?

The extra fee for your RFID card covers the cost of producing and coding the card to your account. Since the pass is reloadable for future use, the fee is a one-time charge, unless you lose or damage your card.

Will my picture be on my card?

No, your picture will no longer be on your card, but we still need to take your picture each season to update your guest profile and so the lift operators can verify the pass is being used by the correct person at the lift.

Can I reuse my RFID card for future visits?

Yes, depending on the card you receive when you pick up your pass. Some of our ticket types are printed on one-time use cards. But most of our tickets and all our passes will be loaded onto reusable RFID cards, allowing you to reload your card online or in person and save money on the $5 printing fee!

Not returning to Sunlight? Recycle your cards at our RFID recycling boxes on your way out of the Resort!

Will I have to scan the card each time going up the chairlift?

Yes, the gates will automatically scan your card when you're near the reader, indicated by the orange circle on the gate. We’ll also have operators at the gates, so if you need any assistance, someone will be there to help!

What happens if I lose my RFID card?

You can replace any lost cards at our Ticket Office. Our staff will deactivate the old card and issue you a new one. Remember: a replacement card costs $5, so try not to lose your card!

Can my RFID card survive going through the laundry?

In most cases, our reloadable RFID cards are designed to survive normal wear and tear, so they should make it through the washer, but the heat of a dryer may deactivate the card. Our one-time use cards will likely not make it through a load of laundry.

If you find that your card has gone through the laundry and no longer works, visit our Ticket Office for a replacement.

Will RFID technology interfere with my other wireless technology?

No, the radio frequencies used by electromagnetic devices are specifically designed by federal and international regulatory agencies to ensure no interference occurs.

Can I carry multiple RFID cards through the gates, such as my child’s card?

No, carrying multiple RFID cards can affect their readability at the gates. You should only carry one card through the gates and make sure that card is yours!

Can I share my RFID card with others?

No, you cannot share your card with others. Each card is coded and associated with each individual person and photos are collected so the lift operators can verify that the card belongs to the person using it. Sharing your ticket or pass with others will result in the loss of access privileges.

What information is stored on my RFID card?

The only information stored on the RFID card is the ticket or pass that you have bought. No personal information is stored on the RFID card.

Why did you switch from barcode scanning to RFID cards?

The RFID cards improve everyone’s experience at Sunlight Mountain Resort. The RFID cards give you hands-free access to the lifts and allow you to reload your ticket or pass online, getting you from your car to the slopes faster!

I bought an uphill pass, but now want to add a lift ticket or pass to my RFID card? Can I load it onto the card I have, or do I have to purchase another card?

Our uphill passes are RFID cards, so you can easily load a ticket or pass onto your existing card online or at our Ticket Office—no additional fee required!