Vail Resorts Recognized by CIO Magazine as One of the CIO 100 Award Honorees

Press Release

• June 03 2009
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IDG’s CIO magazine today announces Vail Resorts as a recipient of the 2009 CIO 100. The 22nd annual award program recognizes organizations around the world that exemplify the highest level of operational and strategic excellence in information technology (IT).

“This year’s CIO 100 awards draws well-deserved attention to companies that are both innovating and creating business value with IT despite the economic downturn, ” said Maryfran Johnson, Editor in Chief of CIO magazine & Events. “These winners are an inspiration to businesses everywhere.”

Vail Resorts, the nation’s premier mountain resort operator, implemented an RFID-enabled ski pass system this past ski season to improve guest service by allowing pass holders to board lifts without physically presenting a pass. Handheld computers scanned the RFID passes through clothing, eliminating hassles with winter gear in order to board a ski lift at the Company’s five world-class resorts of Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Heavenly. Additionally, fixed readers and overhead antennas mounted at lifts are able to recognize pass holders and provide more customized and relevant information to them based on their skiing preferences and patterns. The use of RFID-enabled passes has also reduced fraudulent use of passes.

“Our new RFID-enabled ski pass program exemplifies our ongoing commitment to creating exceptional experiences for our guests,” said Robert Urwiler, CIO of Vail Resorts.  “We are honored to have been recognized for this innovative program through the CIO 100 this year.”

The 2009 CIO 100 awards will be presented at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on August 25 at the conclusion of the eleventh annual CIO 100 Symposium and Awards Ceremony.