SAM Magazine - Squaw Valley, Calif., October 13, 2008 - Skiers and snowboarders at Squaw won't have to fumble for lift tickets or passes this winter. For the 2008 - 2009 season, the resort will implement a new ticketing system from Axess. The AX500 Smart Gates and Smart Card allow guests to access lifts more efficiently and quickly by automatically scanning tickets and passes located in pockets as they pass sensors approaching the lifts.

The Smart Gate AX 500 is made from stainless steel and adapted to operate in extreme outdoor conditions. Audio signals, a visual display and multi-color lights are integrated to signal the type of tickets being recognized. The Smart Gate can be adjusted to different snow depths and is the brain controlling the electronic turnstiles (gates). Up to seven access lanes can be operated side by side, as the antennas are multiplexed by the integrated controller.

The ski area is also expanding the range of experiences available to guests, introducing out-of-bounds skiing and snowboarding tours this winter with Squaw's new customized backcountry tours. Certified backcountry guides will lead groups out of bounds on private runs that are normally closed to the public.

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