Sugarbush Debuts New SugarXpress Cards And RFID Gates

Sugarbush has replaced its old ticket scanning system with RFID (radio frequency identification) gates at all base lifts. Previous season passes and tickets will be replaced with a new SugarXpress Card, a small card that houses a mini-antennae that will be scanned at all base-area lifts. Axess recently installed the gates, and the new system performed well when debuted over Columbus Day Weekend.

Sugarbush Resort has invested over $7 million in capital improvements over the summer months. Since Win Smith and Summit Ventures took ownership of the resort in 2001, capital improvements total $65 million (not including real estate development).

This past summer, the resort replaced two of its older double lifts with new fixed-grip quads. The new Village Quad at Lincoln Peak (replacing the Village Double) and the new Sunshine Quad at Mt. Ellen (replacing the Sunshine Double) will provide an improved beginner experience at both mountains while also increasing total uphill capacity. 

The resort has also invested in a number of other projects to improve the guest experience and enhance environmental initiatives. These include: replacing an older air compressor with a new, adjustable compressor that allows control of the amount of air produced, thus reducing energy consumption; the purchase of additional SnowLogic low-energy snowmaking guns; replacement of the North Ridge Quad motor at Mt. Ellen; the installation of a new snowmaking pipe on Which Way and First Time; and the purchase of two new Pisten Bully groomers, one of which is specifically designed for the terrain park.

These improvements can be enjoyed by all Sugarbush fans, passholders and guests as well as all Mountain Collective passholders. Earlier this spring, Sugarbush was invited to join the Mountain Collective, a collection of  fifteen premier ski resort destinations throughout the USA and Canada, and four international affiliates.