SAM Magazine-Tahoe City, Calif., Oct. 13, 2010-Alpine Meadows is the first resort in North America to install the Magnestick chairlift safety system for kids, which will be used on the area's Meadow and Subway chairs during the 2010-11 season.

The system uses an electromagnetic seatback and corresponding magnetic vest worn by children riding a chairlift. The seatback magnet holds a child wearing a magnetic vest securely in place for the duration of the lift ride. When a child reaches the chairlift unloading platform, the Magnestick vest is deactivated, allowing for release from the seatback.

"Magnestick offers an additional element of safety to two of Alpine's most popular chair lifts for kids," said Kent Hoopingarner, Alpine Meadows general manager. Every child enrolled in the children's ski or snowboard programs will receive a Magnestick vest for the day. Vests will also be available for rent.

The adoption of Magnestick technology is part of Alpine Meadows' initiative to incorporate emerging technologies intended to enhance guest experience through added safety, convenience, value, or entertainment. Other recent resort improvements include implementation of the flāik GPS tracking system, radio frequency identification (RFID) chairlift gates, the Alpine Club frequent skier program offering guests reloadable lift ticketing capabilities from home, and the Bandwagon musical snowcat entertainment system.

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