SAM Magazine-Whistler, B.C., Apr. 11, 2011-Whistler Blackcomb is testing a new app which allows cell phones to serve as lift passes. The app, the Whistler Blackcomb Live Powered by Telus, will also allow users to track their runs using GPS, view trail maps, track the total vertical and distance they've traveled and their maximum speed, share their speeds and vertical and photos with friends via Twitter and Facebook, and view information (and ads) about features of the resort.

The free app will be available on iPhone and Android systems and will debut during the Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival Apr. 15-24, 2011, Whistler Blackcomb's spring festival of skiing, snowboarding, art and music.

Among the current functions: a visual overlay of runs skied/rode over Google maps, integrated camera and photo gallery, weather and forecast details, resort promotions, and exclusive offers for Telus subscribers.

"These are all things Whistler Blackcomb customers want," said Stuart Rempel, Whistler Blackcomb's senior vice-president of marketing and sales. "Guests will be able to keep track of their days on the mountain and have access to up-to-the-minute condition and lift status information. The social media integration will give guests another touch-point to interact with the Whistler Blackcomb brand in real time."

"The industry leading mobile ticketing functionality is the premier function we're excited to introduce in the near future," Rempel added. Whistler Blackcomb will be testing the mobile ticketing function during April.

The new Whistler Blackcomb app is powered by the RTP|LivePass engine. "As our customers' expectations change, the RTP architecture allows us to continually evolve and offer something truly valuable to our guests," Rempel said. Additional functionalities are being planned for the 2011-12 season.

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