News

Technology-laden ski resort sees kiosks in the future

March 24, 2002

OLYMPIC VALLEY, Calif. - Developer Intrawest Corp., eager to develop a "smart" village at one of California's leading ski resort areas, is working with Cisco Systems Inc. to create a cyber village concept at Intrawest's Village at Squaw Valley USA.

The first phase of a planned four-phase project was completed in February at the base of the village. The first phase includes skiing accommodations, shops, restaurants, and other attractions in a European-style setting.

Peter Cowley, Intrawest vice president of Lodging Product Development, said his company plans to install check-in kiosks and telecommunications kiosks at the facility. The telecommunications kiosks will have features similar to an in-room phone system, along with an interface that will allow guests to download e-mails and information to their personal digital assistants.

"The kiosks will probably not be installed until after phase two, which is about a year off," Cowley said when asked to give a time frame for kiosk deployment plans. Cowley said he could not discuss other aspects of the company's kiosk plans because they are so far off from deployment.

Intrawest and Cisco have teamed to install a Cisco Internet Protocol-based communications system in the resort, creating conveniences for guests and homeowners at the village. The system includes high-speed Internet access and Cisco phones which can be used to access news and information on skiing conditions in the area.