Ski Resorts Are Installing AI Cameras At The Lifts-Smart Anti-Fraud Move Or Creepy Surveillance?

"A growing number of resorts and access-system companies are pushing tech that makes pass-sharing harder to pull off. At Mt. Bachelor, the resort began testing new cameras at select lifts that use photo comparison technology—essentially comparing images taken at the gate to previous scans to flag suspicious use. The resort's marketing director said similar tech is being used at other resorts globally."

"Axess (a major player in lift access systems) describes a system that takes a photo at each gate entry and uses AI scoring to detect 'similarity,' while emphasizing it does not rely on biometric facial recognition—instead looking at non-invasive features like colors, patterns, equipment, and body shapes."

Ski resorts have historically relied on visual inspection by lift operators to verify pass validity, but pass-sharing remains common despite high season pass costs exceeding $1,500. Resorts are now deploying AI-powered photo comparison technology at lift gates to detect fraudulent use. Mt. Bachelor began testing cameras that compare gate photos to previous scans to flag suspicious activity. Access system companies like Axess and SKIDATA are developing AI scoring systems that analyze non-invasive features such as colors, patterns, equipment, and body shapes rather than traditional facial recognition. These upgrades aim to ensure fairness for paying customers while making pass-sharing significantly more difficult to execute.

Read at Unofficial Networks