BROOMFIELD, Colo. —June 1, 2009—IDG's CIO magazine today announces Vail Resorts as a recipient of the 2009 CIO 100. The 22nd annual award program recognizes organizations around the world that exemplify the highest level of operational and strategic excellence in information technology (IT).
"This year's CIO 100 awards draws well-deserved attention to companies that are both innovating and creating business value with IT despite the economic downturn, " said Maryfran Johnson, Editor in Chief of CIO magazine & Events. "These winners are an inspiration to businesses everywhere."
Vail Resorts, the nation’s premier mountain resort operator, implemented an RFID-enabled ski pass system this past ski season to improve guest service by allowing pass holders to board lifts without physically presenting a pass. Handheld computers scanned the RFID passes through clothing, eliminating hassles with winter gear in order to board a ski lift at the Company’s five world-class resorts of Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Heavenly. Additionally, fixed readers and overhead antennas mounted at lifts are able to recognize pass holders and provide more customized and relevant information to them based on their skiing preferences and patterns. The use of RFID-enabled passes has also reduced fraudulent use of passes.
“Our new RFID-enabled ski pass program exemplifies our ongoing commitment to creating exceptional experiences for our guests,” said Robert Urwiler, CIO of Vail Resorts. “We are honored to have been recognized for this innovative program through the CIO 100 this year.”
The 2009 CIO 100 awards will be presented at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on August 25 at the conclusion of the eleventh annual CIO 100 Symposium® and Awards Ceremony.
About the CIO 100
The recipients of this year's CIO 100 award were selected through a three-step process. First, companies filled out an online application form detailing their innovative practices in both business and IT. Next, a team of judges reviewed the applications in depth, looking for unique practices and substantial results. Finally, CIO editors reviewed the judges' recommendations and voted on the final 100. Once the top 100 honorees were selected, several honorees were chosen to receive an additional special award.
Complete coverage of the 2009 CIO 100 awards will be on www.cio.com on June 1, 2009 and in the August 1st issue of CIO magazine.
About CIO Magazine
CIO produces award-winning content and community resources for information technology executives thriving and prospering in this fast-paced era of business, as well as create opportunities for information technology and consumer marketers to reach them. The CIO portfolio includes CIO.com, CIO magazine (launched in 1987), CIO Executive Programs and the CIO Executive Council. CIO properties provide business technology leaders with analysis and insight on information technology trends and a keen understanding of IT's role in achieving business goals. The U.S. edition of the magazine and website are recipients of more than 200 awards to date, including three Grand Neals from the Jesse H. Neal National Business Journalism Awards and two Magazine of the Year awards from the National Society of Business Publication Editors. CIO websites and magazines appear in more than 25 countries, including Australia, Canada, China, France and Germany. CIO, and sister brand CSO, are produced by CXO Media a subsidiary of International Data Group (IDG), the world's leading technology media, research and event company.
About Vail Resorts
Vail Resorts, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is the leading mountain resort operator in the United States. The Company's subsidiaries operate the mountain resort properties at the Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone mountain resorts in Colorado, the Heavenly Ski Resort in the Lake Tahoe area of California and Nevada and the Grand Teton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The Company's subsidiary, RockResorts, a luxury resort hotel company, manages casually elegant properties across the United States and the Caribbean. Vail Resorts Development Company is the real estate planning, development and construction subsidiary of Vail Resorts, Inc. Vail Resorts is a publicly held company traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: MTN). The Vail Resorts company website is www.vailresorts.com and consumer website is www.snow.com.