EpicMix: Skiing + RFID+ badges + achievements = fun

This is intensely cool.  I'm trying to think of another example of where product innovations in video games and mobile LBS games were brought back out of the virtual into reality to make something better.  I think EpicMix is genius, and it's going to be fun.

By adding game mechanics to their season ski passes, if it works as advertised, I am certain they will sell more season passes, which will sell more concessions and generally increase attendance at Vail Resorts throughout the year.

With your RFID enabled season pass most of the Vail Resorts, that is Keystone, Breck, Vail, Beaver Creek, and Heavenly,

you can ski or board around the mountain and earn badges for things like riding certain lifts a number of times, skiing at night, and boarding a certain distance in a specified time.

In essence, they've married Foursquare/Gowalla badges with PS3/Xbox 360 achievements and brought them back into the real world to enhance the experience.

Of course, you can setup your account so that it automatically posts to Facebook and/or Twitter when you earn these badges, and there are both iPhone and Android mobile apps to check your progress as you move around the mountain.

I look forward to trying this out and posting the results this Winter.