Après ski in the thermal baths - both these leisure pursuits can now be combined very conveniently at the Bad Kleinkirchheim resort in Carinthia (Austria). The operators of the mountain railways and the Roman thermal baths have now opted for a hitherto unique access control solution which uses the very latest transponder technology to link up two different leisure worlds.
Here, the slogan ‘From the piste to the thermal baths' is taken quite literally. Once one has purchased a card or a wristband containing the appropriate authorisations, it is possible to use the 103 km of pistes, including very demanding Alpine downhill runs, as well as the luxurious Roman baths without ever having to stop off at a till again. The newly developed interface between the ski and the thermal bath management system makes this possible.
GANTNER Technologies and Skidata took a hard look at the project briefing and developed a new system on an extremely short timescale. Purchased usage rights are transferred from the ski wristband to the thermal bath system at the turnstile and stored. After gaining quick entry with the ski wristband, in the changing room, users can choose an empty locker protected by an alarm and lock it. Information points within the thermal baths show the guests their in-house account status, length of stay, locker number etc. at all times.
Guests enjoy the particular convenience of e-payment transactions. The LEGIC chip in the ski wristband ensure straightforward billing for restaurant bills, massages, cosmetics and tanning beds. Day visitors to the thermal baths pay for services on leaving the baths and hand in their wristband using a drop-off module. After the wristband has been automatically checked, the exit turnstile is opened and the guest can leave the baths.
The new system was installed while the Roman baths were being redeveloped. Bad Kleinkirchheimer thermal baths invested a total of €16 million in this facility which occupies a site of 12,000 square metres. The new area was officially opened in October 2007. Architecture firm Behnisch and partners from Stuttgart who also designed the Olympic Stadium in Munich created a rest and relaxation oasis flooded with light over three storeys with round saunas which are reminiscent of Roman amphorae. Thirteen saunas, ranging from a biosauna through to an infrared sauna and a Roman steam bath invite guests to linger and relax on three wellness levels named ‘Romanum', ‘Nordicum' and ‘Maximum'.
The range of massages on offer includes oriental foam massage and hot stone treatments to ensure perfect relaxation, especially for guests who have been enjoying the bracing winter air on the pistes.