CASE STUDY
China Peak Mountain Resort
Date: 2022
The Challenge
In October 2021, the team at Colbern Communications was contacted by the CFO of China Peak Mountain Resort—via their IT partner, Unity IT—with an urgent request. The resort’s phone system was nearly 40 years old, failing, and long overdue for replacement. But the challenges didn’t stop there.
Much of China Peak’s communication infrastructure—Wi-Fi, ticketing systems, rental checkouts, POS systems, webcams, and security cameras—was outdated and unable to meet the demands of a modern ski resort. Although a new fiber optic cable had been run from the base to the top of Chair 1, no plan was in place to activate or utilize it.
The Solution
Colbern Communications provided a comprehensive, multi-phase solution that addressed every major system on the mountain. From rebuilding the phone and Wi-Fi infrastructure to upgrading camera systems and data connectivity, we created a fully integrated network designed to support daily operations, improve security, and enhance the guest experience.
Phase 1: Network & Phone System Overhaul
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Installed a hybrid VOIP system featuring IP phones for the office, ticketing, and rental shops.
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Integrated analog phones for lift shacks across the mountain.
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Terminated and activated the new fiber optic line at Chair 1 to enable phone service, a live 4K webcam, and a weather station atop the ski patrol building.
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Deployed 117 phones across the resort in March 2022—navigating rough terrain in 4WD vehicles to reach remote areas.
Phase 2: Enhanced Wireless Connectivity
- Installed Wi-Fi access points and wireless antennas at the base and key operational areas for improved guest and staff connectivity.
Phase 3: Webcam & Security Upgrades
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Replaced outdated, non-streaming cameras with top-tier outdoor 4K live-streaming webcams:
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4 at Basecamp
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2 at Buckhorn Lodge
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1 at the top of Chair 1
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Integrated camera streams into the resort website using a specialized streaming service—these webcams are now regularly featured by ABC30 as part of their weather coverage.
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Added additional security cameras and webcams at the company store and around employee housing.
Ongoing Improvements
- Installed coax and data lines to employee housing trailers.
- Continued to expand Wi-Fi coverage and camera security.
- Upcoming plans include upgrading the fiber network and increasing data speeds resort-wide.
The Result
The transformation has been met with enthusiastic feedback from both resort staff and visitors. Guests now enjoy reliable Wi-Fi, enhanced POS systems, and the ability to view live mountain conditions via streaming webcams. Internal operations are more efficient and connected than ever before.
“This project has allowed us to fully showcase the range of our services—from identifying problems to designing, installing, and integrating custom technology solutions tailored to complex environments.”
– Colbern Communications
China Peak Resort needed a partner who could bring their systems into the modern age while improving operational efficiency and enhancing the guest experience.
That’s exactly what Colbern Communications delivered—and continues to deliver today.