The world-famous Trapp Family Lodge has deployed a resort-wide Wi-Fi network, designed and implemented by networking solutions provider NOWIRZ and using intelligent, multiservice wireless LAN (WLAN) systems from Colubris Networks. With Colubris’ innovative solutions, NOWIRZ overcame significant distance, coverage and aesthetic challenges, while minimizing costs and business interruptions, accelerating deployment of high-speed wireless Internet access throughout the 2,700 acre resort.
Founded more than 50 years ago by the family that inspired the classic musical and movie The Sound of Music, the Trapp Family Lodge is one of the finest vacation resorts in the world. Located in the heart of the Green Mountains in Stowe, Vermont, the resort established the first U.S. cross-country ski center in 1968, and is now one of the premier winter recreation destinations. Last year, the Trapp Family Lodge was named one of the Top 50 ski resorts in North America by Condé Nast Traveler magazine.
NOWIRZ, the only end-to-end HotSpot aggregator and operator in Vermont, engineers, implements and maintains a variety of wired and wireless networking solutions. The solutions provider is currently installing Wi-Fi services throughout Vermont and northern New York State. Colubris Networks’ products are consistently part of those deployments.
In addition to welcoming winter and summer sports enthusiasts, the Trapp Family Lodge attracts a diverse, expanding business clientele. Renowned for its peerless service, the resort frequently hosts international group and corporate meetings. Recognizing that its business guests require anytime, anywhere access to corporate networks, the Trapp Family Lodge decided to add broadband Internet services to its list of world-class amenities.
After exploring a range of wired network options, the Trapp Family Lodge selected NOWIRZ to deliver wireless Internet access throughout the resort – which encompasses a 100-room main hotel, a three-village, 100-room time-share condominium community and 40 luxury villas. The deployment has at its foundation two products that are part of the Colubris Intelligent MultiService System (CIMS): InMotion MultiService Controllers, and InReach MultiService Access Points, designed for both indoor and outdoor applications.
“Free wireless access underscores our mission to provide unmatched hospitality services to our guests,” said Bill Kempe, Assistant Controller, MIS for the Trapp Family Lodge. “The installation was simple and painless. Since NOWIRZ only needed access to a few guest rooms, the process wasn’t disruptive to our guests or employees. And they have a dedicated team that offers complete service, including round-the-clock technical support.”
The Wi-Fi service was rolled out in two stages. Phase One was a seamless installation, enabling Wi-Fi access in both public areas and guest rooms within the four-building main hotel. Resort visitors now enjoy free wireless access to the Internet, email and virtual private networks (VPNs) at broadband speeds, via Wi-Fi-enabled laptop computers, PDAs and other wireless devices.
Deploying Phase Two in the time-share community presented a more distinct challenge. The 28 buildings in the time-share villages are scattered across 15 acres of the resort, separated by nearly a half a mile in distance and up to 40 feet in elevation. Constructed in 1985, the infrastructure supporting the three villages was not designed to accommodate a wireline expansion. With cabling not a viable option, NOWIRZ leveraged Colubris Networks’ WDS (Wireless Distribution System) capabilities for wireless backhaul. WDS allowed NOWIRZ to connect the radios on each of the InReach MultiService Access Points wirelessly, instead of via a traditional Ethernet network.
“Because of the Trapp Family Lodge’s exquisite landscape, we needed to be creative in architecting a network that would provide broadband access, but at the same time didn’t disturb the aesthetic nature of the resort,” said Jim Rousseau, President, CEO and Founder of NOWIRZ. “Working with a Colubris-enabled WDS implementation for the requisite backhaul, afforded us the flexibility of placing antennas strategically throughout the resort enabling us to work within the environment. Partnering with Colubris allowed us to deploy wireless services quickly, effectively and affordably.”
“Resort pioneers like the Trapp Family Lodge recognize Wi-Fi as an essential guest service, which enhances the customers’ experience and creates marked competitive differentiation,” said Chris Koeneman, Vice President of Worldwide Sales and Service, Colubris Networks. “Our partnership with NOWIRZ is a testament to Colubris’ heritage and leadership in providing the most secure, scalable, cost-effective wireless solutions to the hospitality industry.”
With Phases One and Two of the deployment complete, the Trapp Family Lodge’s Wi-Fi network is purpose-built to accommodate next-generation wireless applications – video, voice and data. Phase Three, which will bring wireless access to the luxury villas, is currently under way, with completion slated for next year. Although the multimillion-dollar buildings are equipped with the infrastructure necessary for a wireline installation, NOWIRZ is extending the Trapp Family Lodge’s broadband network wirelessly to the villas with the Colubris Intelligent MultiService System, as it allows for a more economical deployment.
About Colubris Networks
Colubris Networks is a leading global provider of intelligent multiservice wireless LAN systems for service providers and enterprises. The company’s award-winning products deliver seamless, secure access to broadband services and applications while unifying existing network infrastructures, security and management systems. Colubris Networks’ equipment is deployed by more than 1,000 organizations worldwide.
