Parks provides access to slopes

For South Whidbey residents, a trip to the beach may seem a more feasible venture than a trip to the slopes of Stevens Pass, but South Whidbey Parks and Recreation District is trying to make a day on the mountain a little more accessible.

By Kate Daniel • November 7, 2014 6:45 pm
Some skiers who used the SnowRider bus from South Whidbey enjoy the slopes last year. The program through the Parks and Recreation District gets people to the mountains for winter recreation.
Some skiers who used the SnowRider bus from South Whidbey enjoy the slopes last year. The program through the Parks and Recreation District gets people to the mountains for winter recreation.

For South Whidbey residents, a trip to the beach may seem a more feasible venture than a trip to the slopes of Stevens Pass, but South Whidbey Parks and Recreation District is trying to make a day on the mountain a little more accessible.

The SnowRider Ski and Board Bus will roll into action Jan. 3, making eight Saturday trips to Stevens Pass until Feb. 21 with stops in Coupeville, Clinton and Everett.

The bus stops in Coupeville at about 5:20 a.m. and stops in Clinton at about 6:10 a.m. Depending upon weather and traffic, the bus typically returns to Clinton at around 7:20 p.m.

This is the program’s 18th year in service, providing chartered buses with experienced winter-weather drivers and two or three chaperones, depending upon the number of participants.

All adults and young people 10 years of age and older may attend. Adults who wish to volunteer as chaperones may apply online at swparks.org and will receive a ride to the mountain as well as a chaperone lift ticket.

Tickets from Whidbey Island cost $385, which includes the bus ride and ferry fare for eight Saturday trips. Lift tickets and lessons cost an additional amount, and group discounts on lift tickets are available. Scholarships are also available through the South Whidbey Parks and Recreation District and through the Healthy Island Youth Initiative, both of which are needs-based. Carrie Monforte, South Whidbey Parks and Recreations program coordinator, also noted that fifth graders can ski free at the resort, and may ride the bus.

Most of the participants are of non-driving age — 14 to 16 years old — Monforte said, and parents may not wish to spend a day driving and accompanying their child to the slopes. The bus offers an opportunity for participants to be active and enjoy a day of outdoor fun without having to worry about transportation, she said.

According to Monforte, the program is expected to reach capacity again this year although as of this week only three participants had registered. There are 50 total spaces available. Early registration ends Dec. 10, after which participants who do not wish to ride for the whole season may select certain Saturdays a la carte.

If weather is especially unfavorable and the resort or pass is closed, riders will be notified prior to pickup if possible. Cancelled days will be made up for at the end of the season, according to Monforte.