The expedient and dependable SnowRider Ski Bus is back in business.
Kids and adults eager to tackle the slopes this winter by means of safe and convenient transportation will have the opportunity to do so. The South Whidbey Parks and Recreation District recently announced in a press release that the SnowRider Ski Bus will return this season. The ski bus was cancelled last year due to lack of snowfall in the mountains.
The program is scheduled to make eight Saturday trips to Stevens Pass from Jan. 9 to Feb. 27. Those who register for the ski bus by Dec. 15 will receive a discounted price of $385 for the season. Normal transportation rates are $435. For part-time or “a la carte” riders, it is $55 per trip. The season fee includes the seat, ferry fare, and gas. Registrants also have the opportunity to buy discounted lift tickets and sign up for lessons at a discounted group rate.
Seats are transferrable, so if riders are unable to travel to the pass on a given week, they can sell their spot on the bus.
The program is in its 19th year.
“It’s been a long, steady part of our program and a really appreciated one,” said Carrie Monforte, parks district programs coordinator.
Monforte said only three have registered for the program as of Tuesday morning, but the numbers are normal for this time of year. The program averages about 36 full-time riders along with a few part-time riders.
The capacity for the bus is about 55.
Monforte didn’t have a prediction for how many will sign up this year, but said the weather has been more than positive in the mountains.
The 2016 Old Farmer’s Almanac predicted the Pacific Northwest will see heavy snowfall in mid-December, early to mid-January, and mid-to late- February.
More snow means increased interest, which leads to more registrants.
“That’s the part that makes people sign up, when they start getting excited about the conditions up there,” Monforte said. “But we’ve got a ways to go still.”
Stevens Pass is scheduled to open in late December.
Monforte said it was a tough decision to cancel the program last season, but added that it was ultimately the right choice after seeing how many times the mountain closed due to lack of snow.
“It was really disappointing,” Monforte said. “People were very understanding of it. In the end, we felt like it was the right decision.”
Though there are many things kids like to do during their weekends, Monforte hopes that they choose the ski bus as their Saturday adventure.
“We hope for the best and people have a great time, but there are a lot of activities that compete for kids’ times,” she said.
And with a new season comes new hope for higher levels of snowfall.
“It looks like we’ve got better snow results this year,” said parks Director Doug Coutts. “Hopefully people will take advantage of the ski bus and we’ll keep going.”
To reserve a spot on the bus, register at the parks district website at www.swparks.org or call 360-221-6788 for more information.
