Many of those who have been skiing or snowboarding know about the allure of the mountain. In spite of the inevitable crash, bump, and bruise, the cold and sometimes freezing temperatures, they still can’t stay away.

Maybe it’s the beauty of their surroundings, the glistening snow and half-buried pines. Maybe it’s the way wind feels on their cheeks and the way their feet glide over the ground. It’s probably the combination of elements that somehow just make it right.

Skiing and snowboarding are sports that combine athleticism with competitiveness and camaraderie.

For many young people, ski season is the highlight of winter. The sport gives them a chance to improve their skills as an individual, and an opportunity to hang out with friends.

South Whidbey Parks gives kids a chance to make a mountain out of a mogul with the district’s weekly ski bus. Every Saturday morning, almost 70 youth get up while it’s still dark outside, hop on the ski bus and head up to Steven’s Pass for a full day of fun in the snow.

Jonah Jolley has been riding the bus for three years.

“I can hang out with friends when I’m going up,” he said.

The young snowboarder said he also enjoys the bus because they play movies during the ride, and the seats are comfy.

The ride up and down the mountain every week also helps him improve his snowboarding skills.

“I get to go more frequently,” Jolley said. “And when I ride with my friends I get better.”

This is Eric Vanderbilt-Mathews’ first year on the ski bus

“I do it so my parents don’t have to drive,” he said. “And so I can go up more.”

Vanderbilt-Mathews enjoys the sport of skiing.

“It’s really thrilling,” he said. “And if you fall it doesn’t hurt as much as falling on regular ground.”

The 13-year-old has three years’ experience as a skier. But before joining the ski bus crew, he could only go to the pass once or twice a year.

“I just wanted to get better,” Vanderbilt-Mathews said. “I’ve been moving up and catching up.”

The South Whidbey ski bus accommodates every type of skier and snowboarder, whether they’re adults or young athletes, beginner, intermediate or advanced.

The bus transports athletes who have made the sport into a lifestyle, taking them up to the mountain every week. They also drive one-timers who need a break from the daily grind to inhale the crisp mountain air.

The ski bus takes riders up eight times per season. The adult bus goes up to the pass on Tuesdays, and the youth bus goes to Stevens Pass on Saturdays. Participants are invited to register for the whole season, or to pre-register for individual outings throughout the season.

The bus is still going to the mountain passes through March 4, and there is still room for additional one-timers.

Linda and Brian Bartlett have been chaperones for the youth ski bus for about eight years.

“Brian and I started because our kids were interested in skiing, and we did it for them,” Linda Bartlett said.

“Even though they’re in college now, we continue doing it because it gets us up on the mountain more often,” she said. “And it’s a great program.”