It’s time to get those skis, snowshoes and snowboards out of the closet or garage — it’s been snowing in the mountains, at Mount Baker and Stevens Pass.
And as much as the thought of racing down the mountain over new powder might sound enticing to many, the thought of how to get there and back safely can put the brakes on the whole idea.
Mountain roads can be treacherous and so can fellow drivers.
But thanks to Kim Andrews and the South Whidbey Parks & Rec District, there’s an alternative: Snowriders, a bus transport system for skiers that eliminates the need for antifreeze.
“I’ve been running this program for the past 12 years,” Andrews said.
“I started the adult bus in 1991, then passed it on to a couple of other ladies before taking it back in 2000 and began organizing it through the parks district.”
The Snowrider bus offers two programs, one for adults during the week, the other for youth on the weekends.
The adult Snowrider bus to Stevens Pass and Mount Baker runs Tuesdays from Jan. 12 to March 2 for beginners, advanced skiers and snowboarders. Lessons are available through the Stevens Pass Ski School. The cost is $250 to $260 and discount lift tickets are available.
The youth Snowrider bus to Stevens Pass will run Saturdays from Jan. 9 to Feb. 27 for all students ages 10 to 17, beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders. Lessons are available for all abilities, and mandatory for ages 12 and under. The cost runs from $260 to $355 and discount lift tickets are available through the program.
Bob McGinty, 77, of Freeland said the bus works for him, big time.
“I want to ski — been doing it for 68 years — but I don’t want to drive anymore,” he said. “Snowriders is great because I don’t have to deal with kids. When I get on board, there are bagels and coffee in the morning. Sometimes, there’s some fancy munchies on the way back, too.”
After a long day on the slopes, he looks forward to an easy transition back to the island.
“My wife has a fire going and a scotch and water ready for me. Taking the bus is a lot of fun, there’s great people and, well, it’s the only way to go.”
The delights of a fine single malt holds no appeal after a long day snowboarding for Olin Berquist, 16, but that’s OK; he likes cocoa.
“My parents wouldn’t be able to drive me up there, so this is a way to get on the mountain over the winter. My friends and I have a lot of fun,” he said.
He gets up at 5 a.m. to catch the bus at Ken’s Korner with other young folks and an adult chaperone, for the early ferry. It’s a long trip, but he watches a movie or catches up on his sleep.
“We get up there about 8 a.m. and get in line for the lift. No hassles,” he said.
The bus, a luxury coach, picks up in Coupeville, Ken’s Korner in Clinton (about 6:30 a.m.) and Everett before heading to Stevens or Mount Baker. After a day spent skiing or snowboarding, the bus heads back to catch the 7 p.m. ferry home.
“It’s a great social opportunity, lift tickets can be bought at a group rate, the restroom-equipped bus is comfortable, pickup points are convenient and our on-board hosts make sure everyone enjoys the ride,” Andrews said. “Our drivers have been doing this for a long time.”
For more information, visit www.swparks.org, e-mail parkfun@whidbey.com or call 221-5484.
