SKI PROGRAMS
“Skiing is a dance and the mountain always leads”
– Author Unknown
Embrace the winter wonderland on the slopes with Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District’s ski bus transportation! Our ski excursions take you to two fantastic mountains: Steven’s Pass and Crystal Mountain. Steven’s Pass stands as one of the Northwest’s top resorts, boasting ten lifts, over 1,125 skiable acres, and 37 primary runs. Meanwhile, Crystal Mountain offers expansive runs, fewer crowds, and a thrilling 3,100-foot vertical descent. Spend six exhilarating hours tearing up the powder with access to 11 lifts, a gondola, over 2,600 acres of terrain, and 53 runs. Don’t miss out on the snowy adventure – book your seat now before they fill up!
Ski Bus Adventures Await!
Prepare for an epic winter season with the Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District’s Ski Bus. If you’re eager to hit the slopes at both Stevens Pass and Crystal Mountain, we’ve got you covered. Start with Stevens Pass for incredible early-season snow and terrain suitable for all skill levels. Build your skills, make friends, and then gear up for five more weeks of excitement at Crystal Mountain, where the best snow typically arrives later in the season when the crowds thin out. It’s a win-win!
Our Ski Bus relies on our reliable fleet of 15-passenger vans and 22-person minibusses. We even offer to charter a 56-passenger bus for those high-demand weekends to ensure everyone gets a seat. Seats fill up fast, so secure your spot early! Plus, we’ve covered your ferry passes for Stevens Pass and White Pass Ski Bus participants, so you don’t need to worry about buying or losing them.
Ski Bus FAQS
For a complete list of options for our Stevens Pass Ski Bus and Crystal Mountain Ski Bus, visit our registration page and search “ski bus.”
FAQS
General ― A detailed email will be sent out approximately a week before the start of each program, with info on where to meet, what to bring, weather forecasts, medical waivers, emergency contacts, and other information.
Which Ski Bus Do I Pick? ― Both! However, if you had to start with one, pick Stevens Pass. They get their best snow at the beginning of winter, and the terrain is friendly for all ability levels. Most of our Ski Bussers begins with Stevens, building their legs, working on their skills, making many friends, and signing up for five more weeks at Crystal Mountain. Crystal gets their best snow later on, usually right when the crowds die down, and we start our Ski Bus there. It’s a solid win.
Transportation – Ski Bus uses the Park District’s 15-passenger vans and 22-person minibus. If there is high demand for particular weekends, we recommend chartering a 56-passenger bus to accommodate. Seats fill quickly, so purchase your tickets and enroll early! Due to the resorts selling out of lift tickets early, we recommend you obtain your lift ticket, rentals, and lessons before registering for Ski Bus. Transportation fees include ferry passes for all Stevens Pass and White Pass Ski Bus participants. No need to pay separately or bring a pass and potentially lose it — we’ve got you covered!
Lift tickets – Lift tickets or a season pass are required to access the mountain. We strongly recommend you purchase your lift tickets first, as the resorts have been selling out. Adult Ski Bus riders must supply their Crystal Mountain and Stevens Pass lift tickets.
Lessons – It is strongly recommended that students new to skiing/snowboarding or ages 9-12 enroll in lessons. Professional instructors teach these group lessons tailored to each student’s ability level/age. Students in lessons may free ski/ride with a buddy before and after lessons.
Helmets ― We follow the National Ski Area Association’s guidelines and require all participants and chaperones to wear helmets. We recommend purchasing your skier/snowboarder their helmet instead of renting one, as it’ll fit better and reflect their unique style.
Equipment – Participants are responsible for providing and labeling each item with their name.
Chaperones – Chaperones are the heart and soul of Ski Bus. They have a unique opportunity to create positive relationships and be a role model for youth. Chaperones are selected based on their experience working with kids, managing groups, and availability throughout the season. Contact us early if you are interested in chaperoning.
Registration Deadlines ― The registration deadline is midnight on Monday before each week of Ski Bus. It is helpful and saves time to have participant waivers, medical information, and other forms turned in beforehand. The Park District reserves the right to require a doctor’s note to clear a participant for certain circumstances.
Refunds – Please see the back page of our catalog for questions about refunds, or click here. The Park District reserves the right to dismiss a participant without a refund if the participant fails to abide b” “The Code of Conduct “t” agreement. If weather or road closures cancel a trip, a pro-rated credit will be refunded for the missed day.
Ski Bus Chaperones
Chaperones are the heart and soul of any successful ski bus. They have the unique opportunity to create and foster positive relationships with their group not only as a mentor but also as a role model. Our chaperones are selected not only for their ability to manage a youth group effectively and create lasting relationships but also to help keep youth active outdoors. It’s all about the kids.
An attempt will be made to ensure an equal mixing of male and female chaperones on each bus.
Ski Bus Chaperone Form
Volunteer Application
Questions?
Contact Stacey Stoner
Outdoor Program Manager
Office: 206-842-5661 #128
Cell: (206) 883-5768
staceys@biparks.org