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The Puma Press

The Student News Site of University Prep

The Puma Press

The Student News Site of University Prep

The Puma Press

What’s Up With Ski Bus?

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A behind-the-scenes look at the logistics that get us to the slopes

It’s that time of the year when University Prep skiers and snowboarders can enjoy a Friday night with friends while cruising on the mountain. Some students can’t wait for Ski Bus all year, and it is a really great opportunity for all who enjoy snow. But many forget what goes on behind the scenes. Who arranges for 230 students to night ski at Stevens Pass?

According to Transportation Program Coordinator Andy Richardson, planning and coordinating Ski Bus is a difficult task. Richardson was given the challenging position this year, because Laura. Zaugg, the previous organizer, went to teach at a different school. “Ski Bus is really mostly logistics, coordinating with parents, arranging lessons and rentals with Stevens Pass and making sure everyone stays safe,” Richardson said.

In previous years, UPrep has offered up to seven trips (three more!). But it seems that every year we lose one trip. Last year there were five, and unfortunately there are only four this year. Hopefully, in coming years students can enjoy more time on the slopes.

“The number of kids towards the end of the season was dropping off, as they could no longer meet the time commitments and/or only wanted to go to the first ones,” Richardson said. This resulted in most kids going on the first few and far fewer attending the last ones. “I think part of it had to do with the schedule this year and where winter break fell, and where finals fell,”he said.

Most ski bussers weren’t too enthusiastic about only having four trips, especially because of the fantastic conditions (Stevens collected over 230” of snow this season). “If it was my choice, I think it would be really cool if Ski Bus ran throughout the ski season,” senior Beck Anderson said. “With Ski Bus you just hang out with friends and have a good time while skiing. Nothing too intense about it, it’s laid back and fun,” Anderson said.

Many other factors play a role in  the organization of Ski Bus, such as  student safety. “The biggest thing is that everyone comes back uninjured, the driver can drive safely, staying with a buddy while skiing and staying on the lit runs,” said Richardson. He seriously emphasized this point because getting injured while night skiing is more common than you’d think.

As for logistics, the program involves some seriously complicated planning. “We have some people going one time, some people going four times. Some students are going to the Eastside, others aren’t. Lastly, making sure we get the right amount of busses, not too many or too few,” said Richardson.

Avid ski bus fans were disappointed and feel like they’re being cut a little short. It’s ok to be a little disappointed, but if you remember from the mandatory ski bus meeting, Richardson pointed out that Ski Bus is not a right, but a privilege. We should be grateful to have this opportunity in the first place.

By James Garvey