This year, UPrep offered each grade one ski trip to Stevens Pass. In 2019-2020, each grade got 4 to 6 ski buses, but those numbers dropped quickly due to COVID-19.

 The only ski buses of the year happened in January/February for the middle schoolers. The short ski bus season left many middle schoolers disappointed. This included 8th grader Brody Eintracht.

“I thought it was really fun. My favorite memory is probably this big jump that we found. We recorded each other and had a blast. I was sad when I heard it was a one and done deal,” Eintracht said.

Poll results showed that 61% of middle schoolers thought that we did not get close to enough ski buses. 16.9% voted that they wanted more. 15.3% voted that we got the right amount, and finally 6.8% said we got too many ski buses. Overall, middle schoolers voted that we need more ski buses. 

Transportation director Andy Richardson explains why we got a shortage in ski buses this year.

“When we planned our ski bus in October and November, we weren’t really sure what COVID would look like. We generally have to reserve the buses six months in advance, so it didn’t make sense to try our whole program,” Richardson said.

Many middle schoolers were sad to have their final ski bus of the year. For some 8th graders, their last ski bus as a Puma.  

The season was rescued when two 8th grade moms stepped in to host their own ski bus, one being Amanda McAllister.

“During COVID,  I found that kids were still connecting but on screens. The winters in Seattle can be so depressing. I think a ski bus is a great way to get out and enjoy the outdoors, connect with friends, and get some exercise,” McAllister said.

On average a normal ski bus would have around 20 to 25 kids 

“It was easier than I thought it would be and I must say, the kids that came were delightful and appreciative.  They were polite on the bus, cleaned up after themselves, arrived on time and made chaperoning and organizing easy. And they had a BLAST!”  McAllister said.