All-Island Ski Bus

Just got some good news from John Pachuta –

MT. BAKER WINTER RIDE IS ON!

The first ever All-Island Ski Bus

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the Mt. Baker Winter Ride Bus, has been reborn and is now pleased to offer rides to the winter wonderland of Mt.Baker! Also known as the “Ski Bus” it has run separately for years as an extra-curricular activity of the Orcas and San Juan Island school districts. This year, however, the program is being administered by the newly formed Orcas Island Park and Recreation District.

The Winter Ride Program is an outreach of the Mt. Baker Ski Area, located 52 miles east of Bellingham at the end of State Highway 542. For over 50 years, Mt. Baker has been proud to host this program, providing youth with access to the outdoors in winter. Over 25 schools from around the region participate in the multi-week program, providing transportation to the Ski Area via buses for youth from 6th through 12th grades. Greatly discounted lessons, rentals and lift tickets are provided to those students who are enrolled in the program. In the past, students from each island boarded their respective district’s school buses in the ferry line and rode the sometimes partially filled bus there and back for a long, but fun day on the mountain. “Orcas started using charter buses a few years ago, and found the experience more relaxing,”, says Marcia West, director of Orcas Island Parks and Rec.

With that lesson learned and the collaboration of Orcas coordinator Michele Keys and Friday Harbor coordinator John Pachuta, the cost (to Orcas participants) has been reduced and the program has been saved. “Without this effort, neither Orcas nor the Friday Harbor groups would have been able to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. It’s a great example of islanders coming together to share in a service to our islands’ families and residents” says Pachuta.

So, besides riding with “other” islanders, what’s different this year?  For starters, participants will walk on the ferry, rather than board a local bus. On the other side, a nice charter bus from Triangle Charters of Anacortes will be waiting for island riders. Half-day lift ticket prices will be provided to all participants, regardless of age and arrival time (which is usually about 11:30, an hour earlier than the normal half day price time.). In addition, the bus ride is available to any participant from ANY island, regardless of age. Cost for the six-ride program (bus ride only) is $180. One-time riders can sign up for $50. The bus will depart from the Anacortes Ferry terminal at 09:15 and return at 8:00 p.m. on the following Saturdays: 1/12, 1/19, 1/26, 2/2, 2/9 and 3/2. Currently 35 riders are paid and signed up, so there are approximately 10 seats left for each trip, on a first-come, first-served basis. After ski activity stops will be made on the return, which may include Bellis Fair Mall, Bellingham and Anacortes Pools and the Anacortes Bowling Lanes (costs not included.)

Don’t miss out on this chance to enjoy a wonderful winter outing with your island friends and neighbors. Sign up at orcasparkandrec.org. Visitwww.mtbaker.us for more information or pick some up at San Juan Island Fitness, Island Body in the Lopez Village or at the Orcas Island Park and Recreation District office. You may also call coordinators Marcia West at 376-7275 or John Pachuta at 378-0886.

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