Bus Information
General Schedule
Members are usually picked up between 7:15 and 8:00 a.m., which puts us at the area around 9:30 a.m. and on the hill by 10:00 a.m. We board the buses at 3:30 p.m. for the trip home, which puts us back in town between 5:00 and 5:45 p.m.
Why do bus times change?
Pickup and drop-off times vary depending on bus routing -- which is based on weekly reservations -- and whether we're heading north, south, east or west of the Twin Cities. Bus times are listed on your email reservation confirmation. You can also find bus times on our
calendar or by looking up your
bus stop. You can also call the office and listen to the voicemail message; bus times for upcoming trips are updated each week.
Why are buses paired differently each week?
Because routes and membership reservations vary, bus stop pairings can change each week. Check the
calendar for specific event information.
No-show Fee
If you make a reservation and then miss the trip
without canceling your reservation, you will be charged a no-show fee (see
pricing). This fee covers busing and administrative expenses and is necessary to keep costs low for all members. If you have extenuating circumstances such as a sick child, please call or email the office. We would rather have your child recuperating at home than having a miserable day on the hill -- and sharing their germs with everyone else on the bus.
Behavior Expectations
Riding the bus is a privilege. We don't have a lot of rules at Blizzard, but showing respect for instructors, chaperones, bus drivers and fellow members is expected at all times. Blizzard prohibits drugs, smoking and foul language. Inappropriate behavior will result in discipline up to and including loss of membership without refund.
Bus Supervision
All buses have at least two adults in addition to the bus driver. Buses may have three or more chaperones (parent volunteers) or instructors to assist with loading and unloading, taking attendance, and passing out lift tickets. If you're interested in becoming a chaperone,
click here.
Escorting Mites, SuperMites and SuperKyds
When we arrive at the area, Blizzard staff escort all Mites, SuperMites and SuperKyds (our youngest members ages 6-10) from the bus to the chalet and deliver them to their groups. At the end of the day, staff escort them from the chalet to the buses. These members are supervised at all times.
Gear goes in the trailers!
The bus company requires that all skis and snowboards be transported in trailers. This keeps the buses from being damaged. Do not put your boot bag in the trailer! You will have frozen boots by the time we arrive at the area.
Gear bags
With 40 pairs of skis and snowboards piled in a trailer, gear bags keep your investment safe and prevent a massive tangle of boards, bindings and poles. Inside the bus, a properly sized boot bag will keep your boots, spare mittens and lunch handy. The best bags have backpack-style straps for easy carrying. Please do not bring bags that are larger than your child! Remember: If you bring it, you carry it! See our
gear and equipment page for more information.
Bus Company
We contract with a metro area school bus company to provide safe, reliable transportation each week. We rely on their recommendations concerning weather conditions. These are the same buses and drivers many of your children enjoy every day at school.
Cold Weather Policy
See our
cancellation policy for complete information.
Adding a new bus stop
If you don't see a bus stop near you, please let us know and we'll schedule one. Blizzard requires a minimum of 15 members for a new bus stop, so get your friends to join!