1.  How long has the Smith Ski Bus been around?
The Smith Ski Bus has been operating since 1982 when it first offered trips only on weekends.   Today, the Ski Bus can take you to Mount Washington every day of the week...even holidays (except Christmas)... from early November through April (or whenever Mount Washington closes its ski season).

2.  What kind of reputation does the Smith Ski Bus have?
The Ski Bus is a premium way to get to Mount Washington that runs on time and pays attention to the safety of its passengers.

3.  Who rides on the bus?
Smart people who realize the savings and convenience!   Smith Ski Bus passengers range in age from early teens to early 70's,  with equal numbers of men and women,  singles and couples.   We have passengers whose spouses or friends don't ski,  people who realize a great deal when they see one,  people from off the Island,  people who do not want to drive the long trip and deal with the dangerous road conditions (or who are sick of dealing with chains) and all of who love the convenience of having us do all the driving while they relax,  sleep, and watch movies!   100% Pure Convenience and Fun!

4.  What is the itinerary for the trips?
We basically board the bus between 5 and 6:30 am (depending on your pickup location),  enjoy breakfast at McDonald's til 7:00ish,  ski from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm,  then head home,  watch a movie,  enjoy a 20-minute dinner stop,  and then watch another movie.   Return times are approximately 6:00 pm in Nanaimo through 8:00 pm in Victoria.   Times are subject to change due to weather and road conditions.

5.  What if the weather is bad or stormy?
The Ski Bus travels "snow or shine".   If it is stormy at the resort,  any credits on lift tickets will need to be taken up with the resort.   In 30 years of operating the Ski Bus,  this has never happened,  and I can't tell you how many times the media predicted a "major storm",  and the weather was really great at the resort.   Storms are great - they bring powder!   As long as the roads are open,  we go!

6.  What should I wear on the bus?
It depends on what kind of ski pants or bibs you wear and how comfortable they are.   Half of the passengers wear their ski clothes on the bus,  half change at the resort.   We also have overhead compartments for your boots,  so you won't need to put on cold boots once there!

7.  Can I leave my belongings on the bus during the day?
Yes,  you may leave anything you wish on the bus.   However,  you WILL NOT have access to it during the day since the bus will be LOCKED,  and the driver needs to rest.   We DO NOT recommend leaving any valuables on the bus because we cannot guarantee the integrity of all of our passengers:   Wallets, purses, CD players, etc.  should be brought with you and/or put in a locker in the lodge.   THE SMITH SKI BUS WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR ANY LOST OR STOLEN ITEMS.

8.  What about rentals or ski packages?
If you need rentals or wish to get a ski package,  you can purchase them at Mount Washington.   Contact Alpine Lodge before you go up for availability on the day(s) of your intended trip(s).   OR you can rent at Sports Rent in Victoria before you come,  which will save you time at the resort and give you more ski or riding time!

9.  How do I set up a trip for my company,  school,  or my large group of friends?
This can be handled in 1 of 2 ways:
1.   Check out our Charter Quote Online form,  give us a call,  or send us an email,  or
2.  If you're not sure of how many people will go,  choose a date and location on our existing schedule and give us a call or use our online reservation form.   This will be more economical if you only have a few people or even enough for only half a bus.

10.  Is the bus safe?
We have a fantastic safety record,  top-of-the-line buses,  and safe, competent, and screened drivers.

11.  How old does a child need to be to ride on the Ski Bus? Smith Ski Bus does not have any age restrictions on children.   We believe parents are the best judge if their children are able to act responsibly away from home.   THE SMITH SKI BUS WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR YOUR CHILDREN.  We do, however, recommend using the buddy system.

12.  Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing &/or Tubing?
XC,  snowshoeing,  and tubing is available at Mount Washington via shuttle.   We arrive at Mount Washington between 8:45 to 9:00 am,  and the XC and snowshoe shuttles leave Alpine Lodge at 9:15 am.