ski bus

This program is not sponsored by Holy Rosary School, West Seattle or the Archdiocese of Catholic Schools.

The Ski Bus Program is a parent volunteer-led, optional activity for students, in grades, 6–8, that provides an amazing opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, learn new skills, build community, practice independence, and have fun.

In 2026, we are partnering with WebbSki for lessons and Journey Lines for transportation. On these dates, the Ski Bus will travel roundtrip from Holy Rosary School to Summit Central at Snoqualmie Ski Resort. 

The Ski Bus runs a 5-week session during the winter months. For January 2026 dates are as follows:

Wednesdays, January 7, 14, 21, 28 and February 4, with a possible make-up day at the end of the season on Wednesday, March 18

The bus departs from HRS at 2:30 PM and returns around 8:30 – 9:00 PM, depending on traffic. Please arrive 15 minutes early for check-in.

Registration is first come, first served. First step to registration is to sign-up through this Sign-up Genius link. (need link)

After completing the Sign-up Genius, please pick up your registration materials right away in the School Main Office. Registration materials must be completed and returned by NOVEMBER 21ST. Completed forms are returned to the School Main Office.

 

FAQs

Registration, Cost, and Equipment

Q: How do I register my child for the Ski Bus?
Sign-up for the Ski Bus program will be through this Sign-up Genius link. Sign-ups will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the registration capacity is met, a waitlist is maintained. Registration materials are available right away in the Main Office for those signed up for the Ski Bus program through the Sign-up Genius.

Q: Is Financial Assistance available for the Ski Bus program?
No

Q: Does the registration cost include lift tickets, rentals, or lessons?

There is no registration fee. Students will sign up for ski/boarding lessons + transportation or transportation only. Lift tickets, rentals and food are not included in the lesson and transportation fees.

  • Sku Bus only is $275 OR Ski Bus + lessons is $495, check or cash only payable to Webbski
  • Parents purchase lift tickets separately.
  • Bring your own equipment or additional cost for equipment rental (options listed on FAQ page.)

Q: Does my child need their own ski or snowboard equipment?
Yes, each student will need to provide their own ski or snowboard equipment (either own or rented).

Q: Where can I rent equipment for the season?
Beginner students should rent skis/snow board, ski poles, boots, and a helmet for the duration of the season. This should be handled at one of the following locations before January 7, 2026, not on the mountain the day of the ski bus.
Here are a few options where you can rent gear:
• Mountains to Sound
• The Summit at Snoqualmie
• Alpine Hut
• EVO
• REI

Q: How do we purchase lift passes?
Season lift tickets of 2,3,4 Flex ticket packs can be purchased from The Summit at Snoqualmie online. Lift tickets should be purchased before January 7, 2026, not on the mountain the day of the ski bus.

Lessons and On-Mountain Experience
Q: Does my child need prior experience skiing or snowboarding to participate?
Absolutely not! For students who cannot ski/board on their own, lessons are required to learn foundational skills like stopping, turning and how to use a chair lift. The coaches at the mountain do a fantastic job pairing up students with instructors that match their skill level.
Experienced skiers can ski unsupervised for the duration of each trip.

Q: How do I determine the appropriate lesson level for my child?

Guidance on selecting the appropriate ability level is typically available through the mountain’s website, such as the Ability Level – Summit at Snoqualmie guide.

Q: Is cash accepted on the mountain?
Summit Central mountain facilities are nearly cashless, so a credit card, Apple Pay, or a Greenlight card is recommended for food or purchases

Behavior and Safety
Q: Will cell phones or electronic devices be collected from students on the bus?
No. The program respects that having a cell phone or iPad is a family decision. We encourage students to ski with cell phones or an Apple Watches to facilitate
communication with friends and chaperones on the mountain. All students will be required to read and sign the SKI BUS GENERAL BEHAVIOR & ELECTRONIC DEVICE AGREEMENT.

Q: What are the expectations for student behavior regarding the bus?
Chaperones will help maintain noise levels on the bus during transit to the mountain, ensuring the bus driver rules are being followed. Upon arrival back at HRS, chaperones hold students responsible for the cleanliness of the bus. If a bus is not clean, that bus will incur a $XXX dirty bus fee, which will be paid by the registered students on that bus. NO EXCEPTIONS. Students are expected to follow the HRS Core Values on the bus, in the lodge and on the mountain. Disregard for these rules may result in suspension or termination from the program without refund.

Q: Where can I find the Ski Bus Behavior & Electronic Device Agreement?
The agreement will be part of registration materials and must be signed and returned to the School Main Office by Friday, Nov. 21st.

Q: Will my student be supervised on the mountain?
Students will be able to free ski within open terrain on the mountain according to the mountain’s policies. All students are expected to use the buddy system and remain together throughout the day. HRS chaperones will be at the mountain all day and available in person and by phone. If students are worried about a potentially serious injury, ski patrol should always be contacted before the HRS chaperone. Should any student be injured, parents will be promptly contracted by the chaperone on duty.

Food, Snacks and Storage
Q: Can students eat on the bus?

Yes. Snacks are permitted on the bus, if students clean up all trash and debris. To maintain this privilege, students must be mindful of their eating habits and keep the bus clean. A failure to do so may result in the loss of this privilege, at the bus driver’s discretion.

Q: Do students have a chance to eat on the mountain?
Yes. After lessons, students usually have ‘free ski’ time. This is unmonitored free time where they can choose to eat, ski, hang out in the lodge, or play in the snow.

Q: Can I access the bus during the day?

No. If your student rides the bus up to the mountain, they must ride the bus down. There are no exceptions to this policy.

Logistics

Q: What does the process look like for ski bus students once school is dismissed on Wednesday?

2:10pm – Students who have completed the registration process will meet in front of the Parish Hall as soon as school lets out. Parents or designates will meet students to collect school backpacks and drop off ski equipment, food, and any other needed ski-related items.

2:15pm – Chaperones will organize students into groups to change into equipment, then load ski equipment onto the bus.

2:30pm – Ski bus leaves Holy Rosary.

~8:30-9pm – Ski bus return. Parents must be waiting at Holy Rosary to pick up students. Parents must be on time, the school will not be open.

Q: Can I pick up my child from the mountain and drive them home?
No. If your student rides the bus up to the mountain, they must ride the bus down. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS POLICY

Packing List

  • Ski/snow board gear (boots, helmet, poles, goggles)
  • Warm, waterproof clothing (jacket, pants, neck gator, ski socks, gloves/mittens, base and/or mid layer)
  • 2nd Lunch/snacks and water bottle
  • Cell Phone, Apple Watch, etc. A form of electronic communication is required so that students can contact classmates or chaperones.
  • Lift pass

Chaperone Information
Q: Can parents volunteer as chaperones, and are volunteer hours offered?
Yes, parents are encouraged to chaperone, and this is a great way to earn service hours.

Q: Do I need to be certified or compliant to chaperone?
Yes, all volunteers must be VIRTUS compliant in order to chaperone.

Q: Do chaperones need to purchase a season pass?
No! All chaperones will receive a voucher for a free ski lift ticket on the day that they volunteer.

Q: What are the primary duties of a chaperone?
Chaperone duties are essential and include (but are not limited to) the following tasks:
1. Assisting with assembling skis, snowboards, bags, and students prior to loading the bus.
2. Loading and unloading skis/snowboards from the bus at the school and the mountain.
3. Taking attendance of all students on each bus, both prior to departure from the school and prior to departure from the mountain, ensuring no students are left behind.
4. Upon arrival at the mountain, checking bus cleanliness and facilitating the students’ first pass of trash pickup.
5. Ensuring all students are able to find and attend their lessons on the mountain.
6. Collecting any lost/found items from the bus upon return.

Q: Can I chaperone more than once?
Yes. The program requires a minimum of 2-3 chaperones per trip. For consistency, we encourage chaperones to volunteer at least 2 times.

Medical & Emergency Information

Q: What happens if a student has a medical condition or needs to bring medication?
Please notify the Ski Bus coordinator in advance. Medications must be clearly labeled and handed to a chaperone with instructions. Emergency contact info must be up to date.

Inclement Weather
Q: Where can I find information about pass closure?
Washington State Department of Transportation posts pass updates for Snoqualmie: http://wsdot.com/travel/real-time/mountainpasses/snoqualmie.
If Snoqualmie Pass closes, we will cancel the ski bus and attempt to reschedule later in the season. If we are caught in unforeseen weather or traffic, parents will be promptly notified. Buses will carry emergency kits with food, water, first aid/medical kit and other emergency supplies.

Safety
Q: Can you confirm that all bus drivers transporting passengers have undergone a criminal history and driving record background check?

Yes, Webbski uses Journey Lines as their bus charter. Drivers meet safety qualifications (chains, winter driving) and are background checked.

Additional Questions
Q: What if I have another question not listed here?

For lesson and transportation questions contact Webbski: info@webbski.com

For chaperone and other program-related questions please contact the Ski Bus coordinator: HRSskibus@gmail.com