At the break of dawn on Sunday mornings, while most Prep students are still tucked under their covers, a group of dedicated skiers and snowboarders are wide awake. It’s 6 AM and the sleepy hum of excited conversation fills the air as the bus pulls away from Prep, beginning the long journey to Crystal Mountain. By the time the sun starts to rise, these students will be carving down the mountain’s snowy slopes. The Seattle Prep Ski Bus is more than just a ride to the mountain—it’s a cherished tradition, uniting students with a shared passion for winter sports and adventure.
Prep Alum, Sara Welch, took it upon herself to help lead Ski Bus for the last two years. She stated the Ski Bus mission: “it’s all about getting students out in nature, encouraging them to stay active, and giving them a chance to bond with friends in a new environment.” Welch hopes that students “enjoy the thrill of skiing and leave each day feeling stronger and more connected.”
Although Welch feels it’s incredibly rewarding to “see the students’ excitement after a day on the mountain,” planning Ski Bus is no easy task. Countless hours and volunteers go into making Ski Bus both possible and fun. “Securing contracts with both the bus company and Crystal Mountain, coordinating with chaperones, and preparing for each trip are just a few logistics to manage,” said Welch. However, Welch and many of the parent volunteers love “to be part of a program that brings [students] so much joy.”
“I’d love for them to carry these feelings forward and look back on these trips as some of their favorite memories from high school” Welch concluded.
Nathan Gregg ’27 finds Ski Bus special because “you get closer with your friends. You can go up with your family anytime you like, but Ski Bus is a more unique experience. Also, it’s easier since it’s all organized and you can plan around it.”
Ski Bus is a great chance to not only grow closer to your own classmates but make a bond with upperclassmen as well. Gregg said, “I came to Ski Bus with my own friends already, but people were quick to welcome, they were all really nice and friendly.”
“It’s open to everybody” Gregg added. Being an expert skier or snowboarder is not necessary to have a great time on Ski Bus. “Last year I had a friend who was brand new to snowboarding and she still came and had a blast,” Nathan said.
“It’s a great time to relax from school and have something fun to do on the weekend. If you can plan around it, I’d do Ski Bus anytime,” Gregg concluded.
