Home
Outings
Vacation Rentals
Ski Bus Trips
Upcoming Meet-ups
Lift Ticket Deals
Tahoe Ski Area Map
7 Day Snow Forecast
Forum Postings
Become a Sponsor
Donate
Contact Us

Ski bus frequently asked questions

Q: How can I contact the ski bus management directly? Call them toll free at 877.689.6655 and remember to say you are from SnowPals to get the group's pricing..Leave a message if you get a voicemail and they will return your call. If the bus trip is sold out, you can still request to be placed on the wait list because they often have last-minute cancellations. Book your trip early to secure your seat(s). Usually bus trips are sold out by Thursday. Or send them an email at info@ridelaketahoe.com

Q: What do I need to bring to board the bus? Bring your (1) receipt, (2) a photo ID, and (3) a signed release of liability - all participants must download and sign a release of liability form. You may either fax to 877.689.6655 or bring this with you the day of the trip. Click here to download release form.

Q: Do you have overnight trips, 2 days and one night ski bus trips? Yes, we are putting together overnight trips, please click here to contact us if you are interested in our overnight trips.

Q: Is the parking free at the listed pick-up locations ? Yes, all listed pick-up locations offer free parking. For the San Francisco pick-up, there are free street parking; make sure you read the parking signs to make sure you don't park on the side of the street where they have street cleaning.

Q: How many pick-up stops do you have before heading to the ski resort? The San Jose bus often goes directly to the resort nonstop. Only when our San Jose bus does not sell out, which rarely happens, do we have pick-ups in San Francisco and Berkeley. The San Francisco bus have one stop in Berkeley for pick-ups before heading to the resort.

Q: What if it is snowing? As we all know Tahoe gets some of the deepest snowpack in the country. The buses are equipped with chains for adverse conditions. Roads do sometimes close for a bit for snow safety. If the roads are open and the resorts are operating, we will get you there.

Q: What time does the bus leave the resort? Resort lift closes at 4:00pm. Please meet back at the bus between 4:00 pm and 4:15pm so we may depart the resort promptly at 4:30pm.

Q: What time will we get back to the Bay Area? Weather permitting and based on all riders cooperation to meet back at the bus at the scheduled time the bus should be at the first drop off location by 8:30pm.

Q: Will we stop for dinner? Our bus rep will take a majority vote on for stopping for a quick bite. Usually Inn N Out Burger off the Forni Rd Exit is the choice.

Q: What time will we get to the resort? Weather permitting we try to have the bus parked at the resort and distributing lift tickets by 9:30 am.

Q: Can we purchase lessons and rentals? Yes. If you would like a rental and/or lesson please call us at 877.689.6655 and remember to say you are from SnowPals to get the group's pricing.

Q: How do we just book a $45 ride without the ticket? Quantities are limited for just the ride without the ticket, so please call 877.689.6655, and remember to say you are from SnowPals to get the group's pricing. to book any reservations without a lift ticket.

Q: Can we leave personal property on the bus? Yes you can leave items on the bus. The driver stays with the bus all day or locks the bus if he leaves. There are also lockers at the resorts.

Q: Where do we put our ski and snowboard equipment? These are coach buses with plenty of storage underneath the bus for all equipment.

Q: Is there a bathroom on the bus? Yes, these coach buses are equipped with bathrooms.

Q: Is alcohol allowed on the bus? Drinking is allowed on the bus for all passengers over the age of 21.

Q: Do you provide entertainment on the bus? On the return leg of the trip, we'll show featured movies for your entertainment.

Cancellations: Must be made 72 hours in advance. Cancellation within this time are subject to a $45 charge

Road Closures: If the road should be delayed or closed and you are unable to ski or ride we will refund you the price of your lift ticket or you may use it towards a credit for another trip. Call us and we can work something out.

Buses leave promptly at posted times; make sure you arrive on time - there's no refund for missing the bus.

Pick-up locations:
(1) 4:30 AM San Jose Any Mountain,
(2) 5:30 AM San Francisco Gordon Biersch Brewery, and
(3) 5:45 AM Berkeley, Any Mountain.

Free parking at above locations.