BATA Launches Ski-n-Ride Program
This past summer, Bay Area Transportation Authority enjoyed such a great response for its Bike-n-Ride program that they’ve come up with a similar program for skiers and snowboarders this winter. Ski-n-Ride targets outdoor sports enthusiasts by providing expanded service to area ski resorts—including The Homestead. The service offers safe, convenient and affordable wintertime transportation as well as secure storage of sporting equipment on the bus for students, families and area visitors.
Check out the details along with links and information on prices, a full schedule of active seasonal dates, bus schedules and stop locations.
Let BATA Do The Driving
The Sleeping Bear Dunes offers a variety of outdoor activities in a beautiful setting, especially in the winter months. Now BATA’s new Ski-n-Ride program, like Bike-n-Ride before it, presents an easy option for enjoying some weekend, winter sports at The Homestead—the only four-season resort located in the Sleeping Bear Dunes.
By letting BATA do the driving, there’s no worrying about parking or navigating snowy LeelanauCounty’s roads. Ski-n-Ride utilizes existing BATA bus routes to deliver winter sports enthusiasts right to the doorstep of The Homestead and its amazing downhill slopes and cross-country trails.
“Making it easier for people to enjoy Michigan’s beautiful outdoors year-round is one of our missions and we’re excited that BATA is providing guests and residents with additional transportation options to enjoy our amenities,” says Jamie Jewel, Vice President, Sales and Marketing at The Homestead.
A Great Option For Students
Ski-n-Ride is designed to service anyone in the Traverse City and surrounding area who is looking for new and challenging ski terrain or a simple change of winter scenery from what they usually experience close to home. But BATA also expects the new service will especially appeal to parents looking for more skiing options to maximize their children’s time on the hills.
“Though this service will certainly be appreciated by diverse audiences, we are aware that our student population will undoubtedly take advantage of Ski-n-Ride in large numbers,” says BATA Executive Director Tom Menzel. “Parents in particular will be happy to know that these schools will be storing the students’ equipment, so there will be no hassles. No long drives. No long waits. And they can rest assured that their children will be experiencing a safe ride with BATA.”
Meet The Family
At just $3.00 (or $1.50 for students with ID) for a ride, Ski-n-Ride provides is a great value. Add to that the food discounts Ski-n-Ride passengers will receive once they arrive at The Homestead and you have the makings of a great afterschool or weekend activity. It’s also a perfect opportunity for working parents to join the kids for an affordable dinner after having a Saturday or Sunday all to themselves.
Special Ski-n-Ride food and beverage deals at The Resort amount to 20-percent off your guest check at Beppi's (not including alcohol, tax and gratuity), while at Cavanaugh's the price for a classic ham and cheese or turkey and bacon deli sandwich with chips, cookie and pop or water is only $5.
Ski-n-Ride service to The Homestead runs January 9 to March 8,2015 (Friday through Sunday). Friday service to and from The Homestead’s reception center runs every hour from 2 pm to 7 pm. There are three drop-off and pickup times on Saturday and Sunday.
For a full schedule of active seasonal dates, bus schedules, stop locations and overview map, visit bata.net/ski-n-ride or call 231.941.2324.