Skiers south of the border now offered shuttle service to local ski hills
By Erin Perkins
Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism, Whitewater Ski Resort and Tourism Rossland have combined forces to offer tourists and locals another way to travel between Spokane International Airport, Rossland, Castlegar and Nelson this winter.
From December 8 to April 1 Queen City Shuttle will be operating the additional route, with some subsidized help from the three partners.
This partnership was formed to encourage American skiers to try Canadian powder.
“It’s not always easy to rent a car and come across the border,” said Dianna Ducs of the Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism.
“We’re making it easy so why not take advantage of the powder we have here, the hot springs, shopping and local culture? . . .. This is just another way to get people up here.”
Ducs said this service isn’t just targeting Spokane residents but those who fly into their international airport from Montana, Colorado, Seattle and beyond.
Ducs said between 30 and 35 per cent of the people who ski at Red Mountain Resort in Rossland are from south of the 49th parallel.
Nelson’s Whitewater Ski Resort sees similar numbers.
The shuttle will operate four days a week.
On Monday and Friday the shuttle leaves the Hume Hotel in Nelson at 7 a.m., travelling to the Prestige in Rossland where departure is 8 a.m..
The bus then treks to the Spokane International Airport, leaving at 11:30 a.m. to return to Nelson by 5 p.m. that day.
The Thursday and Sunday schedule runs slightly earlier with the shuttle leaving Nelson at 5 a.m. and returning at 2 p.m. the same day.
Nelson and Rossland residents wishing to use the service when going to the Spokane Airport will also benefit from this additional service.
Routes will not be cancelled, even if only one person has reserved, said Ducs.
Queen City Shuttle can accommodate up to 100 people in one route and will add buses as necessary.
After April 1, the tourism groups will analyze survey results and usage to determine if the partnership would be beneficial to continue in the winter of 2013.
Tickets are $135 per person one way and must be booked at least 48 hours in advance by visiting www.kootenayshuttle.com/spokane/, calling 250-352-9829, or emailing info@kootenayshuttle.com.
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