By Nathan Petersen
BYU and UVSC students can now receive a discounted ski shuttle fare to Sundance.
Utah Transit Authority is offering bus passes to Sundance for students for only $1. Non-students can take the shuttle to Sundance for $2.50.
'We have decided to help ski-rider ship by allowing students to ride for a dollar,' said Justin Jones, UTA spokesman. 'This is something totally new that we are not doing in Salt Lake Valley. It is just for BYU and UVSC students and Sundance resort.'
The discount will help Sundance keep its parking lots available for others who do not ride the bus, Jones said.
Sundance resort has limited parking with only 250 spaces available in the lower parking lot and another 250 spaces available in the upper parking lot.
'We have been working with UTA for years,' said Jerry Warren, director of mountain operations for Sundance. 'Our parking is somewhat limited, but our mountain will hold a lot of people. The more other people ride the bus the more room there is for others to park. Plus, for the environmentally benefits it is something we promote.'
Sundance ski resort has many programs to encourage fewer people from taking their cars, such as giving a $10 refund coupon for people who carpool with four or more.
Sundance also subsidizes the bus fare for their season pass holders.
Bus connections to the ski shuttle are also free, Warren said. The riders just need to tell the driver they are going to Sundance.
'The fact that we are subsidizing the cost of the bus rides shows our commitment to the skiers and to the environment,' Warren.
'For those of us that are avid skier at BYU, getting tickets for $1.50 cheaper each time we go up to ski is a lot of money to save,' said Megan Molina, 21, a senior majoring in marriage, family and human development.