Everyone wants to have an enjoyable ski trip and let's face it, the bus ride is the price we pay for fun on the slopes. Here are some tips that can make any bus trip more enjoyable.

Arrive at the loading location with plenty of time to spare. The bus leaves promptly at the announced departure time. Even if you are only 5 minutes late, you will find that the bus has left without you.

Have your skis in a ski bag. If it's an overnight trip, bring the smallest suitcase you can manage. When loading equipment and baggage, place your skis in one compartment under the bus and your luggage in a separate compartment. If the bus is going directly to the ski resort, you may wish to carry your boots on the bus to keep them warm. Stash them under your seat (never in the overhead bin). You may also want to take a very small "gym" bag for your gloves, goggles, hat, etc. that you can place in the overhead bin. On a long trip, a small pillow and blankie may be a welcome addition. Remember though, it's a catch-22 situation -- the more comforts you bring, the less room you have to be comfortable.

On the bus, introduce yourself to those sitting around you. Make new friends. If you've brought your favorite chocolate-chip cookies, why not share them with those around you?

The Club provides some cold beverages on the bus. However, if you must have your morning cup of java, why not bring a small thermos of your favorite blend? Early morning bus trips generally do not stop on their way to the ski resort, so plan on bringing your own snack or having breakfast at the resort.

Once we arrive at the resort, the trip leader will proceed to the office to obtain lift tickets for everyone. Your job is to stay put! Do not disembark the bus until the trip leader returns with the lift tickets. While we're waiting for the trip leader to return, it is helpful if 5 or 6 people begin to unload skis. Don't be bashful about volunteering.

The faster we unload equipment, the quicker you can hit the slopes. Before you leave the bus, the trip leader will announce the departure time and whether or not the bus will make a dinner stop on the way home. Again, the bus will depart at the announced time whether you are on it or not.

Never, ever wear your ski boots on the bus. The buckles can scrape and rip the seats. When you take your skis out of the bag, place the bag in a convenient place where you can find it later and where it won't be buried by skis or other bags if you are not the first one back to the bus at the end of the day. You may wish to carry your ski bag and boots to the lodge, where you can rent a locker for the day.

Take with you whatever you may need for the day. Are you taking medication or need spare eyeglasses? Don't leave them on the bus. The bus may be moved, or locked during the day and it will be inaccessible. Remember our driver was driving all night while you were sleeping and he needs to rest while you're skiing.

When you return to the bus at the end of the day, return your skis to their ski bag and place them on the bus. Please don't bury someone's empty ski bag; it's no fun to dig it out. The beverage container will be restocked and munchies will be passed around. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride home. Usually an action-packed video will make the return trip go quickly.

As we approach home, be prepared with a couple of dollar bills if the trip leader comes around requesting a tip for the bus driver. Sometimes the tip is included in the price of the trip; sometimes it's not. Hasn't it been great leaving the driving to someone else?

Back in the parking lot, everyone wants to find their stuff as soon as possible so they can go home. First, though, take the time to clean up the area where you were sitting. Please don't leave any trash at your seat and double check to make sure you've taken everything off the bus that you brought with you. Thank the bus driver. Tip the trip leader $50 (just kidding!) Also, make sure you take YOUR skis and YOUR luggage. No one wants to get home and find they have someone else's dirty underwear. Drive home safely! And join us again for another great road trip.