January 22-26, 2026 - Bus Arrival

Important Weather & Return Travel Update – Sunday Night Return from Canada

We are aware that recent media coverage is using strong language such as “Possibly, the worst storm in a decade- WTOP News Radio”. We understand how this can be concerning for parents, and we want to provide clear, factual information about our planned return trip from Stoneham, Quebec to Loudoun County, Virginia this Sunday evening into Monday morning January 26, 2026.

What the Current Forecast Means for Our Trip

We are aware that the forecasts keep changing. We will continue to monitor forecasts in the coming days.

Based on the most up-to-date weather information and our planned travel schedule, the conditions expected for our return are typical winter driving conditions for Quebec and northern interstate travel—the same conditions our trips regularly operate in throughout ski season.

• Our buses travel almost entirely on major, heavily maintained highways (I-87, NJ Turnpike, I-95)
• These highways are prioritized for plowing and treatment, especially during overnight hours
• By the time our buses reach each region along the route, there is a high probability roads will be plowed, salted, and fully passable

Departure Plan from Canada

In the event of major snow event in the northern region and DC metro area that closes schools. We may delay departure from Québec, Canada by a couple hours depending on the timing of the snow and travel conditions ahead of our route.

Our Professional Winter Travel Protocol

• We work continuously with our charter bus company, professional drivers, and state transportation agencies
• Drivers assigned to our trips are highly experienced in winter and overnight driving
• Conditions are monitored in real time throughout the return trip
• Safety—not schedule—is always the deciding factor in any travel decision

Neighborhood and secondary roads near home

It is important to note that we are aware that neighborhood and secondary roads near home may take longer to be fully cleared, which can create the impression that overall conditions are worse than they actually are on major travel routes.

Arrival & Pickup Contingency Plan (If Local Roads Are Not Fully Cleared)

In past winters, when local neighborhood roads were difficult for standard vehicles, we have successfully implemented the following plan—and students were delivered safely and efficiently:

• Students will continue to notify parents approximately one hour prior to arrival

Designated Drop-Off Location:
Walmart Supercenter
24635 Dulles Landing Dr
Dulles, VA 20166

This location is:

• Easily accessible from major roads
• Well maintained during winter weather
• Familiar to parents from previous trips

Parent Coordination

In these situations, parents have coordinated with one another—often using SUVs or all-wheel-drive vehicles—to complete final pickups safely due to potential poor condition of neighborhood roads.

Communication & Updates

• We will post live departure and arrival updates after 8:30 PM on January 25-26 (evening/morning of return)
• Updates will be available via the confirmation link sent by text

Emailing or Contacting the Office by Phone

We kindly ask that parents do not email or call the office regarding departure updates or the winter weather return plan.

All verified and up-to-date information will be communicated through official updates posted on our website.

Over the weekend, our staff will be fully engaged in supervising, caring for, and assisting students while in Canada. Limiting phone calls and emails allows our team to focus entirely on student safety and trip operations.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Where will updates be posted?

On the main confirmation link below that we texted and emailed previously
skitravel.com/trip-dates/january-22-26-2026/final-confirmation

Our Record & Our Priority

SKI TRAVEL has operated trips since 1981 and has never cancelled a trip due to weather, nor required an unscheduled overnight stop during a return from Canada.

We appreciate the trust you place in us.

Winter weather is part of ski travel, and it is something we plan for carefully, conservatively, and professionally—every single trip.

• If conditions change in any meaningful way, parents will be informed immediately
• Your child’s safety remains our highest priority

The news is calling this “The worst storm in a decade- WTOP News Radio”

Is it safe for the buses to travel?
Media headlines are designed to capture attention and often describe regional or localized conditions, not the specific highways or timing of our travel. Based on current forecasts and our planned overnight schedule, the conditions expected along our route are typical winter conditions that our professional drivers and bus companies regularly operate in during ski season.

Will the highways be plowed when the buses are traveling?

Yes, based on current forecasts. The majority of our return trip is on major interstate highways (I-87, NJ Turnpike, I-95), which are continuously plowed, salted, and prioritized during winter storms, especially overnight. By the time our buses reach each region, there is a high probability these roads will be cleared and passable.

My neighborhood roads may not be plowed yet. Does that mean the buses shouldn’t be traveling?

Not necessarily. Local neighborhood roads and secondary streets are often cleared later than major highways. This can create understandable concern, but it does not reflect the conditions on the interstates our buses use for nearly the entire trip.

What if local roads near the final drop-off are still difficult to access?

In past winters, when local conditions required flexibility, we have safely dropped students at a central, well-maintained location:
Walmart Supercenter
24635 Dulles Landing Dr, Dulles, VA 20166

Parent Pick-up Coordination

Parents then coordinated pickups using SUVs or all-wheel-drive vehicles. This plan has worked very well and keeps students safe.

Who decides whether the buses continue or stop due to weather?

Decisions are made collaboratively between SKI TRAVEL, our charter bus company, professional drivers, and state transportation agencies. Safety—not schedule—always comes first. If conditions ever require a pause or adjustment, we act immediately and communicate clearly. If conditions warrant per those agencies or authorities, buses will travel at slower safer speeds or pause at a rest area.

How will we receive updates?

Live updates will be posted after 8:30 PM on the night of return.

• Updates are available via the Main Confirmation link sent previously by text and email (One link for all info).
• Here is the link: https://www.skitravel.com/trip-dates/january-22-26-2026/final-confirmation/
• Students will notify parents approximately one hour before arrival