If you’re an avid skier or snowboarder, or you’re a first-timer who’s always wanted to go to Snowbowl, you should meet ALEX. This fast and affordable transportation service is making a difference for local residents and visitors alike in the valley who want to get away to the state’s best ski resort.
A Brilliant Solution
As a division of Alpine Ski Club & Adventure Tours, ALEX is a brand new shuttle service that provides direct-to-the-mountain transportation as well as optional lift tickets from Phoenix to Snowbowl. In other words, ALEX is the fast-track to snow-town, and Operations Manager Craig Frooninckx couldn’t be more proud as he’s truly passionate about his work and fulfilling a need for the community.
“We love to ski and snowboard and wanted a safe way to take families from Phoenix to the closest and best snow resort in Arizona,” Craig said. “When we noticed that need was unment, we started to build the business to help others be able to spend the day enjoying Snowbowl and not worrying about traffic, parking and driving home after a full day.”
ALEX presents a unique opportunity to save time, money and stress by hopping onto a clean, comfortable bus for the journey north. This way, skiers, snowboarders and even first-time visitors that just want to enjoy the Snowbowl experience can truly make the most of their day, rather than spending hours behind the wheel.
Since operations commenced in October 2018, there’s been a growing list of dedicated customers who hop aboard ALEX frequently, and business is booming as more and more people come to love the convenience, comfort and affordability of this terrific transportation option. “Everything exceeded my expectations. The bus was nice and clean, and the day was well planned out. The bus driver also really impressed me,” said valued customer Brittany Knowles.
Accessible and Affordable
It’s no wonder why ALEX has become so popular in the valley. People love this awesome, easy and efficient way to get to their exciting destination. Two of the biggest priorities for ALEX operations are family-friendly and safety, says Craig. “We want an environment where high school kids can go on their own and parents and bring their kids without worrying about safety.”
If that wasn’t good enough, travelers can rest assured that the valley’s latest and greatest snow shuttle service is a true game-changer, especially because these modern, luxurious buses are some of the nicest and newest on the road today. ALEX is now thought of as a natural extension of the overall Snowbowl experience, as for just slightly more than the price of a lift ticket, riders can enjoy round-trip transportation aboard a bus “captained” by an experienced skier or snowboarder. These individuals bring a positive attitude, entertaining stories and helpful suggestions to ensure everyone has a fantastic day on the mountain.
Because bus captains have made this trip many times and are extremely familiar with the mountain, they can guide passengers toward the best runs for skiers and snowboarders of all ages and abilities. They can also point people in the right direction for delicious food and drinks after a day on the slopes.
As a reasonably priced and reliable resource, ALEX is quickly developing a great reputation for amazing service without delays or dramas. Families, couples and single riders of all ages will be happy they chose this hassle-free option of getting to Snowbowl, as they can meet new people and plan their adventure without worrying about driving.
Craig and the rest of the Alpine Express Team are so pleased with how their hard work has paid off thus far, and it makes them all happy to be serving families who wanted and needed a safe and reliable mode of transportation to reach Snowbowl. Every returning customer is a reminder of the special service they’ve created with passengers as the priority. “Parents feel comfortable bringing their children to have a nice day of skiing and snowboarding without worrying about road conditions or if the mountain will require chains,” Craig said. “We’re also guaranteed tickets, so if the mountain sells out, our customers will not be turned away for lift tickets. We’ve even got parents that are happy that their high school kids can go for the day without them!”
It’s understandable that not all valley drivers will be comfortable with the journey to Snowbowl, especially when you start thinking about vehicle condition and chains. Luckily, ALEX has everyone covered as all the drivers are experienced with snowy conditions and well-equipped in preparing vehicles for such travels! “It’s also nice knowing that you can rest or sleep on the drive home,” Craig said. “With our big 56 passenger coach buses, it’s very comfortable and relaxing for our clients.”
New and Growing Business
While the ALEX shuttle service may be relatively new to the scene, the experts who created it and continue to promote it’s growth have been involved in the skiing industry for a long time. This makes it possible for Alpine Express to provide exceptional customer service experiences, which Craig says is the most rewarding part of it all.
“We love getting calls about how great this service is, how people enjoyed the mountain and how good their trip was,” Craig said. “I also enjoy getting calls from those thinking about learning to ski or snowboard, helping them prepare for their first experience and later hearing how much fun they had.”
Another common customer review is that skiers and snowboarders wish they’d heard of ALEX sooner, and that they’ll be back for more fun and memorable adventures! As a relaxing and highly-recommended service, ALEX is now referred to as a “no-brainer” and even the “best way to get to Snowbowl for a day of fun on the slopes!”
Phenomenal Prices
The friendly staff of Alpine Express who are willing to go above and beyond have really impressed riders thus far. This may be because customer service is their focus and priority. “We follow up with customers to make sure everything met or exceeded their expectations,” Craig said. “We’re also working with groups like Boy and Girl Scouts, Fitness Groups, and other social groups, as well as partnering with employers to give their employees a benefit of discounted tickets.”
Since mid-November, ALEX has been running day trips on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with prices starting at $40 per person with a lift ticket for the day. Discount group packages are available, and buses can be scheduled any day to accommodate large parties such as youth groups and ski clubs.
For more details, please feel free to reach out to Craig Frooninckx at [email protected] or (602) 612-5100. You can also visit GoAlex.net to learn more, purchase tickets or to schedule a custom trip for your group.
Alpine Express Shuttle Departure Locations and Times
Tempe Marketplace
2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe, AZ 85281
Departs: 5:15 AM (approx.)
Returns: 8:00 PM (approx.)
Happy Valley Towne Center
2501 W Happy Valley Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85085
Departs: 6:00 AM (approx.)
Returns: 7:15 PM (approx.)
Editor’s Note: This Article was written as My Local News Sponsored Content.