FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I select the date I want for my booking?

It is likely that the bus is already sold out for that date. Make sure to call to be put on a wait list, as people do cancel!

When is the latest I can book my trip?

MagicBus advises that all patrons book as soon as possible, as we do sell out our buses. If you book your overnight trip the day prior to departure or during holiday season, please note that this does not guarantee hotel availability. You must receive a confirmation e-mail from us to verify that your trip has been approved. For day trips, if there is availability you can book as late as the night before.

Can I show up at the bus and pay the morning of the trip?

We do not recommend this; however, this will be up to the discretion of our Tour Director(s) provided there is room on the bus. Tour Directors can only accept exact cash as there will be no change available.

I have my own lift ticket and want to use your transportation, can I do that?

Yes, you can find the “transportation only” rate here. To book this, go to our Book Now page and on step 5: Lift Tickets, select the option “pick and choose”. Here you may un-check the required lift tickets for each person. We offer a discounted transportation only rate for seasons pass holders and Marmot Escape Card holders. To book the discounted transport only rate for seasons pass holders and Marmot Escape Card holders, you must call the office.

What is the minimum or required age to ride the MagicBus for the day?

Passengers 12 years and under must be accompanied by a responsible person at least 16 years of age. That being said, all passengers under 18 will require their parent or guardian to sign the waiver form that is supplied after booking.

Where do I park when I meet the bus in the morning?

MagicBus to Marmot Basin departs from the Main Entrance of the Edmonton Inn at 11834 Kingsway Ave. Parking is free, but take the necessary precautions to keep your vehicle safe. (MagicBus Tours is not responsible for lost or stolen items)

How can I tell how many seats are left on a bus?

During the booking process at the step where you select your depart or return date, hover your mouse over the desired day and the number that shows up is the number of remaining seats. (This only works on a computer, not mobile) You may also call the office during hours of operation.

I have a Marmot Escape Card, how can I use it?

We offer a discounted transportation only rate for  Marmot Escape Card holders. To book this discounted transport only rate, you must call the office at 780-478-0429.

Overnight & Weekender FAQs

When I book an overnight trip, is transportation to the hotel included?

For MagicBus to Marmot Basin Overnight Stays: After your first day skiing the bus will drop you off at your hotel. The following morning however, you must arrange your own shuttle transportation to the resort. Please ask the MagicBus Tour Director or the hotel front desk for shuttle times and rates. For Weekenders: Transportation to and from the resort will be included each day of the tour.

Can someone under the age of 18 years old book an overnight stay?

No. By law there must be at least one person in the room who is 18 or older.

General/All Tour FAQs

Where do you go?

MagicBus Tours provides exclusive day trip service to Marmot Basin throughout the winter season. We also do a variety of annual trips called “Weekenders” to many other resorts. If you wish to ski elsewhere or during another date, we can produce a custom group tour for you to fit your needs for 40 or more people.

Are there any other pick up/drop off locations outside of Edmonton?

Yes, we can pick you up in Hinton if you are going to Marmot Basin. Please change your pickup/drop-off location category in the online booking form. If you are going on a Weekender, we can arrange pick-ups in Red Deer or Calgary. Please contact the office to arrange this.

Can you tell me specific rates?

Sure! Go to MagicBus Rates for all the seasons rates. Prices are per person and in Canadian currency. Youth/ Junior/ Child overnight rates are only valid with a purchased Adult trip

What is your cancellation policy?

Please refer to our Terms & Conditions page for the cancellation policy that aligns with the type of trip you are booked on.

Do you ever cancel a tour?

Yes, MagicBus requires about 20 people booked on our motor coach to launch a trip. Any less than that is not economically feasible or environmentally responsible. You will be notified promptly if a tour you are booked on is cancelled with the option of a re-schedule or full refund.

I haven’t received confirmation for my trip yet, why?

There could be a chance that there was an error with inputting your e-mail address. If you have booked an overnight trip, it is likely the hotel has not yet confirmed the availability. Contact us at the office if you’re getting close to your departure day and we’ll gladly sort it out.

I’m stuck on the processing screen, now what?

Your session has timed out and most likely the trip was not processed. Please contact the office during regular scheduled hours to double check.

Do I have to sign in with anyone before my trip?

Yes, please check in with the Tour Director prior to jumping on the bus. They will be in the vicinity of the motor coach and the building doors.

Do I need to have the supplied waiver completed before boarding the bus?

You will be required to have a Waiver & Covid Declaration filled out prior to being able to board the bus. We recommend filling this out online prior to arriving for your tour. Anyone under 18 years old, must have the waiver filled out by a parent or guardian. You will be sent a link containing the waiver form along with your booking confirmation or you can view it here.

Can I bring food and beverages on the bus?

Yes you may bring your personal food and non-alcoholic beverages on board but please keep the bus free of litter. We ask that the food not have a strong scent or be too messy. The Tour Director(s) will come down the aisles several times to collect garbage and bottles.

Is alcohol allowed on the bus?

Our tours are family friendly and do not allow alcoholic beverages onboard, so leave those at home.

Can we leave items on the bus during the day at the hill?

Yes, you can leave anything on the bus. The bus will be locked, but all items onboard are left at your own risk and you will not have access to it during the day. The bus will be departing the hill after dropping everyone off and returning for pick up.

What are the rates for a group?

It depends on your needs! Group rates are typically based on 40 people and can be more or less based on your requirements. It also depends on the time of the season, how many days, which day of the week, where you want to go and so on. Visit our groups page to find out more. 

Where is the best place to rent my gear?

Rentals can be done on mountain or in Edmonton at local ski shops such as Pacesetter (10054 167 Street) or Sundance Ski & Board Shop (10423 79 Avenue). We recommend renting locally to maximize your time on the mountain!

Do you sell gift certificates?

Yes, they are called Boarding Passes or PromoCodes and can be purchased online or in person at our office Suite 902, 11834 Kingsway Ave 9th Floor, East Tower, Edmonton. We can also make custom gift certificates of any dollar value, just give us a call.

PromoCodes/Credits/Boarding Pass FAQs

Can I use multiple Boarding Passes to book my trip?

You can enter a maximum of ONE Boarding Pass/ PromoCode per person in the online form when booking yourself. If you wish to redeem more towards an overnight, you must call into the office to process the transaction.

I have a Boarding Pass/PromoCode from LAST season, is it still valid?

Yes, punch in the ID# on the pass into the online booking form in the PromoCode area to redeem it. If the Boarding Pass/ PromoCode was issued as a trip credit, it is only valid for the season it was issued.

I have a credit, how can I redeem it?

All credits will be valid only for the season they are issued and can be redeemed over the phone anytime during regular scheduled office hours. You may be given a Boarding Pass/PromoCode as a credit.

What do I do if I want to book my trip and don’t have a credit card?

Our online booking process now accepts visa debit cards! You can also come into our office during our regular scheduled hours and can pay with cash or debit. See our office hours at the bottom of the page.

Contests

How can I enter a contest?

We have contests throughout the year that run for varied lengths of time and offer prizes related to our industry.  Find all opportunities at Enter to Win

When are prizes drawn?

Contests prizes are drawn throughout the year and exact times are noted on the Enter to Win page. Refer to the Contest Rules section for more details. 

Where can I get more details on each contest?

Find all terms and conditions for each contest at Enter to Win

Question Not Addressed Above?