Sugarloaf first-timer questions

Does anyone have experience with the Sugarloaf shuttles? We're staying in a house that's along one of the shuttle routes this week. I'm relatively new to skiing and traveling with my young kids, who I signed up for ski school. My question is this --do folks wear their ski boots onto the shuttle? Or do they carry everything (skis, poles, and boots) onto the shuttle? And is there a trick to carrying everything? (I don't have a boot or ski bag, unfortunately.) Another option is just driving to the mountain. Is a shuttle easier than driving?

I'd also welcome any advice/recs for Sugarloaf first-timers! Favorite runs, food, etc.

And I'm well-prepared for the cold temps...less so on how to carry all the gear.