Magic happens at the Double H Ranch. Despite the unseasonable warmth this winter and the early arrival of spring-like weather and conditions, the Double H Ranch will remain in operation for the closing day of the Adaptive Winter Sports Program (AWSP) and its end of season celebration this Saturday, March 19th. Approximately 80 students will be hitting the slopes to participate in the 2nd Annual Winter 500. This special event will be celebrating the accomplishments of all ski and snowboard students in the AWSP and the incredible dedication of 320 volunteers who helped make the 19th season of the program possible.
Several members of the Double H Ranch Board of Directors will be attending the event as well as friends from Freihofer’s/Bimbo Bakeries. The Double H Ranch has shared a very special long-term partnership with this philanthropic and civic-minded organization.
Also present for the day will be representatives from the Saratoga Ben and Jerry’s shop who will be volunteering for the event and providing free ice cream for all participants and their families. Recently, Ben and Jerry’s entered into an Official Corporate Partnership with the SeriousFun Children’s Network, of which Double H Ranch is a member camp. In 2015, Ben and Jerry’s released a new flavor, “The Tonight Dough starring Jimmy Fallon.” Jimmy Fallon had chosen the SeriousFun Children’s Network to be the charitable beneficiary of the new ice cream flavor.
This Saturday, Double H Ranch will also be honoring Jim Smith, a volunteer since the inception of the AWSP who passed away in 2015. During his 17-season volunteer tenure at the Double H Ranch, Jim worked as a ski patroller, ski instructor, equipment room technician and official photographer. He was a member of both the National Ski Patrol and the Professional Ski Instructors of America.
About the Adaptive Winter Sports Program
The Adaptive Winter Sports Program began in 1998 and offers children ages 6–16 living with life-threatening and chronic illnesses the opportunity to participate in winter recreation activities in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains. Activities include alpine skiing and snowboarding instruction, as well as snowshoeing lessons. Each winter, the AWSP serves approximately 200 qualifying students, providing nearly 600 lessons over the course of the season and an additional 650 lessons to parents and siblings through the Family Weekend Programs. Five Family Sleepover Weekends are offered during this program, allowing the entire family to experience a winter retreat together. All necessary equipment and instruction are provided free of charge to students and families.
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