These red signs will help guide your way on any section of the Jackrabbit Trail
These red signs will help guide your way on any section of the Jackrabbit Trail

Skiing and Swimming are two things not typically heard together in the same sentence let alone at the same party.  For over two decades the Adirondack Ski Touring Council, which maintains the Jack Rabbit Ski Trail has been bringing these two opposite activities together in the same great event.  The Annual Ski and Swim Party is an important fundraiser for the organization and contributes to its sustainability every year.  This year's event will take place on Sunday, January 26th from 3-6 pm at the Crowne Plaza's pool facility.  Food and beverages will be provided by a long list of local sponsors and volunteers.  There is a suggested donation of $15 per person and $5 per child.  All are welcome.  A big thanks goes out to the Lussi Family and the Crowne Plaza for making their pool facility available for this event.  

Many sections of the Jackrabbit Trail are great places to ski with dogs
Many sections of the Jackrabbit Trail are great places to ski with dogs

Attending the Ski and Swim Party is a convenient way to take a break from winter and go for a swim while at the same time contributing to the sustainability of the trail network.  Supporting the Adirondack Ski Touring Council and the Jackrabbit Trail is an important thing to do.  There are dozens of places in the Lake Placid Region where it is possible to pull up to a trailhead, park, and have a wonderful cross country skiing experience at no cost.  Many of these opportunities are made possible by the Adirondack Ski Touring Council and the Jackrabbit Trail.  If you can't make it to the Ski and Swim Party, there are other ways to support the organization.  Making donations or helping on volunteer workdays goes a long way toward the continued availability of high quality cross country ski experiences in our area.

The BETA/ASTC donation box at River Rd.
The BETA/ASTC donation box at River Rd.

The Annual Ski and Swim Party is also a time to remember a dedicated and talented Adirondack Ski Touring Council board member who left this world much too soon.  Each year prior to swimming, a group meets at Cascade Ski Center and strides their way toward the pool party in Theresa's honor.  According to ASTC director Tony Goodwin, "Teresa was someone who once you met, you never forgot."  She was a dedicated volunteer and made a big difference as a board member for the Ski Touring Council.  There is a plaque in her honor that rests on the bridge between River Rd. and Craigwood Golf Course.  This year will be tenth anniversary of the memorial ski from Cascade Ski Center.  

Theresa's Plaque on the bridge near Craigwood Golf Course
Theresa's Plaque on the bridge near Craigwood Golf Course

Visitors and locals alike are welcome to join any of the Adirondack Ski Touring Council's events this coming weekend, membership in the organization is not a requirement.  Whether you join for the memorial ski from Cascade Ski Center or just the party (hopefully both) your support for cross country skiing in the Lake Placid region is greatly appreciated.