HARDWICK – Hazen Union School’s Ski & Ride program will kick off the new season, December 20, with an outing to Jay Peak where students will have an opportunity to ski, snowboard. or telemark.
Nine regular outings are planned from December to March, with a possible trip in April, weather permitting. Most are for Jay Peak Resort with two to Smuggler’s Notch Resort. An additional trip on March 19 is scheduled for interested seventh and eighth grade middle-school students to attend the Castle Cup Ski Competition at Jay Peak.
Ski & Ride program leaders for the year are Leanne Harple, Maxfield English and Aviva Carrey, They replace David Perrigo who led the program in recent years.
Students participating in Ski & Ride are required to maintain academic eligibility requirements, except when classes aren’t scheduled during winter wellness activities.
Students pay just $30 for the season, with a $60 family cap. Scholarships are available where need exists. Students must provide their own skis, boots, poles and clothing, though the program is soliciting donations to help students afford the equipment needed to be mountain-ready.
A recent Front Porch Forum post by Leanne Harple announced the program is seeking donations of used sub-zero ski jackets, gloves and snowpants, along with new, unused winter hats, ski socks and long underwear.
Donations can be dropped off at Hazen Union School from Monday, Dec. 16, through Wednesday, Dec. 18, during school hours at a donation box in the lobby.
Paul Fixx is editor of The Hardwick Gazette and lives in Hardwick.
