Larrys Snow Angels

Larry’s Snow Angels is a non-profit association dedicated to providing support and funding to promote inclusive access for adaptive snow sports.  In furtherance of this goal, Larry’s Snow Angels strives to assist all individuals with adaptive snow sporting needs and to provide assistance to initiate new or to expand existing adaptive snow sporting programs at ski areas in the upper Midwest. 

Larry’s Snow Angels was formed to honor the memory of and to continue the legacy of Larry LaBathe.

Larry passed away unexpectedly just a few short weeks after wrapping up the 2021-2022 ski season.  Advancing adaptive snow sports had become a passion of Larry’s discovered after spending decades in law enforcement as a police officer for the City of St. Paul.

Larry didn’t start skiing until mid-life.  He joined the St. Paul Police ski team, enjoying many competitions locally and “out west” with his fellow officers from all over the world along with his wife, Angie Weidell-LaBathe.  Larry absolutely loved the sport and the camaraderie.  The last few years of his policing career, Larry began working as a part-time ski instructor at Afton Alps in eastern Minnesota.  When he retired, ski instruction became Larry’s new career; soon advancing to Assistant Ski School Director.  While at Afton, he took a course to teach adaptive skiing igniting a passion deep in his heart.  Larry’s third career became his life’s mission of getting access for all to a sport he loved.

Larry and Angie moved out of state for a few years and after relocating back to Minnesota in 2008, Larry was on a mission to start an adaptive program, visiting many areas.  Trollhaugen, in Dresser, Wisconsin leaped in enthusiastically.  Many days you could find him at Trollhaugen out on the snow, with a service puppy in training by his side, meeting the kids, their parents, and his adult students with the same level of commitment to making sure they had a great time.  Larry volunteered, and Angie still does, as puppy raisers for Can Do Canines Assistance Dogs.   

 Larry was also a very active volunteer with the Courage Center ski program for many years. He constantly ruminated over how he could reach more people with the thrill of adaptive snow sports.  His enthusiasm and commitment were evident to all who crossed his path. 

Larry’s Snow Angels was created by his wife Angie, daughter Tina, and many friends and colleagues who continue his vision of bringing the sensation of gliding down a white carpet of snow to people with disabilities.

  Our program provides funding to individuals with equipment proficiency to obtain their own equipment or pay for lessons.  This gives them the freedom to experience multiple ski areas. Additionally, we plan to expand access by providing financial assistance to ski areas in the upper Midwest to begin or expand existing adaptive snow sports programs.  Support could include funding for staff training, equipment needs, and facility improvements needed to make their ski area more accessible.