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From the FasterSkier archive — posts syndicated from athletes’ and coaches’ own blogs between 2004 and 2012, kept online as published. Current coverage is at fasterskier.com.

Tag: 2013 Stowe Derby

  • 68th Annual Stowe Derby Ski Race Set for Feb. 24

    Stowe Derby logo

    68th Annual Stowe Derby Ski Race

    Sunday, February 24, 2013

    – Skiers Compete in Historic Race for the Fun and Prestige – 

    STOWE, Vt. – February 12, 2013 – The oldest downhill cross-country ski race in North America returns to Stowe on Sunday, February 24, 2013 for the 68th consecutive year. The Stowe Derby began as a dual between two competitive skiers in 1945 and now draws hundreds of international competitors to the slopes of Mount Mansfield annually. This truly unique skiing showdown is open to all types of skiers and brings out the best in winter sport revelry.

    The Stowe Derby combines both Alpine and Nordic (cross-county) aspects of skiing over a course stretching 12.5 miles (20.1 km) and descending approximately 2,600 feet (792 m), making it an unforgiving, all-around test of skiing aptitude. North America’s fastest cross-country skiers will navigate tight switchbacks on Stowe’s Toll Road and sprint through town along the Stowe Rec. Path in an effort to set a record time. But, in the spirit of the Derby, contestants also don Alpine skis, splitboards and even costumes to enjoy completing the legendary course.

    “Competitors and spectators come to the Derby for the history and the tradition, the unique and thrilling challenge, and for the fun of it – there’s nothing else like it,” said race organizer Pascale Savard. “We’re expecting a great event this year with a big turnout. There’s never a dull moment at the Derby.”

    Skiers can select between freestyle or classic divisions, and experts can do both courses in the Derby Meister. Teams of four can enter the EverBank Team Challenge for a chance at more prizes. Families with children ages 6 and up will enjoy the short course (5 km) along the Stowe Rec Path.

    Online registration is open until Friday, February 22, 2013 at 12:00 p.m. In-person registration is available during early bib pick up at the Stowe Elementary School on Saturday, February 23 from 3-5 p.m. Payment in cash or check only. Visit www.stowederby.com or contact Pascale Savard at stowederby@teammmsc.org for more information. Like the Stowe Derby Facebook page for updates.

    The Stowe Derby is presented by Concept 2 of Morrisville, Vermont.

  • Mt. Mansfield’s Stowe Derby: A 2013 Ski Challenge for All

    Stowe Derby – a 2013 Ski Challenge for you, you and YOU!

    Stowe Derby logo

    Make 2013 the year when you take on the Stowe Derby challenge! Surely, you can ski down the 4 mile Auto Toll Road in your sleep but… can you do it on a pair of cross-country skis AND avoid all potential “hazards,” i.e. other skiers and perhaps a bumpy patch or two along the way? After negotiating a couple of air pins you most certainly never noticed before, the rest of the course is a piece of cake, especially for most of us experienced skiers: a few ups and downs in the Stowe Cross Country Center and Trapp Family Nordic Center before skiing the flat Stowe Rec Path all the way to town.

    Choose to ski the 20km course in the skate or the classic division, or be creative… split snowboards, tele gear, even alpine ski gear is an option – although not recommended unless you consider yourself as fit and adventurous as our dear friend George Tormey who mastered the challenge more than once back in the day. If you prefer, simply join the kids in the 6km short course and avoid the descent altogether.

    Stowe Derby

    The Derby is on Sunday, February 24th, 2013 and this will be the 68th edition of the Mt. Mansfield Ski and Snowboard’s only Nordic production. The legendary race attracts hundreds annually and originated from a personal challenge between two good friends and amazing skiers – Austrian, Sepp Ruschp who was hired to come to America and head the new ski school at Stowe and Erling Strom, world famous mountaineer from Norway. The challenge was the same as it is today – to race from the top of Mt. Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak to the historic village of Stowe… on ONE pair of skis – the ultimate test of a skiers ability. Ruschp was the winner of the first Stowe Derby, will you be the winner in 2013?

    Prices go up February 8, so sign up soon. Also consider entering the EverBank Challenge by forming your team of four. Race for bragging right, for fun, for the challenge! Hope to see you in Stowe on Sunday, February 24th.

    For more information or to sign up online visit: http://www.stowederby.com/home. Contact Pascale Savard at stowederby@teammmsc.org for further questions. Also follow us on Facebook for up-to-date information as we get closer to Derby Day!

    Stowe Derby