One more Successful Derby for Stowe Thanks you Stowe!

February has come and gone and what better conclusion to this moody month that a perfect day to host the 65th Anniversary of the Stowe Derby.

Of the 758 skiers signed up, 642 crossed the finish line behind Stowe Community Church, making this a huge success for the ski race that has had Stowe buzzing for the past months. Despite hurdles with race course, snow conditions and scheduling, the Stowe Derby went without a hitch and provided all skiers with the promised and much anticipated thrills and spills. Even Mother Nature rallied up to offer sunshine and absolute perfect ski conditions from the top of Vermont’s highest peak down some 3,300 feet below to the finish line.

The race dates back to 1945 when a friendly challenge between a world famous mountaineer and an avid skier who challenged each other to a race from the top of Mt. Mansfield to the town of Stowe, on one single pair of skis. That year, amazingly, the Austrian skier, Sepp Ruschp and future head of the ski school at Stowe Mountain Resort won race that year.

It is a real treat to see how alive the spirit of the race remains 65 years later. Standing at the bottom of the Look Out chair as racers lined up to reach the start of the race course is quite a feast for all senses. Vintage skis, costumes, telemark skis, brand new speed demon skis, rental shop rejects, all kinds of equipment is there. And plenty of laughters, stories, encouragement... Incredible to see how people truly embrace the essence of this race and make this their own: a personal challenge, a friendly competition, an annual weekend affair with the family and friends. Thank you all racers for coming, for racing and for being part of the tradition.

This race is also unique because without the whole town of Stowe coming together to embrace and contribute, it could never happen. Stowe Mountain Resort, Trapps Family, Lodge, Stoweflake Resort and The Nordic Barn each take their share of the grooming and somehow link all 16km of trail in perfect unison. Members of the Stowe Rotary come in force under the tutelage of their ever positive leader Alan Thorndike and shovel snow to make the route crossing as pleasant as possible. The Stowe High School generously offers its facility and support staff, Stowe Parks and Recreation is always behind the scene to offer help as needed, the Stowe Reporter publishes weekly articles.

For months leading to the race, community members volunteer to write articles, hang posters all over New England, help stuff envelopes, time the race, distribute goods, video the race, encourage sign ups... The list is way long and would never be complete so perhaps it is best to stop here and once again say thank you to all who contribute to the success of this event. YOU keep the Stowe Derby spirit alive and vibrant, and YOU are the reason why it is so much fun to work on this race year after year.

Not to be forgotten and equally as important, is the support and contributions of our generous sponsors. Concept 2, MVP Health Care, PAR Springer-Miller, Copley Hospital, Outdoor Research, Power Shift and Stowe Today. Such events need the financial support offered by these valuable sponsors which we encourage all to support back. See a complete list of sponsors on this website.

On behalf of the Mt. Mansfield Ski and Snowboard Club, thank you Stowe for your loyal and generous contributions. It is that spirit, that energy, that FEELING that brings hundreds back year after year. See you again on February 27th, 2011.

by Pascale Savard, Stowe Derby promoter