The Stowe Derby is one of the oldest and most unique ski races in North America.  It started in 1945 as a personal challenge between two 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 - a race from the top of Mt. Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak to the historic village of Stowe... The ultimate test of a skiers ability.  Ruschp was the winner of the first Stowe Derby.

Today, the race attracts over 900 competitors, ranging from Canadian Cross Country Ski Team members and NCAA Champions to recreational skiers looking for a thrill.  While the race can be very competitive at all levels, it is also a fun race, having been chosen as one of the top sporting events in the state by readers of Vermont Sports Magazine.

Over the course, participants ski through 20km of challenging terrain, racing down Mt. Mansfield's Toll Road and along the entire length of the Stowe Recreation Path before reaching the finish in the village.  The course has a total vertical drop of over 2,600 feet.  The winners will complete the course in under 45 minutes, while recreational skiers can take a couple of hours to go the same distance.

It's not too soon to start planning for the Stowe Derby!  Registration is open since November 1st and a few eager skiers have already taken advantage of this.  By signing up by December 1st, not only will you get a better start number, you will also get the best price available (same as opening price in 2011).

The Stowe Derby is on Sunday, February 26th, 2012.

The easiest way to register is to sign up online here.  It only takes a few seconds and is the safest and fastest way to proceed.  You will receive a confirmation email from SkiReg, as well as see your name in the list of participants.  No need to call us to see if we received your envelope.

We hope that you are following the Stowe Derby on Facebook and Twitter (@DerbyPromoter).  We will also be sending out updates via constant contact newsletters.

Rally up some friends and start planning your weekend in Stowe. The Stowe Derby is fast approaching!

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