‘TOTALLY NUTS’
Stowe Derby turns 75 amid the usual fanfare
Seventy-five years ago, a pair of Nordic skiers came up with a race that left some folks cheering, a few laughing and just about everyone thinking: That’s just nuts.
This year, that race celebrates it’s 75th running, hosting hundreds of competitors and more than ever, crowds will be cheering, laughing, celebrating and yes, thinking “this is totally nuts.”
The Stowe Derby was born as a personal challenge between two friends: Sepp Ruschp who’d recently come to America to head up the new ski school at Stowe Mountain Resort, and Erling Strom, a world-famous mountaineer from Norway. Today the race attracts all types of competitors from National Ski Team members and NCAA Champions to everyday skiers looking for a thrill. With varied course lengths and even a fat bike race, the Stowe Derby is now a signature Vermont winter event.
Taking place on Feb. 23 this year, race coordinators expect as many as 800 racers and thousands of spectators. Racers and spectators alike often dress in costume, bringing a cheerful exuberance to the day.
“The race is, more than anything else, meant to be fun,” said Brook Mitchell, Event Coordinator for the Stowe Derby. “You’ll find all types of racers in the field.”
The race, which benefits the Mount Mansfield Ski Club & Academy, begins up on Stowe Mountain Resort and winds down that mountain’s famed Toll Road run, then turns onto the town’s recreation path and zooms all the way down into scenic Stowe Village. In total, it covers 20 kilometers of racetrack and plunges 2,700 feet, a true Nordic racing challenge.
Years ago, that longest race was the only race. But as more and more spectators thought, “gosh that looks fun,” race organizers added on. Today, the race also includes “The Short Course,” designed for racers six and over who might not want the longer challenge, “The Derby Meister,” an amped up even longer course for the truly hearty, and the “Fat Bike Challenge,” a race on the popular new bikes over snow.
The vibe across town on race day — and for the entire weekend — get into celebratory mode.
The long racers begin by boarding the chairlift and riding about two thirds up at Stowe Mountain Resort, with a starting gate partway down Toll Road.
Spectators have a wide choice of spots to cheer on the racers. On mountain, those who can ski down gather at a big turn on Toll Road — a popular spot because the nearly hairpin turn can lead to some mouth-dropping crashes (but just mellow ones, Mitchell said. It’s not common to see injuries).
For those on foot, The Stowe Mountain Resort Touring Center is a popular spot. Further along the race, at the spot of the Stowe Farmers Market (directly across from the Stoweflake Resort), huge crowds gather to cheer racers on.
The next popular spot is the swimming hole section of the recreation path, followed by the finish line, set up in Stowe Village.
Spectators get into things as much as the racers do, Mitchell said, donning costumes, screaming for hours and of course, clanging cow bells — the sound that spurs every racer on to push harder.
There’s an awards ceremony and celebration post race at the Town & Country Hotel on Mountain Road (they are strong sponsors and supporters of the event). That post event features awards, games, raffles, local craft beer and chili.
And while some awards are obvious (speed, places etc.), others are extra special, such as the Teen Spirit Award, the Best Dressed award and the coveted Spirit oftheDerbyAwardforthat one person with that certain extra dedication and enthusiasm.
All weekend, the town comes alive with the event. Stories are shared — and with 75 years of history, there are plenty of them. Families meet up to race as a unit. One of her favorite things to see, Mitchell said, are the multi-generational families who come back year after year. “You’ll see grandparents who raced in this as a kid racing with their grandchild now,” she said. “It’s wonderful.”
Many lodging properties offer deals around the weekend, and most restaurants are celebrating it on one way or another. For lodging information and more, visit www.gostowe.com. Your lodging hosts will be able to assist you in things like where to park and what time to be at your chosen spot (or the race start!) that day.
To register for one of the races, and for more details on the event, go to www.stowederby.com.
Fun yet challenging ski events that make folks cheer, smile and just plain feel like they’re in a special place is a New England skiing staple; one that’s held strong for many decades. The Stowe Derby is the quintessential example. Taking part is as easy as signing up to race or showing up to clang that cowbell. It’s a slice of old school ski life, open to all.