Stowe's annual Stowe Derby
One of the oldest ski races in North America
The annual Stowe Derby has been held every year sine 1945. The event attracts hundreds of contestants - mostly serious cross country skiers. These are not races for conventional downhill racers with conventional downhill equipment. Such equipment is no good on the flat; a major portion of the race is on fairly flat trails.
Over the years, the races have become very competitive. Vermont Spots Magazine is reported to have conducted a survey of its readers who said that the Derby is one of the top sporting events in the state.
There are four races in the Derby. Two of the races for Classic and Free Style skiers involve a race down Mount Mansfield's Toll Road (a beginner alpine ski trail) , then along the entire length of the Stowe Recreation Path before reaching the finish in the village - approximate distance is 10 miles. Another race, called the Derby Meister is for experts. Derby Meister participants compete in back-to-back Skating and Classical races and are included in the individual Skating and Classical results in addition to Derby Meister results. The Derby Meister is usually limited to the first 100 entrants.
There is also a short course designed for kids ages 6 to 13 or those who prefer to avoid the rigors of a long and sustained descent. This race is approximately 6km. The course usuallly begins in a mass start at the Stowe Recreation Path Parking Lot at 9:00 A.M. next to the Alpenrose Motel and follows the final leg of the Long Course along the Bike Path.
View the slide show here, or if you prefer see a larger version of the pictures on Photos Vermont. Call pictures by wedding and event photographer, Timothy Palmer-Benson. Contact him through PhotosVermont.com
More information about the races can be found on StoweDerby.com
The course for the 2008 Races
