Getting ready to race atop Mount Mansfield
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.
The Stowe Derby Course Map in 2008
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 follo
Watch vidoes from the Stowe Derby over the years!
The Stowe Derby Short Course Race here
2010 Video of the Stowe Derby Race here
Wendy’s Fantastic Stowe Derby from the 2012 Race here
