Registration is 0pen at https://www.skireg.com/stowederby
STOWE, VT–The Mount Mansfield Academy’s annual Stowe Derby is fast approaching on February 13. As it has since its beginning in 1945, the race will run from the top of Mansfield’s Toll Road and finish 20km later in the Stowe Village. The event, which is in its 77th year, benefits Mount Mansfield Academy’s commitment to educating and training its student-athletes. This year’s event is presented by MVP Healthcare.
“MVP Health Care is proud to support the historic Stowe Derby which promotes healthy outdoor activity, friendly competition, and fun,” said MVP Health Care’s Leader of Field Marketing, Stacey Barss. “We’re excited to cheer on competitors of all ages and abilities at this unique event and look forward to seeing you there.”
This year’s Derby is unlike any before. All competitors will receive a Stowe Derby neck gaiter (sponsored by Umiak, Mountain Road Outfitters, and Archey Close), and spectators can amplify their cheers with complimentary cowbells courtesy of Mountain Ops. For the first time ever, an artistic rendering to commemorate the race by local artist Sean Crosset will be included in each participant’s race pack, and additional copies will be available for sale at the finish with proceeds supporting both the artist and Mount Mansfield Academy.
After consistent racer requests, those participating in the Long Course will receive a Bullitt Timing ankle chip which will capture speed data from the descent off the mountain–a feat historically earning significant bragging rights.
From start to finish, supporters of the event are helping to make this event memorable. At the starting line will be Alfie’s Wild Ride. Fasterskier Magazine will be with each and every participant on their bibs. Our finish line sponsor is Stowe Public House, who will be joined at the finish by some of Stowe’s favorite community partners: Stowe Nordic, Caldwell Banker, Cabot, Ben & Jerry’s, The Deep End, and PK Coffee. And there will be treats from lots of our local supporters too, including Commodities Natural Market sponsoring the S’mores delight!
Leading up to race day, restaurants across Stowe are offering the Stowe Derby cocktail, presented by Silo Distillery. In the spirit of VT, the drink will be a mix of Silo’s Maple Whiskey and VT maple syrup and of course, a non-alcoholic version is available too. Every Stowe Derby Cocktail comes with a Stowe Derby Silo coaster, which can be saved and brought to the Silo Distillery booth at the Stowe Derby finish line on Feb 13th to win prizes!
Having been chosen as one of the top sporting events in the state by readers of Vermont Sports Magazine, this event is beloved, and a fan favorite!
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The Derby Long Course, participants ski through approximately 18-20km of challenging terrain, racing down Mt. Mansfield’s Toll Road, traveling through the Stowe Mountain Cross Country trails, and then cruising the rec path all the way to town and the famous finish in the village of Stowe. The course has a total vertical drop of almost 2,800 feet. Elite racers will complete the course in about 45 minutes (descending the mountain in just under 5 minutes), while recreational skiers may take a couple of hours before sliding their skis across the finish line.
The Derby Short Course is designed for families, children ages 6 and up, and for those who prefer to avoid the rigors of the longer course. This fun and friendly flat race is 6 km and begins in a mass start along the rec path in Stowe.
RACE CANCELLATION POLICY: If the race is canceled on Sunday, February 13 due to weather the race will potentially be held on another date. ALL PAYING RACERS WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE REFUNDED. A $25.00 PROCESSING FEE WILL BE DEDUCTED TO COVER THE EVENT COST.
BIB PICK UP & LATE REGISTRATION: Bib Pick Up will be held on Saturday, February 12nd at Town & Country Resort Located at 876 Mountain Rd, Stowe VT 3-5PM, LATE BIB PICK UP will be at 7:30AM on Sunday, February 13th at Town & Country Resort.
POST PARTY: Awards Celebration & Post Race Party location will be announced as we get Closer to the date!
For more information and to purchase tickets visit mmsca.org/events/stowe-derby/. Like and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @Stowederby for updates and notifications.
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The Stowe Derby is one of the oldest and most unique ski races in North America. The Derby began in 1945 as a personal challenge between two skiers: Sepp Ruschp, an Austrian hired to head the new ski school at Stowe, and Erling Strom, a world-famous mountaineer from Norway. The challenge was to race from the top of Mt. Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, to the historic village of Stowe- the ultimate test of a skier’s all-around ability! Today, the race attracts over 400 competitors, ranging from National Cross Country Ski Team members, NCAA Champions, and local legends, to recreational skiers and families looking for a thrill.
