The 5/6 grade skiers line up for the start of the Mad River Scramble at the Blueberry Lake Cross Country Center.

On Sunday, 98 skiers from Pre-K to eighth grade traveled from throughout Vermont to attend the Mad River Scramble, a cross country ski race at the Blueberry Lake Cross Country Ski Center. Fifteen clubs were represented in an event that embodied the fun spirit of the Bill Koch Ski League (BKL) and fell fortuitously just after a beautiful snowfall. The event was organized by Mad River Nordic with the support of the Green Mountain Valley School nordic team and inspired grooming by George Robinson and Jason Fowler.

Although there were smiles on over 300 faces throughout the day, George perhaps had the biggest, as he reflected on how happy his father, Leonard would have been to, “see all the kids skiing.” Not only was there soft and fast snow – having hardly a wisp of wind made the open field start/finish area ideal for spectating. Lollipop racers through fourth grade stayed within sight of the spectators in a three-fingered loop, many parents were zig-zagging between the trails cheering and supporting their skiers around the cour.

5th through 8th grade skiers had a fun chicane turn before approaching the finish of the Mad River Scramble.

The 5/6 and 7/8 grade races ventured out on loops 2 and 3, where they were greeted by undulating terrain and some sporty bridge crossings. Although the Bill Koch philosophy is based on having fun on skis, Vermont is arguably the home of the strongest development program in the United States. While the Scramble was an inclusive event that included several first-time skiers – a high level of skill and ability to glide on skinny skis was on full display.

Acadia Enman topped the 7/8 field with some dynamic skiing.

Skiers started in waves by school year, between Cabot Cheese start blocks and finished between two Swix flags. Several clubs brought tents and lawn furniture and two fire pits allowed for warming hands and roasting marshmallows. Awards consisted of ribbons for the top-ten in each category and bags that included homemade chocolate cookies and M&M’s. The Lollipop skiers (Pre-K/kindergarten) of course received lollipops as they crossed the line.

Max Larry of Rochester, Vermont proudly displays his ribbon after the Lollipop race — his first day on skis.

Full results are available on the New England Nordic Ski Association website under the results tab. Twenty-one Valley kids who are a part of Mad River BKL took part in the Scramble, many after a morning skiing the slopes of Mad River Glen and Sugarbush. A Valley kid can ski it all and it was so nice to share our terrain with many skiers who had never visited the Blueberry Lake trails.