As we dive into Championship season with many large races, we’d love to reflect on the Stratton Terrain Challenge held on February 26th. This growing grassroots event is a partnership between the Stratton Nordic Center, the Stratton Mountain School and surrounding Southern Vermont Bill Koch clubs.
Skiers of all ages, along with their friends and families were greeted with the smell of multiple warming fires and fun music filling the air. Sure there was a race, but the focus was on FUN — with a course that looks quite a bit different than a normal competition. Course props included slalom gates, hand fashioned jumps, hay bale obstacles and multiple sections where folks were diverted off of groomed trails to run through the woods and in some cases duck under trees. The features hearken back to the roots of the sport and naturally teach dynamic skiing.
The event was perfectly timed with the beginning of a nice late bloom of winter. With cold temperatures and expert snowmobile grooming all skiers were treated to some fast and wintery gliding conditions. Steve Bruner and his staff did a fantastic job from start to finish — with multiple races taking place throughout the day. The conclusion of the day brought everyone together for awards and a raffle.
Photo Link from George Forbes (SMS)
