This year, the holidays in New England brought what looked like an abrupt end to winter in New England. Perhaps because a fast start had heightened the expectations, a couple of thaws and a couple monsoons to knock out most of the region’s snow amplified the feeling. There was no way around it, a December thaw felt like a blow.
Then though, came a reprisal. After the New Year, temperatures fell and have stayed there. From way up in the Green Mountains on down, it even started to snow.
One way to steady the ship for the ski community: getting back to the places and races that we know best. Enter a perfect opening weekend on the 2025 calendar of Popular Racing, with the Bogburn Classic returning to its new-old fashioned ways at Rikert Nordic Center, and the Gunstock Freestyle moving on a dime to Holderness, and holding a great race there too.
Both events were marked by robust fields of over 100 skiers apiece, a strong affirmation that when it comes to Popular racing in the East, skiers are ready!
The weekend also captured the unique, distinct visions of the different patchwork of communities that collectively make up New England skiing. The Bogburn, the off-kilter on purpose vision of Bob Haydock, remained true to its vision in this 36th running at Rikert Outdoor Center. While the Gunstock Freestyle, the signature club race of the Gunstock Nordic Association, was able to turn low snow conditions in Gilford into a all-around display of regional collaboration, working with Holderness Nordic to put a great day of racing at for skiers from across New Hampshire, and beyond!
Results and Photos from each below!
Bogburn Classic
Gunstock Freestyle
