Ski racing is about going after big things. Big accomplishments, big achievements, and moments of big moments of joy. On the way though, there’s little glances with which to kindle those fires.
On Sunday morning across New England, hundreds of skiers got to take in the first sight of new snow after a night’s storm, where quite literally, the world seems to have cut to a new scene. There was a blanket of white stretching out a white canvas over a race day, and a race season, the contents of which we don’t yet know. For a new season, there was a whole new sense of possibility.
Between Craftsbury, Vermont, site of a dual opening weekend of the Rodrigues Sprints and Kendall Memorial Classic, and in Waterville, Maine, site of the 11th annual Quarry Road Opener, over three-hundred skiers started race season in New England this weekend. The “Opener” race, as a concept, seems to be a popular one. In identifying why, it was worth cueing in on the chorus of aphorisms between racers to other racers, racers to coaches, and vice versa, that could be heard out trailside (or in the Craftsbury dining hall) this weekend. “Just looking for a good effort.” “See where I’m at.” “Just good to be back out racing.”
All of these cue in on a kind of collective frequency that for a weekend, the ski community in New England is tuned to. Here, at the beginning of the season, we’re more perceptive to the depths and diversity of experience that encompasses “ski racing.” The formats being raced can be a little more out there, and it’s worth taking risks on how you pace, or what you race on, or where you push on a course. There’s ease, creativity, and a belief that good things are to come. In short, the Opener works because it starts us all off on the right foot. With an understanding that all ski races are their own accomplishment, their own joy, while setting the stage to try towards the grandiose accomplishments and joys that are ahead.
Craftsbury Openers – Rodrigues Sprints and Kendall Memorial Classic, Craftsbury, VT
On “an opportunity to put a race bib on and go hard and just see where you’re at.” – UVM Head Coadh Patrick Weaver on the: Rodrigues Sprints – Recap, with photos, by Jordan Thiesen from Craftsbury Outdoor Center.
‘“There’s plenty of great racing to be had in the East this year. I kind of want to just milk that!”‘ Race winner Annie McColgan on the: Kendall Memorial Classic – Recap, with photos, by Jordan Thiesen from Craftsbury Outdoor Center.
Results from both Days of Racing on Bullitt Timing.
11th Annual Quarry Road Opener – Waterville, ME
Report from Pat Cote, Quarry Road Trails
The 11th Annual Quarry Road Opener showcased the incredible early-season skiing this year at Quarry Road Trails. Thanks to the dedicated snowmaking team at Quarry Road Trails, racers enjoyed excellent conditions on the snowmaking, complemented by natural snow on the scenic North Koons trail, creating a challenging and varied 2.5km loop for all race categories.
The collegiate teams dominated the open races, with Bowdoin College and Colby College each displaying remarkable depth in their respective fields. Bowdoin’s women commanded the podium with Emma Crum taking the win in 24:20.5, followed by teammate Jordan Grialou in second (+1:16.5). The Polar Bears demonstrated their strength by placing four women in the top 10, including strong performances from Mirra Payson (4th) and Keira Scott (8th).
The men’s open race saw equally impressive dominance from Colby College, with Ben Lewis claiming victory in 22:33.9 and teammate Andrew Defor securing second place (+13.6 seconds). The Mules showcased their depth by placing six skiers in the top eight positions, including strong finishes from Victor Sparks and Isak Nightingale. Bates rounded out the podium in the Men’s race, with Sage Grossi taking third place.
The U16 races showcased strong performances across multiple programs competing on the 5km course. In the boys’ division, Spruce Mountain’s Samuel Geissinger took a commanding win with a time of 18:28.9, followed by Damian Wynn of Farmington Area Ski Team (+27.5) and Jon Leif Hellstedt of Nonstop Nordic (+2:22.1). The field of 16 young men represented programs from across central Maine, including strong showings from Quarry Road Ski Club’s own athletes.
In the girls’ U16 race, Gould Academy’s Mallory Raymond dominated with an impressive time of 21:13.9. Greely High School’s Rowan Barry secured second place (+1:46.2), while Ida Waterman of Nonstop Nordic/GNG Nordic rounded out the podium (+2:19.3). The races featured strong representation from developing programs across the region, including Nonstop Nordic, Mt. Blue, Maranacook, and Waterville.
The morning’s fresh snowfall of 4 inches added character to the course, particularly on the natural snow sections of North Koons, while the expertly maintained snowmaking loop demonstrated why Quarry Road is a go-to destination for early season training and racing in New England. Younger Bill Koch League skiers competed on a single loop 2.5km course, while the next generation of Nordic skiers took to the stadium loop for the lollipop races, making the event truly inclusive for all ages and abilities.
The races drew an impressive combined field across all categories, from the youngest lollipoppers to collegiate athletes and dedicated masters skiers.
