The oldest downhill/cross-country ski race in North America

The Stowe Derby is one of the oldest and most unique ski races in North America.  It started in 1945 as a personal challenge between two amazing skiers- Austrian, Sepp Ruschp who was hired to come to America and head the new ski school at Stowe and Erling Strom, world famous mountaineer from Norway.  The challenge was the same as it is today - a race from the top of Mt. Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak to the historic village of Stowe... The ultimate test of a skiers ability.  Ruschp was the winner of the first Stowe Derby.

Today, the race attracts over 800 competitors, ranging from Canadian Cross Country Ski Team members and NCAA Champions to recreational skiers looking for a thrill.  While the race can be very competitive at all levels, it is also a fun race, having been chosen as one of the top sporting events in the state by readers of Vermont Sports Magazine. 

Over the course, participants ski through 10 miles (16km) of challenging terrain, racing down Mt. Mansfield's Toll Road and along the entire length of the Stowe Recreation Path before reaching the finish in the village.  The course has a total vertical drop of almost 3,000 feet.  The winners will complete the course in under 40 minutes, while recreational skiers can take a couple of hours to go the same distance. 

The Derby Short Course is designed for children ages 5 and up or those who prefer to avoid the rigors of a long and sustained descent. This race is approximately 6 km. The course begins in a mass start at the Stowe Recreation Path Parking Lot at 9:00 a.m. next to the Alpenrose Motel and follows the final leg of the Long Course. 

RETURNING BY POPULAR DEMAND... The OR Team Challenge!  Create a team of four and compete for bragging rights and prizes! Team results will be based on the combined time of all four racers.  Each team needs at least one woman and all skiers must be racing in the same race, i.e., long course skating OR classical race. The teams will be split up in two categories, average age 40 and under, or over 40. Have fun with the team concept and challenge friends and area businesses to sign up for the Stowe Derby! Just have each teammate sign up individually and have your Team Captain deal with the rest!  It is easy, only $20 to sign up the team.  Or go ahead and find a sponsor and have them get some valuable exposure through the Stowe Derby!  For a complete set of rules and more information on the OR Team Challenge, visit www.teammmsc/stowederby  or email stowederby@teammmsc.org