Craftsbury Reports on 2012 SuperTour/Distance Nationals Conditions

An update for those planning on participating in the US SuperTour Finals and Long Distance National Championships, March 24-31, 2012 at Craftsbury Outdoor Center:

North American Skiers,

Like most of New England and the country, Craftsbury has seen unseasonably warm temperatures over the last week. Similar weather is forecast for this week, as well as into the extended forecast. We’ve had great skiing to date at Craftsbury, including outlying trails without man-made snow — but we are well aware that most of the natural snow in the area will likely be gone at the end of this week, if the temps come even close to the forecasted highs. So we wanted to give you an update on the steps we are taking to ensure a quality race course for the last week of March.

Throughout Saturday we moved approximately 300 truckloads of snow onto our most defensible course, should we not be able to make use of the planned 3.75k. This loop is the one our staff decided was most likely to retain snow given the extended forecast of 60 degree days and barely freezing nights. The loop stretches for about 2.5k, and while it is not our recently homologated 3.75k course, includes the main fields, the homologated sprint course, and two B level climbs.

We have also retained two large piles of man-made snow in the stadium areas that can be moved on to the longer loop if cold temperatures and favorable forecasts return. If they do not, these piles will be used to patch and improve the 2.5k loop.

Our cards are in many respects laid on the table. If we’re not able to use the 3.75k homologated loop, we’ve built up a 30” base on the 2.5k loop and believe we can host all of the events on this course. Now we will wait and see what happens with this warm weather over the next week. You can continually find information about conditions and grooming reports at the Center’s website.

Additionally, click through this link to a slide show from Saturday, which will give you a glimpse into what we are doing here to ensure quality racing conditions for SuperTour Finals and Long Distance Nationals.

The Craftsbury Outdoor Center is absolutely committed to making these races happen; despite the warm weather we’ve been dealt. Let’s all hope the weather returns to more normal conditions for March in New England, which could easily include a good dump of snow. Stay tuned to our website for updates, as well as the event website, and we’ll plan on seeing you in two weeks.

 -the folks from Craftsbury