Stowe Derby Postponed to Sunday, March 20th

We have danced, we have prayed, we have kept our hopes up. Sadly the winter has not collaborated, and cross country ski conditions, especially along the Stowe Rec Path have been marginal at best. With more rain in the forecast for this week, organizers have come to an agreement that it was unsafe to run the race until we get more snow. The Stowe Derby is getting a second chance, and it is rescheduled to Sunday, March 20th, 2016.

Few remember such a challenging snowless winter, but many also remember the numerous times that the Derby course had to be altered over its legendary 70 years of existence. History tells us that the event was only cancelled two times over all those decades; once in the heat of WWII, the other time for lack of snow at a time when snowmaking and grooming capabilities were nowhere near what they are today. Many times, the course had to be altered due to weather, construction, or other uncontrollable reasons.

At this point, some 325 cross-country ski racers, and fat bike enthusiasts are signed up to compete in this year’s edition of the legendary Stowe Derby. Last year, also a record year for snowfalls, close to 800 people took the start. Organizers realize that the lack of snow has contributed to low registration levels, and hope that March will offer better snow conditions, and generate more interest and a larger field of skiers and fat bikers.

Racers can register online registration until March 17th, at noon. People already signed up but unable to race because of a conflict will be offered to apply this year’s registration to the 2017 race. Contact Pascale Savard at stowederby@gmail.com if you would like to choose this option.

Sincere thanks to everyone for the support and for understanding the dilemma we are facing. We hope to see you all on March 20th, skiing and fat biking in the Stowe Derby. Follow the Stowe Derby on Facebook and if you are registered to race, check your inbox for more updates in the coming days.

The Stowe Derby is presented by SkiRack, Louis Garneau, Ben & Jerry’s, Dr. Danger Coffee, Concept2, Faster Skier, Larabar, Boxed Water, Vermont Smoke and Cure, Skida, Seventh Generation, Powershift, Rossignol, Vermont Ski and Sports, The Stowe Reporter, and Darn Tough Vermont.