Thrills and Triumphs at the Climb to the Castle Roller-Ski Challenge

On Sunday, athletes from across the region gathered for the highly anticipated Climb to the Castle roller-ski hill climb, hosted by the New England Nordic Ski Association (NENSA) in partnership with the New York Ski Education Foundation (NYSEF). Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway, this event marks an exciting addition to the 2025 NENSA Rollerski Race Series.

Participants faced the daunting task of tackling either a long course of approximately 10 kilometers or a shorter 5-kilometer route, employing their skills in either freestyle (skate) or classic techniques. With an average gradient of around 8%, competitors were pushed to their limits, testing not just their physical endurance but also their mental fortitude as they ascended the challenging terrain.

On his way to victory, Ben Ogden (bib 1) follows Remi Drolet (bib 2) during Sunday’s Climb to the Castle. (Photo: Nancie Battaglia)

Race Highlights – Long Course

From the starting line, the atmosphere was charged with energy, particularly in the long-course races, where skiers set a competitive pace right from the get-go. The lead group remained tightly packed, with several seasoned athletes setting a steady pace that kept the race dynamic and engaging.

As the climb intensified, it was Ben Ogden from SMS T2 who made a decisive breakaway from the main pack. His strong performance allowed him to maintain his lead and reach the summit with an impressive time of 37:38.7, securing his victory. Close behind, Ricardo Izquierdo-Bernier finished strong in second place with a time of 38:22.9, while Colin Freed from the Mansfield Pro Team rounded out the podium in third with 38:55.8.

The women’s long course also showcased thrilling competition, with Jessie Diggins from SMS T2 establishing an early lead and maintaining it throughout the climb. Diggins finished strong at 43:48.5, followed closely by her teammate Julia Kern, who also clocked in at 43:48.5, showcasing the strength of their training group. Shilo Rousseau claimed third place, finishing with a time of 47:09.7.

Jessie Diggins getting some race feels during Sunday’s Climb to the Castle. (Photo: Nancie Battaglia)

Long Course Podium Results

MEN
1. Ben Ogden (SMS T2) – 37:38.7
2. Ricardo Izquierdo-Bernier – 38:22.9
3. Colin Freed (Mansfield Pro Nordic) – 38:55.8

Complete Long Course Results – Men

WOMEN
1. Jessie Diggins (SMS T2) – 43:48.5
2. Julia Kern (SMS T2) – 43:48.5
3. Shilo Rousseau – 47:09.7

Complete Long Course Results – Women

Race Highlights – Long Course Juniors

On the junior side, the competition was fierce, with Silvester Williams of Mansfield claiming victory. Sisu Lange (Paul Smith’s) and Henry Sterner (Mansfield) followed him in second and third, respectively. In the women’s junior category, Elsa Futch of Mansfield took top honors, with Astrid Longstreth (Mansfield) and Greta Dickman (Paul Smith’s) finishing second and third.

Race Highlights – Long Course Masters

Ricardo Izquierdo-Bernier, who finished second overall, won the Men’s Masters’ race with a time of 38:22.9, finishing ahead of Frances Michaud (48:45.7) and Angus McCusker (49:04.7).

In the women’s race, technically, Jessie Diggins, falls into the Masters’ category and obviously dominated the field with a winning time of 43:48.5. Kathy Schwenk came in second at 58:08.8, finishing 14:20.3 behind Diggins. Rosalie Wilson took third with a time of 1:07:11.7, trailing by 23:23.2, but now Schwenk and Wilson can tell their friends and family about the time they shared the podium with the American champion.

Race Highlights – Short-Course

The short-course races were equally entertaining. Isaiah Bowen (Mansfield) took the top spot among men, ahead of teammates Jorgen Pirrung and Gabriel Perchemlides. Meanwhile, in the women’s short course, Mia Gorman (Mansfield) emerged victorious, with Leela Volyanik (NYSEF) finishing as runner-up.

The Beckwiths making a family thing as always. (Photo: Nancie Battaglia)

As the sun set over Whiteface Mountain, participants and spectators celebrated not only the victories but also the camaraderie and sportsmanship that characterize events like the Climb to the Castle, where local athletes compete alongside some of the world’s best skiers. With the promise of more exciting races ahead in the NENSA Rollerski Race Series, this year’s event will undoubtedly be remembered.

Complete Short Course Results – Men and Women