Celebrating the 77th year of Vermont’s most EPIC winter race! Be part of Stowe’s LARGEST nordic and fat bike event!
Registration is Open at https://www.skireg.com/stowederby
The Stowe Derby is one of the oldest and most unique ski races in North America. The Mount Mansfield Academy, a non-profit, is proud to announce its 77th year hosting the Derby on February 13, 2022. The Derby began in 1945 as a personal challenge between two skiers: Sepp Ruschp, an Austrian hired to head the new ski school at Stowe, and Erling Strom, a world-famous mountaineer from Norway. The challenge was to race from the top of Mt. Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak, to the historic village of Stowe- the ultimate test of a skier's all-around ability! Ruschp was the winner of the first Stowe Derby.
Known as much for good-spirited camaraderie and entertaining costumes as it is for its thrilling terrain, this year’s event will follow tradition with a start at the top of Mansfield’s Toll Road and finish 20 km later in town. Today, the race attracts over 400 competitors, ranging from National Cross Country Ski Team members, NCAA Champions, and local legends, to recreational skiers and families looking for a thrill. While the race can be very competitive, it is also a really fun ski for participants of all levels. As a way to expand and be even more inclusive of the many outdoor enthusiasts who live in and visit Stowe, a Fatbike race was added in recent years.
Having been chosen as one of the top sporting events in the state by readers of Vermont Sports Magazine, this event is beloved, and a fan favorite!
The Derby Long Course, participants ski through approximately 18-20km of challenging terrain, racing down Mt. Mansfield's Toll Road, traveling through the Stowe Mountain Cross Country trails, and then cruising the rec path all the way to town and the famous finish in the village of Stowe. The course has a total vertical drop of almost 2,800 feet. Elite racers will complete the course in about 45 minutes (descending the mountain in just under 5 minutes), while recreational skiers may take a couple of hours before sliding their skis across the finish line.
The Fat Bike Race, riders will compete after the skiers and on the same course, but start at the bottom of the Toll Road (10km). The two races offered are the Fat Derby or the Fat Derby Meister, a combination of the Freestyle race and the Fat Derby.
The Derby Short Course is designed for families, children ages 6 and up, and for those who prefer to avoid the rigors of the longer course. This fun and friendly flat race is 6 km and begins in a mass start along the rec path in Stowe.
RACE CANCELLATION POLICY: If the race is canceled on Sunday, February 13 due to weather the race will potentially be held on another date. ALL PAYING RACERS WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE REFUNDED. A $25.00 PROCESSING FEE WILL BE DEDUCTED TO COVER THE EVENT COST.
BIB PICK UP & LATE REGISTRATION: Bib Pick Up will be held on Saturday, February 12nd at Town & Country Resort Located at 876 Mountain Rd, Stowe VT 3-5PM, LATE BIB PICK UP will be at 7:30AM on Sunday, February 13th at Town & Country Resort.
POST PARTY: Awards Celebration & Post Race Party location will be announced as we get closer to the date!
For more information and to purchase tickets visit mmsca.org/events/stowe-derby/. Like and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @Stowederby for updates and notifications.
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