Stowe Derby
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About the race
The Stowe Derby is one of the oldest ski races in North America, begun in 1945 as a personal bet between two skiers. The event tests all-around skiing ability and today is contested primarily on modern nordic equipment. The long course descends from Mt. Mansfield and finishes in Stowe Village along the Stowe Recreation Path, with a total vertical drop of nearly 2,700 feet. Race winners complete the long course in roughly 43 minutes while recreational skiers may take a couple of hours.
Multiple race divisions use the same finish and final leg of the Derby. Distances and divisions include:
- 6 km Short Course for children ages 6 and up and families
- 20 km Long Course Classic on a Nordic course
- 20 km Long Course Skate using skate technique
- 20 km Long Course Fixed Heel with heel attached to the ski; telemark setups do not qualify for this division
The 6 km Short Course begins with a mass start near the Stowe Recreation Path parking area and follows the final leg of the long course. The long course follows Mt. Mansfield’s Toll Road and mixed terrain before reaching the finish in Stowe Village. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
