Seven Days: Vermont's Independent Voice

Start to Finish

In 1945, Norwegian mountaineer Erling Strom raced Austrian Sepp Ruschp from the top of Mt. Mansfield into Stowe village. The latter won, and thus began the Stowe Derby, now in its 68th year. Sound easy enough? Not when the entire 20k course — with a vertical drop of more than 2600 feet — is done solely on cross-country skis. Today the event attracts hundreds of competitors ranging from amateurs to NCAA champions to professionals. The athletes’ efforts do not go unnoticed, as large crowds gather to cheer them on — particularly at the daunting downhill portion, which requires equal parts bravery and skill.