Nordic News

Glimmers from the setting sun

K/1 “Sliding Penguins” at Garipay Field

With BKL, we have been having a lot of fun skiing in the great snow at Garipay Field.

Thanks to the Dartmouth Cross-Country Ski crew for doing such a great job with grooming.

Don’t forget to come out to the Silver Fox Trot on Saturday Feb. 14 – race yourself or cheer the racers on!

Last week, we enjoyed fresh powder skiing!

There are two upcoming events in Stowe:

• Stowe Derby (Sunday, February 22, 2015).  The Stowe Derby is one of the oldest and most unique ski races in North America. It started in 1945 as a personal challenge between two amazing skiers – Austrian, Sepp Ruschp who was hired to come to America and head the new ski school at Stowe and Erling Strom, world famous mountaineer from Norway. The challenge was the same as it is today – to race from the top of Mt. Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak to the historic village of Stowe… on ONE pair of skis! The ultimate test of a skiers ability. Ruschp was the winner of the first Stowe Derby.
• Stowe Derby Meister (Sunday, February 22, 2015). The Derby Meister is the TRUE test of endurance skiing! Skiers racing in this race will race both the Skate and the Classic races, back to back. 40km of skiing, a test of endurance, a leg burner, an awesome experience! This is for EXPERTS ONLY. Really.  NEW IN 2015 is the addition of a FAT Derby Meister. This new category if for racers who wish to race in the SKATE race AND the FAT Derby (Fat Bike Race). A whole new experience which we are confident will bring the whole of all worlds, snow worlds that is!

Ten New Hampshire schools brought their ski jumping teams to Oak Hill to compete on the evening of January 28.  A glowing path of ice candles guided the spectators towards the jumps, where a good crowd gathered to cheer on the competitors.  Hanover High School won the competition with 388 points, and 4 jumpers in the top 10.  The event was well organized, and a lot of fun to watch! Thanks to Tihana Strnad for the photos and videos.

Andrew Kazal, Hanover, 5th place

Sam Hasting, Hanover, 3rd place

Asher Brown, Hanover, 2nd place

Roger Burt Memorial Jump Performance Records

*Valley News wrote that this 34 meter jump broke a “decade old” record of Jim Holland’s
**Originally recorded as 34.5 meters but distance stakes found to be greater than 0.5 meter off

• 1.5km trail lighted by torches & lanterns – headlamps encouraged
• Ski, snowshoe, or walk (allowed for this special event only)
• Bonfire and Music!
• Saturday, February 7th, 5-8 pm, All-Weather Event
• Parking: Follow signs on Rte. 12, Hartland, VT 3-corners village
• Food by individual volunteers & local businesses & restaurants: Harpoon Brewery (sorry no beer!), King Arthur Flour, Jesse’s/Molly’s Restaurant, Shaw’s Grocery, Hanover COOP, Price Chopper, Hannaford’s, Mike’s Store, North Star Bakery, Lake Champlain Chocolates, Cabot, Green Mountain Flour, Simon Pearce Restaurant, Windsor Station Restaurant, BG’s Market, Skunk Hollow Tavern, Shepard’s Pie, Mascoma Savings Bank
• 12 and Under: Free
• Over 12 years: $9
• Family (parents + all kids): only $25
• All proceeds to benefit the Hartland Winter Trails

Ford Sayre Masters Club had a great showing at the Masters Cross Country National championships at Craftsbury, Vermont on January 29.  Congratulations to Chris Nice, Jonathan Chafee and Rick Powell for winning their age groups in the 10K Freestyle.  Notable mentions are Bryce Wing for a very fast time in a competitive age group category.   Bravo to all the Upper Valley skiers who participated.  Full results