The Stowe Derby is one of the oldest and unique ski races in North America. It started in 1945 as a personal bet between two amazing skiers: Sepp Ruschp, an Austrian, and the head of Stowe’s new ski school, and Erling Strom, a world-famous mountaineer from Norway.
Their challenge was simple: a race from the top of Mt. Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, to the historic village of Stowe, on a single pair of skis. Ruschp believed that his Alpine skis were the fastest , whereas Strom argued Nordic skis would be the better choice.
After much debate, the two decided to race. Sepp Ruschp, on alpine gear, was the winner of the first two Stowe Derbies. Today, modern Nordic skis are the equipment of choice, and the race attracts competitors, ranging from National Ski Team members and NCAA Champions to recreational skiers looking for a thrill.
This year’s edition was won by our very own Facilities Engineer, Charlie Maitland. We asked Charlie to tell us about this amazing event and why it’s been such a huge part of his life.
I did the short course when I was 9 years old wearing my hockey team warmup gear. In high school, I quit hockey and became a Nordic racer and have done the Stowe Derby every year since.
Winters in VT are perfect prep for this unique competition.
When conditions are good, it’s a rare day in winter when I don’t go for a ski. One thing I love about working at National Life is being a short drive away from several of the best Nordic centers in the country.
Technology has given him a new perspective on hurling himself down an icy mountain on skinny skis.
According to my Strava file (which I recorded with my new apple watch!) my average speed down the toll road was 34 mph, which scares me in retrospect considering I was on skinny skis. There’s a sharp right-hander at the end of a long downhill. I came in hot and nearly went off the course, but I leaned in hard and made it. PHEW!
Congratulations Charlie! We are so proud of you and glad you made it down in one piece.