Events

Stowe Derby

The Stowe Derby is one of the oldest and most 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.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2023 Stowe Derby!! The race was amazing success because of all the racers, community organizations, sponsors, and volunteers who braved the snow and cold to celebrate the 78th annual Stowe Derby! We can't wait to see everyone in 2024.

You can view full results here.

Enjoy photographs from the event here.
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. The ultimate test of a skier’s all-around ability. At the time, Ruschp believed that his alpine skis were the fastest tools for the job, 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.

While the Stowe Derby can be very competitive for some, it is also fun. The Long Course requires participants to ski approximately 20 km of challenging terrain, racing down Mt. Mansfield’s Toll Road and along the Stowe Rec Path before reaching the finish in Stowe Village. The Course has a total vertical drop of almost 2,700 feet. The winners will complete the course in about 43 minutes, while recreational skiers can take a couple of hours. The Derby Short Course is designed for children ages 6 and up or those who prefer to avoid the rigors of a long and sustained descent. This portion of the race attracts about 100 competitors. The 6 km course begins in a mass start near the Stowe Recreation Path Parking Lot and follows the final leg of the Long Course.
Stowe Derby Cocktail, available now!

It's time to drink the Stowe Derby Cocktail!! You can currently find the Stowe Derby Cocktail in the following Stowe locations:

Alfie’s Wild Ride 
American Flatbread
Apres at Mirror Mirror
Piecasso
Topnotch
Skinny Pancake, Stowe
The Village Inn, Stowe

    • Thank you to our sponsors.

65 Academy Way
Stowe, VT, 05672
Phone (Academic): (802) 253-7409
Phone (Athletic): (802) 253-7704
Fax: (802) 253-9657