$5 doesn’t buy much in this day in age, but at the Stowe Tour de Snow this past Sunday, that is all one had to spend to enjoy a full day of Nordic skiing, games and food on the 5 mile Stowe Rec Path.
The town, several local and area businesses, and an army of volunteers pulled it together one more time despite high winds, snow squalls, and collectively build, organized and run the most creative affair along the Stowe Rec path.
Over 250 skiers from all over New England gathered to register at the Nordic Barn to soon kick off their ski day with a warm up session run by TopNotch Resort. About a mile down the path awaited one of the most anticipated and new addition to the Tour, dogsledding. Robert Farley’ team of a dozen huskies from October Siberians ran on a loop through the Percy corn field and offered kids and adults alike the chance of a lifetime to experience what was once a main mode of transportation for many of our ancestors. West Branch Yoga was kind enough to open its doors and offer a little stretching session, a cozy atmosphere and some refreshments before skiers, walkers and snowshoers headed back on the trail to continue their trek toward the village of Stowe.
The next few stops were equally as popular as large groups of skiers played and cheered each other. Umiak Outfitters frisbee golf and HammerSleds were a huge hit, and despite efforts to bring in eccentric games, a small hill and a few flying saucers offered the simplest winning combination for many of the littlest one.
Volunteers offered assistance to large groups of smiling families in crossing the busy Mountain Road intersection. In the next field, commonly known at the Whisker’s Field the Stowe High School Ski Team took valuable time away from their books to build snowmen with the children, while Stowe Park and Recreation set up her Dunk Tank, grills and giant chair into what resembled a little village. While skiers practiced their technique along the large groomed loop around the field, everyone also had a crack at the biathlon station hosted by none other than the Vermont National Guard. Large mats were laid down for shooters to assume the position and fire laser rifles at targets. The Guard also answered questions and displayed the real rifle used for biathlon.
The adaptive skiers were out skiing in force again this year. Patrik Viljanen of Nensa Adaptive and Patrick Standen of Northeast Disabled Athletic Association outfitted everyone in sit-skis and offered a “learn to ski clinic” to the beginners. A total of six sit-skiers traveled from Boston, Plattsburg, and the Burlington area to spend the weekend in Stowe. The athletes’ family members, as well as dozens of first timers also got to try cross country skiing and use free equipment offered by Emily Licht of Catamount Trail Association.
Although the “Morrisville Boy Scouts flu infested troop” had to pull out at the last minute, EverBank and the Appletree School ran their ever popular environmentally friendly arts and crafts station, Adam Patching introduced lacrosse to the event, and Joanna Graves of JoMotion ran the hockey puck shooting station.
The finish this year was at the Helen Day Art Center. What better way to conclude a busy day of sports than to regroup in the beautiful HDAC for warm Cold Hollow cider and donuts served by Nathan Suter, and some painting and drawing. Joy Danila of Vermont Facepainting transformed children face into ducks, pirates, butterflies and just about every fantasy creature one can imagine. Ginny Chenoweth ran the most anticipated raffle of some 30 prizes generously donated from local merchants and made many happy participants.
The Stowe Tour de Snow was voted “Top Ten Winter Event” by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce for 2013, and is part of the "January Learn to Ski Month." This year, the event was also a part of FIS World Snow Day which happened on January 20th. The proceeds from the event are used in parts to fund the “Skiing Kids in Schools” program which offers Nordic ski equipment and instructions to some 325 Stowe Students grades 3-8 in the course of the regular physical education classes. The funds also go toward the Stowe Park and Rec Scholarship programs, and to the enhancement of the winter use of the Stowe Rec Path.
Visit: http://www.stowetourdesnow.com/ and follow us on Facebook!- Free skis snowboards use
- Free ski snowboard lessons
- Free food and drink
- Free transportation
- Free gifts and prizes
Free Adaptive Nordic Ski EquipmentNothing better than skiing with friends and family and playing games on the 5 mile town Recreation PathIt's a family affair in Stowe! Free ski equipment and lessons for all, including sit-skis for adaptive skiers.Skis off to get dunked!