Stowe Derby takes place at 5781 Mountain Rd in Stowe, Vermont on February 21, 2027. The event offers two ski distances: 20K and 6K. Entry prices range from $45.00 to $90.00, and the typical start time is 8:30 AM.
From the Race Organizer
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. 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.
Course & Travel Notes
The Stowe Derby takes place on February 21, 2027, in Stowe, Vermont, at an elevation of 1299 ft with an 8:30 AM start time, which is 1 hour 48 minutes after sunrise at 6:42 AM. Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport (BTV) is located 19.3 miles from the venue. Typical February weather in the area includes average highs of 23°F and average lows of 7°F, with measurable precipitation occurring on approximately 65% of days.
⛰️ 1,299 ft elevation☀️ Typically 23°F / 7°F · 65% chance of rain✈️ Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport (BTV) — 19.3 mi
Hotels Near This Race
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for February 21.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Stowe, VT.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
Stowe Derby 2027 — Stowe, VT takes place on February 21, 2027. The race is held in Stowe, Vermont.
Where is Stowe Derby 2027 — Stowe, VT held?
Stowe Derby 2027 — Stowe, VT is held at 5781 Mountain Rd in Stowe, Vermont.
Where can I find hotels near Stowe Derby 2027 — Stowe, VT?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Stowe. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
