Racing Rando

Living in Vermont offers us many seasons and many outdoor activities to participate in. Winter is one of my favorite seasons, there is a bunch to do outside, and there are no bugs! The great thing about winter for me is skiing, and that it offers many different styles. To sound a little like Forrest Gump; you can downhill, Nordic, telemark, randonée, and skate. Races are a great way to test your fitness and to get out and meet new people.

The New England Rando Race Series kicks off Sunday, Jan. 22, at 9 a.m. at Berkshire East in Massachusetts. This is the first stop of three for the series. The other two races make stops at Magic and Bromley mountains here in Southwestern Vermont. This is a really cool event, and if you’ve ever considered rando racing, I would highly recommend these events.

I’ve only participated in a couple rando races, but have found that there is wide mix of entrants. Some are super hardcore with ultralight gear, and then there are some people with heavy set-ups, just out to have a good time. Some folks use telemark skis, others split boards, or rando setups. A good time is usually had by all (after a little suffering of course). When I did this event at Magic a couple of years ago, it was a self-timed event with three laps of skinning and descending. It was a really laid back, great event. There were also some cool prizes.

This November has been unusually warm, which allows for more cycling or trail running to be fit it in before the snow flies. I, and, I’m sure some of you, are ready for winter. It will be here soon and this winter when you’re looking for something new to try, check out a rando race. You’ll be glad you did! Here is a link to the Facebook page N.E. Rando Races.

—Greg