Six More Don’t-Miss Nordic Races
Winter this year took its sweet time arriving and now that the snow’s begun to pile up, we’ve marked our calendars with all manner of events. Here’s a handful of the nordic races we’re looking forward to:
Romance Half Marathon, February 13-14, Ripton, Vt.
High in the Green Mountains of Central Vermont, the Rikert Nordic Center celebrates Valentine’s Day with a weekend half marathon on the Breadloaf campus trail network. What better Valentine’s Day date than a little competition?
Canadian Ski Marathon, February 19-21, Papineauville, Qc
This famous point-to-point marathon starts in Buckingham, Quebec, about 45 minutes from Ottawa. Depending on which of four options skiers choose, they can travel up to 20K each day as the tour skates, kicks and glides towards Lachute, Quebec with overnights, en masse, at local schools.
Frigus, February 27 Goshen, Vt.
Known for their super-strenuous endurance events, the Endurance Society wants to break you. This winter, the Society holds a combination, snowshoe, cross-country ski and sled race with 10, 30 or 60K distances in each division, as well as a triathlon. It’s a unique, not to mention freezing challenge that’s not for the faint of heart.
Stowe Derby, February 28, Stowe, Vt.
Participate in or cheer on racers as they ski from the top of the Mountain Road, down to the Stowe bike path and finish in the center of town, a total distance of 12.5 miles and dropping over 2,000 vertical feet. If skinny skis aren’t your style, you’re in luck – the race is open to fat bikes as well.
Relay For Life Nordic Style, March 12, Williston, Vt.
Teams and participants camp out on the snow while taking turns for eight hours skiing or snowshoeing around the ski trails at the Catamount Outdoor Family Center. It’s not strictly a race, but skiing around a votive-lit track is a great way to spend an evening and it’s all for a great cause.
Trapp Marathon 50K Classic, March 12, Stowe, Vt.
Stowe’s legendary Von Trapp Family Lodge is one of the best places to make Nordic laps and this March, the trails center hosts a 50K classic style cross-country ski race around the trail system. Part of the 2016 New England Marathon Series Schedule.
