Vermont Ski Museum

Press Release

Vermont Ski Museum Announces

The 5^th Annual Vermont Antique Ski Race

March 8^th and 9^th, 2008

The Vermont Ski Museum and Ascutney Mountain Resort will host the Vermont Antique Ski Race, a fundraiser for the Museum. This is your chance to dust off those old wood skis, your VR17s, or your Rossi Stratos and compete against Vermont's finest. This year's festivities begin on Saturday March 8^th with a vintage cross country ski race and will be followed by the Vermont Antique Ski Race on Sunday, March 9^th.

This race is FUN - a chance for competitive racers to relive or to make history and for those interested in just a taste of the past to test skis. Racers can register on Saturday March 8^th from 11-1 or Sunday March 9^th from 8:30-10am. Race entry includes both the Nordic and Alpine races and the awards luncheon plus a commemorative pin and a bib donated by World Cup Supply. Upon registering, the racer will chose to compete in one of three categories: Wood, Metal/Fiberglass, or Strictly Vintage. All skis must predate 1975. Strictly Vintage registrants must have pre-1975 boots, bindings, and skis. Warren Witherell, "the father of the carved turn", will be our official. For those without old skis, old wood and metal/fiberglass skis mounted with modern demo bindings will be available at the Start. A trained technician will fit the skis to the boot. The race, a two-run slalom down Screaming Eagle, will begin at 10:30am.

The weekend includes events for all members of the family. The 2.5k cross country race, run on wood skis with three pin bindings (these are available at the race), will be accompanied by a Sugar on Snow party. During the Vermont Antique Ski Race, the 4^th Annual Cochran Memorial Lollipop race will run on a parallel course. The Cochran Family of Richmond began their skiing careers at Ascutney where their father Mickey coached. They went on to Olympic fame and to parent the next generation of US Ski Team members.

Speaking of Olympians, this event has become "a reunion" as described by 1968 Olympian Rick Chaffee. This year, competing will be Suzy Chaffee, Marilyn Cochran, Doug Lewis, and Cece Teague, and maybe some other surprise late entries. This is a rare opportunity to share a race course with the best Vermont produced. Commemorative t shirts and posters designed by poster contest winner John Murphy of Easton, MA will be available.

After the race, join the Vermont Ski Museum at the awards ceremony and lunch. Lunch has been graciously donated by Vermont companies American Flatbread and Dakin Farm. Medals will be given to the three top male and female finishers in each category, and there are many special awards to be given too. A raffle to benefit the Vermont Ski Museum will go on all weekend. Prizes were donated by Vermont companies American Precision Museum, Backcountry Magazine, Billings Farm and Museum, Canus Goats Milk, Darn Tough socks, Edgewise, Stephen Huneck's Dog Chapel, Maple Grove Farms, Onion River Sports, and Vermont Soap Organics.

Thank you to our sponsors: Harpoon Brewery and Mountain Dew. Thank you to our media sponsors: The Point Radio Stations, SnowEast Magazine, and Twin State Media.

Schedule of Events

Saturday, March 8^th

2pm - 2.5k vintage cross country ski race and Sugar on Snow party

Ascutney Mountain Resort offers a great package for the weekend! Call 800-243-0011 for reservations.

Sunday, March 9^th

8:30-10 am - Registration and bib pick up. Registration is $30 for Ascutney Mountain Resort Pass Holders and $59 for others and includes entry into Nordic and Alpine races, lift ticket, and Sunday's awards lunch. Non racers can attend lunch for $5.

10:30am - Vermont Antique Ski Race - Sponsored by World Cup Supply

4^th Annual Cochran Memorial Lollipop Race

Post-race Awards Ceremony

For more information, please contact Vermont Ski Museum Curator Meredith Scott at 802-253-9911 x 202 or at programs@vermontskimuseum.org or Bill Henne at Ascutney Mountain Resort at 802-484-7711.

On top of all the fun, racers and participants will be supporting the Vermont Ski Museum. The Vermont Ski Museum is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to collect, preserve and celebrate Vermont skiing history. The museum is located at the corner of Vermont Routes 100 and 108 in the center of Stowe village and is open 12-5 daily, except for Tuesdays. Donations and tax deductible individual and business memberships allow the museum to fulfill its mission. For information on events or to become a member: visit www.vermontskimuseum.org.