Man-made Loop will be closed 9:00-3:00pm

Finally, racing can begin at the Craftsbury Outdoor Center! It is a few weeks later than normal, but we are so excited to invite Vermont-based juniors to join us for classic individual start racing on January 16th. We've got a 5k for U16s girls and boys and a 10k for U18/U20 women and men. 

The following guidance from the state allows some limited competition for juniors in VT:

"A limited exception is provided for outdoor competition for Vermont-based athletes in downhill skiing, snowboarding, and Nordic skiing at Vermont venues. Under this limited exception, the number of participants must not exceed 25 individuals, although a competition may involve multiple groupings of 25 throughout the day if the groups do not interact with one another."

Following this guidance, COC will be hosting a few junior races over the next couple months. The first will be this Saturday, January 16th. Racers will be spread out through the day in groupings of 25 as described above in the state guidelines. The course will use the manmade snow loop, which will mean that the loop will be closed to the public for the duration of the races: 10:00am-noon and 1:00-3:30pm on Saturday. Thanks in advance for allowing the kids to get back to racing. 

Racers: read about and register for the event here, and review the Racer Code of Conduct.

Items for the Skiing public to note:

• The race course portion of the manmade loop will be closed during racing. See map here.

• Racers do not need to wear masks during the intense part of their warm up or while racing. Masks must be carried during races and put on promptly upon finishing.

• No spectators will be allowed.

• Parents/friends/family members/guardians are encouraged to go for a ski or walk or wait in a vehicle.

Update: On January 15, the State of Vermont has broadened who can race. We look forward to expanding this - but not in time for the racing on the 16th. Stay tuned.