A friendly, small-town ski derby gets an international reputation.
It all begins at the Octagon.

The Mount Mansfield - Stowe Derby became an annual event on this day in 1946. The 10 mile course began up the mountain at the Octagon, and ended on Main Street in Stowe village.

The contestants were split into age brackets ranging from children to "Over 50." Upon finishing, a junior contestant proclaimed, "I was doing nicely climbing that first hill when along comes a man over 70 and passes me going like 60."

That speed-demon was Norway native Herman Smith-Hohanneson, one of Canada’s most famous skiers. The derby was great exercise and fun for skiers of all ages and skills.

Image courtesy the Vermont Ski Museum.

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