Tour is on, snow or shine

The annual event takes place Sunday, Jan. 19, from 12 to 4 p.m. Savard noted the new Tour de Snow format relies less on good snow pack along the Stowe Recreation Path.

“In the past, participants traveled along the Stowe Rec Path by foot, ski or snowshoe to get to the next game. But, in 2014, efforts have been concentrated on creating a more fair-like event, where the games are easily accessible for all and no road crossings come into play,” Savard said. 

All of this year’s events will be set up in Whisker’s Field, at the intersection of Cape Cod and Mountain roads. Registration, bibs and equipment will also be available there.

“The games have also generally been centered around snow, but if snow is not part of the day, they will be adapted. A little walking, running, riding snow bikes, and wearing yak tracks while playing around the field will be just as fun,” Savard said. “Since many locals’ ski passes are blacked out for Martin Luther King Day, the Stowe Tour de Snow is a must-do at only $5 per person and a perfect way to play with family and friends while avoiding the crowds at the mountain.”

Events new and old

Some of the new games this year include a yoga slack line, a Nordic Skier Cross course, broomball and snow bikes from IRide. A large oval around the field will be groomed to accommodate all the activities, as well as a “Learn to Ski” clinic for beginner cross-country skiers and adaptive skiers. Free instructions and some 60 sets of free junior ski equipment will be available for children to use on a first-come, first-served basis.

Also new this year is the addition of a three-mile race. Race registration is at the Nordic Barn, from 12 to 12:30 p.m. If the snow is too thin to ski, bring some sturdy running shoes and yak tracks for a running race. The $5 race fee also includes all the regular games offered at the Tour de Snow.

The Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum is sponsoring its annual Antique Ski Race, which begins at 12:40 p.m. Contact the museum to borrow antique equipment if necessary.

The post-event party and art project will be upstairs at the Helen Day Art Center, starting around 2:45 p.m., with awards and raffle prizes around 3:30 p.m. Face painting and snacks will be available.

Savard said volunteers are needed to park cars, help at registration, host games and more. She said it’s a great way for students to earn some community service hours — plus volunteers get to play for free. For more information, or to pre-register online, go to stowetourdesnow.com.

Adaptive sports over MLK weekend

By Pascale Savard

Contributor

Get better educated and informed about the world of adaptive sports, athletes, gear, and technology through a series of community events this Martin Luther King weekend in Stowe.

Community Meeting

Friday, Jan. 17, 8:25 a.m.

Stowe Elementary School gymnasium

Meet Stowe’s Chris Tagatac as he talks about his Ekso Bionics “Wearable Robot,” and demonstrates how it operates and helps him heal and find his new normal. “Paralysis was not part of my game plan, but it is now and I have to deal with it. I’m moving forward one step at a time,” Tagatac says. Read more on his blog: mywearablerobot.wordpress.com.

Sled Hockey Clinic

Saturday, Jan. 18, 6 p.m. (participants), 7 p.m. (observers)

Stowe Arena

Patrick Standen of Northeast Disabled Athletic Association (NDAA) wants you to join his team, the Vermont Sled Cats, for a friendly sled hockey clinic. Sleds will be provided, as well as instructions. Show up at Stowe Arena at 6 p.m. to get suited and ready for play. Or, just come and enjoy the show, with plenty of great action from these talented athletes.

Stowe Tour de Snow

Sunday, Jan. 19, 12 – 3 p.m.

Cross-country sit ski clinic

Whisker’s Field (intersection of Mountain and Cape Cod roads)

Patrik Vijanen of New England Nordic Ski Association (NENSA) and Patrick Standen of NDAA return for this fun event with cross-country sit skis. Ski with adaptive athletes and their families, and join in the fun, skiing around the oval in the field and taking part in the many games.

More information: stowetourdesnow.com or info@stowetourdesnow.com.

Friends of Stowe Adaptive Sports Alpine Sit-Ski Clinic

Monday, Jan. 20, 9 a.m.

Stowe Mountain Resort

Adaptive athletes of all abilities ski with Stowe Mountain Resort certified instructors at Spruce Peak in this FOSAS sponsored day. Come and check out the gear, give a hand, and be a part of the action. Volunteers are needed; contact pascale05672@gmail.com for information or to sign up to help.