http://www.berkshireeagle.com/News/ci_27486481/Conditions-look-to-be-perfect-for-80th-Anniversary-Thunderbolt-Ski-Race
Conditions look to be perfect for 80th Anniversary Thunderbolt Ski Race By Adam Shanks
[email protected] @EagleAdamShanks on Twitter Updated: 02/09/2015 09:00:44 AM EST
BerkshireEagle.com
Editor's note: This story was modified on Feb. 9 to correct that 2015 is the 80th anniversary of the Thunderbolt Ski Race. ADAMS - If the past week of weather is any indication, this year's 80th Anniversary Thunderbolt Ski Race and ThunderFest are shaping up to be epic. With more than a foot of snow on Mt. Greylock in the past week, race organizers are optimistic that cold temperatures will maintain a nice snowpack until the Feb. 28 race kicks off at the Greylock Glen. "This is some of the best snow we've had in the past five or six years," said Thunderbolt Ski Runners President Blair Mahar, who noted that the forecast calls for more cold and more snow. First run in 1938, the Thunderbolt Ski Race has always challenged skiers to descend Mt. Greylock's Thunderbolt Ski Trail as quickly as possible. But this year, for the first time, the race will time both the ascent and descent of the participant, a format known as a "Rando" race. For the past several years, racers have made the 1.3-mile journey to the top of the trail, had a brief rest, and then timed their descents. Now, it's an all-out sprint to the finish. "We thought we'd just try something a little new," Mahar said. "It's not much different from the race last year; it's just there is no downtime at the summit."
Tim Sutliff, of Savoy, skis down the Thunderbolt trail during the 79th annual Thunderbolt Ski Race, Saturday March 1, 2014, at Mount Greylock in Adams.
Organizers stress that anyone who was able to compete in the event in years past will still be capable — only the timing structure has changed. There will be two options for racers, a one-lap contest or a two-lap contest. Both will kick off with a mass start from the gazebo at the Greylock Glen, where buses will be running to from the Adams Visitors Center throughout the day.
By changing the format, the Thunderbolt Ski Race is now a part of the NE Rando Race series, a circuit of similar races throughout the Northeast. Skiers — and those who enjoy the spirit of the event but don't wish to compete — will celebrate the weekend at the 2015 ThunderFest, held in downtown Adams from noon to 5 p.m. the day of the race. The event, organized by the ProAdams group, boasts a wide arrange of food and entertainment that has drawn steady crowds since its inception. With free admission, the day includes a chowder competition, beer provided by Wandering Star Brewery, live music acts Pete Boyd and Backwater, and food from Cliff's Backyard BBQ, the Adams Ale House, the Haflinger Haus, and the Lion's Club. There is also an awards ceremony at about 3:30 p.m. Registration for the 2015 race can be completed for $50, which includes a one-year membership to the Thunderbolt Ski Runners club, at Page 1 of 2
thunderboltskirunners.org. Race times and MST Febstart 12, 2015 04:05:16PM
http://www.berkshireeagle.com/News/ci_27486481/Conditions-look-to-be-perfect-for-80th-Anniversary-Thunderbolt-Ski-Race
thunderboltskirunners.org. Race start times and more information can also be found on the site. Contact Adam Shanks at 413-496-6308
Spectators hike the trail to watch the 79th annual Thunderbolt Ski Race Saturday March 1, 2014, at Mount Greylock in Adams.
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Feb 12, 2015 04:05:16PM MST
