Tremble and Hanowski Win the 2nd Annual Catamount Challenge Backcountry Race
- BC Race Start at Trapps
- Rodgers, Gilbertson, Tremble
- Eric Tremble
- JoAnn Hanowski
- Helen Smith and Rose Long
Sunday’s clear blue skies, temperatures in the mid 20’s, and variable snow conditions set the stage for an ideal day of recreation and racing at the 2nd Annual Catamount Backcountry Challenge Race and Tour. The race and tour followed the infamous Catamount Trail route from Bolton Valley to the Trapp Family Touring Center but this time it was done in reverse giving the participants the ultimate challenge of climbing from the Nebraska Valley Road to the highest point on the Catamount Trail 2300 feet above.
Lined up on the start line at the Trapp Family Touring Center, thirteen enthusiastic skiers embarked on their strenuous but gratifying tour. Prior to the start, Trapp Family Lodge President, Johannas von Trapp was on hand to give encouraging words of advice to all the participants as he pointed in the direction of route over 3680 foot. Bolton Mountain. One hour later, with all the non-competitive skiers well on their way, Catamount Trail’s Jim Fredericks issued final instructions of safety and caution to the 24 racers lined up on the start. The next 16 kilometers would be an all out test of each athlete’s strength, endurance, and skiing agility.
Outfitted with a diverse conglomeration of equipment, each racer secretly strategized as to what combination of boot, ski, wax, or climbing skins would provide the best advantage in their quest to outwit the competition. UVM’s Eric Carter led the charge out of the start followed closely by Olympian Marc Gilberston of Hyde Park, last year’s champion Eric Tremble of Jericho, and Eric Phaneuf of Stowe. Eric Carter opened up the lead on Gilbertson over the groomed section of the Trapp trail system and through the winding descent down to Nebraska Valley Road. In an effort to make up time on Carter, Gilberston ran on the hard packed snow as they started the ascent up Bolton Mountain. It didn’t take long before Gilbertson’s efforts paid off and he passed the frontrunner. Changing into skiing mode he continued to stretch out a lead on the field.
Further back in the pack, last year’s champion Eric Tremble was on the hunt. Outfitted with the perfect combination of equipment de jour (lightweight backcountry skis with kicker skins), he chipped away on Gilbertson’s lead. It wasn’t until close to the highest point on the Catamount Trail that Tremble passed the faltering Gilbertson in a hair-raising 1300ft descent down to the finish. Tremble’s calculations of equipment and strategy paid off as he claimed his second straight win in 1:35:46, followed closely by Gilbertson in 1:36:50. In a tremendous effort to catch the leaders, Chris Rogers of Middlebury College nailed down third place in 1:48:22.
In the women’s race, the best made plans don’t always work out as expected. JoAnn Hanowski of Underhill took the lead after about three kilometers into the race. In an all out effort to stay ahead of the field she decided to go as far as possible up Bolton Mountain before applying her kicker skins for better climbing. When time came to make the anticipated change, Hanowski’s binding would not release, leaving only one alternative, grit the teeth, put the head down and start herringboning. Close behind, Betsy Rickert of Shelburne was continuing to chip away on Hanowski’s lead but the summit came a little too soon to make her decisive move. In an all out effort not to get caught on the downhill, Hanowski charged toward the finish to win with a time of 2:16:45.
Second place went to Betsy Rickert in 2:19:14 followed by Carrie Nourjian of Stowe in 2:36:40.
Throughout the race, the non-competitive skiers who were well on their way into the racecourse cheered competitors on. Following the event, all participants were treated to a hearty lunch, prizes, and a large raffle. The event was a fundraiser for the Catamount Trail Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to managing and protecting the 300-mile Catamount Trail. A special thanks goes out to Neil Van Dyke of the Stowe Rescue Squad along with the volunteer patrolmen from Bolton Valley for their backup support during the event.
The event was made possible by these generous sponsors: Bolton Valley Resort, Trapp Family Lodge, Fleischer Jacobs Group, Blue Cross Blue Shield of VT, Sojourn Active Vacations, Black Diamond, Umiak Outfitters, Clearwater Sports, Seventh Generation, Darn Tough Socks, Karhu, Rossignol, and Sun Valley Bars.
Click here to view race photos
Article: A Winner's Perspective of the Catamount BC Challenge Race by Eric Tremble