Thunderbolt Ski Race Canceled for 2013; Thunderfest Still On
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The ski race is off but Thunderfest is still a go. |
ADAMS, Mass. — The Thunderbolt just can't catch a break from Mother Nature.
Plans for the historic race were canceled late Wednesday after a checking the trail conditions and the weather forecast.
The Thunderbolt Ski Runners posted the bad news at 7 p.m. on their Facebook page: "The race is a NO-GO. Sorry everybody. Current trail conditions and the 3 day forecast prevent us from being able to bring you better news."
The trail down Mount Greylock can only be accessed on foot — no snow guns — so the race is dependent on good weather. And there hasn't been a lot of that around lately.
Warming, rainy weather postponed the race from Feb. 9; the same type of weather is forcing the cancellation.
The Berkshires have been getting sporadic snowstorms, often followed by sleety rain. Checks of the ski trail last week found exposed ground and icy chutes despite a good coating on the mountain.
There was some hope the storm systems heading into the region over the weekend and early this week would drop enough snow to save the race. But that didn't happen.
Earlier today, Ski Runners were checking the amount of snow that fell around the area last night. Savoy had 6 to 7 inches by 9 a.m. A good sign, but by afternoon it was pouring in parts of North County.
"If TSR is Charlie Brown, Mother Nature is Lucy holding the football for us this year!" the club posted.
By 7 p.m., it was apparent the race was off. This is the second consecutive year the barely revived race's been canceled.
The good news is that the Thunderfest — a celebration of the race started last year — is still a go. The winter festival kicks off at noon on Saturday, March 2, at the Adams Visitors Center with live music, food, beer, chowders, campfire and activities. Last year's inaugural event was considered a great success despite the lack of a race.
The Thunderbolt Ski Museum will be open, too, so even though the race is canceled, its glory days can be relived.
Tags: skiing, Thunderbolt, Thunderfest, winterfest,
