Perfect Conditions Await The Thunderbolt Ski Run
 The Thunderbolt Ski Race returns Saturday along with the annual Thunderfest in Adams. See pictures from last year's Thunderfest here. |
ADAMS, Mass. — Although many Berkshire County residents have had enough of the recent influx of snow, Thunderbolt back-country skiers are reveling in it.
Thunderbolt Ski Runner Trail Crew Coordinator Josh Chittenden said the 80th anniversary of the Thunderbolt Ski Run will make up for years when the snow just was not abundant enough to do the race justice.
"The snow is unbelievable. I would call it a record year on the Thunderbolt right now," Chittenden said recently. "The past couple of days we have had better turns than I can remember in a while. It is light and fluffy right now and with the warm weather it is going to set it in and help create a real good base."
Racers will all start at the Greylock Glen Gazebo and ascend 1.3 miles up Mount Greylock. Normally racers would break at the War Memorial at the top of the mountain and prepare for the timed descent, but this year things will be done differently.
Chittenden said skiers will participate in a Randonneé style race in which both the ascension and descent will be timed. The racers will trek up the mountain and ski down it twice.
"We felt that a change in the format might bring some excitement and change is not always a bad thing," he said. "Going up and down the mountain twice is doable for anyone who is seriously into backcountry skiing. Two laps should not be out of the question."
This new format puts the Thunderbolt race in line NE Rando Race series standards.
Those hesitant to race up and down the mountain twice are welcomed to join in on the one lap non-competitive "fun run." Snow shoes will be allowed in this race for the assent.
"It’s an introduction to get people into this style of racing," he said. "It is no small feat doing one lap though."
Chittenden said 35 racers have signed up and they expect to have near 60 by race day.
The race will be on Saturday, Feb. 28. People can sign up on race day for $60 or on the Thunderbolt Ski Runner’s website beforehand for $50. By signing up for the race participants get a year's membership to Thunderbolt Ski Runner’s club.
"There will be a mass start, and I believe it is going to be a Lomond's start … meaning you run to your skis, click in, and take off so it it's going to be really exciting for spectators to watch this start," he said.
Chittenden said the race organizers ask people be respectful of the trail before the race.
"We are just asking anyone up there if you are seeing any downed limbs pick them up and throw them off of the trail, and we are trying to do our best to keep people from accessing the trail," he said.
He said people should use the ascending trail off to the side of the Thunderbolt with only snow shoes or climbing skins so the trail is not damaged.
Registration for the race starts at 9:30 a.m. at the Greylock Glen Gazebo. The race starts at 10.
After the race, spectators any anyone else can participate in the annual after-party, Thunderfest. The ProAdams-sponsored event runs from noon to 5 at the Adams Visitors Center. Participants can expect live music and various food vendors.
The Thunderbolt awards ceremony starts at 3:30.
Tags: skiing, Thunderbolt, Thunderfest,
