More than 50 competitors turned out to race in the 31st annual Kare Andersen Telemark Festival, February 20-21, 2016, at Bromley Mountain – honoring the late Norwegian Kare Andersen, an early proponent of Telemark skiing, and a PSIA Tele instructor at Bromley well into his 90s.
This is one of the oldest continuously running Telemark races in the U.S. and one of the great eastern events helping keep the sport alive. Adding to the festivities were members of the Swedish singing group Nordic Harmoni, of which Kare was a member, who sang traditional toasts during the après ski party.
Nearly 100 folks in clinics and races participated in the two-day event, assisted by 30 volunteers including clinic instructors, gate keepers, registration staff, vendors and sponsors.
“Kare’s race is the big race on the East Coast. USTSA hopes to grow the national schedule, with the goal of creating greater awareness of Telemark, increasing participants in the races, as well as growing viewership and general appreciation for the sport,” said Garrett Long, president of the U.S. Telemark Ski Association. “Our ultimate goal is for Telemark racing to be an Olympic Sport.”
Sixteen Members of U.S. Telemark Ski Teams attended, including Garrett Long, Rowayton, CT, first place finisher in the men’s elite category; and Melinda Long, Rowayton, CT, 3rd place, women’s elite. Races were held on the Upper East Meadow trail.
The youngest competitor was Gabriel Moynihan, Keene, NH, age 9. The eldest competitors were Karen Dalury, Killington, VT, age 60, and John Tidd, Bridgewater Corners, VT, age 68.
Following are the top results of the 2016 Kare Andersen Telemark Festival:
Men’s Elite
- Garrett Long, 25, Rowayton, CT, time 1:37.88
- Norman Miller, 47, Rochester, NY, time 1:43.69
- Dylan Weglarz, 18, Campton, NH, time 1:45.96
Women’s Elite
- Sarah Carley, 19, Brentwood, NH, time 1:51.97
- Karen Dalury, 60, Killington, VT, time 2:04.13
- Melinda Long, 27, Rowayton, CT, time 2:14.83
This was the last East Coast race before the Karbon National Championships, March 4-6 in Crotched Mountain, NH.
For complete results visit: https://www.ustsa.org/2016/01/11/results-2015-2016-season/
Top image: Melinda Long of Rowayton, CT, shreds into third place. Photo by Paula Riegel
