November 05, 2013 (Stowe, Vermont) – Nordic enthusiasts from Vermont and beyond thronged on Nov. 2 to the grand opening of Kick and Glide: Vermont’s Nordic Skiing Legacy, the newest exhibit at the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum.

A helical spiral of 40 cross-country skis from the 70’s and 80’s designed by John Tidd, inventor of Tidd-Tec snow grooming equipment, with skis donated by Joe Pete Wilson of Keene, NY (1960 Olympics) served as a fitting backdrop for opening remarks from the exhibit’s curators, museum directors, Parker Riehle, Vermont Ski Areas Association, and Gregory Gerdel, Vermont Department of Tourism & Marketing.

The exhibit provides a comprehensive overview of the integral role and influence Vermont holds in the past, present and future of Nordic skiing. Displays chronicle the storied legacy of Nordic skiing, biathlon, telemark skiing and Nordic jumping in Vermont and the state’s contributions to the sport at large. The personalities, ski centers, athletics, companies, competitions and events that formed Vermont’s Nordic skiing scene are highlighted in the exhibit.

Among those in attendance were Vermont past Olympians Larry Damon (1956, 1960, 1964, 1968), Dennis Donahue (1976), Stan Dunklee (1976, 1980), Jim Galanes (1976, 1980, 1984), Marc Gilbertson (1998), Bob Gray (1968, 1972), Trina Hosmer (1972) and Martha Rockwell (1972, 1976) and Bucky Broomhall who started the Torger Tokel League in 1969, now known as the Bill Koch League to develop skiers not yet in high school.

 “It was a joyous day in the spirit of friendship and the Nordic sport. We are indeed fortunate to have all these powerful experiences bonded together by sport,” extolled Peter Graves, renowned sports commentator and SkiTrax writer, now with USA Ski Jumping.

Vintage Synthetic Nordic Track with Fischer Zero Mohair skis (1970’s), the latest trail grooming equipment, snowmaking technologies, adaptive ski equipment and a chance to try a hand at Nordic ski erg laser biathlon took place outside the historic 1818 Old Town Hall.

Mirth and levity followed at Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, the first commercial cross-country ski center in the United States. One hundred Nordic enthusiasts listened intently as Max Cobb, USA Biathlon and Peter Graves, USA Ski Jumping shared an overview of the 2013-2014 Nordic, Nordic Combined, Biathlon, and Nordic Jumping US Ski Teams.

Kick and Glide, Vermont’s Nordic Skiing Legacy, will run from November 2, 2013 through October 13, 2014. For more information, please contact Meredith Scott, Director/Curator at mscott@vtssm.com