By Bill McCollom

Cars were parked alongside the back road outside of Richmond, Vermont in endless rows on this midweek day of March 24. Some observers noted that this was arguably one of the largest crowds they’d ever seen assembled in the State, at least since the final Phish concert a few years back. One thing is indisputable, however, and that is the Thank God for Snowmaking (TGFS) ski race at Cochran’s Ski Area certainly draws a crowd.

First started last year to help cover the costs of a new snowmaking system, this season’s edition included over 250 racers from J3s to collegians. They were competing on a strip of snow covering a tiny race hill, which boasts 350 feet of vertical drop, all for the chance to race with 20 members of the U.S. Ski Team. Adding to the “Wow factor” for the multitudes of racers and fans was the lineup of 2010 Olympians, which included: Jimmy Cochran, Ted Ligety, Nolan Kasper, Tommy Ford, Sarah Schleper, Kaylin Richardson, Leanne Smith, Megan McJames, Hailey Duke, and Chelsea Marshall. They not only put on a show on the race hill, but also contributed to bringing the race penalties to less than six. Socializing and signing autographs for the many young fans was also high on their agendas.

Despite the heavy USST presence, the winning runs came from two non-Team skiers, Dave Chodounsky and Katie Hithcock. Chodounsky, a Dartmouth grad and NCAA Championship slalom winner, held off Nolan Kasper and veteran, Scott Venus for a narrow win, while the resurgent Hitchcock, showed no mercy with a decisive, one-second victory over USST members Julia Ford and Sarah Schleper.

World Cup giant slalom champion, Ted Ligety explained the attraction: “It’s just so much fun to do. It’s like going back in time to the essence of ski racing.”