85th Running of the Hochgebirge Challenge January 21, 2023

The day dawned gray and warm.  Our Honorary Hochgebirge Race Director Derek Griggs was up early to help set the slalom course on Gary's at Cannon.  The Mittersill Taft giant slalom course was closed for lack of snow.

32 New England Masters racers registered at Ernie's for two runs, forming 8 teams to compete for the Hochgebirge Challenge Cup.  The teams ranged from Class 1&2 to Class 11&12.

Racing began at 10 with the second run finished by 12:30.

Prizes were awarded following at Ernie's by New England Masters President Matt Mitsis for the Masters Class winners.  Derek Griggs pesented the Ski Club Hochgebirge Challenge trophies:

Hochgebirge Challenge Cup: The DIN-wits

Team members were Matt Dodge, Bill Bradley, Brandon Wilson and Lee Ormiston

J Michael Harding Trophy:  No Women's Team

Alexander Bright Trophy (fastest man):  Matt Dodge

Clarita Bright Trophy (fastest woman):  Becka Padgett

Thomas N Dabney Trophy (fastest oldest team member):  Guillaume De Paoli

This was the third year in a row for Matt Dodge taking the Alec Bright Trophy, (but with no race in 2021 beacuse of covid).  He also has been on the winning team multiple times to find his name engraved on the Hochgebirge Challeng Cup.

Alas, there was no women's team for the second year, and only two women raced this year.

The Ski Club Hochgebirge was well represented by our own fastest master Chuck Thorndike.

Many thanks to Derek, Matt Mitsis, Kip and Lucy Blake, and The Franconia Ski Club for making this race happen with challenging conditions.  Thanks to Kat Whalen for organization and team recruiting.

Congratulations to all!- Hans Huber