Middlebury Carnival

Dear Snowbowl and Rikert Community,

 

As we eagerly anticipate the Winter Carnival on February 23rd and 24th, we are dedicated to creating an environment that celebrates the competitive spirit and communal joy of winter sports. This year, while we welcome the festive spirit, it’s crucial that our celebrations adhere to the highest standards of safety, respect, and sportsmanship.

 

Responsible Celebration Guidelines

 

We encourage everyone to celebrate responsibly during the carnival. While this is not an alcohol-free event, outside alcohol is strictly prohibited and will be confiscated, and we urge all attendees to enjoy the festivities thoughtfully and considerately. NCAA guidelines, which prohibit heckling, visible intoxication, and disruptive behavior, are in place to ensure a safe and positive experience for everyone involved. Violations of these guidelines can lead to penalties for the host team, including sanctions and fines. Our collective adherence to these rules is essential in maintaining a respectful atmosphere that honors the achievements of our athletes and the spirit of our winter sports community.

 

On occasion, parents or friends bring champagne/alcohol to the finish area as gifts for seniors in their last carnival or NCAA competition. It has been made clear by the NCAA that any competition arena for any NCAA sport is to be void of all alcohol, tobacco, or other banned substances. This means that even if the intention is honest and congratulatory, champagne, or other celebratory drinks (even nonalcoholic sparkling cider/drinks) are not allowed at the ski areas race arenas… even if the athletes do not drink them. (this includes celebratory spraying of beverages)

We are also asking teams not to throw or spray confetti. This creates a mess on the trail, and our volunteers, coaching staff, and the ski patrol are the ones that must pick up each piece of confetti on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning. We do our best to get every minuscule piece, but some get buried and it poses a risk to the grooming machine, and it also contributes trash and microplastics to the environment that get washed into the nearby creek as the snow melts in the spring.

 

The Importance of Sportsmanship

 

Sportsmanship remains a cornerstone of our community values, crucial for fostering a positive atmosphere throughout the Winter Carnival. We have a shared responsibility to support our athletes and each other in a manner that is respectful and encouraging. Engaging in positive cheering, respecting competitors and officials, and refraining from any form of disruptive behavior are all essential to creating an enjoyable and successful event for everyone.

 

 

Event Schedule and Additional Information

 

 

Friday, February 23rd

 

At Middlebury College Snowbowl (Alpine)

• 9:00 AM: Men’s SL 1st Run

• 10:15 AM: Women’s SL 1st Run

• 12:30 PM: Men’s SL 2nd Run

• 1:45 PM: Women’s SL 2nd Run

 

At Rikert Outdoor Center (Nordic)

• 10:00 AM: Men’s 7.5K Skate Individual Start

• 12:00 PM: Women’s 7.5K Skate Individual Start

 

 

Saturday, February 24th

 

At Middlebury College Snowbowl (Alpine)

• 9:00 AM: Women’s GS 1st Run

• 10:15 AM: Men’s GS 1st Run

• 12:30 PM: Women’s GS 2nd Run

• 1:45 PM: Men’s GS 2nd Run

 

At Rikert Outdoor Center (Nordic)

• 10:00 AM: Men’s 20K Classic Mass Start

• 12:00 PM: Women’s 20K Classic Mass Start

 

EISA season-long awards will conclude the alpine competition at the Snowbowl.

 

 

Facilities and Logistics

 

Additional portable restrooms and overflow parking will be available to accommodate all attendees comfortably. To facilitate transportation on Saturday, in addition to the regularly scheduled shuttle service from town on the TVT bus, we will have two buses running on a loop between the overflow parking lot (look for the digital road sign on the right of Hwy 125) on the Bread Loaf Campus and the Snowbowl. Parking can be a challenge on Saturday, so we encourage everyone to take advantage of these services if at all possible.

 

Celebrating Together

 

As we come together to enjoy the Winter Carnival, let’s commit to celebrating responsibly, respecting NCAA guidelines, and supporting each other in a spirit of sportsmanship and community. Your cooperation in maintaining a positive and safe environment is crucial to the success of this beloved event.

 

Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to making this Winter Carnival a memorable and respectful celebration for our entire community. We look forward to enjoying the festivities with you.

Warmest Regards,

 

 

The Teams at Middlebury Snowbowl & Rikert Outdoor Center