Each year, the Colorado towns of Crested Butte and Aspen welcome hundreds of Grand Traverse participants, volunteers and spectators. Sharing a long history, these distinctive towns offer some of the best winter and summer recreation in Colorado.
Many racers enhance their Grand Traverse experience with stays in Crested Butte or Aspen before or after the race. In addition to great downhill and Nordic skiing, these very different towns over a wide variety of restaurants and nightlife. The Grand Traverse also features a number of events that let participants and their guests meet enthusiastic backcountry skiers from around the world, test the newest equipment, relax before the race and celebrate afterward.
GRAND TRAVERSE EVENTS
Crested Butte – All Events Open to the Public
Nachtspektakel 5:30PM Tuesday March 27, 2012
Join other racers and sponsors at the Elevation Hotel outdoor fire pit to skin up to the Ten Peaks restaurant for a dinner at sunset. Located at the top of Painter Boy lift, Ten Peaks has a stunning view of the valley. Dress warm to sit outside at the firepit and enjoy chili, cornbread, salad, dessert and a choice of beer, wine, or soda for just $30 person. Tickets can be purchase at Rock n Roll Sports or the Alpineer. For questions, please email wick@elkmountainstraverse.com
Vendor Expo: Come check out the latest gear. 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Thursday, March 29 and from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Friday, March 30 in the Grand Ballroom at Mountaineer Square in Mt. Crested Butte.
Dynafit “Skin with the Pros”: Here’s your chance to get tips from pro randonee racers and past Grand Traverse winners. Sponsored by Dynafit. 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM on Thursday, March 29 and 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM on Friday, March 30. Meet at the base of Red Lady Lift at Crested Butte Mountain Resort. Up-hill pass required, available free at CBMR ticket office.
Extreme Adventure Film Festival: Join racers and their guests for an evening of adventure films from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM on Thursday March 29 in the Grand Ballroom at Mountaineer Square in Mt. Crested Butte. Cost is $5 for all non-racers.
Mountaineer Square is situated at the base of the ski hill in Mt. Crested Butte, about a 15 minute drive from the Town of Crested Butte. Mountain Express runs free shuttle buses from town to the mountain. Please visit www.mtnexp.org or call 970-349-5616 for the schedule.
Aspen – All Events Open to the Public
Finish Line Party: Welcome the racers to Aspen! 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Saturday March 31 at the base of Aspen Mountain.
Check out the latest gear and buy a Grand Traverse keepsake.
Grand Traverse Cocktail Party & Raffle at The Ute Mountaineer: Join race participants, volunteers and guests to celebrate another great Grand Traverse. 4:30PM – 6:00PM Saturday March 31 at The Ute Mountaineer at 210 South Galena Street (corner of S Galena St and E Hyman Ave).
Dinner & Awards Ceremony: Recognize the outstanding performance by top finishers in all categories. 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM Saturday March 31at the Aspen Elks Lodge located above the Ute Mountaineer. Cost is $15 for all non-racers.
DINING
Crested Butte restaurants: www.cbchamber.com
Aspen restaurants: www.aspenchamber.org
520 Grill Aspen’s roadside dinner at 520 East Cooper Ave., just two blocks from the gondola. Locally owned and operated, 520 prides itself on delicious food, reasonable prices and friendly service in a clean and contemporary setting.
520 specialties include handcrafted burgers, hot dogs, grilled sandwiches, traditional tacos, savory soups, a selection of salads, fresh-cut fries in regular or sweet potato and the best iced tea in town.
Open daily from 11 am – 7 pm or later, dine in-house, order delivery or grab and go to take to the slopes!
All racers who bring in their bib or finish wristband receive 10% off entire menu on Saturday March 31, 2012!
www.520grill.com
NIGHTLIFE
Crested Butte local events: www.skicb.com
Aspen local events: www.aspensnowmass.com
For more information on this great area and all it has to offer, please visit the Gunnison Crested Butte Tourism Association website. www.gunnisoncrestedbutte.com
A complete schedule of events can be found under the Event Schedule page under the Athletes tab on this website.
