The Grand Traverse is a 40-mile backcountry ski race between the towns of Crested Butte and Aspen, CO. Racers traverse Colorado’s Elk Mountains, often in sub-zero temperatures, climbing more than 7,800 vertical feet and navigating in a self-supported backcountry race that tests them physically and mentally. Held annually since 1998, the race is based on the tradition of mail routes that connected the Colorado mining towns of Crested Butte and Aspen in the 1880’s.
Course
Traditionally, racers depart from the Crested Butte Community School at midnight. In 2012, the start time is now 11:00 PM. Racers proceed to Crested Butte Mountain Resort, passing through the base area and then through the ski area. Racers leave the ski area just below the Gold Link lift, cross the East River valley and head south to Brush Creek Road. The course then follows Brush Creek Road until it turns onto Forest Service Trail 400. The course climbs FS Trail 400 past the Friends Hut, then on to Star Pass. From Star Pass the course continues to Taylor Pass on FS Trail 761A, then along the Richmond Hill Road (FS 123) to the Barnard Hut. At Barnard Hut there will be a mandatory medical check and 10 minute stop over. From the Barnard Hut the course proceeds north on Richmond Ridge until reaching the Aspen Mountain Ski Area. Racers ski down Aspen Mountain on the Spar Gulch Run to the finish line at the bottom of the Aspen Mountain Gondola.
Due to weather and snow safety considerations, the exact course cannot be finalized until race day. Race organizers may change the course based on snow conditions, weather or other safety concerns. In extreme circumstances, the course may be modified to finish in Crested Butte rather than in Aspen. The final course will be determined and described to racers at the Mandatory Race Meeting on Friday March 30 at 1:00 PM at the Grand Ballroom at Mountaineer Square in Mt. Crested Butte.
Course Facts
Start: Crested Butte, CO
Finish: Aspen, CO
Distance: 40 miles
Elevation Gain: 7, 800 feet
Typical Finishing Time: 8-16 hours
Cut-Offs
There are four cut-off points on the course:
Friends Hut – Racers must reach the Friends Hut by 7:00 AM. Teams that do not meet this cut-off will be turned around and must return to Crested Butte.
Star Pass – racers must reach Star Pass by 8:00 AM. Teams that do not meet this cut-off will be turned around and must return to Crested Butte.
Barnard Hut – There is a mandatory 10-minute stop and medical check at the Barnard Hut. Racers must reach the Barnard Hut by 2:00 PM. Racers that do not meet this cut-off must ski to a pre-determined pick up point, where they will be escorted to the Sundeck and downloaded on the Aspen Gondola.
Aspen Mountain Gate – racers must reach the top of Aspen Mountain by 4:00 PM. Racers that do not make this cut-off will be escorted to the Sundeck and downloaded on the Aspen Gondola.
Aid Stations
There are two aid stations on the course at Friends Hut and Barnard Hut.
The Grand Traverse is operating under a Special Use Permit on the Gunnison National Forest.
