The Grand Traverse

  • Date Sun 29th March 2026 - Sun 6th September 2026
  • Time 12:00AM MDT
  • Location Crested Butte, Colorado
  • Price $27.50 - $662.50
  • Races 6 races
  • Distances Ultra

Event summary

Get ready for an exhilarating experience at The Grand Traverse, taking place from March 29 to September 6, 2026, in the stunning landscapes of Crested Butte, Gunnison. This iconic event, rooted in the rich history of Colorado's mining towns, offers participants the chance to engage in thrilling winter and summer races. The winter ski race challenges adventurers to traverse the breathtaking Elk Mountains, while the summer events include a scenic mountain run and an exciting mountain bike race. With a legacy that dates back to the 1990s and a community-focused spirit, The Grand Traverse promises not only intense competition but also a celebration of camaraderie and outdoor adventure. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a historical tradition while enjoying the stunning natural beauty of Colorado!

Organiser's Description

The Elk Mountains Grand Traverse was conceived by Jan Runge in the 1990s. The races genesis was partially based on the historical mail routes that connected the Colorado mining towns of Crested Butte and Aspen in the 1880s. It also drew inspiration from the Patrouille des Glaciers, a point-to-point ski race in Switzerland which Runge had become familiar with in the 80s. In 1998, with the help of the community, Runge sent a brave field of competitors from Crested Butte, over the Elk Mountains, to Aspen. It worked, and the Extraordinary Backcountry Ski Race was born. In 2012, event ownership was transferred to Crested Butte Nordic. The race is now a major fundraiser for the organization. In 2014 the Grand Traverse summer events were launched. Now the Grand Traverse features a winter ski race, a summer mountain run, and a mountain bike race.

Races

  • Ski

    Incl. $16.50 Fee & GT Ski T-Shirt

    Sun 29th March 2026 (12:00AM MDT)

    $326.50

    OPENS 01 DEC
    A backcountry ski race from Crested Butte to Aspen. NOTE: Entry fees are non-refundable. Entries cannot be deferred to another year.
  • Run

    Incl. $14.20 Fee & GT Summer Tech Shirt

    Sat 5th September 2026 (6:00AM MDT)

    $234.20

    OPENS 01 DEC
    A backcountry trail race from Crested Butte to Aspen. NOTE: Entry fees are non-refundable. Entries cannot be deferred to another year.
  • Bike

    Incl. $13.00 Fee & GT Summer Tech Shirt

    Sun 6th September 2026 (7:00AM MDT)

    $213.00

    OPENS 01 DEC
    A backcountry mountain bike race from Aspen to CB. NOTE: Entry fees are non-refundable. Entries cannot be deferred to another year.
  • Triple Crown

    Incl. $32.50 Fee & GT Ski T-Shirt

    Sun 29th March 2026 (12:00AM MDT)

    $662.50

    OPENS 17 NOV
    Since its inception in 2015, the Grand Traverse Triple Crown has rapidly developed into a preeminent multi-sport / multi-season endurance challenge. With its legacy firmly planted as the toughest point-to-point ski race in North America, the GT Triple Crown defines a new generation of mountain sports competition. A singular test of three pinnacle mountain disciplines Ski, Trail Run & Mountain Bike, will challenge both individual perseverance while also demanding concerted team strategizing in the first race stage the ski to Aspen. NOTE: Entry fees are non-refundable. Entries cannot be deferred to another year.
  • Dual Sport

    Incl. $18.50 Fee & GT Tech Shirt

    Sat 5th September 2026 (6:00AM MDT)

    $368.50

    OPENS 01 DEC
    Participants will run from CB to Aspen on 9/5 and then bike the 40 miles back the next day on 9/6. NOTE: Entry fees are non-refundable. Entries cannot be deferred to another year.
  • Dynamic Duo

    Incl. $2.50 Fee

    Sat 5th September 2026 (6:00AM MDT)

    $27.50

    OPENS 01 DEC
    Point-to-point races can be a logistical puzzleso why not tag-team it this year? Introducing the Dynamic Duo! Grab a partner, and split the challenge: one runs on Saturday, the other bikes on Sunday. Your times get combined, and the fastest duo takes home the glory (and the Dynamic Duo award). How to register: Runner signs up for the run. Biker signs up for the bike. One of you signs the team up for the Dynamic Duo division. Prizes: Podium spots (and prizes!) go to the fastest mens, womens, and co-ed teams.

Reviews

Done this event?

First-hand event reviews from people who have been there, done that and got the breathable T-shirt, really help everyone choose their next event.

Add a review

Location

620 2nd Street, Crested Butte, 81224, CO, United States

Who's In

See who else is doing this event

Be the first

No-one has marked this event as 'Doing' or 'Maybe' yet. Will you be the first?

More from findarace.com