The Grand Traverse
- Date Sun 31st August 2025
- Location Crested Butte, Colorado
- Price $213.00 - $662.50
- Races 5 races
- Distances Ultra
Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating adventure at The Grand Traverse, taking place on Sunday, August 31, 2025, in the breathtaking backdrop of Crested Butte, Gunnison. This legendary event has its roots in the rich history of Colorado's mining towns, echoing the historic mail routes that once connected Crested Butte and Aspen. Participants will have the chance to challenge themselves in various thrilling races, including a summer mountain run and a mountain bike race, all while experiencing the stunning landscapes of the Elk Mountains.
Since its inception in the late 1990s, The Grand Traverse has evolved into a vital community celebration, with the winter ski race remaining a highlight for outdoor enthusiasts. The event not only showcases the spirit of adventure but also serves as a major fundraiser for Crested Butte Nordic. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a passionate beginner, The Grand Traverse promises a day filled with excitement, camaraderie, and the chance to explore the great outdoors. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience!
Since its inception in the late 1990s, The Grand Traverse has evolved into a vital community celebration, with the winter ski race remaining a highlight for outdoor enthusiasts. The event not only showcases the spirit of adventure but also serves as a major fundraiser for Crested Butte Nordic. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a passionate beginner, The Grand Traverse promises a day filled with excitement, camaraderie, and the chance to explore the great outdoors. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience!
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. $16.00 Fee & GT Ski T-Shirt
Sun 30th March 2025
$316.00
OPENS SOONA backcountry ski race from Crested Butte to Aspen. NOTE: Entry fees are non-refundable. Entries cannot be deferred to another year. -
Run
Incl. $13.00 Fee & GT Summer Tech Shirt
Sat 30th August 2025
$213.00
OPENS SOONA 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 31st August 2025
$213.00
OPENS SOONA 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 30th March 2025
$662.50
OPENS SOONSince 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 Ski T-Shirt
Sat 30th August 2025
$368.50
OPENS SOONParticipants will run from CB to Aspen on 8/30 and then bike the 40 miles back the next day on 8/31. NOTE: Entry fees are non-refundable. Entries cannot be deferred to another year.
The Grand Traverse