An extraordinary Colorado backcountry route!
The Grand Traverse is a point-to-point ski race from Crested Butte to Aspen. Racers travel 40 miles across the Elk Mountain range, climbing over 6,800 vertical feet. To ensure competitor safety, racers must have a partner, carry mandatory gear, and begin the race at midnight when avalanche hazard is decreased.
Info
Dear Grand Traverse Community,
After months of planning, coordinating, and visualizing a stunning Grand Traverse, the last thing we ever want to contemplate is event cancellation. Please know this decision bears as much disappointment for us, as it does for all of you:
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the cancellation of the 2020 Grand Traverse Ski.
As of today, there are three confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Gunnison County (Crested Butte) and ten in Pitkin County (Aspen). Many more await test results. Our schools have closed here in Crested Butte. Our nation, counties, and towns have declared states of emergencies. The governor has banned gatherings of 250 or more. Our staff and volunteers have been exposed to people who have tested positive. We can no longer responsibly move forward with the event.
We will send another email soon with the refund and donation options available to you.
While it is only possible for us to make a partial refund of registration fees, we will be extending guaranteed race slots to every 2020 Team wishing to commit themselves to the 2021 Grand Traverse Ski (registration fees will apply).
Many of you have already offered to let us keep your entry fee to support our programs. This is the kindest thing you can do for our non-profit organization, and we have been astounded by this generosity. If you have the resources, and wish to support our programs, we will graciously accept your donation and provide a receipt acknowledging your donation for tax purposes.
We understand that many of you have already realized great costs for the event, and that you, too, are facing uncertain times right now. We are currently determining the maximum refund possible, and you will have a chance to request a refund in our next email.
We will do our best to respond to inquiries, but please understand that we may not be able to respond in a timely manner. We are managing a complex situation with minimal staff at this time.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Sincerely,
Crested Butte Nordic Staff & Board of Directors
Entry Fee – $420/Team
Early Registration Opportunities:
During the month of October, we provide two opportunities to secure a spot in the Grand Traverse Ski before registration opens to the public on December 1st.
Triple Crown Priority Registration
25 team entries are reserved for Triple Crown contenders. One, or both, ski teammates who commit themselves to competing in all three GT events in one year: Ski, Run, and Bike.
Charity Team Registration
20 slots are reserved for teams committed to racing for a charitable cause.
Refund Policy:
December 1st – January 31st – 75% Refund of Team Registration
February 1st – February 29th – 50% Refund of Team Registration
March 1st – March 21st – 25% Refund of Team Registration
Teammate Change
$25 processing fee.
Change deadline is March 25th.
October 1, 2019
Triple Crown and Charity Team registration opens
December 1, 2019
Online General Registration Opens
Friday – March 27, 2020
Athlete Clearance & Vendor Expo – Lodge at Mountaineer Square Ballroom
Noon to 5 p.m.
Saturday – March 28, 2020
Athlete Clearance & Vendor Expo –Lodge at Mountaineer Square Ballroom
8:30 a.m. to 12 Noon
Complimentary Athlete Lunch – Lodge at Mountaineer Square Ballroom
Noon to 1 p.m.
Mandatory Racer Meeting – Lodge at Mountaineer Square Ballroom
1 – 2 p.m.
Mandatory Pre-Start Check – Beacon Check & SPOT Distribution
Lodge at Mountaineer Square Ballroom
10:30 p.m. to 11:45 p.m.
Blessing of The Freeheeler’s – Crested Butte Mountain Resort Base Area
11:55 p.m.
Sunday – March 29, 2020
Race Start – Crested Butte Mountain Resort Base Area
12 a.m.
Aspen Race Finish – Aspen Mountain Gondola Plaza
6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Podium Ceremony – Aspen Mountain Gondola Plaza
2:00 p.m.
Post-Race Raffle – Aspen Brewing Company
4 to 5 p.m.
Awards Banquet – Mountain Chalet Aspen Poolside Room
5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Information is subject to change. For the safety of racers and volunteers, weather and snow conditions may require a change in the race start time or location, the official course, or race rules – or may lead to cancellation.
The listed gear are the essentials required to race, however teams should exercise their own backcountry sense as to what supplementary gear they may wish to carry.
We offer group clinics and personal coaching to help you get to Aspen.
* Denotes “Reverse” Course
2019
2018*
2017
2016*
2015
2014*
2013
2012
2011
2010*
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
1st Place – Dave Penny / Geo Bullock 8:17:00
2000
1st Place – Jimmy Faust / Pat O’Neill 8:32:00
1999*
1st Place – Jimmy Faust / Pat O’Neill 6:51:33
1998
1st Place – Travis Moore / Pierre Willie 8:31:50
