An Extraordinary Backcountry Ski Race
The Grand Traverse is a backcountry ski race from Crested Butte to Aspen, Colorado. Competitors travel 40 miles over the Elk Mountains, climbing over 6,800 vertical feet. To ensure their safety, racers must have a partner, carry mandatory gear, and start at midnight when avalanche danger is low.
Info
General Registration – Opens December 1st, 2018 @ 12:01 AM MST
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
25 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 28th – 50% Refund of Team Registration
March 1st – March 24th – 25% Refund of Team Registration
Teammate Change
$25 processing fee.
Change deadline is March 24th.
October 1, 2018
Triple Crown and Charity Team registration opens
December 1, 2018
Online General Registration Opens
Thursday – March 28, 2019
Athlete Clearance & Vendor Expo – Elevation Hotel
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday – March 29, 2019
Athlete Clearance & Vendor Expo – Elevation Hotel
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.
Saturday – March 30, 2019
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 – Ute Mountaineer
4 to 5 p.m.
Awards Banquet – Location TBD
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.
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 Moor / Pierre Willie 8:31:50
* Denotes “Reverse” GT course
