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 @ 12:01 AM
Cost per team – $400
Early Registration Opportunities
During the month of October, we provide two opportunities to secure a spot in the Grand Traverse before registration opens to the public on December 1st.
Triple Crown Priority Registration
50 spots are reserved for Triple Crown Competitors who compete in all three GT events in one year: Ski, Run, and Bike.
Charity Team Registration
15 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 18th – 25% Refund of Team Registration
Teammate Change
$25 processing fee.
Change deadline is March 18th.
October 1, 2017
Triple Crown and Charity Team registration opens
December 1, 2017
General Registration Opens
Thursday – March 22, 2018
Athlete Clearance & Vendor Expo – Lodge at Mountaineer Square Ballroom
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday – March 23, 2018
Athlete Clearance & Vendor Expo – Lodge at Mountaineer Square Ballroom
8:30 a.m. to 12 Noon
Mandatory Racer Meeting – Lodge at Mountaineer Square Ballroom
1 – 2 p.m.
Mandatory Pre-Race Briefing – 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 24, 2018
Race Start – Crested Butte Mountain Resort Base Area
12 a.m.
Aspen Race Finish
6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Podium Ceremony
2:00 p.m.
Post-Race Raffle – Ute Mountaineer
4 to 5 p.m.
Awards Banquet – Aspen Elks Lodge (Upstairs, 510 E. Hyman Ave. )
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.
