The Grand Traverse
About the Event
The Elk Mountains Grand Traverse was conceived by Jan Runge in the 1990s. The race’s 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.
The The Grand Traverse brings an exciting Ultra to Crested Butte, Colorado on March 29, 2026. Don't miss this beautiful event!
Races Offered
Skiing
Ski
A backcountry ski race from Crested Butte to Aspen. NOTE: Entry fees are non-refundable. Entries cannot be deferred to another year.
Triathlon
Triple Crown
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.
Running
Run
A backcountry trail race from Crested Butte to Aspen. NOTE: Entry fees are non-refundable. Entries cannot be deferred to another year.
Duathlon
Dual Sport
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.
Mountain biking
Bike
A backcountry mountain bike race from Aspen to CB. NOTE: Entry fees are non-refundable. Entries cannot be deferred to another year.
About Crested Butte
The Grand Traverse takes place in Crested Butte, Colorado, United States. The local timezone is America/Denver.
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Race information has been sourced from the event's official website and other publicly available resources. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the official website directly. If you notice any incorrect or missing information, don't hesitate to reach out to us by email.
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