Events
Ski
Run
Bike
Triple Crown
Dual Sport
Race Website
Additional race information can be found at https://www.cbnordic.org/thegrandtraverse.
Description
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.
Note on Pricing and Tracking Services
We will be using MAProgress tracking services for all 2027 Grand Traverse events. A tracker is mandatory gear.
If you own your own tracking device, you will need to link it through MAProgress at no cost. However, you will be responsible for your device’s subscription fee. Please note that your subscription must include live tracking with a map update sent every 10 minutes.
If you prefer to rent a tracking device from MAProgress, the rental cost is $45, paid directly to MAProgress.
We will communicate with racers leading up to each event to coordinate either device linking or rental.
For the GT Ski, only one teammate per team will need to link or rent a tracking device.
Training Events!
Training for the Grand Traverse? Time to spice up your prep with some grassroot butt-kickers that’ll get your legs (and lungs) ready for the GT!
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Grin & Bear It – Test your grit with a classic Crested Butte sufferfest: a trail run (15k or 25k) plus a mountain bike to Green Lake. Technical terrain, steep climbs, and serious bragging rights. Mark your calendar: July 10, 2027.
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Gothic Mountain Tour – Who needs chocolates when you can crush vert? Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a lap around Gothic Mountain in this iconic ski mo race. Choose from the Competitive or Recreational divisions and test out your gear before GT weekend. February 14, 2027.
Registration for the GMT opens October 1st, and December 1st for the Grin and Bear It.
Dynamic Duo!
Point-to-point races can be a logistical puzzle- so why not tag-team it this year? Introducing the Dynamic Duo! Grab a partner, and split the challenge: one runs on Saturday, the other bikes on Sunday. Your times get combined, and the fastest duo takes home the glory (and the Dynamic Duo award).
How to register:
Runner signs up for the run.
Biker signs up for the bike.
One of you signs the team up for the Dynamic Duo division.
Prizes:
Podium spots (and prizes!) go to the fastest men’s, women’s, and co-ed teams.
If you already registered and would like to add this to your racer profile, follow these steps:
Sign into your Run Sign Up Account --> My Races--> Grand Traverse --> Manage Add Ons--> Pay the fee and complete the custom questions to identify your team. Questions, email events@cbnordic.org.
Elite Racer Info
The Grand Traverse will allocate up to 5 competitive entries per gender in the Trail Run and Mountain Bike events to create a competitive field in each event as space allows. Athletes must submit the Summer Grand Traverse Elite Entry Application by July 1st, 2027. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis (submit your application early). Entries are at the sole discretion of the Race Director, and athletes will be notified of all decisions on July 8th. Please note that elite athletes are still expected to pay for their entry fees. Late applications will not be accepted.
Click here for the Elite Racer Application for the Run and Bike.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs can be found in the attachment, but we strongly encourage all racers to read the Racer Manual before registering. The manual includes important information about the required gear, terrain, and overall event expectations, helping you arrive prepared and know what to expect.
Racer Manuals can be found on the event website.
Click the icon below to download the attached PDF.
Teammate Registration Information
Ski Team Registration - Only one partner needs to initiate registration. Partner A will sign up, create a Team Name, and pay half the registration fee. Partner B then has until December 15th to register with the selected Team Name and pay the other half of the registration fee. Incomplete teams after December 15th will forfeit their entry.
Place
Crested Butte, CO US 81224
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
