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.
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 11, 2026.
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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 15, 2026.
Registration for both training events opens December 1st!
Place
Crested Butte, CO US 81224
Frequently Asked Questions
Click the icon below to download the attached PDF.
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. Athletes must submit the Summer Grand Traverse Elite Entry Application by Friday, August 14th at 5 p.m. 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 by Tuesday, August 18th at 5 p.m. Please note that elite athletes are still expected to pay for their entry fees.
Click here for the Elite Racer Application for the Run and Bike.
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 14th to register with the selected Team Name and pay the other half of the registration fee. Incomplete teams after December 14th will forfeit their entry.
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.
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
