Name: The Grand Traverse
Rating: 5.0

The Grand Traverse

Conditions

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History

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Full forecast for CAIC: Gunnison — Brought to you by CO Avalanche Information Center

Avy tweets from @CAICgunnison

“The Grand Traverse is a backcountry ski race from Crested Butte to Aspen, Colorado.”

— Tom Robson

Driving Directions GPX File

Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

To ensure participant safety, racers must have a partner, carry mandatory gear, and start the race at midnight when avalanche danger is low.

Overview

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Need to Know

If you're interested in racing this epic, click here.

Description

The Grand Traverse is the most time-honored backcountry ski race in North America. Racers compete in teams of two to ensure safety along the remote route. At the strike of midnight, racers set off from the base of Crested Butte Mountain Resort for a starlight ski journey to Aspen. Ascending both Star and Taylor Pass', racers will climb close to 8000' and travel more than 40 miles to complete the course.

Due to weather and snow safety considerations, the exact course cannot be finalized until race day. Race organizers may change the course based on snow conditions, weather or other safety concerns. In extreme circumstances, the course may be modified to finish in Crested Butte rather than in Aspen. The final course will be determined and described to racers at the Mandatory Race Meeting.

Contacts

Local Club: Crested Butte Nordic

Nov 5, 2018: First Trail Report for Season 2018-19

Apr 9, 2018: Bridges HELP

Apr 7, 2018: FINAL TRAIL REPORT UPDATE FOR APRIL 7TH, 2018

Land Manager: USFS - White River National Forest Office

Nov 7, 2018: Early snow prompts Vail Pass Area to open early to snowmobiles

Nov 4, 2018: Pile burning to begin in Baylor Park area and near Crooked Creek Pass

Nov 1, 2018: Forest Service seeking Winter Wildlife Volunteers

Full Details

Trail Ratings

5.0 from 2 votes

#1

in Crested Butte Mountain Resort

#5

Overall

5.0 from 2 votes

5 Star		100%
4 Star		0%
3 Star		0%
2 Star		0%
1 Star		0%

Rankings

#1

in Crested Butte Mountain…

#5

in Colorado

#5

Overall

424 Views Last Month

8,711 Since Nov 12, 2015

Difficult

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Add a Photo

Photos

Skiers descending the backside Star Pass.

Ascending Star with epic stars overhead.

Waiting at the start in CB.

Grand Traverse Finish in Aspen.

37.3 Miles 60.0 Kilometers Ski Line	6,852' 2,089 m Ascent -8,264' -2,519 m Descent
8% Avg Slope (4°) 33% Max Slope (18°)	12,389' 3,776 m High 8,031' 2,448 m Low

The Grand Traverse

37.3 Miles 60.0 Kilometers

Ski Line

6,852' 2,089 m

-8,264' -2,519 m

8%

33%

12,389' 3,776 m

8,031' 2,448 m

Shared By Tom Robson

Conditions