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


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Map Key

37.3

Miles

60.0

KM

Ascent

12,389' 3,776 m

High

8,031' 2,448 m

Low

6,852' 2,089 m

Up

8,264' 2,519 m

Down

8%

Avg Slope (4°)

33%

Max Slope (18°)
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.

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

Shared By:

Tom Robson with improvements by Thomas Beatty

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 4 votes

#2

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  5.0 from 4 votes
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#2

in Colorado

#2

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Photos

Skiers descending the backside Star Pass.
Nov 12, 2015 near Aspen, CO
Ascending Star with epic stars overhead.
Nov 12, 2015 near Aspen, CO
Waiting at the start in CB.
Nov 12, 2015 near Crested…, CO
Grand Traverse Finish in Aspen.
Nov 12, 2015 near Aspen, CO

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Check-Ins

Apr 21, 2022
Jason Test 2
Apr 2, 2022
Andrew Baldwin
First GT. Incredible experience. 37mi — 11h 40m
Mar 29, 2019
Cindi Hillemeyer
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