The Grand Traverse

Name: The Grand Traverse
Rating: 5.0

5.0 ( 2 )

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Trail

37.3 mile 60.0 kilometer point to point
Ski Line
Difficult

Elevation

Ascent: 6,852' 2,089 m
Descent: -8,264' -2,519 m
High: 12,389' 3,776 m
Low: 8,031' 2,448 m

Grade

Avg Slope: 8% (4°)
Max Slope: 33% (18°)

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Trail shared by Tom Robson

Avalanche risk for Apr 30, 2019: Moderate

Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern. Natural avalanches unlikely; human-triggered avalanches possible.

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

Avy tweets from @CAICgunnison

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Weather

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Current ascent conditions

Unknown See History

Popular ski lines nearby

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Saint Kevin's Gulch North

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

— Tom Robson

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.

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.