This hearty backcountry ski race is a 40-mile traverse from Crested Butte to Aspen over Colorado’s rugged Elk Mountains. Did we mention that it’s unsupported and runs through the night? With an elevation gain of 7,800 feet, finishing times range from 8 to 16 hours and participants must travel in teams of two and carry the necessary gear for a 24-hour bivouac. For safety reasons, the exact course is not finalized until race day and typically starts at midnight so skiers can reach Star Pass (12,303 feet) before the warmth of the day increases avalanche risk.
The race, also known as the “Elk Mountains Grand Traverse,” was conceived in 1998 based on the historical mail routes that connected the two Colorado mining towns in the 1880’s. Registration for this year’s event opened on December 1 and costs $400 per team plus $15 to link to your emergency SPOT device to the system (or $40 to rent one). The Grand Traverse benefits Crested Butte Nordic and a number of other causes.
For more information, visit www.elkmountainstraverse.com.