Name: The Grand Traverse
Rating: 5.0

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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.

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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.