The Alley Loop!

The most unique nordic marathon and costume party around.
February 1, 2025

A tropical parade skis through the alleys of Crested Butte.

The Alley Loop is not your typical Nordic Marathon. It is both a premier American Birkebeiner Qualifying event and Crested Butte’s most outrageous costume party of the year! The course winds through snowy streets, alleyways, and narrow bridges through the heart of downtown Crested Butte. Once you make it through town, you are rewarded with pristine tracks and exhilarating vistas throughout the Crested Butte Nordic trail network.

If you like normal, you may want to look for another race. If you are up for anything… this is right up your alley!

Registration opens on October 1st.

Register!

Questions? Contact events@cbnordic.org.

Skiers make their way up the first big hill and onto the West Side trails.

Find all the details in the Alley Loop racer manual.

2024 Racer Manual

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2025

8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Wax Service Drop-Off
Crested Butte Nordic Center
- Please drop off your skis as early as possible.
3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – Registration & Bib Pick-Up
Center for the Arts
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2025

7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. – Wax Service Ski Pick-up
Crested Butte Nordic Center in the “Cat Barn”
7:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Late Bib Pick-Up
No Day of Registration
Center for the Arts
9:00 a.m. – 9:55 a.m. – 42k / 21k / 10k Race Starts
12:45 p.m. – Adaptive 10K Race Start
1:00 p.m. – 5k Race Start, Competitive Division
1:05 p.m. – 5k Race Start, Recreational Division
1:10 p.m. – 1.5k & 3k Youth Race Start
1:30 p.m. – Award Ceremonies on Elk Ave.
- 42k/21k/10k/5k/3k/1.5k
3:00 p.m. – Finish Line Cut-Off
3:30 p.m. – 10k Sit Ski Awards on Elk Ave.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2025

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – USCSA Collegiate Race Starts
- 5k Classic Interval
9:00 a.m. – 42K Classic (3rd Lap CUT-OFF 12:00 p.m.)
9:05 a.m. – 21K Classic
9:15 a.m. – 42K Skate (3rd Lap CUT-OFF 12:05 p.m.)
9:30 a.m. – 21K Skate Wave Starts
- 9:30 a.m. – Wave A: Under 1:35
- 9:35 a.m. – Wave B: 1:35-2:00
- 9:40 a.m. – Wave C: 2:01-3:30
9:50 a.m. – 10K Competitive Division
9:55 a.m. – 10K Recreational Division
12:45 p.m. – 10K Adaptive Race
1:00 p.m. – 5K Competitive Division
1:05 p.m. – 5k Recreational Division
1:10 p.m. – 1.5K & 3K Youth Race
3:00 p.m. – Finish Line Cut-Off
Limited quantity of Wax Service Reservations are offered by Boulder Nordic Sport.
Reservations can be made through Online Race Registration, or email events@cbnordic.org
Non-Fluoro Race Wax – $75
Application of base layer glide wax + liquid race glide wax (non-fluoro).
*Kick wax will not be applied to classic skis.
– Drop Off & Pick Up Process –
Skis should be dropped off at the CB Nordic Center Front Desk, Alley Loop week – 8 AM to 6 PM.
The deadline to drop skis for service is Friday (1/31) at 10 a.m.
Finished skis will be available for pick-up:
Saturday (2/1), 7:00 AM, inside the CB Nordic “Cat Barn”
Those wishing to reserve equipment for the Alley Loop may do so through online through CB Nordic.
Anyone who has reserved equipment for the Alley Loop may pick up their equipment the evening before their race from 4:30 – 6:00 pm.
If you’d like to take advantage of this, please indicate your desire in the notes on your online reservation. Day-of event pick up is also allowed.
Equipment must be returned the day of your race by 5:00 p.m.
42k SKATE PURSE
– Top 3 Male & Female –
1st- $800
2nd- $500
3rd- $200
42k CLASSIC
– Top 3 Male & Female –
1st- $500
2nd- $250
3rd- $100
*All 42k skate finishers under 3 hours receive a Sub 3-Hour Marathon Achievement Bell
*All 42k classic finishers under 3.5 hours receive a Sub 3.5-Hour Marathon Achievement Medal
21k Skate Podium
– Top 3 Male & Female –
1st - $500
2nd - Fischer Prize Package
3rd - Fischer Prize Package
21k Classic Podium
– Top 3 Male & Female –
1st - $200
2nd - Fischer Prize Package
3rd - Fischer Prize Package
10k & 5k Podium
– Top 3 Male & Female –
1st - Fischer Prize Package
2nd - Fischer Prize Package
3rd - Fischer Prize Package
1k & 3k Youth
Every participant awarded a Alley Loop Vinyl Sticker
Top 3 Male & Female – Podium Medal
Age Class Awards
42k, 21k, 10k & 5k
Winners receive a Commemorative Pint Glass
Age Categories
8 – 15
16 – 19
20 – 29
30 – 39
40 – 49
50 – 59
60 – 69
70 – 79
80+
1k & 3k Youth:
Winners receive a commemorative Prize
Age Categories
1 – 7
8 – 11
12 – 14
Costume Awards
An official panel of judges will document costumes displayed on course. Curated prize packages from local businesses will be presented to outstanding group and individual costumes.
2024 / 2024 Club Clash
2023 / 2023 Club Clash
2022 / 2022 Nordic Club Clash
2021 / 2021 Super Loop / 2021 1k/3k Youth
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008