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 is open! Prices increase on November 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.

2025 Racer Manual

SCHEDULE

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2025

Wax Service Drop-Off | Crested Butte Nordic Center
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Registration & Bib Pick-Up | Center for the Arts
11:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2025

Wax Service Ski Pick-up | Crested Butte Nordic Center in the “Outpost”
7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Late Bib Pick-Up | Center for the Arts
7:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
42k / 21k / 10k Race Starts | Elk Avenue
9:00 a.m. - 9:55 a.m.
Adaptive 10k Race Start | Elk Avenue
11:00 a.m.
5k Race Start, Competitive Division | Elk Avenue
1:00 p.m.
5k Race Start, Recreational Division | Elk Avenue
1:05 p.m.
1.5k & 3k Youth Race Start | Elk Avenue
1:15 p.m.
Award Ceremonies | Elk Avenue
2:30 p.m.
Finish Line Cut-Off | Elk Avenue
3:00 p.m.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2025

USCSA Collegiate Race Starts, 5k Classic Interval
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

START TIMES (tentative)

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.)

9:25 a.m. – 21K Skate Wave Starts

9:20 a.m. - Collegiate Wave
9:25 a.m. – Wave A: Under 1:35
9:30 a.m. – Wave B: 1:35-2:00
9:35 a.m. – Wave C: 2:01-3:30

9:45 a.m. – 10K Competitive Division

10:30 a.m. – 10K Recreational Division

11:00 a.m. – 10K Sit Ski

1:00 p.m. – 5K Competitive Division

1:05 p.m. – 5k Recreational Division

1:15 p.m. – 1.5K & 3K Youth Race

3:00 p.m. – Finish Line Cut-Off

WAX SERVICE

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.

Skis should be dropped off at the CB Nordic Center Front Desk during Alley Loop week between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

The deadline to drop skis for service is Friday (1/31) at 10 a.m.

Finished skis will be available for pick-up on Saturday, February 1st at 7:00 a.m. in the CB Nordic Cat Barn.

RENTAL SKIS

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.

Serious youth competition on Elk Avenue.

AWARDS

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.