MT. CRESTED BUTTE TO ASPEN
August 30, 2025
The Grand Traverse Mountain Run is a point-to-point ultra marathon from Crested Butte to Aspen, Colorado. The course follows the route of the Grand Traverse Backcountry Ski race. Runners travel 40 miles across the Elk Mountains with over 6,000′ of elevation gain.
The Grand Traverse is operated as a fundraising event for Crested Butte Nordic, a 501(c)(3) recreational non-profit organization.
Triple Crown and priority registration opens at midnight on Sunday, November 17th.
General registration for the ski, run, and bike opens at midnight on Sunday, December 1st.
Questions? Contact events@cbnordic.org.
REGISTRATION
Registration for the 2025 Grand Traverse opens on Sunday, December 1st, at midnight. Per our Forest Service permits, the run is capped at 350 individuals. Historically, it sells out in late winter. Though we will maintain a waitlist, we recommend registering promptly if you wish to race in 2025.
Individuals wishing to enter 2025 Grand Traverse Triple Crown competition may gain guaranteed entry into the Ski event through priority pre-registration beginning November 17, 2024. See the Triple Crown page for more details.
POLICIES, DATES, and DEADLINES
We do not offer race entry refunds or transfers between participants.
We strongly recommend purchasing Racer Protection at registration. Racer Protection covers your registration purchase in the event that you cannot attend the event due to unforeseen circumstances (injury, illness, loss of a job, etc.). You can find more information on Racer Protection on the Run Sign Up registration page.
We will operate a traditional waitlist. As numbers allow, the Race Director will contact waitlisted teams with an event registration link. The waitlist and registration will close about two weeks prior to race day.
THE COURSE
This is a 40-mile point-to-point event. If you preview any part of the course, be prepared for a long day out in the alpine.
MANDATORY GEAR
Runners are required to carry the following gear:
waterproof windshield with hood
hat or buff
gloves
The listed gear are the essentials required to race. However, every athlete should exercise their own backcountry sense as to what supplementary gear they may wish to pack.
A Colorado Outdoor Search and Rescue Card (or a current Colorado hunting/fishing license) is required to participate in any Grand Traverse race. You will have to show proof of purchase at bib pick-up. Do this ahead of time and save yourself the headache. This $5 supports Colorado Search and Rescue and offers great protection in the unlikely case of a backcountry rescue.
DROP BAGS & AID STATIONS
There are five aid stations on the run course. Drop bags will be available at the Taylor Pass aid station (mile 23.5) and at the finish line.
SHUTTLES
We offer a post-race shuttle from Aspen back to Crested Butte. Spots are limited. The shuttle leaves Ajax Park at 6 p.m. We also offer bike transport for dual sport athletes.
Shuttles and bike transportation will be available to book on Run Sign Up at registration.
PRIZE PURSE
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Male and Female Podium Cash Awards:
1st Place - $1,000
2nd Place - $700
3rd Place - $400
Podium winners, age group winners, and randomly selected finishers will receive product awards.
RESULTS
VOLUNTEER
This race takes a village. We rely on our amazing community of volunteers. Volunteer roles will be posted starting December 1st.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
FRIDAY, August 29, 2025
Bib Pick-up, Registration, and Athlete Expo | Crested Butte Nordic Center
1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.Run Racer Briefing (not mandatory) | Crested Butte Nordic Center
6:00 p.m.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 30, 2025
Run Race Start | 35 Emmons Rd. (CBMR Parking Lot ), Mt. Crested Butte
6:00 a.m.Run Finish Line | Ajax Park – 1001 S. Ute Ave, Aspen, CO
12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
IMPORTANT: All information is subject to change. For the safety of racers and volunteers, weather conditions may require a change in the race start time or location, the official course, or race rules – or may lead to cancellation.
Looking for a training race. Join us for the Grin & Bear It Trail Run in Crested Butte!
July 12, 2025
The Grin & Bear It is Crested Butte’s oldest trail challenge. Historically presented as a sprint to Green Lake and back, this classic event has evolved to offer a 25k Loop competition while still maintaining the traditional 15k race.
