The Grand Traverse 2026 — Crested Butte, CO

Date
March 29, 2026
Location
Crested Butte, CO
Venue
620 2nd Street
Start Time
12:00 AM
Entry Fee
$205.00 – $665.00
Events
Ski, Run, Bike, Triple Crown, Dual Sport
Includes
GT Ski T-Shirt | GT Summer T-Shirt | GT T- Shirt
View RegistrationOfficial Race Website

On March 29, 2026, The Grand Traverse takes place in Crested Butte, Colorado at 620 2nd Street. This multi-sport event offers 40-mile and 80-mile distances and combines running, mountain biking, skiing, and duathlon and triathlon disciplines. Entry fees range from $205 to $665 depending on the distance and format you select. The race starts at midnight, making this an overnight endurance challenge that tests your ability to navigate multiple disciplines across significant distances. Athletes should plan accommodations well in advance, as Crested Butte can fill quickly during racing season. This venue caters to experienced endurance athletes comfortable with mixed-terrain racing and extended time on course.

From the Race Organizer
The Elk Mountains Grand Traverse was conceived by Jan Runge in the 1990s. The race’s genesis was partially based on the historical mail routes that connected the Colorado mining towns of Crested Butte and Aspen in the 1880s. It also drew inspiration from the Patrouille des Glaciers, a point-to-point ski race in Switzerland which Runge had become familiar with in the 80s. In 1998, with the help of the community, Runge sent a brave field of competitors from Crested Butte, over the Elk Mountains, to Aspen. It worked, and the Extraordinary Backcountry Ski Race was born. In 2012, event ownership was transferred to Crested Butte Nordic. The race is now a major fundraiser for the organization. In 2014 the Grand Traverse summer events were launched. Now the Grand Traverse features a winter ski race, a summer mountain run, and a mountain bike race.

Hotels Near This Race

Find accommodation close to the start line in Crested Butte, CO. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.

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The Grand Traverse 2026 — Crested Butte, CO

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Race Travel Insurance

Don't forget travel insurance for March 29.

You've trained for months and booked a trip to Crested Butte, CO. A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing. Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it, and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run 5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no additional coverage needed.

  • Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
  • Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
  • Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
  • Emergency medical up to $250,000
  • Cancel For Any Reason add-on available
  • 24/7 real-time support
Get a Quote — Faye Travel Insurance

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Coverage terms vary by state and plan. Review policy details before purchase.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is The Grand Traverse 2026 — Crested Butte, CO?

The Grand Traverse 2026 — Crested Butte, CO takes place on March 29, 2026. The race is held in Crested Butte, Colorado.

Where is The Grand Traverse 2026 — Crested Butte, CO held?

The Grand Traverse 2026 — Crested Butte, CO is held at 620 2nd Street in Crested Butte, Colorado.

Where can I find hotels near The Grand Traverse 2026 — Crested Butte, CO?

RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Crested Butte. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.