The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
“We see ourselves as stewards of this tradition”
“The Crested Butte Nordic Center is assuming responsibility for the Elk Mountains Grand Traverse,” announced Keith Bauer, executive director of the Nordic Center.
The announcement marked the completion of more than a year of discussions between the Crested Butte Nordic Center board and race founder and long-time race director Jan Runge.
The Elk Mountains Grand Traverse is a 40-mile backcountry ski race between the towns of Crested Butte and Aspen. Starting at midnight from Crested Butte—often in sub-zero temperatures—racers traverse the Elk Mountains, climbing more than 7,800 vertical feet and navigating in a self-supported backcountry race that tests them physically and mentally. Held annually since 1998, the race is based on the tradition of mail routes that connected the mining towns of Crested Butte and Aspen in the 1880s.
“The Elk Mountains Grand Traverse isn’t just one of the world’s toughest and most exciting races. It’s also an important tradition linking Crested Butte and Aspen. It’s earned a reputation as a true test of mental and physical toughness for local, national and elite international athletes,” observed Bauer. “We see ourselves as stewards of this tradition.”
Asked what plans the Nordic Center has in mind for the race, Bauer responded, “Our number one goal is to put on a safe and operationally flawless race. We want racers, fans, sponsors and race volunteers to know that we are committed to producing a quality event.”
Since the inception of the Elk Mountains Grand Traverse, race organizers have relied on hundreds of local volunteers to run a successful race. Volunteer commitments range from a morning at race day registration to weeks spent in the backcountry evaluating snow safety and course conditions.
To help ensure a smooth transition of the race, Runge and other former race organizers will put their years of race experience to work consulting with the Nordic Center as preparations for the 2012 race get under way.
“My team and I ran this race for 15 years and we’re proud of what we’ve achieved—and what the race means to the community,” said Runge. “The race has benefited the Crested Butte Nordic Center since its inception and it’s been great to see them grow to the point where they can take over the reins.”
