Star Pass Archives | Stuck in the Rockies

Elk Mountains Grand Traverse

Mar 29, 2017

The 20th annual Elk Mountains Grand Traverse was this past weekend. It was the 15th time both Christy and I have completed this race, nine of which have been as a team.

At the start of every new season we like to set some goals, and we'll lay out a checklist of outings and activities we hope to complete. The goals aren't always written down and we might not always get to every one, but we try. Highland Bowl days, backcountry days, ski mountaineering days, rando races, ice climbing, the family ski trip, of course lift-accessed days (100?)— they’re all part of...

2015 Elk Mountains Grand Traverse

Mar 30, 2015

Christy and I completed another Elk Mountains Grand Traverse, our 14th, and 8th time as a coed duo. We just can't stay away. The annual ski race/pilgrimage From Crested Butte to Aspen started at midnight on Friday and sent 215 teams of two on the 40 mile journey. (more…)

Grand Traverse 2012

Apr 3, 2012

Put another Grand Traverse in the books. Having had a few days to think about the whole experience, the short answer is that it was a really good race. The weather was mild, there was no wind, and the sunrise was amazing. We got ourselves on the podium as the 3rd place in the co-ed category, Christy was the 3rd female overall to cross the finish line, and our time...

Orbiting Star

Mar 23, 2012

Last Saturday, Anda, Christy, and I went on a little St. Patrick's Day ski tour that circumnavigated our local Star Peak. The 20-mile "Star Peak Traverse" loop is a pretty obvious linkup of established local trails. Start at Ashcroft and head up towards the Tagert and Green-Wilson huts, following the snow covered jeep road all the way to Pearl Pass. (more…)

It’s Always Something

Mar 30, 2009

The 12th Annual Elk Mountain Grand Traverse was held this past weekend. Nearly 130 teams of two lined up for the midnight start at the Crested Butte High School, ready to make the 40 mile ski pilgrimage through the night to Aspen. This year's race was marked by single digit temperatures and driving winds up high which most participants took in stride, because anyone who has done this race knows--...