Colorado
Elk Mountains Grand Traverse
About this ski route
The Grand Traverse crosses the Elk Mountains from Crested Butte to Aspen, roughly forty miles with about 6,800 feet of climbing, and it is done as a race at midnight every spring as well as by touring parties over two or three days. The line goes up Brush Creek, past Friend’s Hut, over Star Pass, across to Taylor Pass and down Richmond Ridge into Aspen. It is committing terrain with no road access in the middle.
Crested Butte to Aspen over Star Pass and Taylor Pass, the classic Colorado ski traverse.
Highlights
What earns the trip
- One of the best-known ski traverses in North America
- Friend’s Hut, a memorial hut in the middle of the range
- Star Pass and Taylor Pass in a single crossing
- Finishes by skiing into Aspen from above
Stops
- 1
Crested Butte Mountain Resort
The traditional start, at the base area.
- 2
Friend's Hut
Backcountry memorial hut below Star Pass.
- 3
Taylor Pass
The second major pass, above 11,900 feet.
- 4
Aspen Mountain
The finish, skiing down into town.
When to go
Best time to go
Late March and April, when the snowpack has consolidated and days are long.
Planner estimate for the mapped line: 1h 51m
Before you go
Know before you go
- This is avalanche terrain the entire way. Beacon, shovel, probe and the training to use them are mandatory.
- There is no road access between the two towns. A party has to be self-sufficient.
- Hut space must be reserved separately and does not come with the route.
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