The Grand Traverse is a series of point-to-point backcountry ultra marathon races between Crested Butte and Aspen, Colorado. Including the Winter ski mountaineering, Summer mountain run, and Summer mountain bike races.
Photographer: Chris Miller
Preparing for the Grand Traverse Race Day is no easy feat, but with the right gear and mindset, you can take on this challenge with confidence. You’ve already put in the training hours and miles, but now it’s time to ensure that you have all of the gear for a safe and successful race. At Ute Mountaineer, we know that having the proper gear is crucial for any adventure, and our gear enthusiasts have compiled a list of offerings we have in store that will help you race hard and have fun while doing so!
However, before we dive into the gear list, it’s crucial to make sure your gear is in working, race-worthy order. Our shop techs are available to check your skis and bindings to ensure they’re race-day-ready. You can also find the list of mandatory race day gear for this season here to confirm you have everything you need.
One must-have item for the Grand Traverse is extra climbing skins (two pairs are required per/person and 1 extra pair is recommended per/team). You never know when you might need them, and having a backup pair can be a game-changer. A neck and face protector such as a buff or neck gaiter is another essential item, especially in high-wind situations. Eye protection such as sunglasses or goggles will keep your eyes safe from the glare of the sun, wind, and snow.
For base layers, we recommend synthetic or wool materials to wick away moisture and keep you warm. It’s also essential to have emergency insulation such as a puffer jacket in case of unexpected weather changes. A windshell that is both wind and waterproof is also a must-have item.
You should pack two pairs of extra socks for the race, and make sure to avoid cotton as it retains moisture. Gloves are another critical item, and we suggest bringing to pairs, one insulated and one not. A warm hat made of wool or synthetic materials will help keep your head and ears warm throughout the race.
Food and water are crucial to ensure you stay energized and hydrated throughout the race. We recommend bringing snack bars, hydration/electrolyte mixes, and dehydrated foods. Don’t forget to bring a headlamp as well, with an extra one per team, and make sure they’re in good working condition.
For the team gear, you’ll need to have at least one of the following items per team, a cooking stove (no solid fuel), cooking fuel, cooking pot, duct tape, 2mm cord, extra headlamp + batteries, first aid kit (we sell kits in a carry pouch that qualify for the race), blister kit (separate from First Aid/Trauma kit - we have a kit called Blister Medic), sunscreen, and a SPOT or Garmin InReach tracking device. We carry Garmin Inreach Mini and SPOT gen 4, both of which qualify for the race. Rentals are also available at Lodge at Mountaineer Square in Crested Butte at 10:30 pm.
We hope this last-minute gear check helps you prepare for race day! As your local speciality gear store, we are always here to help you have a safe and stoke-worthy adventure. When in doubt, never hesitate to stop by our shop and talk over your gear needs with our staff! That’s what we’re here for after all. We wish you the best of luck, and we’ll see you at the finish line!