Established in 1998, the Elk Mountains Grand Traverse is a backcountry ski race where over 100 participants skied non-stop from Crested Butte to Aspen, Colorado. Of the route, 64 kilometers traversed through the wild snowfields of the Elk Mountains. Fatigue, pain, and sleep deprivation did not diminish their joy upon completing the traverse. Since then, the annually held Elk Mountains Grand Traverse has become a celebration for backcountry skiers.
Now in its 15th edition, the Elk Mountains Grand Traverse follows a traditional mail route connecting Crested Butte and Aspen in Colorado. The race begins at the Crested Butte Mountain Resort, situated at an elevation of 2,700 meters, and requires crossing two mountain passes and 64 kilometers of wilderness in the Elk Mountains. Participants are required to minimize their environmental impact, with the finish line located at the Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort. The race starts at midnight on Friday. Due to the high point of the traverse — Star Pass at 3,700 meters — and the long stretch of wilderness skiing, participants must race in teams of two and carry sufficient food and gear, including ski-mountaineering equipment, lightweight tents, stoves, fuel, avalanche beacons and rescue gear, first aid kits, and repair tools. The 16th Elk Mountains Grand Traverse will kick off on Friday, March 29, 2013, and has already attracted more than 200 backcountry skiing enthusiasts from around the world.
The Ouray Ice Park in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado is the largest ice climbing park in the U.S., just a one-hour drive from Telluride and six hours from Denver International Airport. Built within a natural canyon, the park features 14 ice climbing areas with over 200 routes and mixed climbing terrain suitable for all levels, from beginners to experts. Winter climbing guides in the San Juan Mountains can lead visitors through a two-day beginner course to learn the basics of ice climbing.
The annual Ouray Ice Festival, held every January, is the world’s largest outdoor ice climbing event. Launched in 1996 by climbing pioneer Jeff Lowe, the four-day festival hosts over 100 activities and attracts more than 3,000 ice climbing enthusiasts, including top climbers from around the globe. The festival also features an ice climbing gear expo, showcasing and allowing hands-on experiences with the latest equipment, along with more than 75 climbing seminars. Special programs include kids’ ice climbing experiences, adaptive ice climbing for people with disabilities, and various cultural events centered around ice climbing.
Outdoor Research’s climbing ambassador Kyle Dempster has consistently performed at a high level in the elite division of the Ouray Ice Festival in recent years. Meanwhile, Pete Davis, a disabled climber sponsored by Outdoor Research, serves as the ambassador for the adaptive ice climbing experience at the festival.
Charlie Lozner, Marketing Director at Outdoor Research, stated that both the Elk Mountains Grand Traverse and the Ouray Ice Festival are premier winter events. Outdoor Research is committed to creating outstanding products and supporting various outdoor adventures, which is why the brand sponsors these two ice and snow activities. “I can’t think of a better way to align so closely with our brand mission.”
Charlie Lozner, Market Director of Outdoor Research, said that the Elk Mountain Traverse and the Ouray International Ice Festival are both top-tier winter ice and snow events. Outdoor Research strives to create excellent products that support and promote various outdoor adventures, which is why we sponsor these two ice and snow activities. I can’t think of a better way to align so closely with our brand mission.