Project Grand Traverse
Two working schlubs attempt to conquer one of North America’s most difficult backcountry ski races.
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
At the crack of midnight on Friday, March 28, Skiing editors Sam Bass and Kevin Luby will set out on a long and painful slog through the Colorado backcountry. Along with a couple hundred other participants, they’ll climb 7,800 feet and ski 40 miles through the Elk Mountains between Crested Butte and Aspen in a race called the Elk Mountain Grand Traverse. Sam, who is 38 and has been with Skiing for 10 years, and Kevin, a 27-year-old, four-year Skiing vet will be racing on different teams. Though finishing is the ultimate goal, pride and side bets will be on the line as the wily veteran and the young punk square off for this long walk on skis.
In the coming weeks, Skiing will follow their experiences as they train for the Elk Mountain Grand Traverse. The Project GT blog will be a firsthand account of how two Front Range desk jockeys with little experience in randonnée racing, and beer consumption habits that simply can’t be good for training, find the time and motivation to prepare for this grueling race. Hopefully it inspires you to get out of your comfort zone and do some exploring of your own.
Stay tuned on these channels for more on Project GT:
SkiingMag.com
Facebook.com/SkiingMag
Twitter.com/SkiingMag
Instagram.com/skiingmagazine
Left to right: Skiing‘s Editor-in-Chief Sam Bass and Senior Editor Kevin Luby
