The Elk Mountain Grand Traverse is a world-class, one of a kind backcountry race where racers ski in teams from Crested Butte to Aspen, 40 miles through the mountains on their own power. Climbing over 7,800 vertical feet while combing through the Rocky’s Elk Mountain Range’s challenging terrain, on the way they must defeat Death Path, a steep cliff where losing traction means sliding down 200 feet into a frigid creek. So dangerous is it that each team must carry an emergency rescue beacon, as participants must find their own route to checkpoints. Sponsored by Gore-Tex, the race often takes up to 14 hours to complete. “Staying mentally alert at 4 a.m. and maintaining Zen with your partner are challenges that are often overlooked,” says Bryan Wickenhauser, race co-director and three-time winner.