As the saying goes, “pinning the bib on” or something like that means race time. There’s not a ton of race coverage on WildSnow, but the site’s roots gel with the community-centric Grand Traverse ski race: Also known as the EMGT or Elk Mountain Grand Traverse. Through the forest and through the woods, and up and over mountain passes, the race skedattles from Crested Butte to Aspen in something like 40 miles give or take, linking two parts of a mountain range that remains core terrain for backcountry skiers/riders.
This 98th episode of the Totally Deep Podcast features the EMGT and a live recorded interview with Cam Smith. Smith holds the course record for the race with Tom Goth, winning last year’s race in 6:06:24. (Damn!)
Cam Smith, shown here, holds the EMGT course record with Tom Goth.
Smith talks about strategy, his evolution as a competitor, and his recent stint on the ISMF skimo World Cup.
If the Grand Traverse is new to you and you’d like more information, we’ll provide links below. You’ve got a bit less than a year to train up. Happy spring and happy winter storms pounding some parts of the West.
A screenshot of the race course from CB to Aspen.
Website Resources
1) A Grand Traverse Gone Awry.
2) WildSnow Recap of the 2021 Race.
3) Link to the Grand Traverse official homepage.
Video Resources
4) Mandatory Gear: Intro.
5) Mandatory Gear: Skis, boots, bindings, skins video.
6) Mandatory Gear: Layering and packs video.
7) Grand Traverse Mandatory Gear: Miscellaneous items and closing tips.
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While most of the WildSnow backcountry skiing blog posts are best attributed to a single author, some work well as done by the group.