The Grand Traverse announced today its new partnerships with the GORE-TEX brand, beginning with the 2012 race.  W. L. Gore & Associates, a leader in innovative fabric for outdoor clothing with its well known GORE-TEX brand, will be the new Grand Traverse title sponsor for the event on March 30.

“Partnering alongside a company with the history of Gore makes sense on many levels.  They set the standard for outerwear comfort and protection.  It’s no coincidence that almost every athlete on the start line has some GORE-TEX fabric in his or her required gear.  The new GORE-TEX Active Shell, combined with the notoriously difficult weather conditions this course dishes out, will be put to the test by these fast and light competitors.  This race provides the perfect testing grounds for fabrics, clothing and outdoor gear. We look forward to a long-term relationship with Gore,“ said Bryan Wickenhauser, race co-director.

To get updates on the race, visit www.twitter.com/emgtskirace, and to follow the SPOT trackers live, visit http://www.elkmountainstraverse.com/ results/live-racking.

The Grand Traverse is a 40-mile backcountry ski race between the towns of Crested Butte and Aspen, Colo.  Starting at midnight from Crested Butte often in sub-zero temperatures racers traverse Colorado’s Elk Mountains, climbing more than 7,800 vertical feet and navigating in a self-supported backcountry race that tests them physically and mentally.  Held annually since 1998, the race is based on the tradition of mail routes that connected the Colorado mining towns of Crested Butte and Aspen in the 1880s.