The Alley Loop!

The most unique nordic marathon and costume party around.
February 1, 2025

A tropical parade skis through the alleys of Crested Butte.

The Alley Loop is not your typical Nordic Marathon. It is both a premier American Birkebeiner Qualifying event and Crested Butte’s most outrageous costume party of the year! The course winds through snowy streets, alleyways, and narrow bridges through the heart of downtown Crested Butte. Once you make it through town, you are rewarded with pristine tracks and exhilarating vistas throughout the Crested Butte Nordic trail network.

If you like normal, you may want to look for another race.  If you are up for anything… this is right up your alley!

Registration is open! Prices increase on November 1st.

Questions? Contact events@cbnordic.org.

Skiers make their way up the first big hill and onto the West Side trails.

Find all the details in the Alley Loop racer manual.

  • FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2025

    8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
    – Wax Service Drop-Off
    Crested Butte Nordic Center

    • Please drop off your skis as early as possible.

    11:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Registration & Bib Pick-Up 
    Center for the Arts

    SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2025

    7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m
    . – Wax Service Ski Pick-up
    Crested Butte Nordic Center in the “Outpost”

    7:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Late Bib Pick-Up 
    No Day of Registration
    Center for the Arts

    9:00 a.m. – 9:55 a.m. – 42k / 21k / 10k Race Starts

    11:00 a.m. – Adaptive 10K Race Start

    1:00 p.m. –  5k Race Start, Competitive Division

    1:05 p.m. –  5k Race Start, Recreational Division

    1:15 p.m. –  1.5k & 3k Youth Race Start

    2:30 p.m. – Award Ceremonies on Elk Ave.

    • 42k/21k/10k/5k/3k/1.5k

    3:00 p.m. – Finish Line Cut-Off

    SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2025

    9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – USCSA Collegiate Race Starts

    • 5k Classic Interval


  • 9:00 a.m. – 42K Classic  (3rd Lap CUT-OFF 12:00 p.m.)
    9:05 a.m. – 21K Classic
    9:15 a.m. – 42K Skate  (3rd Lap CUT-OFF 12:05 p.m.)
    9:25 a.m. – 21K Skate Wave Starts

    • 9:20 a.m. - Collegiate Wave

    • 9:25 a.m. – Wave A: Under 1:35

    • 9:30 a.m. – Wave B: 1:35-2:00

    • 9:35 a.m. – Wave C: 2:01-3:30

    9:45 a.m. – 10K Competitive Division
    10:30 a.m. – 10K Recreational Division
    11:00 a.m. – 10K Sit Ski
    1:00 p.m. – 5K Competitive Division
    1:05 p.m. – 5k Recreational Division
    1:15 p.m. – 1.5K & 3K Youth Race

    3:00 p.m. – Finish Line Cut-Off

  • Limited quantity of Wax Service Reservations are offered by Boulder Nordic Sport.

    Reservations can be made through Online Race Registration, or email events@cbnordic.org

    Non-Fluoro Race Wax – $75
    Application of base layer glide wax + liquid race glide wax (non-fluoro).

     *Kick wax will not be applied to classic skis.

    – Drop Off & Pick Up Process –

    Skis should be dropped off at the CB Nordic Center Front Desk, Alley Loop week – 8 AM to 6 PM.
    The deadline to drop skis for service is Friday (1/31) at 10 a.m.

    Finished skis will be available for pick-up:
    Saturday (2/1), 7:00 AM, inside the CB Nordic “Cat Barn”

  • Those wishing to reserve equipment for the Alley Loop may do so through online through CB Nordic.

    Anyone who has reserved equipment for the Alley Loop may pick up their equipment the evening before their race from 4:30 – 6:00 pm.

    If you’d like to take advantage of this, please indicate your desire in the notes on your online reservation. Day-of event pick up is also allowed.

    Equipment must be returned the day of your race by 5:00 p.m.

  • 42k SKATE PURSE
    – Top 3 Male & Female –

    1st- $800
    2nd- $500
    3rd- $200

    42k CLASSIC
    – Top 3 Male & Female –

    1st- $500
    2nd- $250
    3rd- $100

    *All 42k skate finishers under 3 hours receive a Sub 3-Hour Marathon Achievement Bell

    *All 42k classic finishers under 3.5 hours receive a Sub 3.5-Hour Marathon Achievement Medal

    21k Skate Podium
    – Top 3 Male & Female –

    1st - $500
    2nd - Fischer Prize Package
    3rd - Fischer Prize Package

    21k Classic Podium
    – Top 3 Male & Female –

    1st - $200
    2nd - Fischer Prize Package
    3rd - Fischer Prize Package 

    10k & 5k Podium
    – Top 3 Male & Female –

    1st - Fischer Prize Package
    2nd - Fischer Prize Package
    3rd - Fischer Prize Package 

     1k & 3k Youth
    Every participant awarded a Alley Loop Vinyl Sticker
    Top 3 Male & Female – Podium Medal

    Age Class Awards

    42k, 21k, 10k & 5k
    Winners receive a Commemorative Pint Glass

    Age Categories
    8 – 15
    16 – 19
    20 – 29
    30 – 39
    40 – 49
    50 – 59
    60 – 69
    70 – 79
    80+

    1k & 3k Youth:
    Winners receive a commemorative Prize

    Age Categories
    1 – 7
    8 – 11
    12 – 14

    Costume Awards
    An official panel of judges will document costumes displayed on course. Curated prize packages from local businesses will be presented to outstanding group and individual costumes.

Course Maps can be viewed below.

Not racing, but still want to be involved. This race takes a village! Volunteer!

Colorful costumes at the Alley Loop.
Two astronauts finish the Alley Loop.
Serious youth competition on Elk Avenue.

The Alley Loop is made possible with the generous support of our partners.