The North Face announced a three-year sponsorship of The Grand Traverse.

The Grand Traverse is most notably known for their backcountry partner ski race from Crested Butte to Aspen, where athletes travel 40 miles and climb over 6,800 vertical feet over the Elk Mountains. Accompanying the backcountry ski race, The Grand Traverse holds a summer Mountain Run and Mountain Bike race. Elite athletes may challenge themselves to the GT Triple Crown, a singular test of completing all three pinnacle race disciplines.

“Our long history in endurance sports and support of athletes and events all over the world is complimented by this new relationship with the Grand Traverse,” said The North Face global GM of mountain sports, Scott Mellin. “It’s one of most unique events in the world and offers spectacular terrain through the heart of the Elk Mountains.”

The North Face has committed to ski mountaineering and trail racing through premium product offerings, including Summit Series and Flight Series. Each collection was built with the specific purpose of moving fast through the mountains and offers athletes a perfect balance of protection, breathability and weight.

“The North Face has held such long standing influence across a spectrum of mountain competitions, in my mind there really couldn’t be a more ideal partner to align with our Grand Traverse Triple Crown series,” said race director, Andrew Arell. “This partnership ensures the time-honored legacy of this great ski race is sustained well into the future.”