October 05, 2011 (Crested Butte, CO) – The Crested Butte Nordic Council is excited to announce that its signature event, the Gunnison Valley’s Health Alley Loop Nordic Marathon, has joined the American Ski Marathon Series (ASM Series), North America’s longest-running and largest citizen’s racing and touring series. With 14 races from Vermont to Alaska, the ASM Series includes such renowned events as the American Birkebeiner, the Yellowstone Rendezvous, and the Tour of Anchorage. The 26th Annual Alley Loop, to be held on February 4, 2012, is one of only four races in the Western United States and the only Colorado event in the Series. “We’ve been wanting to add another western event for a number of years,” said J.D. Downing, director of the American Ski Marathon Series, “and the Alley Loop ended up being the perfect fit.”

What began as a handful of hardy Buttians skiing the alleys of Crested Butte in 1986 is now one of the premier Nordic races in the country. Already an American Birkebeiner qualifier and a Colorado Cup Series race, the Alley Loop drew more than 550 skiers from 17 states in 2011. “This addition to the ASMS will undoubtedly increase our race participants and put Crested Butte on the national Nordic map,” said Nordic Council director, Keith Bauer.

The Alley Loop is distinguished by the unique course through downtown Crested Butte. It starts and finishes on the town’s main street before meandering through snow-lined alleys, behind false-fronted Victorian buildings, over footbridges, and alongside residences. The adult races then head out onto the expertly groomed trails in the pristine outskirts of town. Comprised of races ranging from the 1.5 and 3 kilometer children’s races, all the way up to the half and full marathons, the Alley Loop has a place for both the serious racer and the cross-country enthusiast.

Poised at 8,885 feet and surrounded by the spectacular Elk Mountains, Crested Butte is a small ski town with a big character. It’s known for its warm welcome and wacky spirit, shown in full force during the Alley Loop when costumed locals take to the streets in droves to ski, volunteer, and cheer, making it a true community-wide event. Paired with the nearby Alpine ski area, Crested Butte Mountain Resort, and an average of 300 inches of snow a year, CB is a perfect destination for skiers of all kinds.

“We’re excited to show off our spectacular trails,” said Bauer, “and to introduce a national audience to Crested Butte.” At the center of winter and the CBNC calendar, the Alley Loop is the biggest and most popular of the CBNC’s events and a fitting addition the American Ski Marathon Series calendar. Registration for the 26th Annual Alley Loop Nordic Marathon will begin on October 1, 2011 and the race will take place in downtown Crested Butte on February 4, 2012.

The Crested Butte Nordic Council kicks off winter with its on-snow Thanksgiving Training Camp November 24 – 26, 2011. Their Citizen’s Race Series, held throughout December and January, provides great racing opportunities and a chance to become familiar with the trails prior to the official Alley Loop.

The Crested Butte Nordic Center (CBNC) is a world-class destination Nordic ski area, offering breathtaking views and the best cross-country skiing in Colorado’s high country. The Center offers 55 km of groomed Nordic trails, as well as guided tours, ski lessons, snowshoeing, sledding, a covered ice skating rink, and dining in CBNC’s ski-to backcountry yurt. CBNC is located at the corner of 2nd and Whiterock, in the historic mining town and renowned skiing destination of Crested Butte, CO. For more information, contact Keith Bauer, Executive Director, 970-349-1707, or director@cbnordic.org, or visit CNBC’s website at www.cbnordic.org. Complete information about the ASM Series can be found at www.xcskiworld.com.