February 1, 2026 - (Crested Butte, CO) The ever-popular Alley Loop in Crested Butte, CO, is not your typical Nordic Ski 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 – the most unique Nordic Marathon and costume party around.

In the 42km Skate race David Norris from Steamboat Springs, CO took the men’s win over Max Maronde from Jackson, WY in second, with Joshua Smith from Vail, CO in third.

The top woman was Jessica Yeaton (Steamboat Springs, CO) who finished 16th overall followed by Ivy Esky, also from Steamboat Springs, CO in 17th, with Ella DeWolf (Laramie, WY) third best in 20th overall.

Full results here.
More photos/videos here.