Hosted in partnership with the National Ski Patrol, 10th Mountain Division Foundation, 10th Mountain Alpine Club, 10th Mountain Division Descendants and Uphill Athlete, The Ninety-Pound Rucksack Challenge is an annual ski mountaineering event that honors the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division and their historic World War II ascent of Riva Ridge.
The ascent was a pivotal moment in the Allied victory in Italy and showcased the unique skills and tenacity of the Division. Post-war, 10th Mountain Division veterans launched the outdoor recreation industry as we know it today, starting companies like NOLS and Nike and developing more than 60 ski areas around the country.
The Challenge is designed to be flexible, self-sufficient, scalable, and easy for anyone anywhere to organize and implement. Whether hosted by a national organization, a local ski resort, a small group of friends, or a single enthusiast, the Challenge celebrates a shared history of skiing, service, and adventure.
More than just a tribute, The Ninety-Pound Rucksack Challenge is a chance to meet American skiers and mountaineers where they’re at— and in the process, to bring the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division alive.
Meet at the Cooper Lodge no later than 6:45pm to sign waivers. The challenge begins at 7pm.
