Ninety-Pound Rucksack Challenge
February 18, 2026 @ 7:00 pm
The Ninety-Pound Rucksack Challenge is an annual ski mountaineering event that honors the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division, their historic World War II ascent of Italy’s Riva Ridge and their post-war contributions to American skiing. The event entails ascending a ski slope or backcountry route on February 18th at 7 p.m. local time—the anniversary of the Riva Ridge ascent.
Individuals, organizations and ski areas are invited to participate in the Challenge—or to create their own. The Challenge is designed for maximum flexibility, offering a plug-and-play event that participating ski areas can adapt to their own rules and regulations. Courses are determined by participating ski areas or by individuals undertaking a Challenge of their own design. Participants can carry their regular kit, a percentage of their body weight—or no weight at all.
The 2026 Challenge will take place on February 18, 2026, at 7 p.m. local time at the following areas in Colorado: Ski Cooper, Arapahoe Basin, Loveland and Steamboat Springs
Want to participate? Complete the Ninety Pound Rucksack Challenge Registration Form here
Please note: if you’re participating at a ski resort, they may require you to complete additional registration or waivers. You can find more information about requirements for each ski resort via the map above or through the “Participating Ski Areas” in the website menu
Click here to learn more about the challenge taking place at Ski Cooper.
