What is the Ninety-Pound Rucksack Challenge?
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, 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.
February 18, 2025, will mark the 80th anniversary of the Riva Ridge climb. Join us in commemorating the 10th’s legacy on this historic day as we celebrate the roots of American skiing.
Where is the Ninety-Pound Rucksack Challenge taking place?
Members of the 10th Mountain Division and National Ski Patrol join Pete Siebert, Jr., during the 2024 Challenge at Ski Cooper, CO. 10th Mountain Division veteran Pete Siebert, Sr., started Vail. Pete Jr. carried 40 pounds of dogfood as part of his tribute.
Christian Beckwith, Ninety-Pound Rucksack’s host, carries 80 pounds of water up Mt. Glory in Jackson Hole during the 2024 Challenge. Photo: Chris Anderson
The first Ninety-Pound Rucksack Challenge was held at 7 p.m. on February 18, 2024, in three locations around the country:
- Whiteface Mountain, NY, where early incarnations of the 10th Mountain Division learned to ski;
- Ski Cooper, Colorado, where the 10th Mountain Division trained;
- Mt. Glory on Teton Pass in Jackson Hole. The 10th Mountain Division’s motto was, and is, “Climb to Glory.”
Participating areas in the 2025 Challenge include the following:
- Whiteface Mountain, NY
- Ski Cooper, CO
- Mt. Glory, Jackson Hole, WY
- White Pass, WA
- A-Basin, CO
- Snow Ridge, NY
Want to host the challenge?
Hosting the Ninety-Pound Rucksack Challenge is a unique opportunity to honor American ski history, engage your community, and inspire adventurers of all skill levels. By bringing this event to your ski resort, local hill, or backcountry area, you’ll help preserve the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division.
More than just a physical test, The Ninety-Pound Rucksack Challenge is a way to unite people around a shared passion and a common past. Showcase your area’s commitment to history and community by participating in this year’s Challenge.
What You’ll Need to Do:
- Choose a Location: Select a safe route where you can climb 1,500–2,500 feet of vertical gain. If you’re a ski resort, this could be a ski slope or designated trail. Backcountry hosts should ensure conditions are safe and accessible.
- Promote the Event: Spread the word using our customizable social media templates, flyers, and email copy.
- Manage Registration: Collect waivers and sign-ups with ease using our ready-to-go forms and instructions.
- Ensure Safety: Follow provided safety guidelines and coordinate with local ski patrol or guides if needed.
What You’ll Receive as a Host:
- Organizer Toolkit: A comprehensive guide covering everything from planning to post-event follow-up.
- Promotional Materials: Editable posts, flyers, and email templates to help you spread the word.
- Training Resources: Information on the official training guide, Strava connection, and coaching discounts to share with participants.
- Event Templates: Pre-written press releases, waivers, and participant information to make hosting simple.
The history behind the challenge
The US Army’s 10th Mountain Division was an unprecedented unit of expert mountaineers who trained for more than three years—often carrying ninety-pound “rucksacks,” or backpacks—to fight the Axis powers in extreme cold and mountainous terrain. In early 1945 they were inserted into Italy’s Apennine Mountains to break Hitler’s Gothic Line, a fortified series of summits and ridges that had stymied Allied advances for more than 500 days.
At 7 p.m. on February 18, 1945, some 1,000 10th Mountain Division soldiers began a night-time ascent of the wall. Carrying packs that weighed up to 50 pounds, they climbed via four different routes that ranged from 1,500 to 2,500 feet to take the Germans on top without a casualty. Their successful ascent not only cracked the Gothic Line; it precipitated the German surrender of Italy and hastened the end of the war as well.
In the peace that followed, more than 2,000 veterans of the 10th became ski instructors, operated ski schools and developed ski areas around the country, including Aspen, Vail, A-Basin, Crystal Mountain, Sugarbush, Mt. Hood and Mt. Bachelor.
Discover more about the 10th’s incredible climb of Riva Ridge:
How do i participate?
Participating in the Ninety-Pound Rucksack Challenge is an incredible way to honor history while testing your limits. Here’s how to join:
Step 1: Find Your Route
- At a Participating Ski Resort: Check out participating ski resorts, where everything is set up for you. They’ll provide a safe route and guidance for the climb.
- On your own at your home resort/backcountry: Choose your own tribute! Look for a route with 1,500–2,500 feet of vertical gain and assess safety conditions carefully. Ensure it’s suitable for your skill level and equipment. (Pro Tip: Always check local avalanche forecasts if in the backcountry.)
Step 2: Register for the Challenge
- If you’re participating at a ski resort, register using the provided link for your chosen location. Be sure to sign the participant waiver during registration.
- Register for the event on Strava here.
Step 3: Train for the Climb
- Training Options: Our partners at Uphill Athlete are donating two training guides to help you prepare for the Challenge.
- The Hut-to-Hut training plan is great for those who have less access to skiing on a regular basis and will need to do dryland training.
- The Haute Route plan is great for those who have access to snow at least on the weekends.
- Those who join both the National Ski Patrol’s Strava Club and the Ninety-Pound Rucksack Event will be eligible to win on of Uphill Athlete’s training plans for free!
- Connect with the Community: Join the Ninety-Pound Rucksack Challenge Strava Event through the National Ski Patrol to track your progress, share your journey, and stay motivated.
Step 4: Choose Your Pack Weight
- How much weight you carry is entirely up to you. The average GI in 1945 weighed 155 pounds; a 50-pound pack would have represented ca. 30% of their body weight. (Pro Tip: If carrying excess weight, use water so you can safely pour it out before your descent.)
The Ninety-Pound Rucksack Challenge is for everyone—whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a first-time adventurer. Take the climb at your own pace and enjoy being part of a nationwide tribute to the 10th and the roots of American skiing.
Learn More
Our Partners
10th mountain foundation
The 10th Mountain Division Foundation is dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division, whose members made historic contributions during World War II and helped shape modern outdoor recreation. Through education, support, and commemorative events, the Foundation ensures their inspiring story continues to be shared.
10th mountain descendants
The 10th Mountain Division Descendants connect the families and loved ones of the Division’s veterans to honor their service and sacrifices. They work to keep the history of the 10th alive through storytelling, gatherings, and events like the Ninety-Pound Rucksack Challenge.
10th mountain Alpine Club
The 10th Mountain Alpine Club fosters a sense of community within the modern 10th Mountain Division and beyond. Dedicated to advancing mountaineering and alpine skills, they carry forward the adventurous spirit of the 10th, ensuring it inspires future generations of climbers and skiers.
Uphill Athlete
Uphill Athlete is a premier resource for mountain athletes, offering expert training plans, coaching, and tools for those who strive to excel in challenging terrain. Their partnership with the Ninety-Pound Rucksack Challenge includes tailored training guides and a free webinar to help participants prepare for the climb.
National Ski Patrol
The National Ski Patrol has a long-standing tradition of promoting safety and excellence in skiing and outdoor recreation. As a key partner, they help unite the Ninety-Pound Rucksack Challenge community through Strava. Participants can connect, track their progress, and share their training journey via the National Ski Patrol’s Strava group, creating a shared space for camaraderie and encouragement.