Earlier this week, in the darkness of a winter night, we climbed. Loveland’s Ninety Pound Rucksack Challenge brought together veterans, active-duty service members, families, and community members to honor the soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division and their historic February 18, 1945 ascent of Riva Ridge. Climbing in the dark is part of the tribute — a reminder of the courage it took to scale steep, icy terrain under the cover of night more than 80 years ago. “Climb to Glory” isn’t just a motto. It’s a legacy. And this week, we carried it uphill together. Thank you to everyone who showed up to remember, reflect, and carry that legacy forward. A special thank you to the 10th Mountain Division Foundation for sharing history from that remarkable mission, and to the active-duty soldiers who climbed alongside us. Loveland’s connection to the 10th runs deep, and we’re honored to continue this tradition on the mountain. We’ll see you next year.
The Historic Ascent of Riva Ridge
On the night of February 18, 1945, soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division undertook a daring and highly technical climb up the steep, icy face of Riva Ridge in the northern Apennine Mountains of Italy. The ridge had long been held by German forces and was considered nearly impossible to assault due to its vertical terrain and heavily fortified defensive positions.
Under the cover of darkness, American troops climbed more than 1,500 vertical feet using fixed ropes, pitons, and mountaineering techniques many had mastered during specialized high-altitude training at Camp Hale in Colorado. Carrying heavy packs and equipment, they ascended terrain the enemy believed was unclimbable.
By dawn on February 19, the 10th Mountain Division had successfully seized the ridge, surprising German forces and breaking a key defensive stronghold along the Gothic Line. The victory opened the door for subsequent Allied advances into the Po Valley and marked a pivotal turning point in the Italian campaign.
The Ninety-Pound Rucksack Challenge honors not only the physical endurance required for that climb, but also the courage, ingenuity, and mountain skill that defined the division’s legacy.
Loveland’s Deep Roots with the 10th Mountain Division
Loveland Ski Area’s connection to the 10th Mountain Division is foundational to its history. After returning from World War II, several division veterans stepped into leadership roles at the resort — including serving as general managers — helping shape Loveland in its early years.
Among them was Pete Seibert, a 10th Mountain Division veteran wounded in combat in Italy. After the war, Seibert served as a general manager at Loveland Ski Area, bringing the resilience and mountain expertise forged during his military service to Colorado’s growing ski industry. He later co-founded Vail Ski Resort, becoming one of the most influential figures in American skiing.
Another early Loveland general manager was Gordy Wren, who also served in the 10th Mountain Division during the war. Following his military service, Wren played a key leadership role at Loveland, contributing to the resort’s development and helping carry forward the mountain culture established by returning veterans.
Following World War II, veterans of the 10th Mountain Division went on to found, manage, and influence dozens of ski resorts and ski schools across the United States. Loveland’s continued hosting of the Ninety-Pound Rucksack Challenge reflects that enduring bond between military history and mountain culture.
