Ninety-Pound Rucksack Challenge
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February 18, 2026
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 Riva Ridge, and their post-war contributions to American skiing.
Participants across the country recreate the 10th’s legendary climb by ascending 1,500 to 2,500 feet and skiing back down. This event is a chance to celebrate history, community, and the spirit of adventure embodied by the 10th.
Participants will gather in the Lower Ridge Room at the east (left) side of the main lodge at Loveland Basin.
- 6:00PM – Registration Opens
- 6:45PM – Assemble at the Base of Lift 2/Opening Remarks
- 7:00PM – Begin the climb
We will have an event waiver for participants to sign at check-in. Uphill Access passes to Loveland are $50 for the season if participants want to come try out the course prior to the event. On the night of the event, we will be waiving the uphill access fee and have temporary uphill access passes for the event only. Participants will pick those up at check-in, if needed. Loveland has 1 uphill access route starting from the base of Lift 2 to the top of the Ptarmigan Lift, ending at the Ptarmigan Cabin. Route A uphill access route can be seen along the brown dotted line that starts at the base along Tango Road. We will have signage and guides for those unfamiliar with Loveland.
