The Ninety-Pound Rucksack Challenge Comes to Loveland Ski Area

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Each year on February 18, skiers and riders across the country take part in a unique uphill challenge that blends history, endurance, and community. At Loveland Ski Area, we’re proud to host the Ninety-Pound Rucksack Challenge, an annual event that honors the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division and their lasting impact on American skiing. Sign up HERE

The History Behind the Challenge

On February 18, 1945, soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division completed a daring nighttime ascent of Italy’s Riva Ridge during World War II. Carrying heavy packs in harsh alpine conditions, they achieved what many believed was impossible—paving the way for a decisive victory days later.

After the war, veterans of the 10th Mountain Division returned home and played a major role in shaping modern ski culture in the United States, helping to develop ski resorts, ski schools, and the sport as we know it today.

The Ninety-Pound Rucksack Challenge commemorates that historic climb and honors the resilience, determination, and legacy of those soldiers.

What Is the Ninety-Pound Rucksack Challenge?

The Challenge is a self-paced uphill ascent that takes place annually on February 18 at 7:00 p.m., marking the anniversary of the Riva Ridge climb.

Participants can choose how they take on the challenge:

  • Carry a full rucksack/backpack

  • Carry a percentage of their body weight

  • Carry no weight at all

The event is designed to be inclusive and flexible—you don’t need to carry 90 pounds to participate. Whether you’re honoring history, testing your limits, or simply enjoying an uphill evening on the mountain, all are welcome.

Who Can Participate?

Everyone.
The Ninety-Pound Rucksack Challenge is open to:

  • Skiers and snowboarders

  • Uphill athletes

  • Veterans and active-duty service members

  • Families, groups, and individuals

You can participate as an individual or as part of a group, and the focus is on participation and remembrance rather than competition.

Why We Host It at Loveland

Loveland Ski Area has deep ties to the roots of American skiing, and hosting the Ninety-Pound Rucksack Challenge is one way we honor that heritage. The event brings together the ski community, military history, and the spirit of the mountains in a meaningful and memorable way.

It’s not about speed or strength—it’s about respect, reflection, and shared experience.

Event Details

What: Ninety-Pound Rucksack Challenge
When: February 18, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Loveland Ski Area
Who: Open to all abilities and experience levels

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.

👉 For full event details and registration, visit:
NPR Challenge – Ninety-Pound Rucksack Christian Beckwith