In partnership with the 10th Mountain Division Foundation
Ninety Pound Rucksack Challenge
Feb
18
Wed
Date & Time
Feb. 18, 2026
3:30 PM — 9:00 PM
Steamboat Resort, in partnership with the 10th Mountain Division Foundation proudly announces the first-ever Rucksack Challenge, a unique uphill ski mountaineering event honoring the brave soldiers of the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division and their enduring influence on winter sports and mountain culture.
The Rucksack Challenge event will take place on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, the anniversary of the ascent of Riva Ridge beginning at 5:00 p.m. Participants will climb the slopes of Steamboat Resort under the stars, inspired by the historic 1945 nighttime mission to break the Gothic line in Italy and win WWII. This accomplishment forever linked the 10th Mountain Division to the mountains they loved and the sport they helped pioneer.
To honor that legacy, racers can choose between two divisions: The Rucksack Division, carrying a 90-pound weighted pack, symbolizing the load soldiers carried in battle; or the Light Division, for participants who wish to climb without additional weight but share equally in the spirit of remembrance. Spectators, families, and community members are invited to gather at the base of the resort to cheer on participants and take part in the evening celebration featuring a color guard ceremony, hot chocolate, and awards in Timber & Torch restaurant.
Register Today!
Schedule:
3:30 – 5:00 PM | Hot Chocolate & Pre-Race Gathering – Steamboat Square
3:30 – 4:45 PM | On-Site Registration
4:30 PM | Participant Check-In at Steamboat Stage
• Pre-registered participant bib pick-up
4:45 PM | Veterans Center Presentation & Color Guard Ceremony on the Steamboat Stage
5:00 PM | Race Start for 90# division and any participants that want to boot pack/snowshoe. Race starts a the bottom of Stampede Run
6:30 PM | Start for sans-weight division
7:15 – 8:00 PM | Racers Arrive at Top, Thunderhead open for restrooms only
• Final lift ride cutoff 8:00 PM (lifts operating 5:30–8:00 PM)
6:30 – 8:00 PM | Racers Ski Down or take Steamboat Gondola
8:15 – 9:00 PM | Reception & Awards
• Location: Timber & Torch, awards ceremony at 8:30 PM. Please note that beverages and food will be available for purchase.
Learn more about the story behind the Rucksack Challenge, 10th Mountain Division and Steamboat Veterans Center
Feb
18
Wed
In partnership with the 10th Mountain Division Foundation
Ninety Pound Rucksack Challenge
Date & Time
Feb. 18, 2026
3:30 PM — 9:00 PM
Steamboat Resort, in partnership with the 10th Mountain Division Foundation proudly announces the first-ever Rucksack Challenge, a unique uphill ski mountaineering event honoring the brave soldiers of the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division and their enduring influence on winter sports and mountain culture.
The Rucksack Challenge event will take place on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, the anniversary of the ascent of Riva Ridge beginning at 5:00 p.m. Participants will climb the slopes of Steamboat Resort under the stars, inspired by the historic 1945 nighttime mission to break the Gothic line in Italy and win WWII. This accomplishment forever linked the 10th Mountain Division to the mountains they loved and the sport they helped pioneer.
To honor that legacy, racers can choose between two divisions: The Rucksack Division, carrying a 90-pound weighted pack, symbolizing the load soldiers carried in battle; or the Light Division, for participants who wish to climb without additional weight but share equally in the spirit of remembrance. Spectators, families, and community members are invited to gather at the base of the resort to cheer on participants and take part in the evening celebration featuring a color guard ceremony, hot chocolate, and awards in Timber & Torch restaurant.
Register Today!
Schedule:
3:30 – 5:00 PM | Hot Chocolate & Pre-Race Gathering – Steamboat Square
3:30 – 4:45 PM | On-Site Registration
4:30 PM | Participant Check-In at Steamboat Stage
• Pre-registered participant bib pick-up
4:45 PM | Veterans Center Presentation & Color Guard Ceremony on the Steamboat Stage
5:00 PM | Race Start for 90# division and any participants that want to boot pack/snowshoe. Race starts a the bottom of Stampede Run
6:30 PM | Start for sans-weight division
7:15 – 8:00 PM | Racers Arrive at Top, Thunderhead open for restrooms only
• Final lift ride cutoff 8:00 PM (lifts operating 5:30–8:00 PM)
6:30 – 8:00 PM | Racers Ski Down or take Steamboat Gondola
8:15 – 9:00 PM | Reception & Awards
• Location: Timber & Torch, awards ceremony at 8:30 PM. Please note that beverages and food will be available for purchase.
Learn more about the story behind the Rucksack Challenge, 10th Mountain Division and Steamboat Veterans Center