On Wednesday, February 18, at 7:00 pm, Marquette Mountain will join ski areas across the nation to honor one of the most audacious military feats in American history. We are proud to announce that we are an official host site for the 2026 Ninety-Pound Rucksack Challenge.

This isn’t just a night at the hill—it is a tribute to the soldiers who shaped the outdoor industry we love today.

The History: Riva Ridge

On the night of February 18, 1945, the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division executed a daring mission in Italy’s Apennine Mountains. To break the German “Gothic Line,” a unit of expert mountaineers had to take a position known as Riva Ridge. The Germans considered the ridge impossible to climb and left it lightly guarded.

In the dark of night, about 1,000 soldiers ascended vertical gains ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 feet. They did this while carrying packs that weighed up to 50 pounds—and in training, often carried “rucksacks” weighing up to 90 pounds. Their success that night helped precipitate the end of World War II in Italy.

When these veterans returned home, they fueled the rise of the American ski industry, founding or developing more than 60 ski areas across the country.

Why Marquette Mountain?

The 10th Mountain Division has deep ties to the National Ski Patrol (NSP), which screened applicants for the unit during the war. As General Manager Kaet Johnson notes, hosting this challenge is a perfect way to honor that connection on our own slopes.

“I started my ski patrol career at Mont Ripley while attending Michigan Tech,” Johnson said. “When I saw they had done the challenge last year, I became interested… It’s a good fit for Marquette Mountain– a lot of people in this area like to do backcountry and have uphill access. We also thought it would be great to honor the 10th Division’s connections to the National Ski Patrol and the industry in general.”

The Challenge: What to Expect

The Ninety-Pound Rucksack Challenge is a symbolic uphill ski mountaineering event. At 7:00 pm sharp—the exact time the 10th Mountain Division began their ascent in 1945—participants will begin their climb up Marquette Mountain.

Do I have to carry 90 pounds?

No. While the name honors the heavy burdens carried by the 10th, you can choose your own weight category:

• Heavy: Carry a pack reflecting the historical weight (training packs were 90 lbs; combat packs were approx. 50 lbs).
• Light: Carry a percentage of your body weight.
• Standard: Just carry your standard uphill gear.

Required Gear:

• Headlamp: Essential for the night climb.
• Uphill Gear: Skis (with skins), splitboard, or snowshoes.
• Hydration/Food: Stay fueled.

How to Register

Join us in keeping this history alive. Whether you are a veteran, a ski patroller, or a backcountry enthusiast, this climb is for you.

Click Here to Register for the 2026 Challenge

For more information on the history of the 10th Mountain Division and the event’s background, check out the article in this month’s Marquette Monthly.

We’ll see you on the mountain at 7:00 pm on February 18th. Climb safe, have fun, and carry their story forward.

Details:

• Meet in the Mountain Shop at 6:45 pm.
  • Season Pass or Night Ticket Required– We will discount the night ticket if you are only here for the Challenge.
• Check in with guest services/event staff.
• Please sign the Special Event Waiver found on shop.marquettemountain.com/forms .

• Route
  • Uphill: Bottom of chair 3 to the top of Rocket via Weasel Gulch. Headlamp needed.

• • Downhill: Upper Snowfield to Logan’s to Rocket to the base of Gritty Girl/Weasel Gulch. These runs are lit for night skiing and you will be with other guests.

• • The route will be climbed 3 times by each participant– you can do less. Please finish by 9:00 pm to aid Ski Patrol in sweeping the mountain. Please check in with staff in the Tbar so we know you are off the mountain.
• Day of event contact: Neil – (906) 767-0260