02/20/2025
On February 18th, some intrepid members of the Bogus Basin Ski Patrol ascended through the darkness to the top of Shafer Butte with 90lb packs (well one person had a pack that heavy) to pay tribute to the 80th anniversary of the 10th Mountain Division’s ascent of Riva Ridge. Patrols from across the nation participated in this event called the Ninety Pound Rucksack Challenge.
“The 10th was an elite cadre of World War II skiers and mountaineers who trained for more than three years—often carrying ninety-pound ‘rucksacks,’ or backpacks—to fight the Axis powers in extreme cold and mountainous terrain. Their ascent of Riva Ridge, which entailed carrying fifty-pound packs up 1,500 to 2,500 feet of vertical gain, helped precipitate the German surrender of Italy, hastening the end of the war.”
“Post-war, 10th Mountain Division veterans helped launch American skiing by becoming ski instructors, operating ski schools, and developing ski areas around the country.”
Text courtesy of Alex Maresjo. Photos provided by Nathan Morgan
