02/18/2026
It’s Time For The Ninety Pound Rucksack Challenge!
Tonight, we honor the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division : the Soldiers, Mountaineers, and Skiers whose bravery changed the course of history and shaped the outdoor world we know today.
Exactly 81 years ago, on February 18, 1945, under the cover of darkness, 1,000 soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division began their legendary ascent of Riva Ridge. The Germans believed the sheer cliffs were impossible to climb. But the men of the 10th, carrying many pounds of gear, proved them wrong. By morning, they had secured the ridge, paving the way for the Allied victory in Italy and hastening the end of World War II.
Their story didn’t stop there. When these Soldiers came home, they poured their mountain skills and passion for snow into the civilian world. They helped start ski schools, opened new terrain, and built a culture that still inspires people today.
Tonight, we step into that history. We climb to honor their strength, their grit, and the spirit that carried them through impossible ground. As you head uphill, take a moment to feel that connection: to the past, to the mountains, and to everyone gathering across the country for the same reason.
Climb To Glory!
| | |
| | | | U.S. Army Fort Drum & 10th Mountain Division | | | .div
