The Ninety-Pound Rucksack Challenge is an annual ski mountaineering event that honors the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division in World War 2.

Mission Ridge carries a deep connection to the 10th Mountain Division via the legacy of Walter Hampton, a key figure in the history of the mountain and brother to founder Wilmer Hampton. Walter served in the Division during World War II, fighting on Riva Ridge, an operation whose courage and grit helped shape the core spirit of American skiing. His service, strength, and mountain-born resilience are woven into the identity of Mission Ridge itself.

Because of these roots, we’re especially proud to honor that history by participating in the Ninety-Pound Rucksack Challenge. Participants will skin or hike to the top of Chair 2 from the Base Area before skiing or riding back down. This event is a tribute to Walter, to the soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division, and to the legacy that helped inspire and build the mountain we call home.

Participants will meet in front of the stationary Bubble Chair next to Chair 1 for check-in and weighted-vest distribution. Thanks to the Wenatchee Valley Fire Department, we will have a very limited number of 45lb vests available for those who choose to use them. Please bring your own weight if you want to use weight while participating. 

Recommended equipment for the ascent includes a ski touring setup or snowshoes, plus water, a headlamp, appropriate clothing, and snacks. For the descent, all participants must ski or snowboard back down. Hiking down or down-loading the chairlift will not be permitted.  Check-in will be from 5:00PM – 5:30PM, and the hike will begin at 6:00PM.

We will have a few ski patrollers who will be hiking with the group. For the best experience, we ask that all participants stay behind the lead patroller and ahead of the tail patroller. Along the route, there will be three designated stopping points where you and the patrollers can assess ability before continuing onto more challenging terrain. If at any point you feel unable to continue, please notify a patroller and they will guide you back down to Midway. Likewise, if a patroller instructs you to turn around, please follow their direction. All participants must be off the mountain by 9:00 PM. 

If you have any questions before the event, please contact us at events@missionridge.com. On the day of the event, your point of contact will be our Events Manager, who will be onsite during check-in.

Registration

To register, you must BOTH register with the Ninety-Pound Rucksack Challenge AND sign the Mission Ridge Event Waiver.

Register here and sign our waiver here.