On February 18, Crescent Hill is proud to honor history, service, and strength by participating in the 90-Pound Rucksack Challenge—a powerful tribute to the legendary soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division.
Participants will complete 5 hike uphill-ski downhill circuits of the Crescent Hill Ski Area symbolizing the 1,500 foot vertical nighttime climb by the 10th Mountain ski troops during World War II, as we raise funds for the Crescent Hill Ski Patrol and the 10th Mountain Division Foundation.
Why February 18th Matters:
On February 18, 1945, soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division launched a daring nighttime assault on Riva Ridge in northern Italy. Scaling sheer, icy cliffs under brutal winter conditions, they successfully broke the German Gothic Line, a defensive position believed to be impassable. This courageous climb opened the door to Allied advances in Italy and became one of the most celebrated mountain warfare operations in U.S. Army history. Veterans of the 10th Mountain Division later started or significantly helped to develop at least 60 United States ski areas after World War II. They truly were the founding fathers of the US ski industry. The 10th Mountain Division remains the most deployed Division in the US Army in the last 30 years with multiple actions in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
Event Details
- Location: Crescent Hill
- Date: February 18, 2026
- Time: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- WHY WE RUCK: All proceeds support the Crescent Ski Patrol and the 10th Mountain Division Foundation—preserving legacy, supporting veterans, and protecting our skiing community.
How to Sign Up
- To participate, enroll in the challenge in the registration link below or by clicking the button. Make sure that you select that you are participating at Crescent Hill Ski Area. Register here: https://christianbeckwith.com/npr-challenge/
- Crescent Hill Ski Patrol respectfully requests a $25 donation in the link provided to participate. 100% of the proceeds will go to the Crescent Hill Ski Patrol and the 10th Mountain Division Foundation. Donate here: https://buy.stripe.com/00wbIUh084O64RR0JM2cg02
- A Crescent Hill ski day pass or season pass is required to participate, as it includes Crescent Hill e-waivers. Purchase your lift ticket here: https://crescenthill.connectintouch.com/lift-tickets
“Complete the Challenge. Honor the climb. Remember the legacy.”
FAQs
- Participants DO NOT need to carry 90 pounds, which merely symbolizes the heavy loads 10th Mountain Soldiers often carried into combat. Any extra gear is entirely up to the participants.
- Participants will CARRY skis or snowboards to ascend and then descend Crescent Hill 5 times on a marked route within the designated 2-hour timeframe from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. AT Skis or Snowshoes may also be used.
- A Crescent Hill ski day pass or season pass is required to participate, as it includes Crescent Hill e-waivers.
- Please bring a headlamp if you have one.
- We will assemble at 6:30 p.m. at the Ski Patrol Hut at the base of the hill.
- The challenge will start promptly at 7:00 p.m. and end at 9:00 p.m. Those participants who successfully complete the challenge will receive a certificate for their accomplishment and contribution.
Questions?
Dave Neely | Alpine Patroller, Crescent Hill Ski Patrol
402.957.0323
hdavidneely@gmail.com
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The Pottawattamie Conservation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status in its employment, programs or activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Human Resource Director 227 South 6th Street, Council Bluffs, IA 51501.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
7:00pm to 9:00pm
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Crescent Hill at Hitchcock (Previously Mt. Crescent Ski Area)
17026 Snowhill Ln
Honey Creek, Iowa 51542
Ages
18+
Cost
Free with Lift Ticket/Season Pass; Freewill Donation Encouraged
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