On Feb. 18, 1945, U.S. soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division climbed Riva Ridge, a steep peak in the Northern Apennine Mountains in Italy. The icy night climb was pivotal in World War II history as it allowed the Allies to break into the German and Italian Gothic Line, a mass of fortifications built into mountain passes.  

Exactly 80 years later in Whitefish, members of the Flathead Nordic Ski Patrol honored that crucial ascent with a climb of their own, as a part of the nationwide Ninety Pound Rucksack Challenge.  

Seven participants including six members of the Nordic Ski Patrol gathered on Feb. 18 at the Haskill Basin Trailhead, laden with packs, ready to Nordic ski 5.5 miles and gain 1,600 feet in elevation. They began their trek in the dark at 7 p.m. and ended at about 10 p.m. at the Big Mountain Trailhead.  

“World War II was still rudimentary climbing equipment, not like what we have now,” said longtime Nordic Ski Patrol member and Whitefish resident Rusty Wells, who also participated. 

Wells said that the event organizers told participants that the Haskill route was “mighty fine” and to “choose a pack weight that’s challenging to you.”  

All told, at least 15 different groups across the nation participated in this year’s Rucksack Challenge.  

Many of these groups hailed from ski areas that were founded or led by veterans involved with the 10th Mountain Division.  

After World War II, several Flathead Valley veterans including legendary skier Toni Matt and Army ski instructor and Big Mountain Ski School leader Karl Hinderman, laid the foundation for the skiing scene at Whitefish Mountain Resort.  

This year marked only the second annual nationwide Ninety Pound Rucksack Challenge and the first year for Whitefish to participate.  

In its inception in 2024, only three areas participated: Whiteface Mountain, New York, where the Division began, Ski Cooper, Colorado, where the Division trained, and at Mt. Glory on Teton Pass in Jackson Hole, where the event’s organizer, Christian Beckwith, lives.  

More stories from Flathead Valley veteran skiers, including how 10th Mountain Division veteran and skiing legend Matt put Whitefish on the map, are featured at a “Ski Troops” exhibit at the Whitefish Ski Heritage Musuem. 

The Flathead Nordic Ski Patrol is a nonprofit that primarily focuses on education and preventative search and rescue.  

    Participants of the Rucksack Challenge at the Haskill Baskin Trailhead on Feb. 18. Pictured from left to right are Valida Holder, Kim Weichers, Tabitha Graves, Greg Fortin, yellow lab Caddis Wells, Rusty Wells, Chris Sobin and Justin Halverson. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)