Summit for Life
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About the race
Summit for Life is an annual nighttime uphill race on Aspen Mountain held on the first weekend of December; the 2026 event is scheduled for Saturday, December 5, 2026. The course runs from Gondola Plaza to the Sundeck, climbing 3,267 feet of vertical elevation.
The event brings together hundreds of racers who skin, snowshoe, run, or hike the mountain. There is also a Ride for Life option that uses the Silver Queen gondola to reach the top without climbing. After the ascent, participants gather at the Sundeck for a catered dinner by The Little Nell, live music, and an awards ceremony. Riders return to the base on the Silver Queen gondola and view Aspen at night.
Summit for Life serves as an awareness and fundraising event for organ, eye, and tissue donation. Each year the Michael Wells Inspirational Award recognizes a recipient or a recipient’s family and honors local advocacy or representation of the donation and transplantation communities. Registration and Ride for Life spots open September 1 and are noted to sell out. Race participants who raise a minimum of $100 receive a long-sleeve t-shirt and additional swag; higher fundraisers are eligible for further prizes. The event references the more than 103,000 children and adults awaiting a transplant in the United States. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
