CKF_Summit4Life2024_IMG_7200_PreRace.jpg

Summit for Life

SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, December 5, 2026

Group of people on snow in front of a large archway with a banner that reads 'Summit for Life', surrounded by winter mountains during the evening.

Summit for Life (S4L) is a nighttime uphill race up Aspen Mountain, and the biggest awareness and fundraising event of the year for CKF. Join hundreds of racers as they skin, snowshoe, run, or hike the 3,267 feet from Gondola Plaza to the Sundeck. (View course map HERE.) Then join the party with a dinner catered by The Little Nell, live music, and the awards ceremony. Afterwards, ride the Silver Queen gondola back to the base, and enjoy breathtaking views of Aspen at night.

Each year, we recognize the recipient or the recipient's family with the Michael Wells Inspirational Award. This award is named for our good friend and honors someone local for their support, advocacy, or representation of CKF, as well as the donation and transplantation communities.

For those who wish to skip the uphill race portion, we also offer Ride for Life on the gondola! Registration for both sells out, so sign up early and help us fundraise for this great cause. Each race participant who raises the $100 minimum will receive a long-sleeve t-shirt and other swag items. Racers who go above and beyond the minimum will be eligible for additional prizes!

Our mission is to raise awareness of the lifesaving gift of organ, eye, and tissue donation. By participating in S4L, you are helping us to spread this message and make a difference for the 103,000+ children and adults awaiting a transplant in the United States today.

Sponsor Summit in 2026

CKF is always looking for individuals and business to support our work to save lives by promoting organ, eye, and tissue donors. We would love for you to support the 19th Annual Summit for Life by becoming a sponsor. We have a variety of sponsorship levels from Community Sponsor at $1,000 all the way to our Summit Sponsor at $15,000! Click the link below to check out our sponsorship packet!

Learn More
Round stickers with black text that say "Donor Family" and a green heart, and additional stickers with the text "Living Donor" and "Transplant Recipient". There are colorful plastic lanyards or wristbands nearby.

2025 Photos, Winners and Highlights!

2025 Michael Wells
Inspiration Award

View All Past Recipients

2025 Results

View Results

2025 Photos

View Photos

2025 Winners

View Winners

Previous S4L Highlights

Summit for Life - 2024

Summit for Life - 2023

Summit For Life - 2022

Summit For Life - 2021

Summit For Life -2018

Summit for Life - 2019

Register to Race - Opening September 1st

Join 425 racers as we head up the hill in honor of organ, eye, and tissue donation. You can learn more and register for the 2026 Summit for Life beginning September 1. Racers of all ages are welcome; all racers will receive a Summit for Life long-sleeve shirt, and more! There will be prizes for the top racers and fundraisers during the party at the top. All racers will enjoy a wonderful dinner from The Little Nell, live music, awards, and more. The race will sell out, so please register early!

Nighttime scene of a large group of people snow skiing at an outdoor event, with lights, tents, and a stage in the background.

Register to Ride - Opening September 1st

Is climbing not quite your thing? Don’t worry, you can still support the race and head up the hill by riding the Silver Queen Gondola! Join the ride for lifers at the top of the hill, and cheer your racer over the finish line! Rider will also enjoy a fabulous dinner from The Little Nell, awards, and music at the top, all while keeping warm! Ride for Life spots will open September 1.

Two men standing close together on a snow-covered mountain, smiling, with a large purple arch and sign reading 'Summit for Life' in the background, surrounded by ski lifts and snowy trees.

Support a Racer - Opening September 1st

Can’t join us, but would still like to support?! Don’t worry we have plenty of racers who would love your help to reach their fundraising goal, and make a difference for the over 103,000 individuals currently waiting for a lifesaving transplant. Check back in the fall to find you favorite racer, and show your support!

A group of six young girls wearing winter skiing gear and headphones, standing on snow at night with a dark sky and race banners in the background.

Volunteer at Summit

Not able to race but you would still like to get in on the summit action? We are always in need of fabulous volunteers to help at the start, on the mountain, and at the top! Our volunteers help make Summit for Life possible from manning aid stations and bag drop, to the info booth and helping with time keeping. There are a lot of roles to suit those of all ages! Email info@chrisklugfoundation.org to learn more!

Three smiling volunteers wearing bright yellow vests and winter clothing, standing on snow and talking outdoors at a winter event.

Fundraising Guide

Need some help and support reaching your fundraising goal? We have the perfect tool to help you on your way! Our Fundraising Guide has endless tips and tricks from who to ask or how to make the ask. This is your ultimate toolbox to help you achieve your fundraising goals. Check out the 2025 Guide below, and check back for our 2026 version later this year.

Check It Out
Group of women in winter outdoor gear, smiling and holding ski poles, standing on snow at night with ski lift and purple lighting in the background.