Summit for Life
SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, December 5, 2026
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!
2025 Photos, Winners and Highlights!
2025 Michael Wells
Inspiration Award
2025 Results
2025 Photos
2025 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!
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.
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!
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!
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.