The Chris Klug Foundation invites you to join us for the 2026 Summit for Life and help us celebrate the 21st Annual "Kickoff to Winter" in Aspen, CO! Summit for Life is a nighttime uphill race up Aspen Mountain and one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for the Chris Klug Foundation (CKF) . Our mission is to raise awareness of the lifesaving gift of organ, eye, and tissue donation. By participating in Summit for Life (S4L), you are helping us spread this message and make a difference for the 103,000 people awaiting a transplant in the United States today. Racers will climb the 3,267 vertical feet to the summit to raise awareness for the gift of life. Each year, over 400 riders and racers take on the challenge and join CKF as we celebrate at the top! Every racer must fundraise a minimum of $100. We will also offer incentives for going above and beyond! (We are here to support your efforts--please contact us for ideas, strategies, tips, tricks, and tools, or access the Fundraising Guide !) The post-race party is held at the Sundeck Restaurant ! Once you've made it to the summit, join us inside and enjoy dinner provided by The Little Nell , live music, and an awards ceremony where we will announce our 2026 Michael Wells Inspirational Award. We'll also be presenting our top fundraisers and top race finishers with their (much-deserved!) awards. You can also register with your buddies as a team! If you belong to a gym, work for a company, volunteer with an organization...you name it. Gather friends, family, co-workers, volunteer buddies, gym partners, etc., pick a team name, and start training for the climb to raise awareness for organ, eye, and tissue donation! There is also a prize for the best-dressed team, so please have some fun with your race costumes! All registered participants will receive a commemorative 2026 Summit for Life item for registering. RIDE FOR LIFE: Skip the uphill hike and ride the Silver Queen Gondola straight to the top of Aspen Mountain! Greet your friends, cheer on the racers, and join us for the post-race party at the Sundeck. Please note that all racers who have not reached the fundraising minimum by 5 pm on November 30th will be charged the remaining amount, and anyone who signs up from December 1st on will be required to pay registration and the minimum fundraising amount. If you wish to go above and beyond the minimum fundraising requirement, donations will be accepted through the end of the year. Saturday, December 5th: Timeline 4:30 pm Pre-race Party 5:30 pm Summit for Life Start 5:45 pm Ride for Life start (must board the Gondola by 6:45 pm) Children 8 years old and younger race & ride for free (THEY MUST STILL REGISTER)
Course & Travel Notes
Early December in Aspen brings cold temperatures with typical highs around 32°F and lows near 10°F, so pack insulated layers, a warm jacket, and waterproof gear since roughly 40% of days see measurable precipitation. The race takes place at 7,959 feet elevation, which may affect some participants, and with a 5:30 PM start time you'll be racing after sunset (sunrise that day is 7:11 AM). Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (Sardy Field) is your nearest option, located just 3.7 miles from the venue.
⛰️ 7,959 ft elevation☀️ Typically 32°F / 10°F · 39% chance of rain✈️ Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (Sardy Field) (ASE) — 3.7 mi
Hotels Near This Race
Find accommodation close to the start line in Aspen, CO. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.
RaceHotelFinder earns a small commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Results are sorted by distance from the race venue.
Race weekend dates pre-loaded on Booking.com. RaceHotelFinder may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for December 5.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Aspen, CO.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
2026 Summit for Life 2026 — Aspen, CO takes place on December 5, 2026. The race is held in Aspen, Colorado.
Where is 2026 Summit for Life 2026 — Aspen, CO held?
2026 Summit for Life 2026 — Aspen, CO is held at Aspen Mountain in Aspen, Colorado.
Where can I find hotels near 2026 Summit for Life 2026 — Aspen, CO?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Aspen. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
