Registration for Ridge-A-Thon 2027 opens November 27th, 2026!
Last year, we raised over $60,000+ for the Emergency Medicine Funds at TCF!
Each year Ben Myers Ridge-A-Thon participants and donors help encourage donations for the Emergency Medicine Fund at Taos Community Foundation, which provides grants in the area of health and basic needs in Taos and western Colfax Counties.
Ridge-A-Thon is a breath-taking snow sports event at Taos Ski Valley, that began in 1996. In 2027, for the 31st annual event, participants will lap the hike-to terrain over two days. Participants can also choose to do a single hike (Ridge Raiser) during the event.
Ben Myers (nicknamed “Ben Air”) was a local Taos extreme skier with an infectious smile and a passionate love for the mountains. Ben was diagnosed with cancer at age 26 and faced insurmountable medical bills. This inspired his friends and family to create the first Ridge-A-Thon to raise money for Ben. Unfortunately, the cancer took Ben’s life that same year. But his friends have kept his spirit alive by dedicating the Ridge-a-Thon to his name and continuing to organize it each year.
In its 30 years, Ridge A Thon has had an incredible impact on our local community, raising over $1,000,000 in charitable donations. These funds have enabled Taos Community Foundation to directly support local organizations responding to the most profound and needs of community members.
Medical advocacy & support services, emergency shelter services, supplemental food services, behavioral health services, transport for medical services and palliative care provision, are just a few of the many vital services we have supported together through your generosity.
Go to www.raisetheridge.org to learn more, and to register or donate today!
About The Event:
For those in the “Extreme Ridge Challenge” category, skiers and snowboarders alike are encouraged to see how many times they can hike up West Basin/Highline Ridge and descend down to Lift 2 or Lift 7/7A, checking in with a scorekeeper after each lap. With safety being the top priority, participants love to challenge themselves to beat their personal best and finish at the top of the leaderboard.
For those who chose to participate in the “Ridge Raiser” category, participants choose to do a single hike during the event, focusing primarily on raising funds.
While shredding on the ridge serves as the highlight of the event for the athletes involved, the most serious competition between participants often occurs in the fundraising category, in which participants recruit friends, family members, and even strangers on the ski lift to donate to their campaigns. We encourage participants to share their campaigns widely!
At the end of the event, all participants and volunteers are invited to a rocking afterparty, where we collectively take time to celebrate a successful Ridge-A-Thon and honor Ben Myers’ legacy.
The top fundraisers, athletes, and sponsors are honored for their efforts, and winners are announced in front of the crowd. Each event participant is awarded swag, and a final drawing is hosted to give away incredible grand prizes. TCF will make arrangements to deliver prizes to participants who are unable to attend the afterparty.
PLEASE NOTE: This year’s Ridge-A-Thon Afterparty will be held at DALEEE KTAOS (9 NM-150, Taos, NM 87571), instead of being at located at the Taos Ski Valley Tent. We look forward to seeing you there after the event!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who is invited to participate in Ridge-A-Thon?
Everyone is invited to participate.
For those who wish to ski or snowboard, a Taos Ski Valley Inc. lift ticket or pass is required, alongside the proper snowsports equipment and safety gear.
For those who wish to give, donations can be made online to a chosen athlete’s PledgeIt campaign page or make a cash/check donation in-person on the day of the event.
For individuals or businesses who wish to donate a prize or in-kind gift to the event, please contact info@taoscf.org.
For those who wish to volunteer for Ridge-A-Thon, please contact info@taoscf.org. On-mountain volunteers must have a Taos Ski Valley Inc. lift ticket or pass, but we also have base volunteer opportunities available.
How old do I need to be to participate in Ridge-A-Thon?
While this is an extreme sporting event, there is no age restriction for participation. In fact, we’ve had children as young as 8 shred the ridge alongside adult athletes. However, minors must have a parent or guardian’s approval and submit a signed waiver.
How much do I need to raise by the day(s) of the event?
All participants are required to raise a minimum of $200 to receive their badge number on the day of the event and to be invited to the afterparty. This donation can be made on the morning of the event, though we strongly encourage early fundraising!
Can you donate to yourself to fulfill the minimum requirement?
Yes, though we strongly encourage participants to raise funds across the community and by asking friends and family members to contribute!
What if snow conditions aren’t great on the day of the event?
We prioritize the safety of all participants and staff. Each day before the event begins, Taos Ski Patrol will provide a safety briefing outlining current mountain conditions and identifying which runs can be navigated safely. We strongly encourage participants to choose runs that match their skill level and comfort, based on the day’s conditions.
Do Ridge-A-Thon participants get priority seating on any of the ski lifts?
In previous years, Ridge-A-Thon athletes received priority seating on the ski lifts; however, this is not guaranteed during the event.
Decisions regarding lift access are made by Taos Ski Patrol and the Taos Ski Valley Events Manager, typically during the daily safety briefing. Participants who bypass lift lines without explicit permission from TSV may face serious consequences, up to revocation of their lift ticket or pass.
Are helmets required?
For the safety of all of our participants—and to meet our liability requirements for the event—helmets are mandatory for all skiers and snowboarders.
What is “The Menu?”
“The Menu” refers to the variety of runs available to Ridge-A-Thon participants. To be recognized for the most laps skied during the awards ceremony, a participant must complete all the runs listed on the Menu before time expires. The Menu is designed on an annual basis.
Participation in the Menu challenge is completely optional and intended for advanced skiers who choose pushing themselves to the top of the leaderboard by skiing the most laps. No additional prizes are awarded for completing the Menu. It is for bragging rights only.
We strongly encourage all participants to ski or snowboard safely within their experience level, being mindful of mountain conditions.
As the responsibility code reminds us: “Your knowledge, decisions and actions contribute to your safety and that of others.”
Ridge-A-Thon is primarily a competitive fundraising event and we do not want anyone to put themselves or others at unnecessary risk.
What are the prizes?
In addition to a Ridge-A-Thon shirt, swag bag, and free food, there are some larger prizes available to event participants.
Prizes are donated each year by a number of local businesses and artisans and are subject to change.
Everyone who meets the $200 fundraising threshold will receive a prize. All event participants are eligible for the highest-tier “Peak Prize” giveaway.
What are the Emergency Medicine Funds?
The Emergency Medicine Funds are a pair of charitable funds held by the Taos Community Foundation. Proceeds from these funds are granted to nonprofit organizations that provide equitable access to healthcare and medicine for residents of Taos and western Colfax counties.
To give to the Emergency Medicine Intermediate Fund, click here.
To give to the Emergency Medicine Endowment Fund, click here.
Who benefits from these funds?
Grants are awarded annually through TCF’s Impact Grant Cycle to nonprofits addressing unexpected medical needs in our communities. Grant awards are determined by open volunteer committees composed of diverse community members who understand the unique culture and needs of our area.
In accordance with IRS regulations, grants must be made to organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, are a public or governmental agency or a federally recognized tribe in the State of New Mexico, or have an eligible fiscal sponsor. Awards cannot be made to benefit specific individuals.
Previous grant recipients from this fund include Holy Cross Cancer Support Services, Rio Grande Alcoholism Treatment Program, Inc. (Rio Grande ATP), Taos Elders and Neighbors Together (TENT), Taos Whole Community Health, Taos Behavioral Health/Nonviolence Works, and Ensueños y Los Angelitos Development Center, among dozens of other organizations.
If you’d like to learn more about how these funds are used, please contact Tanner Martin, TCF’s Director of Community Impact, by calling (575) 737-9300 or emailing info@taoscf.org.
What kind of donations can be made?
Credit and debit card donations are preferred. However, cash and check donations made to participants are also accepted and may be dropped off at the registration desk, at Taos Community Foundation, or sent by mail.
For check donations, please include “Taos Community Foundation – Ridge-A-Thon” and the participant’s name in the memo line.
Checks should be mailed to:
Taos Community Foundation
PO Box 1925
Taos, NM 87571
How can I become a Ridge-A-Thon sponsor?
Individuals and businesses can support Ridge-A-Thon by donating prizes or in-kind gifts. To get involved, please contact us at info@taoscf.org.
Sponsors are recognized on our PledgeIt page, throughout the event, on Ridge-A-Thon merchandise, across social media, in our newsletter, and in Taos News.
Follow Ridge-A-Thon on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/RidgeAThon/
Follow Ridge-A-Thon on Instagram:
www.instagram.com/ridgeathon/
Subscribe to our newsletter for Ridge-A-Thon updates:
https://mailchi.mp/493c6a8ee10e/ridge-a-thon-updates
2026 Ridge-A-Thon Results
2025 Ridge-A-Thon Results
