0800 August 30 – 1200 September 3, Collegiate Peaks, Colorado.
Optional Firearms Day: Wednesday, August 29
The Ascent is an epic adventure spread out over 100+ hours in and around Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. Bonfires (aka Ranger TV) with beers in hand are a priority. Though the Ascent is a team-based event, just like the GORUCK Challenge, it is not a GORUCK Challenge. Climbing one 14,000-foot mountain is a challenge unto itself. Climbing multiple 14ers over 4+ days will be difficult, not to mention that the Ascent is mission driven and based on the culminating exercise all Special Forces soldiers must pass to earn their Green Beret. Due to the difficulty, and our assumption that everyone understands the priority we place on teamwork, only those who have successfully completed a GORUCK Challenge will be eligible to participate.
The Ascent is also an opportunity to gain insight into how America trains its most elite soldiers. Throughout the Ascent, fieldcraft taught by Green Berets will include:
- Mission planning and preparation
- Land navigation/GPS/map reading
- Survival (hunter/gatherer stuff)
- Medical (field expedient and emergency based)
At the GORUCK Challenge, you trusted us to show you the highlights of some great cities while showing you what was both possible and doable as a team. We’ll ask you for that same trust with the Ascent. Not sold yet? Check out the Packing List. As promised, the first Ascent did shake the heavens, and we know all others will follow suit. (See more photos here.)
Here’s the Deal
- As we said above, this is an alumni-only trip. However, that includes people who are signed up for a Challenge that takes places before the Ascent. We’re confident you’ll earn your patch.
- Start Time: Thursday, August 30th. Plan on being at HQ (exact location to come) by 0800.
- Space: The Ascent will be limited to 60 participants.
- Entry Fee: To reserve your spot for the Ascent, mail your registration fee ($1,300) to the below address. If you are pre-ordering a GR2, please include an additional $275. Price will increase by $100 every month, so it’s in your best interest to register early. Please see the schedule below detailing when these price increases will take place. Your check must be received by August 15, 2012.
- To Register: Send a check, made out to GORUCK Events. Please write “Ascent 2012” in the memo and mail to:
GORUCK Events
2516 Q Street NW
#C102
- Fundraising: We require all participants to raise money for the Green Beret Foundation. You will have until the Ascent to raise $1,500 for GBF. The fundraising is an integral part of the whole experience, especially as we are receiving a lot of support from Active Duty Green Berets on this adventure. We have been donating $10 from each GORUCK Challenge registration to the GBF and believe that the Ascent fundraiser is a great opportunity to help a cause near and dear to our hearts. See our Fundraising Document for guidance.
- Arriving and departing: Plan to fly in and out of Denver International. We recommend you arrive at least 24 hours in advance to allow your body to acclimatize. Start time is no later than 0800 on Thursday, August 30. Do not schedule a flight out of Denver earlier than 1200 on September 3rd.
- Optional Firearms Day: Wednesday, August 29 at 0800. This optional day will feature weapons instruction by Special Forces Weapons Sergeants and other Green Berets. It is optional, and we think it’s a great way to acclimatize while getting to know your fellow Ascenters and Cadre. To participate in Firearms Day, include an additional $500 in your registration check. We encourage you to bring your own ammo, but you can also purchase from us. You are also welcome and encouraged to bring your own pistol — 9mm or .45 caliber preferred. Please note Firearms Day is only pistol instruction. No long guns permitted.
- Rucks: All participants must use a GR2. If you do not own one, you may borrow one or pre-order for 30% off retail price. We’ll send you a code as part of your confirmation email when your check arrives. If you pre-order, you will receive your GR2 no later than 6 weeks prior to Ascent date. If you borrow, you will get it on site – and can purchase after for $315.
- Refunds: Payments are non-refundable (though possibly transferable at our discretion).
- Packing: See here for a preliminary list of what to bring. We’ll be providing room and board, GORUCK style. If you would like to sleep inside (i.e. inside a tent), then you should bring a tent. This is a team event, so work with your team to figure out how many tents are needed.
- Prep: Get yourself in shape. The air is thin at 14,000 feet. Weighted walks are key, as is becoming acclimated to the altitude. Do not plan on flying in an hour before you need to be at HQ. Please take the time to get used to the altitude, and arrive a few days early. It would also be helpful if you knew the basics of GPS (Global Positioning System) and how to apply that knowledge on a terrain map. REI provides free classes on GPS, and geocaching is a great way to practice. Green Berets will teach multiple fieldcraft lessons before and during the Ascent, and land navigation will be one of them. But the more you know, the more fun you’ll have.
- Swag: You’ll get a GORUCK Ascent 2012 t-shirt and patch. This patch will never be for sale.
Once we receive your check, you will receive an email notifying you that your spot is reserved for the 2012 GORUCK Ascent. We will verify that you have raised the required $1,500 prior to the start of the Ascent.
Registration Price Increase Schedule
$1,300 until June 15
$1,400 until July 15
$1,500 until August 15
Optional additional costs:
- Pre-ordered GR2, $275 (Retail: $395)
- Firearms Day, $500
We really hope to see you there. Good luck with the fundraising. Good Livin’ starts now.
